The Winnipeg Jets are on the rise.
The Jets, who were thought to be a playoff contender before the season started in October, defied expectations through the first 45 games of the season and now have a chance to win the Presidents Trophy.
Only the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks have a higher winning percentage than Winnipeg. Winnipeg has moved to the top of the Central Division with an 18-3-2 record since early December.
The Winnipeg formula also doesn't apply.
The Jets are deep up front, play a structured 5-on-5 game, have one of the NHL's best goaltenders in Connor Hellebuyck, and are playing at an all-world level.
Throwing in some clinical finishers and playmakers like Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mark Scheifele, who have been around for a while but could return this time as well — would give the Jets a chance to play in this open position. You'll see why they look like legitimate Stanley Cup contenders during the season. .
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a completely different story.
The Leafs were considered one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup before the season, but it was a stop-start game through the first 45 games.
Toronto's defense is mediocre, this lineup doesn't have much scoring potential, and the goaltending has been on a merry-go-round since Joseph Wall was injured.
Would you bet on the NHL?
Auston Matthews' heroics have kept the Leafs afloat, but there's a real possibility the team could be in danger of missing the postseason this spring.
Toronto remains a dangerous team, but the Leafs rely on their opponents to make mistakes and can take advantage of them, which is not in Winnipeg's DNA this season.
There will come a time when the Jets will sell for a high price, but not right now.
Play: Jets Moneyline (+122, FanDuel)
