Jets start extended homestand against Ducks, Hellebuyck trying to hit career milestone

For the past two months, the Winnipeg Jets have had their bags packed and passports in hand as they were on the road a lot to end 2024.

But that will change entering 2025. The Jets are kicking off an eight-game homestand Thursday with the Anaheim Ducks in town.

On top of the eight-game stretch, the Jets will only be the visiting team four times in the month of January.

"I think we're excited to be home and play in front of our fans," said Dylan DeMelo. "You kind of know what every day is going to look like. You're not going to get in at one or two o'clock in certain cities and fly. That part of it is nice, and guys with families get to spend some time with them."

Captain Adam Lowry said this stretch also gives the team some time to work on their game and iron out any concerns that may arise.

"I think that's been our mindset all year: how do we improve each day so that come the end of the regular season, we're ready to go? How can we keep pushing for more? How can we keep trying to improve? And sometimes on the road, you miss those opportunities," said Lowry.

While this stretch of games could be viewed as a solid opportunity to win eight straight for the Jets, the team said the mindset that has got them to this point doesn't change—focus on the game in front of you.

"We're not looking down the road," said Head Coach Scott Arniel. "We've tried to do a good job of that, whether it was having to go out on the road for extended periods of time. We try to focus on our opponent tonight, what it's going to take to beat Anaheim, and just stick to that."

"You can't go win all eight in one game," said Lowry.

Speaking of the Ducks, they were able to get the upper hand against the Jets the last time they met in mid-December, winning 3-2.

Entering Thursday's game, they are winners of two straight against some of the top teams in the league—the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils.

"We know we have a big challenge tonight. That Anaheim team is playing really good. They're a better team than they were last year. They play a very hard, structured game. They get on the forecheck, they're physical, they play direct, and they have a lot of speed. So we have to be sharp tonight," said DeMelo.

300 wins 

It could end up being a milestone night for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He is currently one win away from reaching 300 in his career.

Speaking earlier in the week, Hellebuyck said this was a statistical goal he had his sights set on.

His teammates say it's a luxury to have him between the pipes on almost a nightly basis.

"I think he makes a ton of saves that maybe the normal goalie wouldn't make," said DeMelo. "He's just so good, so sound in his game. His confidence level is through the roof. He cleans up a lot of mistakes for us back there."

Lowry said Hellebuyck makes everything look so easy.

"He's so good at reading the play. He makes real difficult saves look routine, and he's always trying to find ways to get better. He's always analyzing his game and seeing things that he can work on. He's a special player, and so far, it's been a fantastic start for him. Like I said, he's a huge reason why we're where we're at right now."

Both DeMelo and Lowry said he is the best goalie of this generation.

"Probably the best goalie in our lifetime, in my career playing. Hall of Famer, (the) guy's going to get his jersey retired. He's the best. We're so lucky to have him," said DeMelo.

The Jets will try to help secure that 300th win against the Ducks starting at 7 p.m.