The real test for the Winnipeg Jets begins tonight as the series shifts to Dallas for Games 3 and 4 at the American Airlines Center. Tied 1-1, this Second Round matchup has already proven to be a battle of momentum, depth, and discipline — and now, the Whiteout gives way to enemy territory.

Friday night’s 4-0 shutout win wasn’t just a bounce-back — it was dominance. The Jets had their full, healthy roster back in action and looked like a team on a mission. Connor Hellebuyck stole the spotlight with a 21-save shutout, his first in the postseason since 2021. The Vezina and Hart Trophy finalist reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most feared goaltenders.

The Jets did take a win out of Dallas in the regular season finale on April 10, but Arniel knows that result holds little weight now.

“They grabbed home ice from us by winning Game 1, so we’re going to have to win down there,” he said. “It’s a tough building.”

Winnipeg had regular-season success in St. Louis too, but that didn’t carry into the first round. The Jets know better than to lean on past performances.

“It’s lessons learned,” Arniel added. “This is a really good hockey team… They’ll be behind their fans, so we’ve got to play that type of game like we played Friday.”

“You’re facing the same team maybe seven times in a row… there’s a chess match element,” said Morrissey. “Our focus is on our own game and playing the way that’s made us successful.”

Game 3 will likely bring a response from the Stars. They’ve won three of four at home this postseason and nearly stole the Central Division title in the final week of the season. With an early puck drop and no morning skates, warm-up will be the first real look at any potential lineup tweaks.

Momentum may not carry game-to-game in the playoffs, but confidence sure can. Winnipeg looked like a complete team in Game 2 — smart, opportunistic, and relentless. If they bring that same blueprint into Dallas, the Jets have every reason to believe they can gain control of this series.

Connor – Scheifele – Vilardi

Ehlers – Namestnikov – Perfetti

Niederreiter – Lowry – Appleton

Tanev – Barron – Iafallo

Morrissey – DeMelo

Samberg – Pionk

Fleury – Miller

Hellebuyck

Comrie

Granlund – Hintz – Rantanen

Benn – Duchene – Seguin

Robertson – Johnston – Marchment

Back – Steel – Dadonov

Harley – Lyubushkin

Lindell – Ceci

Bichsel – Petrovic

Oettinger

DeSmith