The Winnipeg Jets face the Colorado Avalanche with both teams looking to build off strong starts to the season. The Jets have split their first two games but look much improved after missing the playoffs last season thus far. The Avalanche are 2-1 and looking a lot like the team that won the Stanley Cup last year. Both teams are looking to start the season in the Central Division strong and the upcoming game should be a great one as a result.
The Jets are hoping to start the season strong but the offense looks to step up, scoring only 2.50 goals per game with only one goal in their recent loss. Mark Scheifele has scored three goals while Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor have combined for a goal and four assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has struggled. The hope is that Pierre-Luc Dubois and Blake Wheeler can step up as they play a pivotal role in the forward unit but have only added two assists to start the season.
While the offense has struggled, the defense has looked strong to start the season, allowing only 2.50 goals per game with only one goal allowed in their win against the New York Rangers. Neal Pionk and Josh Morrissey have led the top two pairings but the rest of the unit has also stepped up with Brenden Dillon, Dylan DeMelo, and the rest of the defense stepping up in the defensive zone and creating tu rnovers while limiting shots on the net. Additionally, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been great in the net, saving 65 of the 70 shots faced.