Preview: Jets Face Avalanche in Denver DENVER (Interstat) — The surging Colorado Avalanche host the struggling Winnipeg Jets on Friday night at Ball Arena in a matchup of teams trending in opposite directions. The Avalanche (24-9-0) enter on a five-game point streak (4-0-1) and have won eight of their last 10, powered by the league’s most dynamic offense. Center Nathan MacKinnon is at the heart of it, riding a seven-game point streak during which he has tallied eight goals and eight assists. In Tuesday’s 5-3 win at Seattle, MacKinnon had two goals and an assist. Conversely, the Jets (15-17-0) have lost five of their last six, including a 3-2 overtime defeat to Ottawa on Monday. Their season record reflects persistent inconsistency. A bright spot has been defenseman Logan Stanley, who has goals in three of his last five games, including the Jets’ most recent outing. Colorado’s firepower presents a formidable challenge for Winnipeg. The Avalanche average a league-best 4.12 goals per game, while the Jets rank in the bottom third defensively, allowing 3.41 goals per contest. Winnipeg will likely need a standout performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to contain MacKinnon’s line and Colorado’s deep attack. The teams last met in the 2024 playoffs, where Colorado won a first-round series in five games. While the rosters have evolved, the Avalanche remain a Stanley Cup contender, while the Jets are fighting to stay in the Western Conference playoff picture. Following this game, Colorado begins a three-game road trip Sunday in Minnesota. Winnipeg travels to face the Utah Mammoth on Sunday. Game Facts: When: Friday, 7 p.m. MST. Where: Ball Arena, Denver. Records: Jets 15-17-0; Avalanche 24-9-0. Players to Watch: Jets — D Logan Stanley (recent goal-scoring surge). Avalanche — C Nathan MacKinnon (16 points in last seven games).