The Jets can do Something Tonight That Only One NHL Team Has Done so Far This Season

The Winnipeg Jets can secure a playoff spot on Tuesday, becoming the second team to do so for the 2025 playoffs.

They can clinch it with at least a point against the league leaders, the Washington Capitals, or if the St. Louis Blues lose to the Montreal Canadiens. Winnipeg, with 100 points in 71 games, is right behind Washington, which has 102 points in 70 games.

The Blues, who hold the final wild-card position in the West with 81 points in 72 games, host Montreal. The two games start at 7 p.m. CT.

Winnipeg has made the playoffs six of the last seven years but were ousted in the first round both of the last two seasons. First-year head coach Scott Arniel hopes to lead the team past their franchise record 114 points of 2017-18.

However, the Jets will be without winger Gabriel Vilardi, who is week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Arniel called it a "freak" incident unrelated to the puck he took to the ear in Sunday's game against Buffalo. Vilardi's playoff status remains uncertain.

Alex Iafallo will take his place on the top line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, also stepping into Vilardi's net-front power play role. Mason Appleton will fill Iafallo's previous power-play spot.

Vilardi, who played 16:02 in Sunday's surprising 5-3 loss to the Sabres, has 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points in 71 games this season.