Winnipeg is on a two-game winning streak and is presently tied for first in the Western Conference standings with 75 points.
"Their team is really clicking along," said Avs head coach Jared Bednar of the Jets. "It presents a huge challenge for our team, especially with the way we've been playing and what we've been going through. We had a great meeting this morning, and I'm anxious to see our guys play. It's a great opportunity for us to come out. Another game, another chance for us to turn this thing around."
Colorado held an optional morning skate today at Bell MTS Place, so the team's exact lineup won't be known until closer to game time.
It's expected that the Avs' "roommate" line of J.T. Compher, Tyson Jost and Alexander Kerfoot will remain together. The three players helped create both of the team's goals in Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"I think our line could bring a little more," Jost said following Thursday's skate. "We got a goal there when the power play ended and the one at the end of the first. I thought it went pretty good, but we always try to keep getting better each game and improving each game. It's going to be another tough task tonight, and we're ready for the challenge."
The Avalanche recalled forward Dominic Toninato from the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League on Wednesday, but Bednar did not say if Toninato will be dress during his pre-game media availability.
Toninato has yet to play this season for the Avs after skating in 37 NHL contests last season for the squad. He has six goals and nine assists in 37 outings this year with the Eagles.
Goaltender Semyon Varlamov has started each of the past four games for Colorado and is projected to get the start.
Below is the Avalanche's projected lineup based on the forward combinations and defensive pairings from Tuesday's game against Toronto. They are subject to change.
