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Jets’ Pavelec: Time’s running out to start comeback

Winnipeg Jets v Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 5: Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec #31 of the Winnipeg Jets looks up ice as the Florida Panthers warm up prior to the game at the BB&T Center on December 5, 2013 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Jets 5-2. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Joel Auerbach

The Winnipeg Jets haven’t been terrible this season, but in the Western Conference mediocrity is a sin.

With a 14-14-5 record, they are eight points shy of the Phoenix Coyotes and the final Wild Card spot despite having played in two extra games. Of course, more than just the Coyotes stand in the way of Winnipeg’s first postseason berth since the franchise relocated from Atlanta.

For example, the Dallas Stars currently match the Jets in points, but have played in three fewer contests. The two squads will face off this afternoon. Even in mid-December, these are two badly needed points for both squads as making up significant ground in the second half will be a daunting task.

“It’s pretty simple for us — we play with some urgency and get the win,” goaltender Ondrej Pavelec told the Winnipeg Sun. “Because if not, it can be too late in January.”

If nothing else, a win would prevent the Jets from suffering a three-game sweep at home. They did push the Colorado Avalanche to a shootout on Thursday, but afterwards a frustrated coach Claude Noel said that he doesn’t “deal in moral victories.”

Perhaps the Jets will respond with an actual win.

Follow @RyanDadoun