Ducks and Jets Clash in Regular Season Finale Ahead of Playoffs

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Anaheim Ducks will face the Winnipeg Jets in their regular season finale on April 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. After a hard-fought 3-2 overtime loss against the Minnesota Wild, the Ducks are looking to end their season on a high note despite being eliminated from playoff contention for the seventh consecutive year.

The Ducks, projected to be led by Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Alex Killorn, are looking to build on their recent performance which showed improvement from the previous season. This year, Anaheim has gained 20 points over their last campaign, showcasing young talent like Gauthier and Carlsson.

“We’re not going to the playoffs, but we’ve taken steps in the right direction,” Ducks Head Coach said in a pre-game interview. “These young players are learning, and tonight will be a valuable experience for them.”

The Jets, meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum as they gear up for the playoffs. They secured a key win last week, but faced some injury challenges. Nikolaj Ehlers will miss tonight’s game as he is week-to-week with an upper body injury, while Gabriel Vilardi and Rasmus Kupari’s statuses remain uncertain. Coach Rick Bowness indicated that Vilardi could be close to returning.

“The main goal is to stay healthy heading into the playoffs,” said Bowness during his media availability. “We want to make sure we’re ready to give our best effort when it matters most.”

The projected lineup for the Jets includes star forwards Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, who are expected to lead against the Ducks. Connor Hellebuyck is also slated to start in net for Winnipeg, a crucial position considering the Jets’ playoff aspirations.

As the Jets conclude their regular season, they aim to finish strong, which includes not only securing a win tonight but also attempting to achieve a record points total for the franchise. The Jets entered this game with a record of 48-29-4, making them a formidable opponent.

The matchup comes after a tense game for the Ducks against the Wild, where they lost a late lead. Although they were unable to clinch a playoff spot, a strong performance against the Jets could provide a motivational boost heading into the offseason.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with many predicting a competitive game as both teams seek closure on their respective seasons.