Los Angeles Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets Prediction, NHL Odds
This is the rubber match for these two, as both have earned a victory against each other earlier in the season.
In their third and final matchup of the season, Winnipeg will try to halt an 11-game losing streak (0-7-4), as Los Angeles looks to continue a three-game point streak (2-0-1). Here is my Kings vs. Jets preview and prediction.
Kings vs. Jets NHL Betting Odds
On the puck line, neither team has done well, as the Kings are 16-26 and the Jets are 20-22. As for the game totals, Los Angeles is 19-23-0 to the Over, while Winnipeg is 24-18-0. The odds show this could be a close game, as the Kings are a close favourite on the money line at -125, with the Jets at +105. The Kings (-1.5) puck line odds are a hefty +195, while the Jets (+1.5) come in at -240. The Over/Under sits at 5.5, with the Over (-125) slightly juiced compared to the Under (-105).
In the goal-scoring markets, Kyle Connor (+150) and Mark Scheifele (+160) lead the way for the game and for Winnipeg. Connor has now scored in three-straight games for the Jets, but can he make it a fourth? Adrian Kempe (+160) and Kevin Fiala (+170) have the best odds for Los Angeles. Fiala comes into this one with a hot stick, scoring three goals in his last four games, so look for him to continue to drive the offence for his team.
Winnipeg hasn’t played well at home this season, posting an 8-9-3 record. They have won just 40% of games in front of their home crowd. As for Los Angeles, they have been commendable on the road, posting an 11-5-5 record, capturing 27 of a possible 42 points.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings (18-14-10) have lots of work to do, but they are well within range of the lead in the Pacific Division. They are just four points from the division lead but need to make their games count. They are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, which closed out a two-game winning streak. I believe they will be gunning to start a new one.
They have fresh legs as opposed to the Jets, who played last night, so not only do I expect their usual sound defence to continue, but this could be a good opportunity for their offence to flourish, as the Jets will likely start their backup goaltender, Eric Comrie, who has struggled mightily.
The Kings have taken some hits to their depth lately. Corey Perry and Trevor Moore will not suit up for this game, while Anze Kopitar and Joel Armia remain day-to-day. However, a night of rest more than their opponent should still give them the edge.
Winnipeg Jets
This has been a truly awful season for the Winnipeg Jets (15-22-5). They have now lost 11 straight games, and their collection of 35 points is the lowest in the entire NHL. They are now forced to welcome a fresh team, Los Angeles, and their elite defensive efforts (2.67 goals against per game) could pose a major issue for Winnipeg, who scores at the eighth-lowest rate in the league (2.85 per game). No team is ever out in the NHL, but I can’t see how the Jets could turn over this abysmal play against a stronger Kings team.
Winnipeg is missing only Haydn Fleury, who took a scary hit just days ago, so they are quite healthy. However, the roster allocation does not matter at this point.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Kings vs. Jets?
Winnipeg is extremely desperate for answers. However, they won’t find it in this game. The Kings have played well on the road this season (11-5-5), and this Jets team, which is playing in the second half of a back-to-back, will be facing a ton of pressure in front of a restless crowd.
Therefore, I expect Los Angeles to take care of business with a 3-2 victory.
LA
WIN