Winnipeg Jets vs. Boston Bruins Prediction, NHL Odds
In December, Boston beat Winnipeg by a score of 6-3, which was fairly inconsequential at the time. This time around, there is much more on the line.
With under 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Bruins are clinging to a wild-card spot in a loaded Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Jets find themselves just four points out of a playoff spot. These are two massively important points, and these teams will bring their best effort to collect them.
Jets vs. Bruins NHL Betting Odds
Boston is the favourite, holding -145 odds on the money line and +165 to cover -1.5 goals. The Jets are +120 outright, and the Over is -105 to the Under’s -115. While both teams are in a playoff race in their respective conference, the case is much more impressive for the Bruins.
The Western Conference does not have near the depth as the Eastern Conference, and in general, the Bruins have been the far better team this season. Winnipeg enters this game .500, with four wins in their last 18 games on the road, and they’re just 8-15-3 as an underdog. Boston is 14 games over .500 and is 25-9-1 at home. There are no surprises on the game’s lines.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets looked all but down and out at the Olympic break. But since returning, Winnipeg is 6-2-3. Those 15 points in 11 games have catapulted them into the playoff picture in the West. Although their conference is not quite as stacked as the East, Winnipeg’s strong form has not been a fluke.
Opponents the Jets have faced in their 11 games since returning from the break include the Ducks twice, Sharks, Lightning, Avalanche, and Predators. As Winnipeg has competed, they ultimately still have just two wins in their last five games. This team must close out opponents if they are going to stay relevant.
Boston Bruins
The Olympics look to have halted momentum as the Bruins entered the break on a 12-2-3 run, but have since gone 5-3-3. While points in eight out of 11 games are very solid, it is a similar story to Winnipeg. Ultimately, that is five wins in 11 games.
Returning to home ice is very welcome for the Bruins. They just played three straight on the road in which they collected points, but were winless. There should be a positive feeling in the locker room getting back to the TD Garden, where their .729 point percentage is the best among home teams in the NHL. Look for an energized Bruins team on Thursday.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Jets vs. Bruins?
The Bruins’ results at home are difficult to ignore, especially considering the magnitude of the game and the overall strength of their team compared to that of their opponents. As mentioned, the Bruins have been the better, more consistent team. Granted, recent form arguably matters more on a game-by-game basis. But there is not enough in favour of Winnipeg recently to make the larger sample size irrelevant.
Just two points separate these teams in the same 11 games played since returning from the break. Winnipeg’s best players are producing, but so are Boston’s. Plus, the Bruins have already proven to be a tough matchup for the Jets this year. Their home-ice advantage, motivation to take two points, and solid recent form put them over the top for a 4-2 win.
