Jets proving their doubters wrong as they enter the unofficial second half of the 2024-25 season
After scoring three goals in front of family and friends in Toronto following the Jets' final game before Christmas, Mark Scheifele made a modest yet telling statement:
"They don't hand out awards at Christmas, but we're happy to get a couple days off and get recharged and going for the next half of the season," he said. "I am just very happy with our team and happy to be a part of it."
He’s certainly right when it comes to trophies at the Christmas break. None await the Jets. However, when a team in the smallest market in the league (by a mile) finds itself in first place overall at the break, there is definitely reason for Scheifele to be happy with his team.
This local squad is pretty sensational. That 5-2 win in Toronto on Monday was proof of that (and yeah, yeah, the Leafs didn’t have Auston Matthews).
And sure, I’m not naïve, I’ve heard all the comments on all the TV sports shows and podcasts from Ottawa to Vancouver – “The Jets fast start was a fluke.” “They really aren’t that good.” “They started 15-1 and they’re a mediocre 10-9-1 since then.” “There are a lot of teams right behind them with games in hand.” “They can’t beat Vegas.” “They won’t beat Colorado or Dallas when it counts.”
Yep, I’ve heard all of them and there are moments when I reluctantly agree with many of those sentiments. I mean, those two ugly 4-1 home losses to St. Louis and Columbus this month have been sobering. However, it’s Christmas. It’s a nice time to remember that the Winnipeg Jets are the No. 1 team in the NHL and praise the people who have given this small, barren winter city at the gateway to the prairies something to cheer about as 2024 draws to a close.
Individually, the Jets have some of the most exciting players in the game.
Kyle Connor is seventh in the league in both scoring and goals. He’s second in power play goals. He’s even a rock-solid plus-eight. He might not be the best player in the league, but he could be the most electrifying. Every time he touches the puck, there is a chance he’s either going to score or create a scoring chance.
Mark Scheifele is 15th in scoring and seventh in goals. He has two hat-tricks this season. Just like his linemate Connor, he plays 20 minutes a game and is a plus-four. He’s become one of the best two-way players in the game -- and yes, I’m sure there is some new-fangled stat that probably proves otherwise, but when you watch him play, he’s the first forward back more often than not.
As an aside, Scheifele should have been chosen to play for Team Canada in February’s Four Nations’ Face-Off. Anthony Cirelli? Brandon Hagel? GM Don Sweeney? AGM Jim Nill? For goodness sake. And yes, I’ve heard all the excuses for passing on Scheifele and every one is bullfeathers.
Adam Lowry struggles to score – he gets so many great chances – but he’s simply a beast -- one of the best faceoff men, penalty killers and checkers in the game. Period.
Gabriel Vilardi has 14 goals and 17 assists and is as good a first-line puck-control, cornerman as there is in the NHL. He’s in the Top 20 in power play goals and, most importantly, he has played all 36 games. Those who know Vilardi’s history will know how sensational that is.
Josh Morrissey is the most exciting defenceman in the NHL. No, he may not be the best, but he’s a brilliant skater and puckhandler who can create scoring chances with the best forwards in the game. He’s 10th in the NHL in assists, and the fourth leading scorer among defencemen in the league. He’s also a plus-10 and plays 24 minutes a night.
Connor Hellebuyck is the best goaltender in the world. Full stop. So far this season, he leads the NHL in goals against average (2.07), save percentage (.927), shutouts (4) and minutes played. There are others that are very good, but this two-time Vezina Trophy winner has no equal.
There are more, of course. Dylan DeMelo, Alex Iafallo, Morgan Barron, Cole Perfetti, Neal Pionk and Nikolaj Ehlers and Dylan Samberg when they’re healthy, have all contributed mightily to a success that many thought was impossible after the Jets failed in the 2024 post-season and went through another summer of “Will Chevy sign this guy or will this guy leave?”
Ah yes, Chevy. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has done a remarkable job getting this team to the top of the league. Smart trades, great drafts, some shocking long-term signings and the move from Rick Bowness to Scott Arniel behind the bench, have all contributed to this exciting 36-game run to the top.
So yes, Scheifele was right on Monday afternoon at Scotiabank Arena when he said there would be no awards at Christmas. However, he didn’t mention that he and his teammates gave Winnipeg the best present any group of hockey fans could ask for – first place overall in the NHL.
And yes, being Winnipeggers we are all well-aware that this brilliant start could turn to crap in 2025. However, for some reason, I’m still enthusiastic.
If nothing else, this team is fun. And when you purchase a hockey ticket, fun is a big part of what you’re buying. And it’s also going to be trip watching Hellebuyck, Scheifele, Morrissey and Connor take more steps toward Winnipeg hockey immortality.
The Winnipeg Jets might not win the Stanley Cup, but they have a tremendous hockey team that just might shock a few people before this long, grinding season ends.
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