Avalanche vs Jets March 26: Lehkonen Returns Tonight

Tonight's NHL matchup at Canada Life Centre pits two teams heading in very different directions — and if you're trying to figure out which squad has the edge, you've come to the right place. The Colorado Avalanche (47-13-10) roll into Winnipeg riding momentum, a healthy roster, and a seven-point stranglehold on the Central Division. The Winnipeg Jets (30-29-12) are fighting to stay relevant in a brutal Western Conference playoff race. With Artturi Lehkonen returning from a three-week absence and Nathan MacKinnon putting up historic numbers, this is one of the most compelling games of the NHL's stretch run. Here's your complete breakdown of every key element — players, lines, trends, and matchups — so you know exactly what to watch for when puck drops at 6:00 p.m. MT.

1. Nathan MacKinnon — Colorado's Offensive Engine

Overview

If the Avalanche are a sports car, Nathan MacKinnon is the engine. The Halifax native currently leads the entire NHL in goals (46) and ranks third in both points (115) and assists (69). He is the undisputed centerpiece of Colorado's offensive identity and the most dangerous forward the Jets will face tonight.

Key Features

• League-leading 46 goals in 2025-26
• 115 total points, third-highest in the NHL
• Elite two-way play and face-off dominance
• Playoff pedigree — led Avs to 2022 Stanley Cup

Pros

• Virtually unstoppable on the power play and at even strength
• Elevates every linemate around him
• Consistent performer in high-pressure road games

Cons

• Jets will game-plan specifically to slow him down
• Double-teaming could limit his impact if Winnipeg plays disciplined defense

Bottom Line: MacKinnon is the single biggest X-factor in tonight's game. Wherever he goes, scoring chances follow. Read the full game preview from the NHL.

2. Artturi Lehkonen — The Returning Weapon

Overview

Lehkonen's return is the headline story of the night. The Finnish winger missed over three weeks with an upper-body injury sustained March 3 against the Anaheim Ducks. In the interim, he represented Finland at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, earning a bronze medal and posting six points in six games — proving he's healthy, sharp, and ready to contribute.

Key Features

• 19 goals and 23 assists (42 points) in 59 games this season
• Bronze medalist at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics with Team Finland
• Known for his two-way game, net-front presence, and clutch playoff goals
• Missed only the regular-season portion of his absence — stayed game-sharp at the Olympics

Pros

• Adds depth to an already dangerous Colorado forward group
• Olympic competition kept him in top physical condition
• Proven performer in playoff situations (scored the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning goal)

Cons

• May need a game or two to fully re-sync with linemates after three weeks away
• Timing and chemistry could be slightly off in his first game back

Bottom Line: Lehkonen's return gives Colorado a significant roster upgrade at exactly the right time of year. His ability to stay sharp during the Olympics makes a rough re-entry unlikely.

3. Cale Makar — The Defensive Difference-Maker

Overview

No other team in tonight's game has a defenseman remotely in Cale Makar's class. Ranking third among all NHL defensemen in points (71) and tied for fourth in goals among blueliners (20), Makar is arguably the best defenseman in the world. He controls games from the back end in a way few players in NHL history have matched.

Key Features

• 71 points from the blue line in 2025-26
• 20 goals, elite offensive zone entry and puck-carrying ability
• Norris Trophy-caliber play for the fourth consecutive season
• Powers Colorado's top power-play unit

Pros

• Creates mismatches that Winnipeg's defense simply cannot replicate
• Extends possessions and generates offense from deep in Colorado's own zone
• Can single-handedly swing a game's momentum

Cons

• If Winnipeg can neutralize MacKinnon AND Makar, Colorado's offense could stall — a very tall order

Bottom Line: Makar is the best player on the ice tonight who isn't named MacKinnon. His involvement on the power play will be critical if either team takes undisciplined penalties.

4. Martin Necas — Colorado's Under-the-Radar Star

Overview

While MacKinnon and Makar get the headlines, Martin Necas is quietly having a monster season. Ranking seventh in the NHL with 88 points, the Czech forward has been one of the league's most productive players. He torched the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 24 with two goals in Colorado's dominant 6-2 victory, demonstrating he's in peak form heading into tonight's game.

Key Features

• 88 points on the season, seventh in the entire NHL
• Two goals in Colorado's most recent 6-2 win over Pittsburgh
• Elite skating and shooting skill with a quick, deceptive release
• Consistent contributor across all game situations

Pros

• Currently in excellent form — back-to-back strong outings
• Provides a secondary offensive threat that defenses can't solely focus on
• Hot hand entering tonight's game

Cons

• Less name recognition means he's sometimes overlooked by opposing defenses — which actually works in Colorado's favor

Bottom Line: Necas may be the most dangerous under-the-radar performer in the game tonight. Winnipeg must account for him, or he'll make them pay.

5. Mark Scheifele — Winnipeg's Offensive Leader

Overview

If the Jets have any chance tonight, it runs through their veteran captain. Mark Scheifele leads Winnipeg with 32 goals and 54 assists on the season, making him the Jets' most potent offensive weapon. He'll need to be exceptional against a Colorado defense that has been suffocating opponents all season long.

Key Features

• 32 goals and 54 assists in 2025-26 — leading Jets in both categories
• Veteran leadership and playoff experience
• Strong net-front presence and finish on shots
• Capable of exploiting defensive breakdowns at speed

Pros

• Winnipeg's most reliable source of offense — gets to his spots consistently
• Experience against Colorado, including the Jets' March 14 win over the Avs
• Home ice could boost his confidence and effectiveness

Cons

• Faces a massive quality-of-competition gap against MacKinnon's line
• Colorado's defensive structure limits big-game performers effectively
• Jets are 30-29-12 — inconsistency has plagued this team all season

Bottom Line: Scheifele is Winnipeg's best hope, but he's working with a much thinner supporting cast than his Colorado counterpart. See tonight's odds and betting lines here.

6. Scott Wedgewood — Colorado's Goaltending Wall

Overview

Colorado's goaltending has been a quiet strength all season. Scott Wedgewood turned in an outstanding performance in the Avs' last outing, making 30 saves in a commanding 6-2 win over Pittsburgh. He enters tonight riding high confidence, and Winnipeg will need to solve him if they hope to secure a home win.

Key Features

• 30 saves in Colorado's most recent game (March 24 vs. Pittsburgh)
• Part of a goaltending tandem supporting a 47-13-10 team
• Confident positioning and rebound control

Pros

• Fresh off a dominant, confidence-building performance
• Plays behind one of the NHL's best defensive structures
• Colorado's team defense reduces shot quality, not just quantity

Cons

• Winnipeg's home crowd and Scheifele's presence could create pressure situations
• Playing on the road adds a variable to his performance

Bottom Line: Wedgewood is in form and backed by the best team in the Central Division. He's a reliable pillar for Colorado tonight.

7. Winnipeg Jets' Home Ice Advantage

Overview

Canada Life Centre is one of the loudest barns in the NHL, and Winnipeg demonstrated their home dominance just two nights ago with a 4-1 dismantling of the Vegas Golden Knights on March 24. The Jets also beat Colorado 3-1 in Winnipeg on March 14 — their home record and crowd support represent perhaps their biggest competitive advantage tonight.

Key Features

• Jets won their last home game 4-1 vs. Vegas on March 24
• Defeated Colorado 3-1 at home on March 14, 2026
• Canada Life Centre crowd consistently ranks among the most energetic in the league
• Home-ice performance has been Winnipeg's most consistent edge all season

Pros

• Proven recent home success against both Vegas and Colorado
• Crowd energy can disrupt visiting team's rhythm and communication
• Jets are a different team at home than on the road

Cons

• Colorado is attempting to complete a perfect four-game road trip — they've already beaten adversity on the road
• The Avs won 3-2 in Denver on December 19 and have a 23-22-5 all-time edge over Winnipeg

Bottom Line: Home ice is Winnipeg's most legitimate advantage tonight. Here's why a Colorado win would be massive for the Central Division race.

Head-to-Head Comparison Summary

Category	Colorado Avalanche	Winnipeg Jets
Record	47-13-10	30-29-12
Best Player	MacKinnon (115 pts)	Scheifele (86 pts)
Recent Form	Won 6-2 vs. PIT	Won 4-1 vs. VGK
Head-to-Head	Won Dec. 19 (3-2)	Won Mar. 14 (3-1)
Injury News	Lehkonen returning	N/A
Playoff Edge	+7 pts in Central	Fighting for spot

Verdict: Colorado is the clear favorite in nearly every statistical and roster category. The gap between these two teams in 2025-26 is substantial, and Lehkonen's return only widens it further. Winnipeg's best chance lies in their home crowd and the fact that they beat these same Avs just 12 days ago.

FAQ

What time does Avalanche vs. Jets start tonight?

The game begins at 6:00 p.m. MT (8:00 p.m. ET) at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Find the open thread and viewing details here.

Has Lehkonen played since his injury?

No. Lehkonen suffered an upper-body injury on March 3, 2026 against the Anaheim Ducks and has not played in a regular-season game since. He did participate in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics with Finland, earning a bronze medal and recording six points in six games — keeping him game-ready despite missing NHL action.

What is Colorado's all-time record against Winnipeg?

In 50 previous regular-season meetings, the Avalanche lead the Jets 23-22-5 — a historically tight series. Colorado also defeated Winnipeg in five games during the 2024 Western Conference First Round in the playoffs.

Why does this game matter for the playoff race?

Colorado leads the Central Division by seven points over the Dallas Stars. A win tonight would bring the Avs closer to clinching the division title and potentially home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. For Winnipeg, every point is critical as they battle to secure a postseason berth on the wrong side of .500.

Fan's Guide: What to Watch For Tonight

• Lehkonen's chemistry: Watch how quickly he re-integrates into his line. If he looks sharp immediately, Colorado becomes even more dangerous.
• MacKinnon vs. Scheifele matchup: Whenever these two centers are on the ice simultaneously, track the puck. The better player on the night will likely decide the outcome.
• Makar on the power play: If Winnipeg takes early penalties, Makar and MacKinnon will make them pay. Colorado's PP is among the NHL's best.
• Jets' home energy: Winnipeg's crowd is a genuine factor. If the Jets score first, Canada Life Centre becomes very loud — and very difficult to play in.
• Necas's hot streak: Coming off a two-goal game, Necas is one of the most dangerous players in the NHL right now. Watch for him to exploit any defensive lapses.
• Colorado's road trip completion: The Avs are aiming for a perfect four-game road trip. That kind of collective motivation can be its own fuel — expect a focused, professional effort from start to finish.

Whether you're watching for the playoff implications, Lehkonen's comeback story, or simply to see MacKinnon and Makar do things with a hockey puck that seem physically impossible, tonight's game has all the ingredients for must-see NHL hockey. Colorado is the better team on paper — but Winnipeg has the crowd, the home ice, and the memory of their March 14 win to fuel an upset bid.