WINNIPEG – Something is different around Winnipeg lately.
“People seem to have more bounce in their step,” said Mike Larsen, one of many Winnipeg Jets fans who took in practice Tuesday.
It’s easy for Jets fans to smile. The team has put the “win” back in Winnipeg.
“I am feeling very excited, very excited for the impending playoffs that are coming,” said Dave Conan, who added that patience is finally paying off for Jets fans.
The Jets playoff chances continue to soar. As of Tuesday afternoon sportsclubstats.com peg the teams chances of making it to the post season at 87 per cent.
Las Vegas bookies are also showing some love for the team. Right now the odds of Winnipeg winning the Stanley Cup are at 50/1 and getting better after every win.
It’s not too shabby, especially considering Edmonton, Carolina and Buffalo are sitting at 5000/1 odds.
Chicago has the best odds of winning the cup at 9/2 and as of Tuesday the Jets are tied with that team for third in the Central division.
“It feels amazing,” said 13-year old Courtney Larsen, who wasn’t even alive the last time Winnipeg hosted a play off game in 1996. “I think we have the chance to make it and I hope we do.”
While the team’s record is sitting at 24 wins, 14 losses and 8 overtime losses, some fans worry the next stretch of games won’t be easy.
“We just have to be careful and we can’t get cocky,” said Ernie Melesko.
You can’t accuse the coach of that.
“I don’t know that we are feeling overly successful right now,” said Paul Maurice. “I’m not sleeping any better.”
The Jets next game is Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at MTS Centre.
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