Winnipeg Jets
It was a momentous occasion for the city of Winnipeg when the Jets made their triumphant return to the NHL after a 15-year hiatus. The passionate fan base had waited patiently for their beloved team to return, and they were not disappointed when the Winnipeg Jets hit the ice for their inaugural season in 2011. Since then, the Jets have had some historic seasons, rekindling the city’s love for the sport of hockey and putting Winnipeg back on the map as a powerhouse in the league.
From winning the Stanley Cup in 2012 to making deep playoff runs in recent years, the Winnipeg Jets have given their fans much to cheer about. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most memorable seasons in the Jets’ history.
The Return of the Jets
After the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg Jets in 2011, the Jets were back with a bang. The city was on fire with excitement as fans flocked to the MTS Center to witness their favorite team back in action. The Jets may not have had the strongest start, finishing their first season with a record of 37-35-10, but the passion and energy from the fans never wavered.
In the following seasons, the Jets continued to improve and make their mark in the league. Players like Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, and Mark Scheifele quickly became fan favorites and helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance in 2015.
2017-2018: A Historic Season
The 2017–2018 season was a turning point for the Winnipeg Jets. With a record of 52-20-10, they not only clinched a playoff spot but also grabbed the top spot in the Central Division. The city was buzzing with excitement as the Jets dominated the regular season, with standout performances from players like Patrik Laine, who scored 44 goals and finished second in the league.
In the playoffs, the Jets continued their winning streak, easily defeating the Minnesota Wild in the first round and then taking down the Nashville Predators, who were favorites to win the Stanley Cup. The Jets made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Vegas Golden Knights in a historic matchup between two of the league’s newest teams.
Though the Jets ultimately fell to the Golden Knights, their 2017–2018 season will always be remembered as one of the most successful in franchise history. It was a season that showed the league that the Jets were a force to be reckoned with and that they were not to be underestimated.
2018–2019: Another Playoff Run
The 2018–2019 season proved that the Jets were not just a one-hit wonder. They continued to dominate the league, finishing with a record of 47-30-5 and securing a spot in the playoffs for the second year in a row. Though they faced tough competition in the first round against the St. Louis Blues, the Jets made it through to the second round, where they would once again face the Predators.
It was a grueling and hard-fought series, but the Jets were determined to make it back to the Western Conference Finals. In the end, they fell just short, losing in a heartbreaking Game 7 to the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Blues.
2020-2021: A Season to Remember
After a pandemic-induced shortened season in 2020, the Jets came back with a vengeance in 2021. With an incredible record of 37-22-3, the Jets finished second in the North Division and secured a spot in the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Led by an impressive performance from captain Blake Wheeler, who finished with 44 assists, the Jets made it to the second round of the playoffs once again. In a thrilling series against the Edmonton Oilers, the Jets showed grit and determination, ultimately coming out on top in seven games.
While they would fall to the Montreal Canadiens in the next round, this was still a season to remember for the Winnipeg Jets. They proved that they were a force to be reckoned with in the league and gave their fans another reason to be proud.
Looking to the Future
As the Jets head into the 2021–2022 season, the future looks bright. With a talented roster and passionate fan base, the Jets have the potential to make even more memories and perhaps even bring the Stanley Cup back to Winnipeg.
So, let’s celebrate the Jets’ historic seasons and look forward to what the future holds for this dynamic team. Go Jets!
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