For the past two seasons, the top of the Central Division has been clearly defined. The Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche have been three of the top teams in the NHL.
That’s why it might be a bit jarring to see the Jets wobble into Ball Arena on Friday night. Winnipeg began Friday in sixth place in the Central — five points back of a playoff spot and 15 shy of the Minnesota Wild, who have replaced the Jets (15-16-2) in the top three and just added all-world defenseman Quinn Hughes in a blockbuster trade.
“It’s been really tough,” Jets forward Kyle Connor said.