Streaking Jets alive in postseason chase

Seasons can turn on a dime. Or on four-game road trips through the midwest.

The Winnipeg Jets fashioned a three-game win streak for the first time this season Thursday, holding on to defeat the Dallas Stars 4-3. And while the Colorado Avalanche remain a living, breathing, oft-competing NHL entity, a win over the floundering last-place club Saturday will complete a critical four-game sweep inside the division for the Jets, and extend their win streak to nine games over Central foe.

They now sit just one point behind the Calgary Flames for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Since the recall of Ondrej Pavelec, who made 39 saves Thursday, the Jets have racked up five wins opposed to just two losses. His steadying presence has been important, but what's driving the Jets' surge is an attack that can compare with any in the NHL.

Led by Mark Scheifele, who reached the 25-goal plateau Thursday, the Jets have scored 64 times since the holiday freeze, which is second only to the 80 scored by the Washington Capitals.