For the first time since 2021, the Winnipeg Jets are headed to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This time, it’s a battle of the dogs out West — Winnipeg vs Dallas — and it’s going to be a hell(e) of a series.

Just a couple of nights ago, the Jets shocked the hockey world in a Game 7 thriller against St. Louis. Down 3–1 with less than two minutes left in regulation, Winnipeg miraculously tied the game 3–3. Cole Perfetti redirected a beautiful shot into the back of the net with just 1.6 seconds on the clock, sending the Jets — and the entire city — into pure insanity. With elimination staring them down, they forced overtime in the most dramatic way possible.

The first overtime solved nothing, but with 3:50 remaining in double OT, Neal Pionk fired a shot from the blue line that was tipped in by captain Adam Lowry. The puck slipped past Jordan Binnington, shattering the hearts of Blues fans and punching Winnipeg’s ticket to Round 2.

The Jets now shift their focus to the Dallas Stars — a team they dominated during the regular season. Winnipeg went 3–1–0 against Dallas, outscoring them 13–5 over four meetings. Connor Hellebuyck was nothing short of elite in those games, posting a 1.01 GAA and .965 save percentage, including a shutout. Meanwhile, Jake Oettinger struggled to contain Winnipeg’s offensive push.

Kyle Connor led the way offensively with five points (4G, 1A), while Mark Scheifele chipped in with five assists in the season series.

This marks the first-ever playoff meeting between the Jets and Stars, setting the stage for what could become a new postseason rivalry.

At Winnipeg’s optional practice on Tuesday, three players — Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, and Logan Stanley — were all in yellow non-contact jerseys. Head coach Scott Arniel said all three will be game-time decisions tonight.

The Stars are dealing with injury concerns of their own. Jason Robertson is considered a game-time decision, with head coach Pete DeBoer telling reporters yesterday, “He’s close. We’ll see tomorrow morning,” per Brien Rea of FanDuel Sports Network Southwest. DeBoer also noted that the status of Miro Heiskanen remains uncertain heading into Game 1.