The Winnipeg Jets are facing significant challenges as they prepare for their next game against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. The team announced captain Adam Lowry will be sidelined, listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained during their recent loss.
Head coach Scott Arniel shared his thoughts after the morning skate in Colorado, expressing the weight of Lowry's absence. "Obviously, it’s a big blow," Arniel stated. "We were missing depth and leadership. Other people have to step up. Our team needs to adjust and rally without him." Lowry's injury occurred early in the previous game against Utah, limiting him to just over five minutes of play before he exited.
Lowry has been integral to the Jets’ performance this season, amassing 11 goals and 15 assists across 48 games. Following the news of his injury, forward Alex Iafallo shared, "He is one hell of a captain and does everything out there. How long he is out will be tough on us." Another Jets forward, Mason Appleton added, "It is a huge loss... He is our captain and our backbone... we will miss his scoring and defensive energy on the ice. When he returns, it will be great for our morale."
Arniel pointed out the moments leading to the injury, stating, "It started with his first shift when he fell behind the net. He played through it for the rest of the period, but it definitely affected him." Lowry's placement on injured reserve was retroactive to January 20, highlighting the severity of the injury and its impact on the team.
The Jets, currently at the top of the Central Division with a 31-14-3 record, are hoping to break their recent two-game losing streak. This recent performance slump saw Arniel express his displeasure following the 5-2 loss to Utah. "That was the most embarrassing game," he remarked, reflecting on the lack of competitiveness and strategic execution from the team. "From top to bottom, we did a [expletive] job. Everybody was off and we weren’t anywhere near our standards."
With Lowry out, adjustments will be necessary. Arniel has identified players who must fill the gap left by their captain. Appleton, who had been sidelined and placed on injured reserve since December 28, is expected to make his return against the Avalanche. "A month away is quite some time," Appleton said. "You’re not going to feel great right away, but I’ve been in this situation before and I am just trying to build my game and get going. I’m excited to be back."
Arniel is also welcoming back defenseman Haydn Fleury, who will skate with Logan Stanley, who is shifting to the right side, reflecting adjustments aimed at maximizing defensive capabilities against the Avalanche. "Fleury has never played right-side before, but we need his skating ability against Colorado," Arniel explained. "The return of Fleury gives us more options as we finally have our full complement of game-ready defenders."
Despite the injuries, Arniel emphasized the importance of team cohesion and performance, including ensuring all players know their roles. "I don’t know what the right batting order is going to be, but they are not going to sit for long periods of time. We need to make sure everyone is ready as the season progresses, especially with these injuries," he said.
After the Utah loss, the Jets looked to refocus. "It was a look yourself in the mirror kind of day," Iafallo said, highlighting the need for self-assessment and pushing back the aggressiveness often required on the road. Arniel reiterated the necessity for improvement, stating, "We have to be at our best against this Colorado team," recognizing the Avalanche's recent loss as motivation for their upcoming match.
Looking forward, the Jets will not only need to navigate these injuries but also embrace the opportunity for other players to step up during Lowry’s absence. They will face the Avalanche tonight at 8:30 p.m. CST, and with player adjustments and recent reflections on team performance, fans can anticipate not just the outcome of the game, but how this roster evolves through unexpected challenges.