Perfetti's Late Goal Lifts Jets Over Avalanche, 4-2

Winnipeg keeps playoff hopes alive with victory over NHL-leading Colorado

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:01am

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Cole Perfetti scored the game-winning goal late in the third period to lift the Winnipeg Jets to a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night. The Jets earned a split of the season series and kept their postseason hopes alive, sitting three points behind Nashville for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Colorado's loss, combined with Dallas' win, cut their Central Division lead over the Stars to seven points.

Why it matters

This was a crucial win for the Jets as they try to secure a playoff berth, while the Avalanche suffered a rare loss despite leading the NHL with 106 points. The game also featured a milestone for Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, who recorded his 500th career point in his 467th game, the fourth-fastest among NHL defensemen.

The details

Winnipeg got goals from Gabriel Vilardi, Cole Koepke, and Kyle O'Connor, in addition to Perfetti's game-winner. Colorado's goals came from Brock Nelson and Parker Kelly. Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 21 saves, while Avalanche netminder Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 17 shots. The game was tied 2-2 in the third period before Perfetti redirected a shot past Blackwood to give Winnipeg the lead for good.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Perfetti scored the game-winning goal at 14:49 of the third period.
  • O'Connor added an empty-net goal at 17:51 of the third period.

The players

Cole Perfetti

Winnipeg Jets center who scored the game-winning goal late in the third period.

Connor Hellebuyck

Winnipeg Jets goaltender who made 21 saves in the victory.

Cale Makar

Colorado Avalanche defenseman who recorded his 500th career point in his 467th game, the fourth-fastest among NHL defensemen.

Mackenzie Blackwood

Colorado Avalanche goaltender who made 17 saves in the loss.

Brock Nelson

Colorado Avalanche forward who scored one of the team's two goals.

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What they’re saying

“This was a crucial win for us as we try to secure a playoff spot. The boys battled hard and Perfetti came up big with that late goal.”

— Rick Bowness, Winnipeg Jets Head Coach

“We just couldn't find a way to get that tying goal in the third period. Credit to the Jets, they played a solid game and deserved the win.”

— Jared Bednar, Colorado Avalanche Head Coach

What’s next

The Jets will look to build on this win when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. The Avalanche will host the Calgary Flames on Monday night as they try to maintain their lead atop the Central Division.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the competitive nature of the Western Conference playoff race, with the Jets keeping their postseason hopes alive by defeating the NHL-leading Avalanche. It also showcased the continued excellence of Cale Makar, who reached a significant career milestone for the Avalanche.