The Jets would be a tough playoff matchup for the Avalanche

For as frustrating as the Winnipeg Jets‘ regular season has been, they’ve nearly got themselves back into playoff position. After having won four of their last five games, the Jets are currently just a point back of the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.

If Winnipeg does make it in, they’d most likely have to play the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche in the first round. While that would obviously be a tough matchup for the Jets, it wouldn’t exactly be an ideal one for the Avalanche, either. Having to take on last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, playing their best hockey of the year with Hart Trophy-winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes is hardly the reward Colorado would want for winning the ultra-competitive Central Division.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton were joined by former NHL video coach Steve Peters to discuss how the Jets could pose problems for the Avalanche in the first round.

Carter Hutton: We talked about the Jets maybe sneaking in as that second wild card, but the Colorado Avalanche look like they’re going to get that matchup. Who don’t they want to play?

Steve Peters: It’s funny, because of the teams that are there, you’re talking about Nashville, L.A., and Winnipeg. I don’t think San Jose is going to be there for real, sorry San Jose Sharks fans. I just don’t think they’re going to have that push late, and I think their schedule on the way out is too tough.

The team you don’t want to play is Winnipeg, and it is because of Connor Hellebuyck. When he’s at his best, he gives his team a chance to win, period. We were talking about this team two weeks ago having no chance, they’re playing for next year, Hellebuyck was hurt most of the season. But since the Olympics, this team has been real. I don’t think they’re going to sneak in. I still think it’s the Los Angeles Kings, and the reason I think it’s the Kings is they have two home games against the Nashville Predators in the next six days.

You can catch the full discussion and the rest of Wednesday’s episode here…