Jets Look To Close Out 2024 With A Win Against The Avalanche

The Winnipeg Jets travel to play the Colorado Avalanche for their final game of 2024.

With a win yesterday over the Nashville Predators, the Jets are now in sole possession of first place in the NHL. The stars of their win may have been the goals by Dylan DeMelo and the two from Gabriel Vilardi, but once again, Connor Hellebuyck showed his dominance.

The 31-year-old netminder turned away all 22 shots he faced to record his league-leading fifth shutout of the season. Hellebuyck also leads the NHL in wins, save percentage, goals against average and shots faced. The most recent Vezina Trophy winner is following up his performance last year with an even better showing this year.

Hellebuyck likely won't tend the goal today with the second half of a back-to-back, giving the crease to Eric Comrie. He'll make his ninth start of the season and is looking for his first win since Nov. 1.

The Avalanche's expected starter is MacKenzie Blackwood, the 28-year-old goaltender they acquired from the San Jose Sharks and recently signed to five-year, $5.25M AAV extensions.

The Avalanche started the season slowly, struggling to find consistent goaltending, but since the acquisition of Blackwood, the team has been rolling, winning eight of their last 10 and entering tonight's game on a four-game win streak. Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in assists and points, with his superstar teammate Mikko Rantanen in fourth among NHL players in points.

The two teams have a storied past, with games filled with animosity and a strong desire to win. Tonight's game will likely be no different than past encounters, which are filled with star talent.

Puck drop is at 7:00 P.M. CST at Ball Arena.

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