Who Do the Jets Play in the Playoffs

The Winnipeg Jets earned the Presidents' Trophy with 116 points in the 2024-25 season, securing them a top seed in the Western Conference. So who do the Jets play in the playoffs? That answer depends on how the regular season finishes on April 16, 2026. The exact matchup won't be official until after that date (kind of frustrating to wait, honestly).

When do the Jets start their playoff run?

The 2026 NHL playoffs begin on April 18,just two days after the regular season ends.The Jets earned home-ice advantage as a top seed,meaning their first-round games will be played in Winnipeg.This gives them a really strong position heading into the postseason.

How the NHL playoff bracket works

Sixteen teams make the NHL playoffs - eight from each conference. The top three teams in each division automatically qualify. Each conference also gets two wild card teams. The Jets, as division winners, will face a wild card team in the first round. This format rewards teams that win their division throughout the regular season and it's been around for a while now.

What we know about the Jets' chances

The Jets' 116-point regular season shows they're legitimate Western Conference contenders. They finished strong and proved they can compete at the highest level. Last year's playoffs showed no sweeps occured, meaning every series went to at least five games. That tells us playoff matchups will be competitive and closely contested, regardless of seeding.

How to find out who the Jets actually face

Check the official NHL website after April 16 for the final playoff bracket. Major sports news sites like ESPN and TSN will publish the matchups immediately. Review the Jets' regular season performance against potential wild card opponents. Look at head-to-head records and recent games to understand what might happen. Following these steps keeps you informed before the first puck drops (and trust me, you'll want to know).

The 2026 playoffs will showcase some of hockey's best teams battling for the Stanley Cup. The Jets have the talent and experience to make a deep run, and their fans are definately ready for it. Stay tuned to official NHL sources and sports news outlets for bracket announcements and game schedules once the regular season concludes.