Avalanche Aim to Maintain Central Division Lead Against Struggling Jets

Colorado focuses on health as Winnipeg fights to stay in playoff hunt

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:35am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game between the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets, with the players and ice deconstructed into abstract geometric shapes and planes of color, creating a dynamic and visually striking composition.The high-stakes clash between the division-leading Avalanche and the desperate Jets showcases the contrasts of the NHL, where health, depth, and consistency are the keys to success.Dallas Today

The Colorado Avalanche, sitting atop the Central Division, are focused on staying healthy as they approach the final month of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are struggling to find consistency and need to make a push to secure a wild card playoff spot.

Why it matters

This home-and-home series between the division-leading Avalanche and the playoff-chasing Jets could be a pivotal moment in the NHL season, as Colorado looks to extend its lead while Winnipeg fights to turn its season around.

The details

The Avalanche have won their last three games and hold a 7-point lead over the Dallas Stars in the Central Division. Colorado has been bolstered by the return of Logan O'Connor and Ross Colton to the lineup, but will be without Nicolas Roy due to an upper-body injury. Artturi Lehkonen is also set to return. The Jets, on the other hand, have only won 5 of their last 10 games and sit outside the playoff picture, needing to climb over three teams to secure a wild card spot.

  • The Avalanche and Jets will face off in a home-and-home series in the coming days.
  • The Avalanche have won their last three games, extending their lead atop the Central Division.

The players

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL team leading the Central Division with a 7-point cushion over the Dallas Stars.

Winnipeg Jets

The NHL team currently outside the playoff picture, needing to climb over three teams to secure a wild card spot.

Logan O'Connor

An Avalanche player who has recently returned to the lineup.

Ross Colton

An Avalanche player who has recently returned to the lineup.

Nicolas Roy

An Avalanche player who will miss the upcoming games due to an upper-body injury.

Artturi Lehkonen

An Avalanche player who is set to return to the lineup.

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What’s next

The Avalanche and Jets will face off in a home-and-home series in the coming days, with the Avalanche looking to extend their division lead and the Jets fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The takeaway

This series between the division-leading Avalanche and the struggling Jets will be a test of contrasting approaches, as Colorado focuses on health and consistency while Winnipeg looks to turn its season around. The outcome could have significant implications for the playoff race in the Central Division.