Of all 12 series that have happened so far in the 2025 postseason, the only matchup that hasn’t happened before is the Winnipeg Jets vs. the Dallas Stars.
That will change starting on Wednesday, as the two teams match up in the second round. Of course, there have been opportunities for the two teams to meet in the postseason before. Last season, the Stars finished first in the division to earn home ice through the first three rounds at the very least, but the Jets fell short in their first-round matchup against the Colorado Avalanche.
In the 2020 postseason, the Stars earned a bye to avoid the qualifying round thanks to a higher win percentage than the Edmonton Oilers. The Jets had to play in that qualifying round, where they fell in four games to the Calgary Flames.
The postseason before that, the Stars defeated the Nashville Predators to move to the second round, but the Jets were unable to beat the St. Louis Blues in the first round, as the Blues eventually won the Stanley Cup. The Jets overcame that loss in the first round of this season’s postseason.
Even when the Jets were in Winnipeg the first time and the Stars were in Minnesota, the two teams never met in the postseason. The original Jets made the second round only once, as they were swept by the Oilers in the 1987 division finals. While the North Stars had more success (they made the Stanley Cup Finals in 1981 and 1991), the two teams were in separate divisions, and the original Jets were embroiled in mediocrity.
So, what are some storylines heading into this postseason? Well, the Jets are dealing with injuries to two of their best players, Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey. Both participated in practice on Wednesday, and they’re considered game-time decisions.
The Stars have also dealt with injuries to their key players, Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen. Robertson is considered a game-time decision, while Heiskanen is out for Game 1 and hasn’t played since Mark Stone lunged at his leg on Jan. 28.
Another key storyline heading into this series is the Jets’ netminder Connor Hellebuyck. After posting a .925 save percentage and a 2 goals against average in 63 games this season, it’s safe to say he’ll win his second consecutive Vezina Trophy. However, just like last postseason, he’s struggled in the playoffs as he has an .830 save percentage and 3.85 goals against average in seven games played.
It’ll be interesting to see how these two Stanley Cup contenders perform in a series against one another. Game 1 starts on Wednesday at 7:30 PM MT.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Oilersnation, FlamesNation, and Blue Jays Nation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
