Jets Defeat Blue Jackets to Stay in Playoff Hunt

Kyle Connor's two goals lift Winnipeg over Columbus in tight race for final wild-card spot.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:49am

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The Winnipeg Jets overcame an early deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Saturday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Kyle Connor scored both goals for the Jets, who moved to 78 points and are just one point out of the final wild-card spot in the tight Western Conference playoff race.

Why it matters

The win was crucial for the Jets, who are fighting to secure a playoff berth in the competitive Western Conference. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, have now lost six straight games, further damaging their own postseason aspirations.

The details

Kyle Connor scored the game-winning goal for the Jets in the third period, his second tally of the night. The Blue Jackets had taken an early 1-0 lead, but the Jets were able to rally and secure the important victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Kyle Connor

A forward for the Winnipeg Jets who scored two goals in the game to lead his team to victory.

Winnipeg Jets

The NHL team that defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The NHL team that lost to the Winnipeg Jets, extending their losing streak to six games.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us and we had to come out strong. Kyle really stepped up and made the difference tonight.”

— Paul Maurice, Head Coach, Winnipeg Jets

What’s next

The Jets will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Blue Jackets will try to end their losing streak in their next game.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory keeps the Jets in the hunt for a postseason berth, demonstrating their resilience and the importance of key players like Kyle Connor stepping up in crucial moments.