The Winnipeg Jets have developed a series of intense rivalries since their inception. and while the team’s history may be brief, the passion and competitive spirit displayed on the ice have quickly established the Jets as a formidable presence in the NHL.
Through the years, the Jets have faced heated competition against several teams, with some rivalries evolving into iconic matchups. Among the most notable are those with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers, with each of these rivalries having contributed to memorable moments in the Jets’ history, showcasing the team’s resilience and skill.
These rivalries continue to evolve, captivating fans and fueling the excitement surrounding the Winnipeg Jets. As new seasons unfold and the team grows stronger, the dynamic nature of the Jets’ rivalries guarantees thrilling clashes for years to come.
Historical Jets Rivalries
The Winnipeg Jets share a long-standing history of rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers, dating back to the 1980s when both teams competed fiercely in the NHL playoffs.
Over the course of this era, the Oilers dominated the matchup, emerging victorious from six post-season series between 1983 and 1990, with an impressive 22-4 record.
Edmonton’s continued success, including five Stanley Cup championships during this decade, contributed to the intensity of this rivalry.
The Jets finally secured their first playoff victory against the Oilers in the late 80s, sparking even more competitive fervor between the two teams.
Beyond the Oilers, the Jets have also formed rivalries with other teams within their relatively short history. As the team celebrates its tenth anniversary, fans have noted a few fierce matchups.
While the franchise was initially founded in 1999 as the Atlanta Thrashers, it has since grown and developed, moving to Winnipeg in 2011.
The team’s trajectory has been marked by a dedicated fan base and the emergence of young talent like Ilya Kovalchuk, the first overall selection in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Notable Rivalries
Calgary Flames
The rivalry between the Winnipeg Jets and the Calgary Flames has a long history, stemming from both teams being members of the same division.
With over 100 games played against each other, this rivalry remains strong today.
The intensity of the games between these two teams can be credited to their close proximity and the pride that comes with representing their respective cities in the often hard-fought battles on the ice.
Edmonton Oilers
Another key rivalry for the Winnipeg Jets is the Edmonton Oilers. With over 90 games played between the two teams, this rivalry has been fuelled by competition within the same division as well as competition for supremacy within their home province.
The physicality and intensity of games between the Jets and Oilers have resulted in memorable clashes, igniting the passion of hockey fans in both cities.
Minnesota Wild
The rivalry with the Minnesota Wild is a more recent development for the Winnipeg Jets.
These two teams are geographically close, and their fan bases have fostered a sense of competition on and off the ice.
While their head-to-head encounters may not be as numerous, the rivalry is notable due to the intensity, energy, and competitiveness exuded by both teams when they meet on the ice.
Nashville Predators
The rivalry between the Winnipeg Jets and the Nashville Predators has grown in recent years, particularly due to their confrontations in the playoffs. The intensity of their post-season games has brought this rivalry to the forefront.
This rivalry has been marked by thrilling games and memorable moments that have captured the attention of hockey fans across North America.
St. Louis Blues
The Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues have also experienced an increasing rivalry in recent years.
While the history between the two teams may not be as extensive as with other rivals, they have engaged in many contested games that have set the stage for a growing rivalry between these two formidable NHL teams.
As both teams continue to make strides in the league, their on-ice encounters are expected to remain intense and impassioned.
Factors Contributing to Rivalries
Geographical Proximity
One of the main factors that contribute to rivalries between teams like the Winnipeg Jets is geographical proximity.
Neighboring teams, such as the Minnesota Wild, often spark rivalries due to their close locations, leading to increased fan engagement and interest in matches between these teams.
Geographical proximity creates a sense of familiarity and competition between fanbases, often intensifying rivalries on and off the ice.
Divisional Competitions
Another significant factor in Winnipeg Jets rivalries is divisional competition.
Being part of the NHL’s Central Division, the Jets face off against several other powerful teams in the league, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues, just to name a few.
Regular season matchups against these teams create ample opportunities for contentious games, building tension and fueling rivalries over time.
Playoff Encounters
Rivalries can also be ignited or exacerbated through playoff encounters. High-stakes postseason matchups tend to generate heated contests, with both teams battling for the chance to advance in the playoffs.
The intensity of these games often spills over to subsequent regular season encounters, making each meeting a must-watch event for fans.
For example, the Winnipeg Jets had several heated playoff meetings with the Edmonton Oilers in the past, leading to their underrated rivalry in the NHL.
Notable Player Transfers
Lastly, player transfers and transactions play a crucial role in forming rivalries. As team rosters change over time, players may switch sides and join former rival teams.
These transfers can add fuel to the fire of existing rivalries or trigger new tensions between teams that were not previously considered rivals.
For instance, when a popular or skilled player leaves one team and joins their rival, it not only adds an interesting dynamic to the rivalry but also intensifies the competitive spirit between the teams involved.
Fan Perspectives
Winnipeg Jets fans have varied opinions on their team’s biggest rivals. According to Reddit discussions, some fans identify the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild as significant rivals, while others consider teams like the Vegas Golden Knights to be notable adversaries.
In terms of historical data, the Winnipeg Jets have had numerous fights against various teams which could point towards certain rivalries.
As per hockey fights statistics, the top three teams they have had altercations with include the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers. The Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Toronto Maple Leafs also make appearances on the list, albeit with lower fight totals.
Geographical proximity can also play a role in the development of rivalries. For instance, the Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets are less than 500 miles apart, and this has been seen as a factor in their rivalry.
This is evidenced by the large number of Jets fans who sometimes attend games at Xcel Energy Center when their team faces the Wild.
While the rivalries with teams like the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks might not be as prominent in recent years, it is important to acknowledge fan opinions and historical data when discussing Winnipeg Jets rivals.
Noteworthy Matches
Over the years, the Winnipeg Jets have had several memorable matches against their top rivals.
One team that consistently presents a challenge for the Jets is the Nashville Predators.
In recent seasons, the two teams have established a fierce rivalry, fueled by competitive games and playoff encounters.
The Minnesota Wild is another team that the Jets often face in intense, high-stakes games. These matchups tend to bring out the best in both teams, as they battle for supremacy in their shared division. The competitive nature of these games makes for exciting moments that fans relish.
Not to be overlooked, the matchup against the Colorado Avalanche has produced some notable moments as well. The Jets have a strong record against the Avalanche at the Pepsi Center, winning six straight home games during one stretch. This rivalry has developed over the years and continues to engage fans at every meeting.
Beyond these specific rivalries, the Jets also have a history of spirited battles and skirmishes with other teams. For example, they have engaged in numerous physical matches against the Vancouver Canucks, amassing a staggering 141 fights in their shared history.
Similarly, contests with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and other Western Conference opponents often generate memorable moments that contribute to the growth of these rivalries.
Conclusion
In analyzing the Winnipeg Jets’ rivalries, it is evident that several teams have been closely matched with them on the ice. One primary rival appears to be the Nashville Predators, with intense matchups taking place between the two in recent years.
The Minnesota Wild is another team that has been marked as a potential rival, although the hostility between the fanbases may be less pronounced than that of the Nashville rivalry.
The Colorado Avalanche has also had their fair share of engagements with the Jets and may be considered a historical rival due to their altercations in the past, both on and off the ice.
When examining the number of fights between the teams, the Vancouver Canucks hold the record for the highest number at 141.
This is followed by the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, making these Canadian teams strong potential rivals for Winnipeg.
In summary, the Jets have a variety of rivalries across the NHL, ranging from geographic proximity and division placement to historical conflicts and fan sentiment.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.