NHL • CENTRAL DIVISION RIVALRY

COL

48-13-10

vs

WPG

30-30-12

Tonight • 7:00 PM MT • Ball Arena

WINNIPEG – The Colorado Avalanche look to complete a quick two-game regular-season sweep of the Winnipeg Jets tonight at Ball Arena, fresh off a 3-2 victory over their Central Division rivals just 48 hours ago.

Nathan MacKinnon was the hero in Thursday’s contest at Canada Life Centre, scoring twice – including the game-winner – while goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood turned aside 22 shots. Mark Scheifele replied with both goals for the Jets, who saw their already slim playoff hopes dealt another blow.

The Stakes

The Avalanche (48-13-10) have solidified their grip on top spot in the Central and the Western Conference. A win tonight would extend their division lead and continue their momentum into the final stretch. For the Jets (30-30-12), the math is becoming dire. Any loss significantly damages their fading chance at a wild-card berth.

Recent History & Season Series

The Avalanche now hold a 2-1 edge in the season series after Thursday’s win. The Jets took the first meeting of the 2025-26 campaign 5-2 in Denver on 31 December 2024. The historical rivalry is tight, with the Jets holding a slight 35-34 all-time edge according to head-to-head records.

This marks a reversal from recent playoff history, where the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 in the 2024 Western Conference First Round. The Jets were eliminated in that series, with defensive and special teams woes cited as key factors.

What to Watch For Tonight

  • MacKinnon’s March: The Avalanche superstar’s two-goal performance brought him to 48 goals on the season. He is within striking distance of the 50-goal milestone.
  • Jets’ Response: Winnipeg must find a way to generate more offence beyond Scheifele. Their strategy, as reported, will focus on defensive discipline against the league’s highest-scoring team.
  • Goaltending Matchup: All eyes will be on the crease. Will the Avalanche stick with the hot hand in Blackwood, or will Connor Hellebuyck rebound for the Jets after Thursday’s loss?

The Odds & Public Insight

Sportsbooks heavily favour the Avalanche on home ice. As of this morning, the moneyline sits around Colorado -275 / Winnipeg +222. The predicted total goals line is set at 6.5, with several analysts recommending the Under. A common player prop bet is for Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele to record Over 2.5 shots on goal.

The puck drops at 7:00 PM Mountain Time tonight, 28 March 2026, in Denver. The game will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

With files from NHL.com, ESPN, and The Denver Post. Records and odds are subject to change.