Pionk skates again, injecting playoff hope as the Jets battle to stay in contention during a crucial road trip.
The Winnipeg Jets head into a crucial road trip on Tuesday with their season hanging in the balance, starting with a matchup against the New Jersey Devils. With the playoff race tightening, the upcoming stretch of games could determine whether Winnipeg remains in the postseason conversation or fades from contention.
Despite inconsistent results, belief around the team remains strong. There is a sense that the Jets are far from finished and that quitting is simply not part of their identity. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently noted that packing it in is not in the Jets DNA, reinforcing the idea that this group still expects to find another gear as the season progresses.
If Winnipeg is going to make a legitimate push for a playoff berth, getting healthier will be a major factor. On Tuesday, the Jets may have received an important boost on that front. Defenseman Neal Pionk was on the ice for the team’s optional morning skate ahead of the game against New Jersey and appeared to be skating at full speed.
Pionk was listed as week to week two weeks ago after reportedly reaggravating a previous undisclosed injury. His presence on the trip with the team has raised optimism that he could return during the road swing, which would be a significant lift for a Jets blue line already missing depth pieces such as Haydn Fleury and Colin Miller.
Through 40 games this season, Pionk has recorded two goals and six assists for eight points while logging a career high average ice time of 22 minutes and 47 seconds per game. His potential return would not only stabilize the defense but also help ease the workload as the Jets attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive during a pivotal stretch of the schedule.
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