How discipline has played a part in Avalanche/Jets series

Discipline can determine a win or loss — which has been a major factor in favor of the Colorado Avalanche and detrimental to the Winnipeg Jets.

The Avs have only allowed two goals on 11 shorthanded opportunities through the first four games, but has scored six power-play goals on 15 chances. While those two

"Special teams in the playoffs can win and lose you a series. It's that simple. So staying disciplined on our side and capitalizing on opportunities and playing as fast as we can, Josh Manson said on Saturday. "And that's kind of when teams can maybe get into penalty trouble a bit more is if you're playing fast. It's not just in this case, it works against us as well. I mean, it works for all teams the faster you play, the tougher it is and sometimes more penalties can be drawn."

Related: 'We like the way we're playing': Avalanche look to close out series vs Jets

Physicality is part of the game and it's tough to keep it clean when the stakes are high. For Brandon Duhaime, it's a simple matter of controlling emotions.

"A disciplined game is definitely really important for us and that's been a key for us is staying out of the box and giving ourselves a — you know, to play 5-on-5 I think is our game. We keep moving our feet, we'll draw penalties the other way.

"There's definitely a fine line, especially come playoff time. The whistles get a little bit tighter. The refs are calling a little bit more so it's really important to keep your emotions in check and be aware of the sticks," Duhaime said.

Head coach Jared Bednar has stressed the importance of his team playing a tight checking game and not taking unnecessary penalties.

"It's just work — checking is work, and checking smart is even harder work. They've got a great power play. They're dangerous. You don't want to give their top players opportunities to get on the ice, especially with a man advantage any more than you have to," Bednar said. "Sometimes you got to take penalties and sometimes there's inadvertent penalties on the ice but we certainly want to eliminate the reaching and stick penalties and holding and grabbing when we can just skate to check and be more physical."

The Avalanche have managed to play gritty while keeping it above board which has helped put them up 3-1 in the series.

Jets head coach Rick Bowness said after his team's losses in Denver that penalties were a problem and cost them.

"We have to stop turning the puck over. So again, those things are self inflicted, you want adjustments, stay out of the box, manage the puck better, and then go from there," Bowness said.

Other Colorado Avalanche stories

'What we were hoping for when we put that line together': Avalanche forward heats up with linemates

Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin scores 1st career hat trick in Game 4 win over Jets

Cale Makar ties Avalanche record with sensational goal