The set-up: The 28-30-6 Winnipeg Jets opened a six-game homestand with a Tuesday loss to the Wild but rebounded last night with a 3-0 win over the Blues. The victory (and its two points) allowed them to close within four points of the Kings for the second wild card spot in the West. The 17-42-3 Colorado Avalanche are up next for Winnipeg, owners of the NHL's worst record (37 points).

Colorado: The Avs easily own the NHL's worst record as their 37 points are 16 shy of the NHL's second-worst team, the Arizona Coyotes (53 points). Colorado has struggled mightily on the road lately, losing 14 of its last 15, with the only win coming in overtime at Carolina back on Feb. 17. Calvin Pickard will be in net Saturday as he makes the second start of his career in his hometown. He was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, but grew up in Winnipeg. He took the loss back on Dec. 18, as Winnipeg won 4-1.

Winnipeg: Blake Wheeler recorded two goals and an assist while goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 29 saves en route to his fourth shutout of the season and the sixth of his career in last night's 3-0 win over the Blues. Considering its position, every game on this homestand figures to be (or will at least feel like) a "must win" situation for the Jets. It's good news that Winnipeg welcomed three players back to the lineup Friday, as Andrew Copp (upper body) and Marko Dano (ankle) returned from injuries while defenseman Jacob Trouba came back after serving a two-game suspension.

The pick: In beating the Blues 3-0 last night, Winnipeg has scored at least three goals in each of its last six contests. The Jets average 3.13 goals at home and allow 3.06. Scoring against the Avs shouldn't be too hard, as Colorado's 3.29 GPG average ranks dead-last in the NHL. The Jets 'drag' this total over, making it a 10* selection.