Oct 25, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) celebrates his teams victory with teammate Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) after the third period against the Minnesota Wild at MTS Centre. Winnipeg Jets win 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
4. Winnipeg Jets
Previous Rank: –
October Record: 7-3-1
What’s Good?
The Winnipeg Jets’ backup goalie Michael Hutchinson is continuing to prove that he has all the tools to surpass Ondrej Pavelec as the team’s starter. In four games played this season, the 25-year-old has four wins and a save percentage of .949 — fourth in the NHL. Despite his outstanding performances, the Jets are holding on to Pavelec between the pipes. The question is for how much longer.
What’s Bad?
The Jets are struggling to play well consistently. They lost to the New York Islanders, then beat the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames, before losing to the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning. In a division like this, you have to win consistently, against the and the bad teams in the league, if you want to make the playoffs.
What’s Next?
The Jets will start a tough road trip next week that will tell us a lot about the teams playoff chances. Four road games against four Central Division foes. If they can win at least half of them, we cannot ignore the team in this season’s playoff race. If they lose more than half, they may lose touch to the top. Wait and see.
Next: #3 - Nashville Predators