Jets, Kraken Vie for Late Playoff Push

Two Western Conference teams outside the postseason picture meet in a crucial matchup.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:50pm

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The Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken, both on the outside of the Western Conference playoff picture, face off in a pivotal late-season matchup. The Jets sit three points behind the Nashville Predators for the final wild card spot, while the Kraken are three points behind the Jets with a game in hand. Both teams have struggled on the power play recently, and the Kraken are looking to complete a season sweep of the Jets with a win.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for the playoff hopes of both teams, as they are part of a tight race for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. With only 10 games left in the season, every point is vital as they try to catch the Predators and clinch a postseason berth.

The details

The Kraken have struggled of late, going 1-6-2 in their last nine games and falling further behind the Jets in the standings. Meanwhile, the Jets have surged recently, going 5-2-0 in their last seven games. Both teams will be relying heavily on their star players, with Mark Scheifele leading the Jets in assists and points, and Jordan Eberle pacing the Kraken in goals and points. Goaltending could also be a key factor, as the Kraken may split starts between Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord, while the Jets will likely lean heavily on Connor Hellebuyck.

  • The Jets and Kraken meet on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Kraken are coming off a 4-2 home loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Mark Scheifele

The Jets' leading scorer, with 60 assists and 94 points on the season.

Kyle Connor

The Jets' leading goal scorer, with 36 goals on the year.

Jordan Eberle

The Kraken's leading scorer, with 24 goals and 52 points.

Vince Dunn

The Kraken's co-leader in assists, with 30 on the season.

Chandler Stephenson

The Kraken's co-leader in assists, with 30 on the season.

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What they’re saying

“You've got to be playing your best hockey. And if you're not showing up each and every night, results are going to end up how they've been going .... Obviously we've dug ourselves in a pretty big hole, and that's on us.”

— Brandon Montour, Kraken defenseman

“We can't do anything about what's happening with the other teams. All we can do is take care of our own business. It may have to be we have to go 6-0 and win all six games (remaining). So, just focus on Seattle next.”

— Scott Arniel, Jets head coach

What’s next

The Jets and Kraken will face off again on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, when the Kraken host the Minnesota Wild in the second half of a back-to-back.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial opportunity for both the Jets and Kraken to gain ground in the tight Western Conference wild card race. With the season winding down, each point is vital, and the team that can capitalize on their chances and get the win will take a big step towards securing a playoff spot.