Look, I know the Winnipeg Jets are young. I know they’re incredibly talented, and I know they might be getting better. But what if they aren’t?
The Winnipeg Jets had 114 points, good for second in the entire NHL. And in the Western Conference. And in the Central Division. Which was a bummer.
That would have won them the President’s Trophy in 2014-2015 and was the fourth highest point total in that time. They won the series that they didn’t have home ice for anyway, and then lost one that they did.
Womp womp. But! Things are looking up, huh? A young core, a newly signed long-term goalie, great defense. What’s not to like? Well, turns out, if you really want to, you can find some things.
My dad taught me it’s always easy to be a pessimist about your favorite sports team. It wasn’t a lesson he was imparting, he just always thinks his team is going to lose. It’s ingrained in fans to believe their team is worse than another team.
Best record? They’ll choke. They always choke to . Make the playoffs on a hot streak? Their luck will run out.
Look, I’m certain that there is a psychological explanation for all of this, but as people, we always are searching for reasons not to believe in a good thing. It’s there. It’s in me. I want to know what will stop the Winnipeg Jets from winning the cup next season.
I know why they could win it, but why won’t they win? There are 30 other teams, after all. Why don’t we allow the darkness to envelop us for a moment and look at some grim scenarios for our boys from Manitoba this coming season?