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Judging by the results between these teams during the regular season, this is a nightmare first-round matchup for Colorado. Winnipeg started by winning 4-2 at Ball Arena on Dec. 7, then won again 6-2 on Dec. 16 at the Canada Life Centre. The topper came in a 7-0 rout over the Avs in Denver last weekend, resulting in a plus-13 margin for the Jets over three games. If the Jets didn’t have the Avs’ attention at the start of the season, it’s safe to say they do now.

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Alexandar Georgiev was in net for that 7-0 disaster, allowing four goals on 15 shots in an ugly first period before being pulled. Georgiev’s goals against average is 3.02, which ranks 24th out of 34 goalies with at least 40 games played. He’s played well at times, but overall he’s been inconsistent, and if that trend in net continues the Avs could be in big trouble. By contrast, when the Avs won the Stanley Cup two years ago, goalie Darcy Kuemper had a 2.54 GAA in the regular season.

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The Avs ranked first in the NHL with 3.68 goals per game and first with 302 total goals;.Colorado’s also been solid on the power play, ranking fifth at 24.5%. Those stats are highlighted by an MVP-caliber season from Nathan MacKinnon, who led the team with 51 goals and was second in the NHL in total points at 140, setting a new franchise record. MacKinnon will need to continue his other-worldly play in order for the Avs to get past the Jets and make a deep playoff run.

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Neither the Jets nor the Avs have been particularly good in the face-off circle. While the league leaders were the Penguins at 54.6%, the Avs ranked 23rd at 47.9%, while the Jets were right behind them at 24th at 47.6%. It’s a detail that could be meaningful in close games. Of players who have played at least 50 games, Mikko Rantanen’s been the Avs’ best faceoff man at 53.8%. Puck possession of faceoffs in the defensive end will be key, especially considering Georgiev’s inconsistencies.

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While MacKinnon headlines the Colorado forwards, Cale Makar is turning in another career season on the blue line. He ranked second among NHL defensemen with 21 goals, 69 assists and 90 points. In a recent NHLPA poll, 56.4% of players said Makar would be the blueliner they’d want on their team in a must-win game, and he was also voted the top breakout passer by his peers. Makar, the winner of the Norris Trophy in 2021-22, is again in the conversation to win the award for the league’s best defenseman.