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The Winnipeg Jets' Shocking Playoff Run: Is the President's Trophy Curse Real?
The Winnipeg Jets, fresh off their President's Trophy win just a fortnight ago, find themselves battling elimination in the first round of the playoffs. A stunning upset brewing, the question on everyone's mind is: Is the President's Trophy curse real? To understand this dramatic turn of events, we need to take a closer look at the President's Trophy and the history behind the supposed curse.
Understanding the President's Trophy
In the NHL, the Stanley Cup is the ultimate prize, awarded to the champion after a grueling postseason. But before the playoffs begin, there's the regular season—a marathon of 82 games for each of the 32 teams. The top 16 teams advance to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Several trophies are awarded during the regular season, including the President's Trophy.
The President's Trophy is presented to the team with the most points at the end of the regular season, regardless of division. In 2025, the Winnipeg Jets claimed the President's Trophy with an impressive 116 points, outpacing the Capitals (111), Maple Leafs (108), and Knights (110). This prestigious award signifies the best regular-season team in the NHL.
The President's Trophy Curse: Fact or Fiction?
The alleged "curse" stems from the expectation that the President's Trophy winner, being the best regular-season team, should be a strong contender for the Stanley Cup. The Winnipeg Jets, as the 2025 President's Trophy winners, fit this mold. Yet, their struggle to advance beyond the first round raises eyebrows.
- A concerning trend: In the last 11 years, only the Chicago Blackhawks (with an asterisk due to a shortened season) have won both the President's Trophy and the Stanley Cup.
- Notable examples: The 2022-23 Boston Bruins, with a record-breaking 135 points, were eliminated in the first round. Similarly, the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning, with 128 points and 62 wins, suffered a shocking 4-0 first-round sweep.
Since the President's Trophy's inception in 1985-86, only 8 teams have achieved the double. The success rate has significantly declined in recent years, leading many to believe in a "curse." This perceived jinx raises the question: Is the regular-season dominance a false indicator of playoff success?
Examining the Evidence
Before the President's Trophy, the Prince of Wales Trophy was awarded to the regular-season champion. Historically, the Prince of Wales Trophy winner had a much higher chance of winning the Stanley Cup. What changed?
- The impact of the salary cap: Introduced in 2006, the salary cap created a more level playing field. Teams can no longer simply buy their way to success.
- Divisional strength: A team might dominate a weaker division and accumulate high points, earning the President's Trophy, but struggle against stronger competition in the playoffs.
For example, the Winnipeg Jets' 116 points might be less impressive compared to the Toronto Maple Leafs' 108 points in the highly competitive Atlantic Division. The strength of the division a team plays in significantly impacts the validity of the regular-season points tally.
While the "curse" remains debated, the recent history of President's Trophy winners suggests a correlation between regular-season dominance and playoff failure. The Winnipeg Jets' first-round performance will further fuel this discussion. However, as shown by the Jets' stunning double overtime win in Game 7, the narrative might change. The "curse" may be broken. Only time will tell.
Conclusion
The Winnipeg Jets’ improbable Game 7 victory is an incredible comeback story. The President's Trophy curse remains a fascinating topic, one that blends statistical analysis with the intangible factors influencing playoff success. While the evidence suggests a trend, whether it's a real curse or simply a statistical anomaly continues to be debated. The Jets' journey provides a compelling case study for years to come. Will this team continue to defy the odds? Only time will tell. The NHL Playoffs continue to deliver thrilling moments, and the Jets' unexpected surge highlights the unpredictable nature of the postseason.
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