Can Jets Overcome Struggles and Can Avalanche Rebound Defensively?

Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche: Key Matchup Insights and Prediction for 2025

The Winnipeg Jets (31-14-3) will look to extend their lead in the Central Division as they visit the Colorado Avalanche (28-19-1) at Ball Arena on Wednesday night at 9:30 PM ET. Both teams are coming off tough losses and will be eager to get back on track as they battle for playoff positioning in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Winnipeg Jets: Battling Through Recent Struggles to Get Back on Track

The Jets, fresh off a disappointing 5-2 loss to Utah, are determined to end their two-game losing streak and get back to their winning ways. After a strong three-game winning streak, Winnipeg has faltered in their last two contests against Calgary and Utah, leaving them searching for answers. Despite this recent dip, the Jets are positioned well in the Central Division, but need a win to maintain their momentum.

Winnipeg has been potent offensively, averaging 3.48 goals per game, and boasts a dynamic top line. Kyle Connor, the Jets’ standout forward, leads the team with 60 points, consisting of 26 goals and 34 assists. Mark Scheifele has been equally impactful, contributing 54 points from 27 goals and 27 assists. The Jets’ scoring depth is further bolstered by Gabriel Vilardi, who has 41 points from 19 goals and 22 assists. In their loss to Utah, Nino Niederreiter and Dylan DeMelo each scored a goal, while Scheifele added an assist.

While the offense has been strong, Winnipeg’s defense is where they have excelled this season, allowing just 2.46 goals per game—the second-best in the NHL. However, their defense was porous in the Utah loss, where they conceded five goals, and will need to tighten up to ensure a victory.

Connor Hellebuyck has been exceptional between the pipes, boasting a 28-7-2 record with a 2.02 goals-against average (GAA) and a .927 save percentage. He stopped 23 of 27 shots in the loss to Utah, and he’ll need to bring his A-game to fend off a potent Avalanche offense.

Colorado Avalanche: Can They Overcome Defensive Struggles and Rebound?

The Avalanche are coming off a 3-1 loss to Minnesota and are looking to bounce back after a solid win over Dallas. Colorado has been a high-scoring team this season, averaging 3.31 goals per game, but their defense has been inconsistent, allowing 3.10 goals per game—ranking 20th in the league. If the Avalanche hope to contend with the Jets, they’ll need to tighten their defensive play.

Nathan MacKinnon has been the focal point of Colorado’s offense, leading the team with 74 points, which includes 18 goals and 56 assists. Mikko Rantanen, another key contributor, has posted 63 points with 25 goals and 38 assists. On the blue line, Cale Makar has been pivotal, contributing 52 points from 15 goals and 37 assists. MacKinnon scored the lone goal for Colorado in the loss to Minnesota, and the Avalanche will look for more from their top players in this crucial home matchup.

Colorado’s defensive issues have been a concern all season, and their struggles were apparent in the Minnesota loss, where they allowed three goals. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood has posted solid individual numbers with a 9-4-1 record, a 1.97 GAA, and a .928 save percentage. Blackwood stopped 23 of 26 shots in the loss to Minnesota and will need a standout performance to keep the Avalanche competitive against Winnipeg’s potent offense.

Colorado is also facing a few injury concerns, with key players Valeri Nichushkin, Samuel Girard, and Jonathan Drouin listed as questionable for the game. These absences could further test the team’s depth in both offensive and defensive zones.

Conclusion

As both teams look to bounce back from recent losses, this game between the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche promises to be a thrilling contest. The Jets’ well-rounded game will likely give them the advantage, but with star players like MacKinnon and Rantanen on Colorado’s side, this one could go down to the wire. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for playoff positioning in the tightly contested Central Division.

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