Winnipeg Jets Playoffs: Who can the Jets Play in the First Round?
The Winnipeg Jets are into the last week of the regular season and have already clinched a spot in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
But there is still a lot on the line for the Winnipeg Jets as they come into the final three games of the season.
What is on the line is playoff seeding and the seed that the Jets finish in will determine who they face off against in their first round playoffs series.
The Winnipeg Jets can face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs or Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs
Here is how the Jets can play either team:
1st Round versus Toronto
The only way that the Winnipeg Jets can finish in fourth place is if they lose their final two games of the season in regulation and Montreal wins tomorrow. This scenario would set up a first round matchup against the first place, Maple Leafs.
The Jets and Leafs have played many close games throughout the regular season. Out of their nine prior contests, all but three have been decided by two or fewer goals.
Despite all of the close games, the Leafs have had the upper hand in the season series so far. Toronto has six of their nine matchups against Winnipeg. These sides will conclude their regular season series on Friday night in Winnipeg.
1st Round versus Edmonton
If the Jets hold on to third place, Winnipeg will match up against the Edmonton Oilers in the first round.
The easiest scenario for the Jets to clinch third is by picking up a point tonight against the Vancouver Cancuks. Winnipeg holds the tiebreaker over Montreal and one point does the trick for the Jets.
If the Jets fail to pick up a point in tonight’s content, there are two scenarios in which the Jets can be seeded third. 1) Montreal losses tomorrow against Edmonton. 2) If the Candiens wins tomorrow, then the Jets need a point from their final regular season game on Friday against Toronto.
The Oilers have absolutely dominated the Winnipeg Jets during the regular season. Edmonton has won seven of the nine matchups between these sides and have outscored the Jets 31-16 during those nine games.
Why Finishing Third Can Have a Crucial Impact
The difference between third and fourth place could mean home ice advantage in the second round.
After the first round, the teams reseed. If the Jets finish in third place and win their first round matchup and the Montreal Canadiens can find a way to beat the Leafs in their series then the Jets would have home ice advantage in their second round series.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Which team would you rather see the Winnipeg Jets play in the first round, Toronto or Edmonton? Leave your comments below!
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*All Stats Provided by the NHL*