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Nathan MacKinnon's Colorado Avalanche have been a formidable force in the Central Division for years, but according to TSN Hockey analyst Martin Biron, the spotlight may be shifting.
On SC with Jay Onrait, Biron expressed confidence in the Winnipeg Jets' ability to clinch the division. He highlighted Winnipeg's potent offense and Connor Hellebuyck's stellar goaltending as key factors.
"Absolutely. A hundred percent, they will win the Central Division. They have the top offense.
"I think they have a sneaky good defense, right? It's not Makar and Devon Toews, but they have a sneaky good defense. They have the best goaltender of all three teams in Connor Hellebuyck."
What sets the Jets apart, according to Biron, is their potential path to the Stanley Cup Finals. He emphasized the importance of avoiding tough matchups early in the playoffs, particularly against formidable teams like Dallas and Colorado.
"The team that wins the Central Division will go to the Stanley Cup Finals," Biron asserted. "If you can avoid playing the best teams in your conference in the first round, it helps because maybe you save a little energy.
"I understand that, you know, the Jets, in my opinion, are the favorite right now because of the point percentage," Biron continued. "100% they will win the Central and if they do, they'll be my favorite to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup finals."
According to Biron, the Winnipeg Jets are the frontrunners in the race for the Central Division title and not Nathan MacKinnon's Avalanche.
Winnipeg Jets lead tight Central Division race as Nathan Mackinnon's Avalanche vie for top spot
The Central Division is a tight race between three teams. The Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are tied for the lead with 91 points apiece, but the Jets hold a slight edge in winning percentage and difference.
The Nashville Predators are fourth with 82 points, still in contention for a playoff spot.
Nathan MacKinnon's leading the charge for Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon notched up an assist and fired six shots on goal in Saturday's 3-2 overtime victory against the Oilers.
MacKinnon extended his impressive 15-game point streak, registering 10 goals and 21 assists in that period. He has accumulated 116 points, with 330 shots on goal and 56 blocked shots in 68 games.
