WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets are riding high after clinching a playoff spot earlier this week, and they’re set to continue their momentum as they face off against the New Jersey Devils tonight at Canada Life Centre. The Jets secured their postseason berth with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals on March 25, 2025, marking a significant achievement for the team this season.
With just ten games remaining in the regular season, the Jets are determined to solidify their position as they chase the coveted Presidents’ Trophy. Currently, they trail the Capitals by just one point, making every game crucial as they push for the top spot in the league. “It was a good game. You expected that to happen. Just an aggressive mindset and the points system, we don’t look at that,” said Jets forward Alex Iafallo. “Obviously, you want to be at the top of the league. Playing a team like that, we want to go in with the right mindset, just to win that game.”
Tonight’s matchup against the Devils is particularly important, not only for playoff positioning but also for the Jets’ confidence heading into the postseason. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM CDT, and fans are eagerly anticipating the action. Winnipeg’s morning skate is set for 10:30 AM CDT, and the team is preparing to showcase their skills against a formidable opponent.
Notably, the Jets will be without Kyle Connor for tonight’s game, as he welcomed a new addition to his family just yesterday. Head coach Scott Arniel confirmed that Connor became a father on March 26, 2025, which has understandably kept him away from the ice. The team is rallying around Connor during this exciting time, and his absence will be felt as they take on the Devils.
In Connor’s absence, Iafallo will continue to play alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor on the top line. Iafallo made a solid impression in his first game replacing Gabe Vilardi, logging 17:28 on the ice and contributing to the team’s overall performance. “It’s a big change. Just trying to have the right changes, coming off the ice and stuff like that,” Iafallo remarked. “Offensively, an extra five or 10 seconds goes a long way in the game. Just keep playing my game and changing at the right time.”
Meanwhile, the Manitoba Moose, the Jets' AHL affiliate, are also in action tonight as they take on the Rockford Icehogs. The Moose are looking to close the gap in the standings, trailing the Icehogs by 13 points with only ten games left in their season. If they can secure victories in both games this weekend, they could potentially reduce the deficit to just nine points with eight games remaining. However, the Moose have struggled to find consistency, with their last two-game sweep occurring back in mid-January.
In addition to the action on the ice, the Jets' prospects are making headlines in their respective leagues. Jets 2023 third-round draft pick Zach Nehring had a standout performance in the D1 Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, helping his Western Michigan squad advance with a crucial goal in double overtime. Over in the OHL playoffs, Jets 2024 fourth-rounder Kevin He also made his mark, scoring a goal and adding an assist in the IceDogs’ game against Niagara, although his team ultimately fell short in a 4-2 loss.
As the Jets gear up for their matchup against the Devils, all eyes will be on Nikolaj Ehlers, who is focused on the playoffs with free agency looming on July 1st. Ehlers has been a key player for the Jets this season, and his performance in the upcoming games will be critical as the team aims to maintain their first-place standing with the hard-charging Dallas Stars just four points behind.
The excitement surrounding the Jets is palpable, especially with a group of Swiss fans traveling from Switzerland to Manitoba to support Nino Niederreiter, who has become a fan favorite this season. The camaraderie among the players and their supporters is a testament to the strong community surrounding the Jets.
As the game approaches, fans are encouraged to tune into the pregame show featuring Sara Orlesky and Jamie Thomas on YouTube, X, and Facebook for the latest updates and analysis. After the final buzzer sounds, the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show will kick off around 9:40 PM CDT to discuss and analyze the results of the game against the Devils.
With the stakes high and the atmosphere electric, tonight’s game promises to be an exciting chapter in the Jets’ playoff journey. Will they continue their winning ways and fend off the Devils? Fans will be on the edge of their seats as they witness the unfolding drama on the ice.
