Winnipeg Jets aim to shatter 11‑year Presidents’ Trophy curse vs. Blues

When Winnipeg Jets clinched the Presidents' Trophy for the first time in franchise history, the excitement in Winnipeg turned into nervous anticipation. The Jets now sit tied 2‑2 with the St. Louis Blues in a first‑round series that could rewrite a decade‑long narrative of disappointment for regular‑season champions. Here’s the thing: breaking the so‑called “curse” would make the Jets the first team since the 2012‑13 Chicago Blackhawks to win both the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same year.

What the Presidents' Trophy Is and Why It Matters

The Presidents' Trophy was introduced in the 1985‑86 NHL season to honor the team with the most points after the 82‑game regular schedule. In theory, it signals dominance – a squad that’s been the most consistent, earned the most wins, and typically boasts the best goal differential. In practice, though, the award has become a double‑edged sword. Fans and pundits alike expect the trophy‑winner to march to the Cup, and when that doesn’t happen, the narrative of a “curse” takes hold.

A History of the Trophy's Curse

Only eight of the 38 teams that have hoisted the Presidents' Trophy have also lifted the Stanley Cup – a success rate of roughly 21 %. The early years painted a rosier picture: the inaugural winner, the Edmonton Oilers led by Wayne Gretzky, snagged the trophy in 1985‑86 but fell in the second round. The Oilers would later win the Cup the following season after reclaiming the trophy. The 1990s saw the New York Rangers (1993‑94) and the Dallas Stars (1998‑99) break the pattern, but they became rarities.

Since the turn of the millennium, the curse has tightened. The Colorado Avalanche (2000‑01) and the Detroit Red Wings (2001‑02) managed the double, but then a six‑year drought ensued before the Chicago Blackhawks nailed it in 2012‑13. No regular‑season champion has reached the Final since, fueling the superstition.

Recent Failures and the Statistical Reality

The most glaring modern example came in 2022‑23 when the Boston Bruins shattered the regular‑season win record with 65 victories. Expectations were sky‑high, yet the Bruins were swept in the opening round by the Florida Panthers, a team that logged just 42 wins and trailed by 43 points. Even the historic 2007‑08 Detroit Red Wings, who posted a 115‑point season, fell short in the Conference Final.

Statistically, the curse isn’t as absolute as it feels. With 16 teams in the playoffs each year, each squad has an 6 % baseline chance of winning the Cup. Presidents' Trophy winners have won eight championships in 37 years – a 22 % success rate, which is more than three times the “fair‑play” odds. In other words, the trophy still offers a real edge, but the margin between expectation and reality has never been wider.

The Jets' Historic Season and Playoff Outlook

For the Jets, the 2023‑24 campaign was a once‑in‑a‑generation run. They set franchise records of 56 wins and 116 points, eclipsing the best marks they ever posted as the Atlanta Thrashers. Leading scorer Kyle Connor tallied 58 goals, while defenseman Brandon Hagel chipped in 64 points. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck posted a 2.22 GAA and a league‑best .923 save percentage.

The first round showdown with the Blues has turned into a micro‑cosm of the broader curse debate. The series is currently dead‑locked at two games apiece, with each team winning on home ice. Winnipeg’s high‑powered offense has been met by St. Louis’s gritty, shutdown style. If the Jets can close out the series in five or six games, they’ll not only push past the first round – a feat the reigning Trophy‑holders haven’t accomplished since the 1995‑96 Detroit Red Wings – but they’ll also begin to chisel away at the psychological barrier.

What Breaking the Curse Could Mean for the NHL

Should the Jets capture the Stanley Cup, the narrative around the Presidents' Trophy could shift dramatically. A victory would validate the belief that regular‑season excellence does translate to postseason success, and it may encourage teams to prioritize depth and consistency over “playoff‑style” tinkering. Moreover, it could spark a wave of merchandising and fan engagement – imagine jersey sales spiking for a team that finally turned regular‑season glory into ultimate triumph.

Conversely, another early exit would reinforce the superstition, potentially prompting future Trophy‑winners to temper expectations and perhaps even rest key players at the tail end of the regular season. Either way, the Jets’ quest adds a fresh chapter to NHL folklore, and the world will be watching as the puck drops in the next game.

Key Facts

• Winnipeg Jets won 56 games and 116 points – best in franchise history.
• The Presidents' Trophy has been captured 38 times since 1985‑86; only eight winners also won the Stanley Cup.
• Boston Bruins set a modern record with 65 wins in 2022‑23 but fell in the first round.
• The current 11‑year drought without a Trophy‑winner lifting the Cup is the longest since the award’s inception.
• Statistically, Trophy winners enjoy a 22 % chance of winning the Cup, three times the baseline odds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Presidents' Trophy considered a curse?

Because in the past 11 seasons no team that won the Trophy has even reached the Stanley Cup Final, and five have been eliminated in the first round, creating a perception that regular‑season dominance hinders playoff success.

How did the Jets secure the Presidents' Trophy?

The Jets posted a 56‑18‑8 record, amassing 116 points – their highest total ever – thanks to scoring depth led by Kyle Connor and elite goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck.

What does a Jets victory mean for the league?

It would dispel the superstition surrounding the Trophy, showing that a strong regular season can translate into a championship, and could influence how teams manage player workloads heading into the playoffs.

Which teams have previously won both the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup?

The New York Rangers (1993‑94), Dallas Stars (1998‑99), Colorado Avalanche (2000‑01), Detroit Red Wings (2001‑02), and the Chicago Blackhawks (2012‑13) are the only teams to achieve the double since the award’s inception.

Is there any statistical evidence against the curse?

Yes. Presidents' Trophy winners have a 22 % chance of winning the Cup, which is over three times higher than the 6 % baseline for any playoff team, indicating they are genuinely more likely to succeed despite the narrative.