Jets Look to Build Momentum in Buffalo Amid Goalie Woes and Slippery Stretch
The Winnipeg Jets are back in action tonight, facing off against the Buffalo Sabres with puck drop set for 6:30 PM CST. It’s a game that carries more weight than the standings might suggest-because for a Jets team that’s been sliding lately, these are the matchups you have to win.
Let’s be honest: when you're up against a last-place team, especially after a rough November, there’s no room for excuses. Winnipeg needs to come out of Buffalo with points.
Period. The Jets have dropped too many winnable games recently, and if they want to stay in the thick of the playoff chase, they can’t afford to let another one slip away.
No Hellebuyck, Big Problem?
The Jets’ recent struggles aren’t hard to trace. Connor Hellebuyck, their backbone in net, is out for 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Since his absence, Winnipeg has managed just two wins in six games-and that includes a four-game losing streak that’s left fans and coaches alike searching for answers.
Without Hellebuyck, the Jets are being forced to test their depth between the pipes. And let’s be clear: replacing a Vezina-caliber goalie isn’t just about stopping pucks.
It changes how the entire team plays. Defensive structure tightens, risk-taking drops, and confidence can wobble.
The question now is whether this group can weather the storm without their star netminder.
Turning the Tide in Nashville
There was a glimmer of hope last weekend. The Jets snapped their skid with a convincing 5-2 win over the division-rival Predators-a game that felt like a much-needed reset.
Head coach Scott Arniel praised the effort, especially from the line of Vladislav Namestnikov, Jonathan Toews, and Cole Perfetti. That trio brought energy, structure, and some timely offense-exactly what the Jets needed.
Now the challenge is to carry that momentum into Buffalo. This five-game road trip hasn’t been kind so far (just a 1-2-0 record heading into tonight), but a win against the Sabres could mark a turning point. It’s the kind of game that can either launch a rebound-or deepen the rut.
Lineup Notes
One piece the Jets won’t have back just yet: defenseman Neal Pionk. He’s still not quite ready to return to the lineup, which means Winnipeg will once again need to lean on a defensive group that’s been stretched thin without its top goalie and one of its more experienced blueliners.
Projected lines and D pairings suggest the Jets are sticking with what worked in Nashville, hoping continuity can bring consistency. And with the Sabres struggling to find their own footing this season, the opportunity is there-if the Jets can seize it.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just another game on the schedule. It’s a test of resilience, identity, and urgency.
Winnipeg has the talent to stay in the playoff hunt, even without Hellebuyck. But talent only gets you so far.
Execution, effort, and finding ways to win the games you should win-that’s what separates playoff teams from the rest.
Tonight in Buffalo, the Jets have a chance to show they’re still in control of their season. Let’s see if they take it.