Slated to start Wednesday

Winnipeg got a puck past him in each of the first two periods, with Blackwood having little chance at either, and the Avs were never able to solve Connor Hellebuyck in the other crease. It's Blackwood's first regulation loss since Dec.

Neal Pionk scored 17 seconds into overtime, and the Winnipeg Jets beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2. Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck started the winning play when he sent the puck to Vladislav Namestnikov,

The Jets have a collection of UFAs – Nikolaj Ehlers, Neal Pionk, Vladislav Namestnikov, Alex Iafallo, and Mason Appleton – and RFAs – Gabriel Vilardi, Dylan Samberg and Morgan Barron. Cheveldayoff said they have had some talks but no negotiations

In 62 previous regular-season matchups against the Jets, the Avalanche are 29-26-7. This season, the home teams are undefeated, with the Jets winning in Winnipeg on November 7 and January 11 while the Avs won in Denver on December 31.

With the Western Conference’s best team in town, Wednesday presented a test for the streaky Avalanche. Colorado flunked.

For Mackenzie Blackwood, boring is better ... has rewarded the Avs’ leap of faith with Vezina-quality goaltending. Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebucyk is the runaway favorite for the award.

The Avalanche have not been able to score on Connor Hellebuyck this season until Wednesday night. Colorado got two past the Winnipeg Jets netminder but it wasn’t enough in the 3-2 overtime loss.

If Colorado has another trip to Winnipeg this season, it will be during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche will have to hope it can find its mojo from the 2024 postseason.

Winnipeg stands to both rebound and take advantage of a top-heavy Colorado lineup. My Jets vs. Avalanche predictions and NHL picks expect the road underdogs to bark loudest in tonight’s Central Division showdown.

HC Scott Arniel criticized himself and his players for their lacklustre effort against Utah HC on Monday. The Jets responded well against an excellent Avalanche team. Connor Hellebuyck turned away 25 of the 27 shots he faced, and MacKenzie Blackwood allowed three goals on 25 Jets shots.

Neal Pionk scored 17 seconds into overtime and Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves as the Winnipeg Jets beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in Denver on Wednesday night.