The Jets were only hoping for a small 'X' on Thursday night.
The 'X' would confirm that the hockey team has secured a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Beating the Flames would earn them two more points and that 'X' next to their name in the Central Division standings.
With a 23-point lead over Calgary in the standings, it seemed like an easy win for the Jets on Thursday night. But it wasn't that simple.
They did get the 'X' they needed, but it wasn't a great success. With the playoffs approaching in two weeks and six games to go, the team's focus will be on improving key aspects of their game for the postseason.
While two power play goals on Thursday night were good, the team failed to take advantage of a five-minute power play to put away the Flames. They even had to make an acrobatic save to stop a scoring chance by the Flames.
Before that, they let the Flames get back in the game by easing off and allowing Calgary to move up the ice freely. For two periods, it made you question if getting that 'X' was really important to the team.
The third period showed that the team was strong enough to secure a playoff spot.
Bundle up, a WHITEOUT is coming ❄️ pic.twitter.com/TsUXpODEmy
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 5, 2024
The remaining challenge is to improve key aspects of the game that made the Jets stand out before the all-star break, when they were the best team at even strength in the league.
They need to work on getting the puck out of their own zone, keeping the opposing team to the outside, making strong checks, and avoiding major injuries before April 20.
For now, they can enjoy the 'X' next to the team's name, but the real hard work starts now.
