So, if you’re looking for the final score, it really depends on which "Jets" you’re tracking. The sports world had a weirdly busy weekend, and honestly, the news is a bit of a mixed bag.
If you mean the Winnipeg Jets, they played a heartbreaker against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It ended 4-3 in favor of Toronto. If you mean the New York Jets, they didn't actually play today. Their season is basically a wrap, and we're already looking at their 2026 opponents.
Let’s get into the weeds of what actually happened on the ice and why the NFL side of things is so quiet right now.
The Winnipeg Jets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Drama
Man, last night was a wild one for Winnipeg. They were playing at home at the Canada Life Centre, and for a long time, it really felt like they had it in the bag.
They jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Then, even after Toronto started clawing back, Winnipeg pushed it to 3-1 early in the third period. Alex Iafallo, Kyle Connor, and Nino Niederreiter all found the back of the net. Connor Hellebuyck was doing his thing, making 33 saves. It looked like a solid, gritty win was coming.
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Then the wheels fell off.
Toronto’s Max Domi and Auston Matthews decided they weren't going home without points. Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored to make it 3-2, and then Bobby McMann tied it up with less than five minutes left.
The game went to overtime, which is always a coin flip. Max Domi ended it 3:08 into the extra frame on a 2-on-1 break. Final score: Toronto 4, Winnipeg 3.
It’s a tough pill for Winnipeg fans to swallow. This team won the Presidents' Trophy last year, but right now they’re sitting at the bottom of the standings. They’ve lost a bunch in a row recently, though they had a small four-game win streak right before this Toronto loss. It’s been a rollercoaster, to say the least.
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Why the New York Jets Aren't Playing Today
If you were scrolling through your TV guide looking for Aaron Rodgers or whoever is under center for New York these days, you weren't going to find them.
The New York Jets season ended on January 4, 2026. They finished with a pretty dismal 3-14 record. Their last game was a 35-8 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Since the NFL is currently in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, only the top teams are left standing. Today, January 18, is all about:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Jets are firmly in "wait until next year" mode. In fact, the schedule-makers have already started looking at their 2026 slate. Because they finished last in the AFC East, they’re actually lined up to play some other last-place teams next season, like the Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns.
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What’s Next for Both Teams?
For the Winnipeg Jets, the season is still very much alive, even if it feels like they’re uphill skiing. They are currently trailing teams like the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings for a wild card spot. If they want to avoid being one of the few teams to go from a Presidents' Trophy to missing the playoffs entirely, they need to find some consistency in the net and keep their veteran scorers healthy.
For the New York Jets, the focus is the 2026 NFL Draft. They’ll have a high pick, and there is a massive amount of speculation about whether they’ll stick with their current roster or go for a total rebuild.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the NHL Standings: If you're a Winnipeg fan, keep an eye on the Western Conference Wild Card race. Every point matters now, especially those "loser points" from overtime losses.
- Mock Draft Season: For New York fans, start looking at the top college prospects. With a 3-14 finish, the Jets are in a prime position to snag a franchise-altering talent.
- Playoff Football: Even without the Jets, today’s NFL games are huge. The winner of the Patriots/Texans game is one step closer to the Super Bowl, and Drake Maye is looking like a legit superstar for New England.
The sports landscape changes fast. One day you're winning trophies, the next you're fighting to stay relevant. That's just how it goes.