A highly anticipated playoff series between two of the NHL’s top teams, the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets, took an unexpected turn as the Avalanche evened the first-round battle with a convincing 5-2 victory in the Manitoba capital on Tuesday night.
The Jets, fresh off a thrilling 7-6 overtime win in Game 1, wasted no time asserting their dominance in the opening period. Just 3:15 into the game, David Gustafsson capitalized on a rebound opportunity to give Winnipeg an early lead. The Jets continued to apply pressure, earning a pair of power plays, but Colorado’s defense stood firm.
The momentum shifted in the second period as the Avalanche found their footing. Miles Wood tied the game just 1:59 into the period, and Colorado seized the lead for good on a goal by Zach Parise at 17:20. A miscue by Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck allowed Andrew Cogliano to set up Parise for the go-ahead goal.
Winnipeg’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a severe blow late in the second period when Nikolaj Ehlers fell in the Colorado end and lost control of the puck. Nathan MacKinnon intercepted the loose puck and fed a perfect stretch pass to Josh Manson, who beat Hellebuyck five-hole with just 6.9 seconds remaining in the period.
The Avalanche maintained their control in the third period, limiting the Jets’ chances and killing off a power play. With less than two minutes remaining, Valeri Nichushkin sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.
Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev bounced back from a shaky Game 1 performance, making 28 saves for the win. Hellebuyck, despite making 27 saves, was saddled with the loss. The series now shifts to Denver for Game 3 on Friday night, with the Avalanche looking to take the lead in the best-of-seven series.
