For years, the Winnipeg Jets have been one of the NHL’s most passionate and determined teams, but something special has clicked this season. Once considered underdogs, they are now not just a playoff team but arguably the best team in the NHL. So far, there are high expectations for the team, and it is starting to become a reality.

The NHL is no stranger to fierce competition, but in the 2023-2024 season, one team has managed to outshine all others: the Winnipeg Jets. With a record of 41-14-3, the Jets have not only dominated the league but have also proven they are a serious contender for the Stanley Cup.

What stands out most about this record is their consistency. The Jets have managed to maintain a winning pace for much of the season, thanks to a balanced roster that excels both offensively and defensively. In fact, their goal differential (which currently sits at +32) is one of the best in the league, a key indicator of their well-rounded game.

Huge Performances from Top Players

One of the key factors behind the Jets’ success is their balanced offensive attack. They have depth in every line, and it’s not just one or two players carrying the load. Winnipeg boasts a plethora of scoring options, from their top line led by Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Blake Wheeler, to strong secondary scoring from the likes of Pierre-Luc Dubois and Nikolaj Ehlers.

The ability to roll four lines that can all score has made them difficult to defend, especially when their power play is clicking at such a high rate. Well, there’s no defensive concerns for the Jets, because at the heart of the Jets’ success is their rock-solid goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. Known for his consistency and ability to steal games, Hellebuyck has been nothing short of exceptional this season.

With a .924 save percentage and a 2.40 goals-against average, he’s once again proving why he's one of the league’s top netminders. Mind you, he’s also one of the top candidates for the MVP now more than ever, which says a lot about his value in the squad at this point in time.

A significant part of Winnipeg’s success has been their power play and penalty kill. While the Jets' power play has been clicking at an impressive rate (currently sitting among the league's top 10), it’s their penalty kill that really sets them apart. They have one of the most successful PK units in the league, killing penalties at an 85% clip, making them a tough team to score against even when they are short-handed.

How the Odds Look for the Jets

The Winnipeg Jets started out the season with odds of +2100, which was one of the top five picks to win it all. However, as the season progressed, the Jets continued to rain down impressive performances and eventually snagged a promising lead to the top of the Western Conference.

So far, the Jets now stand with the best odds of winning at +800, just trailing the Edmonton Oilers behind with the latter set at +650 best odds to win. Looking ahead, the Jets will need to maintain their form as the regular season winds down and the playoffs loom large.

However, the way they’ve been playing, there’s no reason why they can’t be one of the favorites come playoff time. With their defense, goaltending, and balanced attack, they’ve proven they are capable of matching up against any team.