The who’s who of who’s next – Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Jets' Playoff Opponent

The Winnipeg Jets, having clinched the top spot in the Central Division and Western Conference, await their first-round playoff opponent. Three teams remain in contention: the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, and Calgary Flames.

Potential Opponents

• St. Louis Blues: A rematch of the 2019 first-round series is possible. The Blues have improved significantly under coach Jim Montgomery. Key players include Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Brayden Schenn. A goalie battle between Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington would be a highlight.
• Minnesota Wild: The Wild have overcome numerous injuries this season. Key players include Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, and Filip Gustavsson. The teams have a previous playoff history, with the Jets winning their last encounter in 2018.
• Calgary Flames: Under coach Ryan Huska, the Flames have exceeded expectations. Nazem Kadri leads their offense, while Dustin Wolf has emerged as a strong goaltender. The teams share a history dating back to the Smythe Division era.

The article analyzes each team's strengths and weaknesses, playoff history against the Jets, and potential storylines for each matchup. While the Jets' coaching staff claims no preference, the article examines potential advantages and disadvantages of facing each team.