After combining for 20 goals in the first two games of the series, the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche battle for the 2-1 lead on Friday night. The puck drops at 10:00 pm, and after what we saw on Sunday and Tuesday, there’s no doubt this has been the most exciting and chaotic series up to this point.
I’m sure both coaches would love a little less chaos, but I’ll speak for all of us when I say, give me more of whatever that was in Games 1 and 2.
Now the series shifts to Denver, where the Avalanche went 31-9-1, boasting the best home record in the NHL. Winnipeg finished the season 25-13-3 on the road. We’ll find out which trend will continue on Friday Night.
Georgiev Bounces Back For The Avalanche in Game 2
Speaking of trends, Avalanche goaltender Alexander Georgiev allowed 10 goals in his last 3 games of the regular season. 4 of those were against the Jets. In Game 1 of the series on Sunday, he allowed 7 goals on only 23 shots.
On Monday morning, this was the main talking point, and rightfully so. Hellebuyck is one of the best goalies in the world and the Avs scored 6 on him and still lost. Georgiev has been unreliable for a large chunk of the season, and after a game like that, you can’t help but feel deflated.
But that’s why we play the game.
Georgiev bounced back in Game 2 and gave the Colorado Avalanche exactly the game they needed from him. Winnipeg scored the opening goal three minutes into the game, at which time Avs fans around the world were holding their breath expecting the dam to break.
Mark Scheifele scored halfway through the second period to give Winnipeg the 2-1 lead. Georgiev would lock it down after that, while Mackinnon and company would take care of the rest.
In spite of his shaky play the last few weeks, Georgiev was 24-6-1 at home this season, posting a .902 GAA and a 2.75 SV%. The Avs will need more of that in their home barn tonight.
Lots to Clean Up For Winnipeg in Game 3
In Game 1, the Winnipeg Jets made a lot of defensive mistakes, and despite making 40 saves, Hellebuyck had an average performance. They kept up with the Avalanche offensively and gutted out an exhilarating win.
In game 2 however, they came out and played a much better defensive game, and offensively they took advantage of their opportunities.
With six minutes left in the second period, Artturi Lehkonen tied the game up at 2-2, and by the end of the period, the Avalanche were up 4-2. No team is better at flipping the switch than Colorado, and the Jets were not ready for it.
Jets Need More From Hellebuyck
Connor Hellebuyck is most likely this year’s Vezina winner. He finished the season with a .921 GAA and a .2.39 SV%. On the road this season, his GAA was the same, and his SV% was slightly worse at 2.43.
He deserves a pass for Game 1, he’s earned it, but heading into Game 3, there’s no way around it. He needs to be better for his team to leave Denver 2-2 or better.
Through the first two games, he’s allowed 10 goals on 77 shots making his GAA 5.04 and his SV% .870.
There’s no question the team in front of him needs to play better, but in Winnipeg, it starts and ends with Hellebuyck. His play Friday night is crucial, no matter what happens in front of him.
What to Expect in Game 3
The flow of the games so far in this series favors the Avalanche, no question. It’s been fast-paced with a lot of open ice. For Winnipeg, they need to find a way to slow down the game and take that time and space away from the Avs.
The ability to roll out all four lines has been a plus for Winnipeg all year, however in this series, the production has been incredibly top-heavy. Scheifele and Connor both have 4 points, Vilardi has 3, and after that, there are a couple of 2’s and a bunch of 1’s. Lines two through four need to find a way to produce this weekend.
For the Colorado Avalanche, we already knew they were top-heavy. They’ve scored 11 goals, and Nathan MacKinnon only has 3 points. To me, that’s incredibly encouraging. We haven’t seen the best from him, and tonight, I expect the home crowd to provide the boost needed for the likely MVP to have himself a night.
As you’ve heard from me, and everyone else, a million times, Colorado is the best home team in the league, and my gut is telling me it’ll be too much for the Jets to handle.
But, that’s why we play the games.
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