SUNRISE, Fla. — A memorable moment unfolded last June during the on-ice festivities following the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice was being interviewed by Sportsnet, reflecting on the significance of the championship for him and his family.
He then paused for emphasis, stating, “If I could have one thing more,” while making eye contact with the camera, “it’d be for the Winnipeg Jets to win the next Stanley Cup.”
Maurice clearly expressed his desire for the Panthers to secure another title. Nonetheless, his previous coaching tenure with the Jets and his fondness for the city make it evident that he sees the Jets as strong contenders this season.
Currently, the Jets’ performance has been outstanding despite having dropped two of their last three games, boasting an impressive record of 16-3-0. They’ve maintained a commanding lead atop the NHL standings for the past four weeks, on course to make history as they aspire to conclude their first 20 games with a significant point total. A victory against Pittsburgh could elevate them to tie for the fifth-best points total after 20 games in NHL history, with only a handful of teams previously achieving more.
“It’s quite astonishing, to be honest,” remarked Jets coach Scott Arniel. “Players should take pride in what they have accomplished. It’s historic, but it’s crucial we focus on moving on from our last game and preparing for the next opponent.”
The Jets’ current record showcases their strength during the initial phase of the season, signaling their potential. Several additional statistics also highlight their remarkable performance.
The team has yet to lose in games where they allow three or fewer goals, holding a perfect 15-0-0 record in those circumstances. This season, they are capitalizing on power plays at a league-leading rate of 35.7%. Moreover, they average a win margin of 1.79 goals per game—again the best in the NHL. At the same time, the Jets rank second in goals scored and fifth for goals allowed, underscoring their well-rounded approach on ice.
Notably, last year’s Vezina Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck, is performing even better this year, currently holding a record of 13-2-0, with a 2.20 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage, outperforming his previous season.
“Winning requires hard work,” Hellebuyck remarked. “It’s evident that everyone has fully committed to this approach.”
The Jets started off their season with an exceptional 14-1-0 record, marking a CFL first for winning 14 out of the first 15 games.
After suffering losses in Tampa Bay and Florida, they bounced back to secure a 6-3 win over the Panthers, making a strong statement. Although a couple of empty-net goals distorted the final score, the Jets quickly established a 3-0 lead that showcased their offensive capabilities.
“It demonstrates the strong character within our team,” remarked Jets forward Mark Scheifele, who scored a hat trick in the match. “We wanted to deliver a solid performance in front of our home fans before heading out on an extended road trip.”
Indeed, the upcoming schedule presents a challenge for the Jets as they embark on a six-game road trip, with eight of their following nine games away from home. Maintaining a winning pace of 85% is understandably difficult as they face a series of opponents across various arenas.
Maurice commented on the strength of the Jets as a team, noting the continued bond he shares with Winnipeg, where his daughter resides. “They play the game the right way,” he stated.
As Maurice’s fourth team, he has a long history of coaching, beginning in Hartford before it transitioned to Carolina. He also had a brief tenure in Toronto before returning to Carolina, with nearly nine fruitful years as the Jets’ coach before stepping away in December 2021.
The Jets’ tumultuous past with the NHL has created a deep-rooted connection to hockey in Winnipeg—after losing their original team in 1996, the city welcomed a new franchise in 2011, reviving the Jets name.
“It likely has the most outdoor rinks in the league,” Maurice remarked about Winnipeg. “The community’s connection to hockey is palpable, and after losing a team and subsequently regaining one, the appreciation for having an NHL team truly resonates with the residents.”
Of course, Manitoba’s harsh winters leave plenty of ice, but come June, as the Stanley Cup is awarded, the competition remains fierce among formidable teams, including the defending champion Panthers.
The Jets are certainly in the mix as they seek to move beyond early-round exits experienced in the prior seasons. Maurice’s comments during the celebration reflect a desire that could now take on a prophetic tone.
“Paul often reflects on his time here and how it equipped him for a Stanley Cup victory,” Arniel noted. “It’s flattering, but we must concentrate on completing all 82 games before allowing ourselves to think that far ahead.”