The Winnipeg Jets started the latter part of the 2025-2026 NHL season with a win and they will need to collect many more if they hope to qualify for the playoffs. The win over Vancouver allowed our team to close the gap to the final wildcard spot from 11 points to 9 points, so the True Northers have taken a good first step if they want to book a spot in the postseason.
The next obstacle in Winnipeg’s path is the Anaheim Ducks, who they will face tonight in another late-night West Coast matchup. The SoCal franchise is looking to end a seven-season playoff drought and they are currently well seeded, holding onto the sixth spot in the Western Conference and challenging the Edmonton Oilers for the second spot in the Pacific Division (down by 1 point with 3 games in hand).
The fighter jets (23-26-8) have collected 54 points this season, good for 27th in the NHL with the Calgary Flames. Winnipeg has played adequately in the defense and goalkeeping areas with 177 goals conceded (tied for 13th), but have struggled to score goals with only 163 goals scored (25th).
The ducks (31-23-3) Years of high draft picks are starting to pay off, especially on the offensive side, where their 191 Goals For ranks them tied for 14th in the NHL. As is often the case with young teams, defense can be an issue and Anaheim is no exception, with their 200 goals conceded putting them near the bottom of the league (27th).
Winnipeg is currently 11 points behind Anaheim in the standings and they will face a hot team when the puck drops at the Honda Center (9:00 PM Central). The Ducks are riding a three-game winning streak and have gone 8-2-0 over the past ten games, while the Jets are on a one-game winning streak and have a 4-4-2 record over the past ten games.
Here’s how the two clubs’ annual stats compare so far, via ESPN‘S comparison numbers of team and goalkeeper:
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The pre-skates aren’t until the early afternoon, so we won’t know much about the official lineups until then. Although that is to be expected Connor Hellebuyck will return to the fold for his first post-Olympic start in Anaheim. The Ducks’ starter should be that Lucas understood and both tenders are having similar seasons, with Bucky ranking 21st for goals above expectations (+6.6) compared to Dostal’s 28th rating (+2.3).
Both clubs are struggling with injuries, as Anaheim may be without a few key attackers Frank Vatrano & Mikael Granlund and Winnipeg should be missing Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, Nino Niederreiter, Colin Molenaar& Haydn Fleury.
For now, here are the lineup projections via PuckPediaThese are based on the clubs’ most recent matches, so there is a good chance that they are incorrect:
WINNIPEG JETS ALIGNING
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ANAHEIM DUCKS ARE IN A FRAME
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Tonight’s game should be a lot more challenging than the Jets’ win over the Canucks, so Hellebuyck will still have to be in the zone to give his team a chance. The True North skaters will also have to do a better job of finishing off the scoring opportunities they create.
However, both Winnipeg and Anaheim have their weaknesses (Ducks defense/Jets offense) so the outcome will likely be decided by whoever gets the most benefit from it. How do you see things playing out?
Go Winnipeg Jets!!!!!
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AFTER-GAME INFO
Score overview: (courtesy of ESPN)
FINAL SCORE:
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BOJA’S thoughts after the game:
Since it’s Friday night, I’ll most likely get up late enough to update the article with the post-game information sometime around midnight… but I’m making no promises.
I’m still busy at work, so I haven’t had a chance to add this article to the Lottery Draft simulation, but I should come back to that feature in the next preview. Have a great day and see you soon to talk about the game.
#Winnipeg #Jets #Anaheim #Ducks