Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Avalanche out to solve Connor Hellebuyck, Jets

The Colorado Avalanche face off against the Winnipeg Jets in Denver on Wednesday night, closing out their regular-season series. With both teams reeling from disappointing losses, the stakes are high as they aim to regroup and solidify their playoff positions.

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A Tale of Two Teams: Playoff Aspirations and Recent Struggles

The Jets remain atop the Central Division, comfortably holding the second-most points in the NHL. However, recent inconsistencies—evidenced by their 4-4-2 record in the last 10 games—have raised concerns. In contrast, the Avalanche are fighting to escape the precarious wild-card race, making this game a pivotal opportunity to reclaim momentum.

Colorado Avalanche: Battling Inconsistency and Injuries

The Avalanche’s flat 3-1 loss to Minnesota on Monday highlighted ongoing issues with slow starts, a concern echoed by head coach Jared Bednar and star defenseman Cale Makar. Despite these challenges, Colorado has reasons for optimism:

1. Key Players Stepping Up:
   • Nathan MacKinnon: Leading the NHL in scoring with 74 points (18 goals, 56 assists).
   • Mikko Rantanen: Sixth in league scoring with 63 points (25 goals, 38 assists).
   • Cale Makar: The NHL’s highest-scoring defenseman, with 52 points (15 goals, 37 assists).
2. Valeri Nichushkin’s Potential Return: Nichushkin, a top-six forward, has been sidelined for 10 games with a lower-body injury. When healthy, his net-front presence and chemistry with MacKinnon and Rantanen significantly elevate the team’s offensive threat. His 11 goals in 21 games this season underscore his importance.
3. Challenges Against Hellebuyck: Despite Colorado’s star power, they’ve struggled against Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who boasts league-leading stats: 28 wins, a .927 save percentage, a 2.02 goals-against average, and six shutouts—two of which came against the Avalanche.

Winnipeg Jets: Seeking Stability Amid Challenges

The Jets’ 5-2 loss to Utah on Monday was described as an “embarrassing performance” by interim head coach Scott Arniel. The team’s frustrations were palpable, with forward Nikolaj Ehlers candidly stating, “That is not Winnipeg Jets hockey.”

1. Hellebuyck’s Dominance: The standout goaltender has been a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s success. However, after allowing four goals to Utah, he’ll look to rebound against an Avalanche team he has stymied in prior matchups.
2. Offensive Leaders:
   • Kyle Connor: 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists).
   • Mark Scheifele: 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists).
   • Both players are pivotal to Winnipeg’s high-powered offense.
3. Injury Concerns: Captain Adam Lowry’s status remains uncertain after leaving Monday’s game with an apparent lower-body injury. Lowry, seventh on the team in scoring (26 points), plays a key role in stabilizing the lineup.

Head-to-Head: The Season Series So Far

The Jets have a 2-1 edge in the season series, with the home team prevailing in each game. The Avalanche will need a strong performance to even the score, especially given their struggles in overcoming Hellebuyck’s stellar play.

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Keys to the Game

For Colorado:

• Fast Starts: Addressing their sluggish beginnings will be crucial. Establishing early offensive pressure can unsettle Winnipeg’s defense.
• Cracking Hellebuyck: Creative plays, net-front traffic, and exploiting rebounds are essential to solving one of the league’s top goaltenders.

For Winnipeg:

• Consistency: Avoid lapses in effort that have plagued recent performances, as seen in their loss to Utah.
• Strong Defensive Support: Limiting Colorado’s top scorers will require disciplined defensive play and effective forechecking.

What’s at Stake?

For the Avalanche, this game offers a chance to break out of wild-card limbo and gain confidence against a division leader. For the Jets, it’s about regaining form and maintaining dominance in the Central Division. Both teams have plenty to prove as they inch closer to the playoffs.

Conclusion

The Avalanche and Jets have everything to play for in this pivotal matchup. With top-tier talent on both sides, the outcome may hinge on which team can execute their game plan and rise above recent setbacks. As the final meeting of the regular season between these two rivals, expect a battle that could shape their playoff trajectories.