In Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series, the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Colorado Avalanche 7-6 in a wild contest where tight checking and limited scoring opportunities were not present. Goaltending was a key factor in the game, with Connor Hellebuyck making 40 saves for the Jets and Alexandar Georgiev allowing six goals on 46 shots for the Avalanche.
The Avalanche may need to find a backup goalie, as Justus Annunen is still out sick. Annunen went 8-4-1 with a 2.25 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage as Georgiev’s backup during the regular season.
The Jets scored seven goals, tying a franchise record for most goals in a playoff game. Kyle Connor and Adam Lowry each scored twice for Winnipeg, while Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey each had a goal and an assist. Cale Makar led the Avalanche with a goal and two assists, while Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen each had a goal and an assist.
In Game 2, both teams will likely focus on improving their defense. The Avalanche will need to find a way to limit the Jets’ scoring chances, while the Jets will need to do a better job of protecting their lead.
