Jets Hit a Midseason Wall - And Now the Real Test Begins
After a promising road swing where they snagged 4 of 6 points, the Winnipeg Jets came into the week hoping to ride that momentum into the All-Star break. Instead, they hit the kind of turbulence that reminds you just how long and unforgiving an NHL season can be.
On the ice, the results weren’t pretty. Off it, things got a little tense.
Let’s unpack what we learned about this team in what turned out to be a sobering week in Winnipeg.
Buckle Up - This Finish Is Going to Be Wild
The Jets’ performances against Dallas and Montreal told two very different stories - and neither one ended in a win. Against Dallas, they showed flashes of what they could be: competitive, structured, and willing to go toe-to-toe with a top-tier team.
But then came Montreal, and the wheels came off. A single point from two games isn’t going to move the needle much when you’re sitting 28th in the league.
Here’s where it gets interesting: according to Tankathon, Winnipeg has the 28th hardest remaining schedule. That includes three games against the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche, but also eight matchups against fellow bottom-dwellers like the Blues, Blackhawks, Rangers, and Canucks. So if you’re on #TeamTank, be warned - this team could still pick up some wins down the stretch, especially against comparable competition.
That’s the tightrope the Jets are walking right now. They’re not quite good enough to make a serious push, but not quite bad enough to guarantee a top draft pick without a fight. The margin for error is razor thin, and the final stretch could get chaotic.
Arniel Sounds Off - and the Fans Take Notice
After the loss to Montreal, head coach Scott Arniel didn’t mince words - and his comments sparked plenty of debate. What got people talking wasn’t the scoreline, but the sea of red jerseys filling the Canada Life Centre.
Arniel called it “probably the worst [he’s] seen it in [his] four years back” in Winnipeg. That’s a strong statement, and it lit up social media.
Here’s the reality: Original Six teams like the Canadiens and Maple Leafs always travel well. Their fanbases are massive and passionate, and they show up wherever their teams play. But it’s also true that when your team is struggling, it’s a lot easier for season ticket holders to sell their seats - especially when Habs fans are willing to pay a premium.
Arniel’s frustration is understandable. No coach wants to feel like they’re playing a road game in their own building.
But the best way to fix that? Win hockey games.
If the Jets want to keep their home ice advantage, they’ve got to give fans a reason to hold onto those tickets - and fill the building with blue and white, not red.
Olympic Spotlight: Nino Leads the Way
Amid the frustrations of the NHL grind, there was one clear bright spot this week: Nino Niederreiter. The veteran forward received the honor of carrying Switzerland’s flag at the Opening Ceremony in Milan - a well-earned recognition for a player who’s long been a proud ambassador for his country.
Niederreiter’s Olympic moment was a reminder of the bigger picture - and he won’t be the only Jet on the world stage. Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, and Connor Hellebuyck have all arrived in Milan as the men’s teams begin to ramp up for the tournament. On the women’s side, Canada opened with a commanding 4-0 win over Switzerland, setting the tone early.
The men’s tournament kicks off Wednesday, with Canada, Switzerland, and the U.S. all beginning play on Thursday. For Jets fans, it’s a chance to watch familiar faces compete for national pride - and maybe even bring a little energy back to Winnipeg when the NHL season resumes.
The Jets’ week may have ended on a sour note, but the story of their season is far from over. Between a tricky schedule, a fanbase hungry for answers, and a few Olympic detours, the final chapters are still being written. One thing’s for sure - it’s going to be a roller coaster.