Avs knock off Jets in Winnipeg's preseason finale 5-2

Before the Winnipeg Jets departed for Denver to face the Colorado Avalanche, veteran forward Vladislav Namestnikov spoke with the media about a frustrating season a year ago and how he wanted to put it behind him.

Namestnikov said he is putting last season behind him, refusing to make excuses for what went wrong, and feels refreshed and healthy after a strong summer heading into the new season.

Namestnikov had a goal and an assist as did his linemate Nino Niederreiter in a 5-2 loss to the Avs on Friday night. Winnipeg had a 2-1 second period lead before Colorado scored four unanswered goals as the Jets finished with a 1-2-1 record in the preseason.

Stuart Skinner finished the night with 28 saves.

Winnipeg opened the scoring on the power play at 6:15. Neal Pionk’s point shot was stopped by Mackenzie Blackwood, but Nino Niederreiter was there to shovel the rebound past the Avalanche goaltender.

After the Jets came close to extending their lead on their third power play, Colorado tied it at 6:07. Winnipeg turned the puck over in its own end, and T.J. Hughes’ shot was redirected by Jaden Schwartz through the legs of Skinner.

The tie lasted just 90 seconds. Vlad Namestnikov and Niederreiter combined to put Winnipeg back in front, with Namestnikov finishing off his third good scoring chance of the period for his second point of the night.

Colorado finished the second period strong scoring two goals 1:21 apart and both coming off the stick of Hughes, giving the Avalanche the lead after 40 minutes.

With just over six minutes left in the game, Blackwood would make his biggest save of the night when Josh Morrissey came out of the penalty box on a clear breakaway, with the Avs goaltender lunging over with his left pad to keep the Colorado lead intact.

That save turned out to be huge, as Cale Makar gave the Avalanche a two-goal advantage finishing off a beautiful passing play beating Skinner under the glove with 4:35 left.

Hughes would finish off the scoring into an empty net for his third goal of the night.

The Jets will practice this weekend along with some team building events in Colorado Springs.