Colorado Avalanche host Winnipeg Jets in NHL showdown at Ball Arena

NHL early season clash at Ball Arena

The Colorado Avalanche will welcome the Winnipeg Jets to Ball Arena in Denver on Saturday, 26 September 2026, in an NHL regular-season encounter. The puck is scheduled to drop at 00:30 UTC, with the Avalanche aiming to build on their promising start at home. This game marks another chapter in a recent rivalry, with both teams eager to improve their standings positions in the competitive league.

Current standings and form guide

The Avalanche currently sit 11th in the NHL standings, having played two matches with a record of one win and one loss, accumulating two points. They have scored five goals and conceded four, showing a positive goal difference of one. Meanwhile, the Jets are positioned higher in eighth place after three games, with one win and one loss, and they hold three points. Despite scoring six goals, they have conceded eight, resulting in a goal difference of minus two.

Colorado's recent form is strong, with four wins from their last five games, including victories over Utah Mammoth, Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers. Their only setback was a 3-1 loss away to Winnipeg Jets on 22 September. In these matches, Colorado averaged 2.4 goals per game while keeping their opponents to 1.2 goals on average.

In contrast, the Jets have struggled to find consistency, winning only once in their last five, which was the 3-1 home victory over Colorado. Their other matches have included losses to Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks, with a defensive record that shows 19 goals conceded in five games. Their attacking output stands at 10 goals in the same span, averaging two per game.

Recent head-to-head encounters

This fixture is the fifth meeting between these two sides this season, with the Jets holding an advantage in the head-to-head record. Out of four games played, Winnipeg has won three, including the latest contest on 22 September 2026 where they secured a 3-1 home victory over Colorado. The Avalanche have managed just one win in these meetings, a narrow 3-2 away success on 27 March 2026.

These encounters have been relatively high scoring, with a total of 19 goals shared between them. The Jets have demonstrated the ability to score and defend effectively against Colorado in recent matches, making this upcoming game a critical opportunity for the Avalanche to turn the tide on their home ice.

What to expect from the match

Given the standings, recent form and head-to-head history, this game offers both teams a chance to assert their ambitions early in the NHL season. Colorado Avalanche will be looking to bounce back after their recent loss to Winnipeg and continue their otherwise strong form. The Jets will aim to maintain their edge over Colorado and improve their overall record, despite some defensive frailties.

The Avalanche’s home advantage at Ball Arena and their ability to limit goals against could be key factors. Meanwhile, the Jets must tighten their defence while replicating the attacking efficiency that brought them success in the last meeting.

With only a one-point gap between the teams in the standings, this encounter could have important implications for their league positions moving forward.

Where the teams stand

Recent form

Head-to-head