Winnipeg Jets: A Fan Guide to Rooting for the Rest of the NHL Playoffs

The Winnipeg Jets have been eliminated from the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. But that doesn’t mean they’re over, and we take a look at who you should be rooting for the rest of the way.

I’m a hater, I’ll likely admit it. I hate on so many sports teams, it’s kind of my thing. The Winnipeg Jets are gone, it’s true, and there’s plenty to hate. But there’s also gotta be something to root for, no?

The NHL Playoffs rage on, and at the end, someone will walk away with the Stanley Cup. Who should you be pulling for? Let’s take a look:

First and foremost, there are no Canadian teams left. The Jets and Flames both disappointed and lost to lower seeds, so that’s out. Toronto, who I’m certain many of you would be hard-pressed to root for, have also been eliminated.

Two teams from the Central division are meeting in the second round of the playoffs, and it’s the two you would not have expected a while ago. The Stars face off against the Blues, who knocked out our boys.

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Colorado also surprised (they beat Calgary) and they’ll advance. Five teams from the Central in the playoffs. Tough division, man.

The only team not in the Central that advanced was the San Jose Sharks, who dispatched our new rivals the Golden Knights in round one. That’s a huge reason to root for them, but that’s pretty much it.

If you’re sour about the loss to Vegas, that could be your go. Otherwise, I’m happy to watch them squander another playoff opportunity, and we’ll pick up on that later.

I’m passing on division rivals, just so we don’t have to hear about it every other game next season, but I’ve always had a certain fondness for the Blues, so I’m not against them winning. Plus, that would mean the Jets were dispatched by the best of the West, and that’s a nice thing to remember.

Dallas? Eh, do you want to see Ben Bishop show up Tampa, who has a better goaltender anyway?If you do, more power to you, but I don’t believe you.

As for the East, I’m never rooting for Boston. Never. In anything. Least of all we have Brad Marchand licking dudes and being a rat, so I’m gonna go ahead and pass on his antics. Dude, you’re a great player. Just calm down. Only bad players need to be so grating.

Carolina beat the Capitals, and they have those funky celebrations after the game, which, while I don’t care if it’s “not in the spirit of the game”, they seem a little forced and excessive at times.

But hey, if you’re having fun, go for it. Games are supposed to be fun. If Don Cherry wants to complain about not being professional, he can buy a regular suit. I’m not listening to a guy who looks like he wears the Craig Sager holiday collection talk about respect.

The Islanders? They outlasted John Tavares but also their fans haven’t stopped crying about John Tavares since July, so I’m good to see their fans have something new to cry about. The Hurricanes celebrations? Sounds like a good complaint. But they did beat the Pens, and most people are happy about that.

That brings us to Columbus. Normally a team I wouldn’t really root for, but here we are. They swept the unreal Tampa Bay Lightning. They looked like they wouldn’t sniff the second round, and now they’re up against Boston, which won’t be easy.

But the real reason to root for them: Master motivator John Tortorella. One of the most polarizing coaches in the NHL. He was suspended for his part in a five man brawl at the opening of a game.

He ripped Joe Thornton for hating on his boys, and he, to this point, is still right about Thornton not having won anything. Torts even tried to fight the entire Calgary Flames squad. The underdog of underdogs, being led by a great coach. What’s not to like?

Next. Press F for the Winnipeg Jets. dark

I’m sticking with Columbus, which I never thought I’d do. I’d go St. Louis, then Colorado, then Carolina, Dallas, San Jose and the Isles. Boston doesn’t even make my list. What’s yours?

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