The Winnipeg Jets wrapped up their four-game road trip Monday night in Dallas with a gutsy performance against one of the NHL’s top teams. Despite ultimately falling in overtime to the Stars, this was a game that showed some real bite from the Jets - and maybe a little growth, too.
Let’s start with the finish. Down late, with the goalie pulled and the clock working against them, the Jets managed to do something they’ve struggled with all season: score a 6-on-5 goal.
And not just any goal - it came off the stick of defenseman Logan Stanley, who doesn't exactly make a habit of showing up on the scoresheet in crunch time. That goal forced overtime and gave Winnipeg a shot at stealing two points on the road.
While they didn’t get the full haul, salvaging one point in a game like that, against a team like Dallas, is nothing to scoff at.
The Stars came in as one of the West’s elite - deep, structured, and dangerous. So for the Jets to go toe-to-toe with them, especially after a long road swing, says a lot about where this group is mentally and physically heading into the final stretch before the Olympic break.
Now, it’s back to Winnipeg, where they’ll host the Canadiens tomorrow night in their final game before the league pauses for international play. With the standings tightening and every point mattering just a little more, this upcoming home tilt is a chance to bank two points before the break and head into the pause with some momentum.
Meanwhile, down in the AHL, the Manitoba Moose are riding high after a weekend sweep of division rival Rockford. Sunday’s 2-1 win capped off a strong showing, and the team took Monday off to reset.
They’re back on the ice today for practice as they prepare for a tough test this weekend against a red-hot Texas Stars squad. That’ll be a big measuring stick series for the Moose, who are trying to solidify their playoff positioning in a competitive Central Division.
So, while the Jets were edged out in Dallas, they showed some fight - and maybe even found a little something in that late-game push. And with the Moose rolling and the Canadiens up next, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as Winnipeg’s hockey scene heats up.