The Winnipeg Jets and the NHL's New Division Rivalry

The Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators were the top two teams in the entire NHL this season. The division rivals also are meeting in the playoffs, as you may have noticed. This is the first time they meet in the postseason, but it won’t be the last.

The Winnipeg Jets were a big surprise this season. The team’s group of skaters was good enough to compete for a Wild Card spot, but there were questions about the team’s depth and goaltending.

Well, Connor Hellebuyck answered most of the questions about the goaltending. Actually, he answered all of them. He’s been a revelation between the pipes and a huge reason for the team’s success, both past and present. Hopefully in the future as well.

We’ve talked about Hellebuyck quite a bit, and for good reason. He’s really good! One of the top young netminders in the league and a Vezina Finalist in his first full season. So, step one was accomplished.

As for the depth? We knew the Winnipeg Jets had some talent coming through the system, but who knew how, and when, it would come to fruition? Kyle Connor came up for good after playing 20 games last season.

The role players, the defensive depth and young talent turned the Winnipeg Jets into a slam-dunk contender. They should be considered so for the foreseeable future, as well. It’s nice. Only, the Nashville Predators aren’t going anywhere.

The Nashville Predators entered the league just one season before the Atlanta Thrashers did, so, in a way, these two teams were always going to be compared to one another. Neither team has a Stanley Cup.

Nashville came quite close last year, falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins Dynasty (RIP) in the Finals. Nobody doubted they had the talent to come back. Plenty of depth, plenty of defense and goaltending. Plenty of P.K. Subban for Shea Weber brilliance.

Is it young stars you desire? Maybe you’ve heard of Filip Forsberg, who dismantled the Winnipeg Jets in Game 6. One of the most talented puck-handlers in the league, Forsberg is just 23. Viktor Arvidsson is just a year older, and almost as dangerous.

None of their defensive core has had their 30th birthday. Pekka Rinne is the only reason you’d think they may not contend in the future. The 35 year old has shown little signs of aging, though. Also, if you’re a Juuse Saros believer (and why wouldn’t you be?), the team has a 23 year old waiting in the wings.

Division rivals set up for long-term success sounds like a recipe for a lot of postseason meetings. These teams could be the West’s answer to Sidney Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin.

P.K. Subban vs Patrik Laine? Maybe Forsberg vs Laine. We’ve already seen the comparisons of Laine and Alex Ovechkin. Sidney Crosby is the most talented, and best, player in the league. But when you see him do things you never thought possible, you notice Forsberg also has that jaw-drop ability. Not that I’m trying to compare the two. I just want to put the thought there.

The Washington Capitals just beat the Penguins to reach the Conference Finals for the first time with Ovie. It took them four tries to best the Pens. The Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators seem set up to meet in the playoffs for years to come.

Next: Connor Hellebuyck's Jets

Will Winnipeg be the Capitals? Or the Penguins? Maybe they just go back and forth, year after year, a la Penguins and the New York Rangers. The beginning of The Rivalry™ meets it’s first decision tonight.

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The Winnipeg Jets and the NHL’s New Division Rivalry

The Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators were the top two teams in the entire NHL this season. The division rivals also are meeting in the playoffs, as you may have noticed. This is the first time they meet in the postseason, but it won’t be the last.

The role players, the defensive depth and young talent turned the Winnipeg Jets into a slam-dunk contender. They should be considered so for the foreseeable future, as well. It’s nice. Only, the Nashville Predators aren’t going anywhere.

Division rivals set up for long-term success sounds like a recipe for a lot of postseason meetings. These teams could be the West’s answer to Sidney Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin.

Schedule