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Analyzing the Factors Behind the Jets' Struggle in the Central Division Race
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    Analyzing the Factors Behind the Jets’ Struggle in the Central Division Race

    The Winnipeg Jets had a rough end to last week, losing three road games in four days by a combined score of 13-4. Their mini-slump has put them four points behind the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars in the race for the Central Division title. (The suddenly unstoppable Nashville Predators, who have gone 15-0-2 since mid-February, are now only five points back of the Jets.)

    The question now is whether this skid is a sign of things to come for the Jets or just a bump in the road. Just last Tuesday, Winnipeg knocked off the league-leading New York Rangers 4-2 at Madison Square Garden.

    The Jets, however, have been playing slightly above .500 hockey for the past two months (14-12-1 since Jan. 22) after winning 30 of their first 44 games behind excellent defensive play.

    Earlier this season, the Jets went 34 games in a row without allowing more than three goals, tied for the third-longest run in NHL history. That included a stretch of 14 consecutive games in which they held opponents to two or fewer goals.

    Since the Boston Bruins snapped that streak Jan. 22, the Jets have taken a step back in their own end.


    It is not a significant drop-off, but it coincides with a reduction in offence. Jets skaters have scored 2.4 goals per 60 minutes with Connor Hellebuyck on the ice since Jan. 22, down from 3.36 per 60 over the previous 34 games.

    In simpler terms, the Jets outscored opponents by 50 (114-64) in 34 games between Nov. 4 and Jan. 20. They are even (73-73) since Jan. 22.

    Hellebuyck was practically impenetrable for those two-plus months, saving an extra 0.86 goals per 60 (21.4 total) across 25 starts. Over his past 19 starts, though, he has saved an extra 0.26 goals per 60 (4.71 total). That is a solid number for many goaltenders, but the perennial Vezina Trophy candidate (and 2020 winner) is held to higher standards.

    Under coach Rick Bowness, who will return to the bench Tuesday after recently undergoing a “minor medical procedure,” the Jets have prided themselves on strong team defence, which is supported by elite goaltending from Hellebuyck. That is what carried them to the top of the league standings in mid-January, and it will likely determine how far they go in the playoffs.

    “We’ve got to worry about us, worry about our process, make sure that we’re consistent with our details, our compete and our execution,” Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo told reporters Sunday. “That has wavered here in this last stretch. We haven’t been as consistent as we’d like to be. If our process is right, we feel confident in going against anybody in any building.”

    All stats via Sportlogiq.

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    The Winnipeg Jets have been facing a tough challenge in the Central Division race this season, and many fans and analysts are wondering what factors are contributing to their struggles. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key reasons behind the Jets’ difficulties in the division.

    One of the main factors that has been hindering the Jets in the Central Division race is their inconsistent play. The team has had trouble putting together strong performances on a consistent basis, which has resulted in a number of losses and missed opportunities to gain ground in the standings. This inconsistency can be attributed to a variety of factors, including injuries to key players, lackluster defensive play, and struggles on special teams.

    Injuries have played a significant role in the Jets’ struggles this season, as several key players have missed extended periods of time due to various ailments. This has forced the team to rely on younger, less experienced players to step up and fill the void, which has sometimes resulted in subpar performances on the ice. Additionally, injuries have disrupted the team’s chemistry and cohesion, making it difficult for them to establish a consistent rhythm and flow in their play.

    Another factor that has contributed to the Jets’ struggles in the Central Division race is their lackluster defensive play. The team has struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard, allowing too many goals and putting undue pressure on their goaltenders. This has been a major issue for the Jets throughout the season, and if they hope to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs, they will need to tighten up their defensive play and limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities.

    Special teams play has also been a weak point for the Jets this season, as they have struggled on both the power play and penalty kill. The team has had difficulty converting on their power play opportunities, which has cost them valuable points in close games. Additionally, their penalty kill has been porous at times, allowing opponents to capitalize on their mistakes and score crucial goals. Improving their special teams play will be key for the Jets if they hope to climb the standings and compete with the top teams in the Central Division.

    Overall, a combination of injuries, inconsistent play, lackluster defensive performances, and struggles on special teams have all contributed to the Winnipeg Jets’ difficulties in the Central Division race this season. If the team hopes to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs, they will need to address these issues and find ways to improve their overall performance on the ice. With some adjustments and improvements, the Jets have the talent and potential to compete with the best teams in the division and make a run for a playoff spot.