The Colorado Avalanche are feeling good after tying the series against the Winnipeg Jets at 1-1. They’re looking to take the lead when they play Game 3 at home on Friday.
Their 5-2 win in Game 2 showed that Avalanche could beat Winnipeg. This comes after losing to the Jets in all three regular-season meetings and dropping Game 1 by a score of 7-6.
“You always have to play your best to win in the playoffs,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. “Now we know what to expect and how good we need to be to win. We believe we can win at home or away.”
Jets vs. Avalanche
One key to the Avalanche’s success in Game 2 was balanced scoring, with 13 players getting at least one point. Goalie Alexandar Georgiev also bounced back from a rough Game 1, making 28 saves.
“We weren’t great in the first period,” Bednar admitted about Game 2. “But we played much better defensively in the second and third. Georgiev gave up a goal early but stayed focused and made the saves we needed. I’m proud of how he handled the pressure.”
Another positive sign for Colorado is that they’ve been able to get to Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who led the league in fewest goals allowed during the regular season. Hellebuyck has allowed at least four goals in each playoff game so far.
“Our forwards have been working hard to get to the net and create scoring chances,” Bednar said. “That intensity needs to continue if we want to win this series.”
While top scorers Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen haven’t lit up the scoresheet yet with just one goal between them, Coach Bednar believes they’re focused on winning, not personal stats.
