Manitoba

Stanley out, Schmidt in, as Winnipeg Jets adjust defence corps for Game 3 in Denver

The Winnipeg Jets are making a lineup change after splitting the first two games of their first-round NHL playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche.

Schmidt expected to man blueline alongside Dylan Samberg

Two hockey players collide along the boards.
Winnipeg's Logan Stanley, right, collides with Colorado's Ross Colton in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series in Winnipeg on Sunday April 21, 2024. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press)

The Winnipeg Jets are making a lineup change after splitting the first two games of their first-round NHL playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche.

Head coach Rick Bowness says that Nate Schmidt will be in the lineup for Game 3 on Friday night and fellow blueliner Logan Stanley will sit.

Schmidt was a healthy scratch for Winnipeg's 7-6 win in Game 1 as well as the Jets' 5-2 loss in Game 2 at Canada Life Centre.

He's expected to play with Dylan Samberg. It's the only lineup change for the Jets, who beat the Avalanche 7-0 in their last regular-season meeting at Ball Arena on April 13.

Colorado defenceman Samuel Girard, who missed Colorado's last four games with a concussion, participated in the morning skate but will be a game-time decision.

Game 4 in the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Winnipeg will host Game 5 on Tuesday.