The Winnipeg Jets started the year as many fans would have expected. By Halloween, they had earned a 6–7–0 record, ranking twentieth overall in the NHL.

But fans witnessed a significant upswing in November. This month, the Jets have put up a record of 10–3–1, fifth best in the league. This is an impressive record for any team, but even more so for this year’s Jets. As a result of their strong play recently, the Jets have moved into a playoff position. They sit third in the Central Division with a 16–10–1 overall record.

Below are three areas which have played a role in their recent success.

1. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck has been brilliant this year, particularly in November when he saved 94.4 percent of shots-against, ranking second in the league (excluding goalies with less than two games played). He single-handedly stole a few games, most notably on November 1 against the San Jose Sharks, allowing only one goal on 43 shots.

2. The Jets successfully killed only 65.4 percent of penalties in October, which ranked dead last in the league. The Jets improved this stat in November, successfully killing 83.3 percent of penalties. This improvement reduced their goals-against by approximately seven goals throughout November, saving them an average of one goal for every two games played. Considering nine of their 14 games were won by only one goal, their penalty kill has made a big difference.

3. Finally, there’s luck and determination. Many fans use social media to talk about advanced stats such as expected goals and goals above replacement to measure how a team performs. According to these, the Jets are outplayed most nights. 

Although some nights this is true, such as in that game against San Jose„ these stats fail to adequately measure heart, drive, and determination. These Jets are playing with an us-against-the-world mentality, and it’s worked throughout November. Fans are starting to see a squad that can overcome adversity and flourish.

We’ve seen examples recently of teams flourishing when their backs are against the wall. Two seasons ago, the Vegas Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup finals with a team of players deemed expendable by their former organizations. Last year, the St. Louis Blues were ranked twenty-fifth in the NHL at Christmas, yet they went on to win the Stanley Cup.

As a Jets fan and supporter of the underdog, I find this season’s team captivating. Despite losing two-thirds of their top six defencemen, they are flourishing. Let’s hope their success continues!