Opinion
3 min read

Will Colorado Avalanche Surge Past Winnipeg Jets in Next Face-Off?

As the Colorado Avalanche prepare to take on the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent high-scoring loss. The previous encounter between these two teams on April 21 saw the Jets edge out a victory with a 7-6 scoreline, despite an aggressive showing from the Avalanche who netted six goals.


Apr 21, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) celebrates his first period goal with Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81)  against the Colorado Avalanche in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

The Avalanche's performance in that game was a mixed bag. They demonstrated offensive prowess by putting up six goals and firing off 46 shots, but defensively they struggled, allowing seven goals against on just 23 shots – an indication that goaltending and defensive plays could be areas of concern. The powerplay opportunities were capitalized upon with two goals from just four shots, showing efficiency when they had the man advantage.


However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for COL. Their resilience was evident as they scored three times in both the first and third periods of that game. This ability to score in bursts could be crucial if they are to overcome WPG in their next matchup.


Apr 21, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) warms up before a game against the Colorado Avalanche in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side of the ice, WPG showcased lethal efficiency by scoring seven times from only 23 shots – an impressive shooting percentage that will have COL's defense wary. Moreover, their faceoff win percentage stood at 55 percent compared to COL's 45 percent; control at faceoff circles often translates into control of the game flow.


Looking back further provides more context for this upcoming battle. On April 19 against Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena, COL displayed dominance with five goals scored while conceding only one goal – highlighting their potential when things click into place defensively and offensively.


Apr 21, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) celebrates his first period goal with Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo (2) against the Colorado Avalanche in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

In contrast to their loss against WPG where defensive lapses were costly, this performance showed what COL is capable of when playing cohesively as a unit - something they'll need to replicate come game time against WPG.


The key for Colorado will be consistency across all facets of play: maintaining offensive pressure while tightening up defensively and improving puck possession through better faceoff outcomes. If these elements align as they did against Edmonton Oilers rather than during their last outing against Winnipeg Jets, there’s every chance for redemption.


Fans should mark their calendars for April 24th at Canada Life Centre where this exciting rematch is set to unfold at 8:30 PM local time (1:30 AM UTC). The action can be caught live on ESPN, CBC or TVAS networks - ensuring no one misses what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this NHL saga.

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