Note: The Jets ended the 2024-25 season just like they began it with a victory. Except last night as they defeated the Ducks 2-1 in overtime it was the franchise record-setting 56th win which gave them 116 points which was also a franchise record for points in a season. And when the game concluded Connor Hellebuyck had won his second straight William Jennings Trophy becoming the first goalie to win back-to-back since Martin Brodeur did in in 2003 and 2004. Just a remarkable year when you think of how this Jets club was at the top of the NHL for the majority of the season (I did the math…119 days for Winnipeg in 1st, Washington was in 1st for 28 days) concluding it with their first ever Presidents’ Trophy. When you consider how many pundits picked them to be a team that would battle for third in the Central or a wildcard spot or even not qualify for the post-season it’s even more remarkable.
Note II: Of course now everything from note I gets put in the rearview mirror as the team turns their focus to the St. Louis Blues who they will face in round 1 of the 2024-25 playoffs. We learned last night that the series gets started on Saturday with game 1 and puck drop at 5 PM CDT. The Jets are scheduled to hit the ice today for a practice at 12 noon so stay tuned for the Practice Report.
Note III: The big non-game related news of the final day of the regular season for Winnipeg was that the Jets announced they had signed Alex Iafallo to a three-year extension. You can watch his media availability where he discussed staying in Manitoba for three more years here.
Note IV: The Moose are in Texas where they will practice today ahead of their final two games of the regular season.
Note V: In the WHL last night one prospect won in OT while another lost in extra time. Brayden Yager (2023 1st) had an assist for Lethbridge but it came in a losing effort as Calgary evening their second round series 2-2 while Markus Loponen (2024 5th) was held off the scoresheet as his Victoria squad took a 2-1 series lead over Spokane.
Jets news:
Sportsnet: Jets earning a reputation around the league heading into big playoff year. The defensive improvement is impressive and knocking eight goals off their total from last year while having numerous guys have career offensive seasons is impressive.
Global News: Storybook regular season for Jets means nothing once playoffs begin. This team has done an excellent job compartmentalizing and moving on from the last win or loss. I don’t expect it to change once playoffs begin.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘Now we play for real’: Jets set franchise mark, focus on playoffs. It was a bit of an unusual game as it was being played by one team that wanted to get through it without suffering any injuries and another waiting for their season to be over. Was a bit of a firing gallery.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: ‘How the heck did this happen?’ Jets-Blues a first-time Schenn Show. It almost seemed like Luke isn’t looking forward to the prospect of facing off against his brother Brayden.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘Don’t want to go anywhere else’: Jets’ Iafallo chooses NHL’s back country. Makes sense when you find a good fit to try to set down some championship roots.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets finish best season in team history with OT win over Ducks. (Paywall). Just a remarkable season from start to finish.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets versus Blues a family affair for the Schenns. (Paywall). The reactions of their sisters were humourous.
Winnipeg Free Press: Outdoorsman Iafallo sticks with Jets. (Paywall). Kenny had the scoop last month when he broke the news that the upstate New Yorker wanted to stay in Manitoba past this season.
NHL.com: Scheifele scores in OT, lifts Jets past Ducks in finale. Darrin gives you insight from both rooms in his recap.
Global News: Jets wrap up regular season with OT win over Anaheim, playoffs start Saturday.
The Athletic Winnipeg: Whiteout is almost here: What we know about Jets’ Round 1 series vs. St. Louis. (Paywall). Murat gets you ready for the opening round of the playoffs.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: Jets’ Perfetti talks bond with Scheifele, then shows off dishes and snipes. In the season finale, Winnipeg Jets centre Cole Perfetti talks relationship with teammate Mark Scheifele, which makes Colby sentimental for bygone days sharing saunas with the boys. Perfetti then displays some off-wing dishes and snipes.
TSN: ‘I think this is the Jets time’: Button believes Winnipeg is set for deep playoff run. With the playoff matchups in the West now set, TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button joined SC with Jay Onrait to share why he believes the Jets are set to go on a deep run
