NHL Saturday Give and Go: Jets Set to Fly Into Playoffs?

HNIC Odds, Preview and Predictions

Last season, the Winnipeg Jets could have lost 82 games and their diehard fans would still be happy just to have them back on the ice. This season is different. This year the club expects to be in the playoffs and midway through the season, there’s no reason to think they can’t achieve that goal.

Despite likely the worst travel schedule in the NHL, the Jets are 8-5-2 on the road and head into Saturday’s date with the Leafs on a major hot streak. Winnipeg has won four of its last five with just a shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils as the only blemish on the record. The Jets are also coming off a huge 3-1 win over the New York Rangers – a team they’re battling for one of the last playoff spots in the East.

“We’ve got to feed on what we’ve done the last couple games and the success we’ve had and the good feelings that come from that,” captain Andrew Ladd told reporters. “When things are happening and things are going well, you get a sense of your game. You know what to do, you realize why you’re doing things and it makes it easier to make those decisions.”

That’s been evident with the play in their own zone during this stretch. They still give up too many shots on goal, but they’re battling better in front of the net and clearing loose pucks, cutting down on legitimate scoring chances. Saturday’s game in Toronto will be a tough one after Winnipeg dropped the Leafs 5-2 earlier this week, but the Jets showed they won’t back down against the physical Buds. Riding this momentum, this is a great time for a little two-game road trek for the Jets. They’ll bring it Saturday night. Final score: Winnipeg 4, Toronto 3.

New York Islanders at Florida Panthers

This will be the ugliest game on Saturday’s schedule, but we could see a ton of goals. The Islanders and Panthers rank 29th and 30th respectively in goals against this year. Florida has been gutted by injuries and the Islanders should take full advantage in a sloppy one. Final score: New York 5, Florida 3.

San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings

Sometimes you can find a lineup spark in the strangest places. That’s what the Sharks have found out by moving Brent Burns up to forward. He has two goals and three points since making the shift and is seeing a lot of time with Joe Thornton and Logan Couture while also playing the point on the power play. He’s a good, versatile player than can make a big difference is he stays healthy. With the Kings struggling defensively and Jonathan Quick still struggling in the cage, the Sharks are a strong play here. Final score: San Jose 4, Los Angeles 2.

Last week Frank was a perfect 3-0 with his NHL Give and Go picks.

Season record to date: 5-1.