[3:00 PM] Avalanche @ Jets

Who will WIN this matchup?

Colorado Avalanche (11-17-1)

@ Winnipeg Jets (14-16-3

 

Starting Goalies:

Calvin Pickard (COL): Confirmed

Michael Hutchinson(WPG): Unconfirmed

 

• Do not be surprised if the Colorado Avalanche are happy to open a two-game road trip Sunday afternoon at the Winnipeg Jets, given they have not won a home game since the middle of November. The Avalanche lost seven games in a row in Denver (0-6-1), the latest a lackluster 3-1 loss to Florida on Friday that left them with an NHL-worst 23 points.

• Colorado also is working on its power play after going 0-for-6 with a man advantage Friday and is 2-of-18 in its past five games. Center Matt Duchene assisted on the Avalanche’s lone goal Friday, and has seven points (five goals, two assists) in his past six contests. Goaltender Calvin Pickard (5-5-1, 2.88 goals-against average, .904 goals-against average) gets the start for Colorado on Sunday in his hometown.

• The Jets allowed eight power-play goals in their past four games – three in the second period Thursday – and are near the bottom of the league in penalty kill (75.6 percent). Laine ranks among the league leaders in goals (17) and power-play markers (seven). Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made 41 saves in Thursday’s victory, has a 2.40 GAA at home compared to 3.27 on the road.

• The Jets and Avalanche split their first two meetings of the season (both in Denver) with Winnipeg winning 1-0 on Oct. 28 and Colorado capturing a 3-2 overtime victory Nov. 11.

• Colorado is among the league leaders in faceoffs won at 53.8 percent.

• Pickard makes his third consecutive start as G Semyon Varlamov recovers from a groin injury; Varlamov took part in Saturday’s practice before the Avalanche left Denver.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Winnipeg Jets

Confidence: 6/10

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