The losing streak has now reached four consecutive games, and although they earned a point in the overtime loss to Edmonton on Tuesday night, the Jets seem to be much further from their performance level in mid-February.
With only four wins in their last 10 games, the talk of Winnipeg finishing first in their division has completely disappeared. While the team will almost certainly qualify for the post-season, the question now is where they will finish.
Yes, there are still 10 games left in the regular season schedule with six of those to be played at home, giving them a chance at the Central Division title – but it is more likely that they will have to fight to hold off surging Nashville for third place.
The most concerning aspect of the team’s recent struggles is their inability to find their usual form – or as veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt puts it, their style of play.
Throughout this season, the Jets were tough to play against, strong defensively, and one of the best five-on-five teams in the league. Even when they were behind in a game, it was expected that they would make a comeback or at least put up a fight – which they did on Tuesday night.
Finalhttps://t.co/CCG87Y1JDq | #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/ilbEWRsRYn
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 27, 2024
However, the results speak for themselves and while Winnipeg is still a good team, they have seemingly lost their confidence, some of their swagger, and ultimately their reputation, and have only defeated two playoff-positioned teams in their last 14 games.
Now, would it take much to regain it all? Not at all, as the solution to a team's problems in sports is winning. But that process must start on Thursday against Vegas and continue into the weekend with Ottawa coming to town as well.
Otherwise, instead of finishing first in their division, they might end up facing the team that does in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
