Winnipeg Jets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, NHL Odds
Part of a busy Thursday in the NHL brings us a matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and Tampa Bay Lightning. These teams have yet to meet this season, and should give us some top-notch hockey action.
Here is our Jets vs. Lightning prediction and preview.
Jets vs. Lightning NHL Betting Odds
Tampa Bay has been absolutely dominating the money line this season, boasting a 33-18 record, compared to Winnipeg’s 21-31. It is no surprise that Tampa Bay comes into this game as major money line favourites at -200, while Winnipeg is priced at +165.
The same dominance hasn’t been seen from Tampa Bay on the puck line, as they are 26-25 while Winnipeg is 25-27. In this particular matchup, Tampa’s -1.5 is valued at +130, with Winnipeg’s +1.5 at -155. The game total is set at 5.5 goals, with the over juiced to -130 and the under listed at +110. The Lightning are 23-26-2 to the over, while the Jets are 30-21-1.
Nikita Kucherov (+120) and Jake Guentzel (+150) have the shortest odds for the game to score. For Winnipeg, Kyle Connor (+175) and Mark Scheifele (+200) have the shortest odds. Kucherov and Scheifele lead their team with 26 goals apiece, which is the sixth-highest amount this season. They have also combined for five goals over the last four games.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets (21-24-7) are coming off a nice road win over the New Jersey Devils, but I expect them to return to reality very quickly. They are on the road for the second straight game, and are playing a far tougher challenge in Tampa Bay – truly one of the NHL’s elite.
Neal Pionk, Colin Miller, and Haydn Fleury remain out for the Jets, which knocks out half of their defensive core and forces them to rely more on depth and inexperience. Even with some Lightning injuries, look for this to be a major mismatch.
It looks like the Jets will miss the playoffs, and a decision regarding the team’s direction will need to be made soon. A multi-goal loss here may expedite that process.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning (33-14-4) have been shot out of a cannon, and are showing no signs of slowing. They currently lead the Eastern Conference with 70 points despite being tied for the least amount of games played in the entire league (51).
When looking at Tampa Bay’s injuries, it is not a good list. Brayden Point, Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Charle-Edouard D’Astous are all out, but this has not deterred this incredibly stacked and well-coached squad.
The Lightning have not necessarily dominated on home ice (14-9-0), but this is a trend they would like to change, as they have been dominant in everything else. They have a ton of firepower that Winnipeg will not be able to match, as the Lightning score at the second-highest pace in the league (3.45) and have a near top-ten power play (21.4%).
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Jets vs. Lightning?
With Tampa Bay on home ice and playing some very strong hockey, I expect them to claim victory. Look for Winnipeg’s major lack of offence (1.80 goals per game over their last five games) to be their downfall tonight. I see the Tampa Bay Lightning winning 4-2.
WIN
TB