The Winnipeg Jets knew how tough of an opponent they were up against Saturday afternoon in the Colorado Avalanche at Canada Life Centre, their first meeting since December and the first of three this month, and they kept Colorado’s big guns pretty quiet for most of the game en route to a 3-1 victory.

Winnipeg struck first 2:05 into the second period courtesy of Kyle Connor’s 30th of the season, the eighth time he’s reached that mark. Mark Scheifele stole Nathan MacKinnon’s drop pass in the Jets’ zone, carried the puck into the offensive zone, and set up a trailing Connor for a wrist shot from above the left hash marks that beat Mackenzie Blackwood low glove side.

Alex Iafallo added his 11th to put the home team up by a pair at 11:52. Scheifele’s one-timer from the blue line unfortunately hit him in the stomach area, but despite being in pain, he whacked home the loose puck. Scheifele picked up his 51st assist on the play, setting a new career high.

Winnipeg held its two-goal lead through 40 minutes despite being outshot 16-12.

Martin Necas finally got the Avalanche on the board at 18:44, snapping Connor Hellebuyck’s shutout bid with his 31st, but Cole Perfetti still managed to ice the game at 19:18 with an empty-net goal, his ninth.

The Jets held on to snap their two-game losing streak, improving to 27-28-10. Hellebuyck was phenomenal between the pipes, turning aside 28 shots, while Connor earned First Star honours with two points (1G, 1A).

As of right now, Winnipeg moves back within five points of the final Western Conference wild-card spot, but that could change with San Jose, Los Angeles, and Seattle all in action Saturday night.

Winnipeg is right back in action Sunday afternoon as they host the St. Louis Blues, another team still in the mix for WC2. Puck drop is set for 2:00 p.m. CT.

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