If you’re looking for a score from the gridiron, you’re about a week too late. The New York Jets season ended in a 35-8 thumping at the hands of the Buffalo Bills back on January 4th. Right now, the only "Green and White" action happening in Florham Park involves coaching carousels and draft board speculation.
But if you’re talking about the ice? That’s a whole different story.
The Winnipeg Jets are currently the hottest "Jets" in sports. On Thursday night, January 15, 2026, they didn't just win; they absolutely dismantled the Minnesota Wild with a 6-2 victory at Grand Casino Arena. It was their fourth straight win, and honestly, it’s the kind of performance that makes you wonder how this same team recently survived an 11-game losing skid.
Who Won The Jets Game Last Night? The Breakdown
The game in St. Paul was a statement. Mark Scheifele was the engine, racking up a goal and three assists. When Scheifele is "firing on all cylinders," as he put it after the game, the Jets are a nightmare to defend. But the real story of the night was Jonathan Toews.
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Toews notched his 900th NHL point during a 5-on-3 power play in the first period. It wasn’t a flashy highlight-reel goal—he basically knocked in a rebound after Gabriel Vilardi couldn't quite handle the initial puck—but it counts all the same. Seeing a veteran like Toews find his legs after a slow start to the season is huge for Winnipeg’s locker room chemistry.
Why the Winnipeg Jets Are Winning Right Now
It’s easy to look at a 6-2 score and think it was a fluke. It wasn't. Here’s why the scoreboard looked the way it did:
- Special Teams Dominance: The Jets capitalized on 5-on-3 opportunities, something they struggled with during their December slump.
- Goaltending Stability: Connor Hellebuyck was a wall, making 32 saves. He made the Wild’s offense look frustrated by the second period.
- Quick Strikes: At one point, Pearson and Morrissey scored within eight seconds of each other. That kind of rapid-fire scoring kills the morale of a home crowd fast.
Minnesota coach John Hynes was pretty blunt about it. He didn't think his team got "dominated" in the traditional sense, but the Wild lacked the discipline to stay in the game. They gave up six goals on just 20 shots before pulling Jesper Wallstedt. That’s a rough night at the office for any goalie.
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What’s Going On With the New York Jets?
While Winnipeg is fighting for a playoff spot in the Central Division, the NFL’s New York Jets are in full-blown "search and rescue" mode. Their 3-14 season was a disaster. It’s kinda wild to think about how much hype was behind this team in the preseason only for it to end with a whimper in Buffalo.
The biggest news out of New York right now isn't a final score; it’s the Defensive Coordinator hunt. On Friday, January 16, the team confirmed they finished virtual interviews with eight different candidates. We're talking about names like Jim Leonhard, Wink Martindale, and Chris Harris.
Head Coach Aaron Glenn, who is trying to steady a ship that feels like it’s been taking on water for a decade, emphasized that "compatibility" is the big thing. They need a vibe shift. The Jets' defense was the only thing keeping them somewhat competitive in 2025, but by the time they hit that Week 18 game against the Bills, the wheels had completely fallen off.
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The Contrast Between the Two Franchises
It’s a tale of two cities, literally.
Winnipeg is sitting at 19-22-5. Not world-beating, sure, but they’re "piling wins together" and trying to climb the standings. They have momentum.
New York? They are looking at the 2026 NFL Draft and hoping a new DC and some fresh blood can fix a broken culture.
Real Insights for the Next Week
If you're a Jets fan—of either variety—the next few days are actually pretty busy.
For the hockey crowd, keep an eye on the standings. This four-game streak has Winnipeg sniffing the heels of the top three in the Central. They need to keep this energy through the weekend to make the January 15th win actually mean something long-term.
For the football crowd, the "win" last night was just a successful round of interviews. Expect the list of eight DC candidates to be trimmed down for in-person meetings by Monday or Tuesday. If Wink Martindale gets the nod, expect a much more aggressive, blitz-heavy look for the New York defense come training camp.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the NHL Schedule: The Winnipeg Jets are back on the ice soon; verify their next puck drop to see if the win streak hits five.
- Track the DC Shortlist: Watch for which three candidates get invited to the Jets' facility in New Jersey this coming week.
- Review the Box Score: If you missed the Winnipeg/Minnesota game, look at the highlights of the first-period power play—it was a masterclass in puck movement.