Winnipeg Jets: Three Talking Points as The Jets Lose to The Flyers

1. Time is Running Out for the Jets in Terms of Making the Playoffs

After the all-star break, the Jets will start a stretch of 40 games in 81 days in their quest to make the playoffs. Realistically, the Jets will need to win at least 25 of those games to have any chance at making the last wild card playoff spot.

Given that the Jets have limped into the all-star break with a record of 2-6-2 in their last 10 games, the team faces an uphill battle. A lot will have to change for the Jets if they hope to turn things around in the second half of the season.

Mark Scheifele needs to start playing like a top 10 NHL player again. The team needs to get secondary scoring from its second and third lines. Connor Hellebuyck needs to start consistently playing at Vezina trophy level every game.

When coach Paul Maurice resigned from the team in December, he essentially said that the team had elite talent but needed a new voice to maximize that talent. Unfortunately, interim head coach Dave Lowry has experienced more of the same issues as his predecessor.

Some areas of the team have improved under Lowry, but in terms of what is truly important, wins and losses, not much has changed. The first 10 games coming out of the all-star break will be crucial for the Jets playoff chances, and longer term future.

If the Jets continue their slide into early March, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will have some big decisions to make about the future of this team leading to the March 21 trade deadline.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your thoughts about the Winnipeg Jets playoff chances leading into the all-star break? Leave your comments below!