Apr 27, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
With a record of 18-2-2 (38 points) from December 2 to January 20, the Winnipeg Jets appeared to be the top club in the NHL. However, they only managed to score one point out of a potential six in their three games prior to the All-Star Break. Although there is no need for alarm—in fact, one might argue the Jets caught a break just in time—there are still valid reasons for concern in Winnipeg.
However, this is a fantastic hockey club, and if a few key individuals or groups come through, the Jets should be able to resume their winning ways. While it is unlikely that they will repeat that 18-2-2 record in their next 22 games, they still have a good chance of going on another five-to eight-game winning streak.
Winnipeg recently had one player return, and if they can resume their insane production rate, they can completely transform this squad. And with that, let’s start talking about the three X-Factors that have the power to make or break the Jets season.
It’s necessary for Kyle Connor to reclaim his form from earlier in the season.
Before suffering a lower-body injury, Kyle Connor was one of the Jets’ finest forwards. However, in the five games since his comeback, he has played very little and has only scored one point. When the Jets placed the winger on injured reserve back in December, he was averaging more than a point per game with 28 in 26 games.
He was also leading the team in goals with 17, which nearly doubled the second and third-place skaters at the time. Next to Connor Hellebuyck, it’s clear Connor was the Jets MVP, but it’s since become clear the injury has set him back.
And not just that, the entire team has also suffered before the break, telling us the Jets needed time off more than most of the league’s other 31 teams. If Connor rediscovers what made him a major scoring threat earlier in the season, expect the Jets to rediscover their game as a unit.
