The Winnipeg Jets have strung together five straight wins , counterbalancing their five game skid just a few weeks ago.
As impressive as it’s been, all five wins have come in the MTS Centre in Winnipeg. The games after their six game home stand (they have one more remaining against the New York Islanders) will really tell us how good this team has gotten over the last six games. Along with where this team could fall in the playoff seeding.
With the Winnipeg Jets currently tied for the 8th seed with the Rangers, who have the game in hand advantage, the Jets playoff hope are alive and kicking. Especially with the Washington Capitals having their 8 game win streak finally snapped against the Ottawa Senators.
The Jets could just as easily take the Southeast as they could take the 8 seed with how the stands are right now with just four games remaining for the team. Including one last matchup with the Capitals on April 23rd.
Where will they go?
Washington has caught on fire of late, despite losing their winning streak, so the Southeast is going to be a far reach for the Winnipeg Jets despite only being down two points as of April 19. The most likely case the Jets can snag a playoff spot is one of the New York teams sliding off. Given that they are tied with the Rangers for the 8 seed, they’re the most likely to slide off. There is just one key factor however, for this team to remain in the playoff hunt; they need to win on the road.
They have done an excellent job at home, selling out every home game this season can do that, but they have been sub-par of late outside Winnipeg. The Jets are just 1-4-0 in their last five home games. With an eight seed just within their grasp and a match up with all but certain number one seed Pittsburgh, winning away is vital.With four games remaining, two are on the road. Both of them being back to back against Buffalo and Washington.
Since Washington has gone on such a hot streak of late, the Jets are staring at an eight seed and are probably going to be facing the Pittsburgh Penguins. It could be an uphill battle for sure for this youthful team.