The Colorado Avalanche hope to take advantage of a clean slate when they visit the Winnipeg Jets for Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series Sunday evening.
Winnipeg swept the season series against the Avalanche, most recently winning 7-0 on April 13.
That victory was part of an eight-game winning streak to close out the regular season for the Jets and lock them into second place in the Central Division.
“It’s the first to four wins,” Winnipeg defenseman Josh Morrissey said. “At the same time, it’s understanding and respecting their strengths and knowing what our strengths are, and trying to put forth what we do well and be aggressive in our game while understanding, again, what their bread and butter is.”
The Avalanche will continue to lean heavily on their top line, anchored by Nathan MacKinnon.
He had two assists in the regular-season finale on Thursday, a 5-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers, giving him 140 points on the season, one more than the previous franchise record set by Peter Stastny during the 1981-82 season, when the team played in Quebec City.
“Yeah, it’s cool,” MacKinnon said. “Peter Stastny is one of the best to ever play. He had some crazy seasons. I think he had a lot better seasons than me overall, this is just one. I think it’s a team accomplishment. A lot of guys helped me out along the way.”
The Avalanche won’t roll into the playoffs as hot as the Jets, going 4-5-2 over their final 11 games, but coach Jared Bednar likes Colorado’s state of mind heading into the postseason.
“A lot of hard work and video work and practice the last couple of days, I think, does us good,” Bednar said. “I think guys are like mentally in a good spot.”
Valeri Nichushkin will also be a key player for the Avalanche.
He scored two goals in the win against Edmonton, his first in eight games, giving him six goals in 14 games since returning from a two-month stay in the NHL Players Assistance Program.
“I feel pretty good (against Edmonton), probably best energy by me,” he said. “It’s a good time because big games (are) coming.”
His teammates have also seen glimpses of the player who had nine goals and six assists during Colorado’s run to the Stanley Cup title two years ago.
“When his boots are moving, and he’s playing physical, that’s when he’s at his best and he knows that,” Colorado defenseman Cale Makar said. “For him to get that under his belt and get some confidence up, I’m sure it’s a big thing.”
The Jets will count on their strong goaltending, led by Connor Hellebuyck, and their stifling defense to keep Colorado’s offense in check.
Winnipeg allowed 2.42 goals per game during the regular season, tied with the Florida Panthers for the league lead.
“Our defensive game has been the strength of our team all year,” Jets defenseman Adam Lowry said. “Looking at what we tried to accomplish coming into training camp to now, we’re satisfied, but now the real work begins. We’re looking forward to the next challenge.”
Jets coach Rick Bowness said forward Morgan Barron will not play in Game 1 after leaving Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Kraken with a lower-body injury. He sat out Thursday’s regular-season finale against the Vancouver Canucks.
Barron had 18 points, including a career-high 11 goals, in 80 games this season.
–Field Level Media
