On the Brink of Victory: How the Winnipeg Jets Can Take Control of the Jets-Stars Series
The Winnipeg Jets will head to American Airlines Center today at 8:00 p.m. EST in hopes of extending their second-round series against the Dallas Stars. While the Stars lead the series 3-2, the Jets haven’t backed down, delivering a dominant 4-0 shutout win in Game Five. Now, approaching Game Six, the Jets will have to replicate that execution if they not only want to force a Game Seven, but also keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive. A victory would bring them one step closer to a Western Conference Finals showdown with the Edmonton Oilers. Here’s what the Jets need to do to take control in the final stretch of the series.
On the Fifth Game, He said: Thou Shalt Not Pass
Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was expected to be a game-changing force in the playoffs, especially after a stellar regular season that earned him the William M. Jennings Trophy and a spot as a Hart Memorial Trophy finalist. However, come playoff time, his performance has fallen noticeably short. Between the 2019–20 postseason and the 2023–24 season, Hellebuyck ranked third-worst in Goals Saved Above Average. His struggles continued early in the playoffs, leading to him being benched three times in Round One against the St. Louis Blues. Yet, in a dramatic turn, Hellebuyck delivered a commanding 4–0 shutout in Game Five against Dallas, sending a loud and clear message. If he can channel that same intensity in Game Six, the Jets just might push this series to the brink.
Ah, Ha, ha, Ha, Stayin’ Alive, Stayin’ Alive
Though Jets captain Adam Lowry has said, “It’s my responsibility to protect” his team, he and several teammates have been on the receiving end of cheap shots throughout the playoffs. As the series continues, the Jets need to respond not with retaliation, but with a stronger, more disciplined physical presence that preserves their health. In Game Two, defenseman Alexander Petrovic sent Lowry crashing into the Jets’ bench with a massive hit, abruptly ending his shift. One of the team’s top offensive stars, Mark Scheifele, missed Game Seven of Round One due to injury and was sucker punched by Stars captain Jamie Benn during Game Five on Thursday. Although Benn received a minor penalty for roughing, a 10-minute misconduct, and a $5,000 fine, the message was clear: the Stars aren’t afraid to play rough. To stay in the fight, the Jets must quickly develop a physical game plan that protects their top players, pushes back within the rules, and prevents the Stars from dictating the tone of the series.
There’s No Place Like Home
Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg has noted, “We’re comfortable playing here [referring to home ice], and the crowd really helps as well.” However, with Game Six set in Dallas, the Jets will need to overcome the challenges of playing on unfamiliar ice backed by a hostile crowd. If they truly hope to make a run at the Stanley Cup, they quickly need to prove they can rise to the occasion, block out the noise, and deliver under pressure, even in enemy territory. The Jets’ two wins in the series came on home ice, but that comfort won’t offer any security heading into this do-or-die game in Dallas.
