In the realm of professional sports, few things captivate fans more than a team defying expectations and rewriting the record books. The 2024-25 NHL season has delivered just such a story in the form of the Winnipeg Jets, a team that has roared out of the gates with a start that can only be described as historic.
A Scorching Start
Through their first 18 games, the Jets have amassed an astounding 15 wins, becoming the first team in NHL history to win 15 of their first 16 contests. Their record-shattering pace has them on track to shatter the NHL record for points percentage in a season, a mark set just last year by the Boston Bruins.
But it’s not just the wins that have turned heads. It’s the manner in which the Jets have been winning. They lead the league in both goals scored and goals against, a testament to their complete dominance on both ends of the ice.
“Everybody’s involved in it and that’s what makes it so dangerous, so lethal. It’s not just a one-trick pony,” says Jets forward Kyle Connor.
The Arniel Effect
Much of the credit for the Jets’ transformation has been attributed to new head coach Scott Arniel. Arniel, who took over after the retirement of Rick Bowness, has instilled a new level of structure and accountability in the team.
Under Arniel’s guidance, the Jets have become a team that can win in multiple ways – be it a tight-checking defensive battle or a high-scoring shootout. His emphasis on discipline and team play has brought out the best in a roster that was already brimming with talent.
The Hellebuyck Factor
Of course, no discussion of the Jets’ success would be complete without mentioning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has somehow elevated his game to new heights, posting a sparkling .924 save percentage and a minuscule 1.92 goals-against average.
Hellebuyck’s steadying presence has been a huge boost for a Jets team that has shown a knack for scoring early and often. With Hellebuyck slamming the door shut on opponents, the Jets have been able to play with a level of confidence and swagger that has been palpable.
Playoff Demons Exorcised?
For all their regular-season success, the Jets have been haunted by playoff disappointments in recent years. Back-to-back first round exits have left a bitter taste in the mouths of players and fans alike.
But there is a sense that this year’s team is different. The adversity of those playoff losses seems to have galvanized the group, fostering a level of determination and unity that had perhaps been lacking in the past.
“We know we have the group that can go a long way,” says forward Cole Perfetti. “We’re just trying to build day after day to find that next level, next gear and hopefully propel us deep into the playoffs.”
The Road Ahead
As eye-popping as the Jets’ start has been, the question on everyone’s minds is whether they can sustain this level of play over an 82-game season. History suggests that some regression is likely, as the grind of the NHL schedule takes its toll.
But the Jets have given themselves a substantial cushion with their early-season heroics. Even if they come back to earth a bit, they have put themselves in prime position to not just make the playoffs, but to challenge for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Perhaps more importantly, they have instilled a belief, both in themselves and in their fans, that this could finally be the year that the franchise takes that next step and makes a deep postseason run.
Only time will tell if the Jets can turn their historic start into a historic season. But one thing is certain – they have captured the attention of the hockey world and have served notice that they are a force to be reckoned with.
As Connor succinctly puts it, “Nobody’s satisfied.” And that may be the most frightening prospect of all for the rest of the NHL.
