Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets: NHL Odds, Prediction
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David Bastl
With just under three weeks to go in the NHL’s regular season, the Ducks look to maintain a postseason spot, travelling to Winnipeg to face the Jets. The Jets sit in a good position in the Central, with solid play and trying to stay away from the injury bug that has bit them as of late.
Ducks vs. Jets Betting Analysis
This will be the third and final regular season matchup between these two teams. Back in November the Jets beat the Ducks on home ice 4-1, and in January the Ducks returned the favour, topping the Jets 4-3 in a shootout on home ice as well. The Ducks seem to have the Jets number as of late, winners of seven of their last eight games in Winnipeg, and 13-3 overall in their last 16 meetings. The Ducks are also 9-1 in their last 10 games when they are coming off one days rest. Something to note, the over is 3-1-1 in the last five games between these two teams in Winnipeg.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are in the middle of a four game road trip throughout Western Canada that started off on a good foot with a 4-0 win on Wednesday’s NHL scoreboard. Goaltender John Gibson continues to hold a hot hand, recording the shutout and winning his last four games. “He’s found another level right now in terms of his preparation” Andrew Cogliano told the Ducks official website. Expect Gibson to make his 56th start of the season Friday night.
Defenceman Josh Manson missed his first game of the season against the Flames with an upper-body injury. No word yet if he will return to the lineup against the Jets.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are comfortably in second place in the Central division, riding a modest three-game winning streak, and headed to the postseason for only the third time in franchise history, but received the best news of the season on an off-day Thursday about star forward Patrik Laine, “there’s nothing broken” head coach Paul Maurice told the media.
Laine is listed as day-to-day as he blocked a shot with his foot in Sunday’s win against the Kings, and there was some fear that his season was over. Expect the 19-year-old, who has 43 goals this season, to return to the lineup as early as next week. With Laine on the shelf for this game, the Jets will likely juggled lines to figure things out. One thing is certain though, after watching Eric Comrie pick up the win Sunday night, Connor Hellebuyck will start this game against the Ducks.
