It has been a near picture-perfect start for the Winnipeg Jets this season. They’ve secured five of a possible six points in their first three games. Kyle Connor and Cole Perfetti have been leading the way offensively with five points each; the new faces on the team have been contributing to the early success, including wins from both new goaltenders, and they grabbed two wins on the road in back-to-back days. Now, they are back on home ice looking to build off their early accomplishments as they face off against a division rival—the Colorado Avalanche. “The team’s been playing awesome. Could have won the first one. Obviously, we’re able to get wins in the second and third. So, it’s been a good start to the year. We just want to keep going,” said Jets forward Mark Scheifele. The Avalanche have also had a similarly impressive start to the year, grabbing wins in both of their contests and putting up 14 goals in the process. The Jets are well versed in what challenges Colorado poses when they are in top form and know they have to be ready to push back against the Central Division powerhouse. “They have a heck of a roster. They have the last, whatever it is, seven or eight years now. So it’s always a great test coming into our building and like I said, they got a lot of star power over there, so we have to be ready,” said defenceman Neal Pionk. That star power has been showing off early, led by superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who has a pair of goals and three assists in their first two games. On the back end, Cale Makar is off to another steady start with three points. Those are just two of the many names the Jets will have to keep an eye on throughout the contest Wednesday. “In this league, when you’re playing against superstars, you have to always know on the ice, puck management becomes a major, major factor. If you feed their transition, you’re going to be in for a long night. Our guys know those guys obviously really well, and they know what they have to do against them,” said Head Coach Scott Arniel. Mark Scheifele searching for points While many of the top players for the Jets have found the scoresheet this season, one name has yet to appear for point number one. Scheifele had the best season of his career last year, finishing with 36 goals and 103 points. However, through three games, he remains pointless. But for him and his coach, there isn’t much concern about that fact. “This is a team sport,” said Scheifele. “We’ve had great contributions from everyone. Goaltenders have played great. It’s been a great start to the year. We’re happy with where we are and like we said, it’s just a matter of getting team wins and that’s the biggest focus.” “Thing about it, (Scheifele) is playing fantastic hockey,” said Arniel. “If they give out three assists, he’s probably got eight points now. And the number of chances, looking at our chances for and against, both five on five and powerplay, he’s had some grade A’s. I don’t have worries there; both his linemates have five points…he’s been doing the right things without the puck and helping that line have success.” Puck drop Wednesday against the Avalanche will be at 6:30 p.m. Fans can watch the contest on Amazon Prime.
