“Our next three games need to be our three best of the year,” stated Winnipeg Jets forward Adam Lowry as his team prepares for a crucial matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 13, 2026. With the Jets currently sitting 10th in the Western Conference, trailing the Los Angeles Kings by five points for the final wildcard spot, every game is pivotal in their quest for a playoff berth.
The Jets enter this contest with a record of 35-32-12, while the Golden Knights hold a stronger position at 37-26-17, sitting fourth in the conference. The stakes are high for Winnipeg, who has only three games left in the regular season and a maximum of six points available to them. Lowry’s emphasis on the importance of these upcoming games reflects the urgency of their situation.
Teammate Josh Morrissey echoed Lowry’s sentiments, saying, “We have three games left and we have a road trip here and all we can do is try and control what we can control and that is being ready to go against Vegas.” The Jets’ recent struggles have put them in a precarious position, making their performance against the Golden Knights critical.
The Golden Knights, on the other hand, have clinched a playoff spot for the eighth time in their nine years of existence, showcasing their consistent performance in the league. Since the coaching change to John Tortorella, they have gone 5-0-1, indicating a resurgence in form that could pose a significant challenge for the Jets.
Star players will be key in this matchup. Jack Eichel leads the Golden Knights with 84 points this season, while Mark Scheifele is a standout for the Jets with 99 points. Both players have been instrumental in their teams’ successes and will be looked upon to deliver in this high-stakes game.
As the Jets prepare for this critical encounter, they have recalled forwards Brayden Yager and Nikita Chibrikov from the Manitoba Moose under emergency conditions, hoping to bolster their lineup. Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets’ goaltender, has allowed 156 goals this season with a goals-against average of 2.8, and his performance will be crucial in keeping the Golden Knights at bay.
Lowry also remarked on the importance of the points at stake, saying, “It’s one of those ones, whether we lost 7-1 or 3-2, those are critical points.” This statement underscores the pressure the Jets are under to secure every possible point in their remaining games.
As the game approaches, the Jets know they must rise to the occasion. Morrissey concluded, “We know how tight it is and in the situation we’re in, we need points desperately.” The outcome of this matchup could very well determine their playoff fate as they face off against a formidable Golden Knights team.