GM #15: Winnipeg Jets @ Anaheim Ducks
The Winnipeg Jets have had a tough time on their west coast road trip so far, losing their first two games against the LA Kings and San Jose Sharks. They managed to score only one goal against opposing goalies in these matches. As a result, the True North franchise's record has slipped to 9-5-0 at the beginning of the NHL 2025-26 season.
Injuries have disrupted head coach Scott Arniel’s plans from the start, and the team hasn't performed at the level they showed during their President’s Trophy-winning season. While their overall record—18 points compared to 26 last year—is not terrible, the team’s underlying statistics paint a less promising picture.
Key Performance Insights
A critical area to examine is the 5-on-5 play, which often indicates a team's playoff potential. Despite falling six places in the overall rankings, Winnipeg is projected to score only six fewer 5-on-5 goals than last season (170 compared to a projected 164), with their Goals For per Game remaining nearly the same.
"The underlying data is not very encouraging, especially when I dig into the numbers for 5 on 5 play (a key area that often reflects how successful a club will be in the playoffs)."
Season Comparison: Last Two Years
- Current record: 9-5-0
- Points: 18 versus 26 points last year
- Projected 5-on-5 goals: 164 this season versus 170 last season
Though the Jets are not matching last year's pace, their performance metrics suggest areas for improvement as the season progresses.
Author's summary: The Winnipeg Jets face challenges early in the 2025-26 season, with injuries and reduced scoring impacting their performance compared to their previous President’s Trophy-winning campaign.
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