The Winnipeg Jets have won eight straight games to open the 2024-25 NHL season. After a disappointing exit from the playoffs last seasonthey are the last undefeated team remaining and on their way to another playoff appearance. Forward Mark Scheifele spoke with Aaron Vickers of NHL.com about the The Jets’ winning streak mentality.

“I think there’s no complacency,” Scheifele said. “We found ways to get some wins, but I think the most important thing is to keep working on things and keep getting better. It’s still so early in the season. There are a lot of matches left to play and I think we must not let complacency set in because we have won a few in a row. We have to continue to do more and continue to give a more complete effort throughout the game.

Last year, almost everything went well for the Jets in the regular season. Connor Helebuyck won the Vezina Trophy as the best goaltender and they had the best record in the Western Conference. They were eliminated from the playoffs in five games against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Jets know that a good regular season can be forgotten by a poor playoff performance. Scheifele has been part of many division winners who failed in the playoffs. He is part of the core that can ensure this team is not the next victim.

Jets must rely on veterans to make playoffs

Before the start of the 2023-24 season, many thought it would be a “last dance” of sorts for the Winnipeg Jets. Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck were both entering contract years and could have been big trade pieces. They both signed massive extensions to stay in Winnipeg and had a great season. Now they are two of the highest-paid players at their position and need to make the trades worth it.

They aren’t the only veterans who can lead the Jets to playoff success. Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey, and Kyle Connor are all excellent players with playoff experience. The problem with this team is that they are in a great division. The Stars will contend for the title, Colorado will bounce back from this slow start, and Utah appears to be a solid team. Even though the season is still young, the points banked are very important.

The Jets will try to extend their winning streak to nine games on Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Red Wings and Blue Jackets follow Toronto on the schedule.

Christophe Hennessy is an associate MLB editor at ClutchPoints, with additional expertise in the NHL and golf. He graduated from Fordham University in 2022 with a degree in journalism and has professional experience at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and at The Hockey Writers as a reporter for the New York Islanders.