Eurolanche

Jets try to end slump against Avs

Season series: The Winnipeg Jets won the first two games against the Colorado Avalanche this season before the Avalanche's 4-3 shootout win in Denver on Dec. 11. Jets captain Andrew Ladd has three goals and three assists against Colorado this season, and linemate Bryan Little has four goals and an assist, including a hat trick Dec. 5.

Avalanche team scope: The Avalanche conclude a two-game Central Division road trip that began with a 1-0 loss at the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Goaltender Semyon Varlamov made 28 saves in his ninth consecutive start. The Avalanche's nine road wins are the fourth-fewest in the NHL. The Avalanche have been shut out in their past two games and eight times this season, second-most in the League. Colorado's goalless streak moved to 120:20 in the loss Saturday. Colorado's power play has not scored in its past 24 opportunities since its most recent goal on Jan. 15. Center Matt Duchene does not have a goal in his past six games. Leading scorer Alex Tanguay has one goal in his past 19 games and none in his past 10. After this game, the Avalanche do not play until they start a four-game homestand next Thursday against the New York Rangers.

Jets team scope: The Jets will be trying to end a six-game losing streak, though they did get a point Friday in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks at MTS Centre. Winnipeg is 0-4-2 since its most recent win Jan. 21. Left wing Evander Kane underwent surgery on his left shoulder Saturday and is out for the season; his recovery period is expected to last 4-6 months. With Kane out, Dustin Byfuglien will remain at forward for now. The Jets hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are attempting to fend off four teams behind them. Winnipeg has played 54 games, tied for most in the League. Coach Paul Maurice has said he has been happier with the Jets' performance in the past two losses as they head into the stretch drive. "There is no swoon in the games," Maurice said, according to the Jets website, regarding the final third of the regular season. "There is never really a drop-off … Everything is a full-out sprint." The Jets finish a run of three consecutive home games against Central Division opponents when Minnesota visits Tuesday.

-- by Patrick Williams for NHL.com --

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