The Winnipeg Jets started their post All-Star break schedule with six straight losses, but that’s behind them now courtesy of a 5-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche.
After all the drama surrounding Jets forward Evander Kane, which coincided with his decision to have season-ending shoulder surgery, the Jets enjoyed their best offensive showing since the break. Dustin Byfuglien had a goal and two assists while Bryan Little fired top shelf to score what proved to be the deciding goal.
Colorado attempted to stage a comeback in the final frame, with Matt Duchene and Alex Tanguay each finding the back of the net, but it ultimately proved to be too little, too late.
The Avalanche have now dropped three straight to fall to 22-21-11 this season. They’re six points back in the battle for a Wild Card spot, but the bigger issue is that they rank 12th in the conference, behind Minnesota, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
Winnipeg holds the first Wild Card spot and has an eight-point cushion in the fight for a playoff berth.