Denver Skaters Fail to Shine as Flames Climb 3-1

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 14: Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood #39 of the Colorado Avalanche guards the net as he keeps an eye on Mark Scheifele #55 of the Winnipeg Jets during first period action at the Canada Life Centre on March 14, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images The Colorado Avalanche spent most of Saturday afternoon trying to catch up but came up short in a 3–1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. Winnipeg took control early in the second period and never really let go, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped nearly everything Colorado sent his way.

Martin Nečas finally got the Avalanche on the board late in the third period, but the comeback push came too late. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar each picked up an assist on the goal. Veteran defenseman Brent Burns also reached a milestone, playing in his 990th straight NHL game and moving past Keith Yandle for the second-longest ironman streak in league history.

Mackenzie Blackwood made 15 saves on 17 shots in the loss. For Winnipeg, Kyle Connor scored to reach 30 goals for the eighth time in his career. Alex Iafallo and Cole Perfetti also scored, while Hellebuyck finished with 28 saves.

First Period The first period was a slow start offensively, with both teams feeling each other out and combining for just 13 shots. Midway through the period, Brock Nelson was called for roughing after a stick battle along the boards with Iafallo. Nelson shoved him to get his stick free and was sent to the penalty box.