Florida Panthers vs. Winnipeg Jets Prediction, NHL Odds
This is the first of two matchups this season, and both teams could really use a win.
Both came into the season with major expectations, but neither has accomplished anything close. This should be a hard-fought battle, and we have provided our Panthers vs. Jets preview and prediction to get you set for the action.
Panthers vs. Jets NHL Betting Odds
This season, both teams have really struggled on the puck line. Florida is 17-31, and they have the -1.5 line at +225 on Thursday. Winnipeg is 23-26 and they come into this one with a +1.5 line at -275. The money line odds suggest this will be a tight game, with both teams at -110.
As far as game totals, Florida is 27-21-0, while Winnipeg is 29-29-0. However, Winnipeg has gone 8-2-0 to the over in their last ten games. We could be in for a high-scoring affair between two hungry teams. The game total is set at 5.5 goals, with the over at -130 and the under at +110.
Kyle Connor (+130) and Mark Scheifele (+170) have the shortest odds for Jets players to score in this one, with Sam Reinhart (+160) and Matthew Tkachuk (+200). My eyes are on Tkachuk, who has finally returned from injury and is playing his second game of the season. He knows how badly he needs to be a force for his struggling team.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers (25-20-3) have lost two of their last three games, and have been outscored 15-7 in the process. This game kicks off a three-game road trip, which could be just what the doctor ordered. They have been highly inconsistent and have won two games in a row just once in the last five weeks. We have not seen the same dominance from the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions in quite some time.
The Panthers are missing some key players due to injury, including Seth Jones, Brad Marchand, and Alex Barkov, who has been out all season. Fatigue could finally be catching up to this core that has been in the Stanley Cup Finals for three-straight seasons, and while they have a winning record, time is running out in an ultra-tight Eastern Conference. Tkachuk returning to the lineup helps, but I am not sure this will be enough reinforcement.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets (20-23-6) have had a disappointing season overall, but they are showing signs of life. A strong recent run has them climbing out of the depths of the league, and coming off a victory, they will dig deep to continue this stretch. They welcome in the mighty Florida Panthers, but the Jets are primed and ready for the test.
After two-straight losses, Winnipeg bounced back with a solid 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues, which now has them 5-1-1 in their last six games. They have now improved their home record to 12-9-4, and will be in front of their home crowd yet again.
With a beaten up defensive core missing Neal Pionk, Haydn Fleury, and Colin Miller due to injury, their defensive efforts have still been excellent. They have given up 2.43 goals against per game over the last seven games, which will be a major advantage over Florida, who is averaging 2.20 goals per game over the last 10 games.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Panthers vs. Jets?
While the Jets have had a more disappointing season, I am taking them to win this matchup. They have won five of their last seven games, and are gaining a boatload of confidence. They are also on home ice, where they have played well. An established team such as this knows this is a major test and that a victory could go a long way.
Florida’s inability to keep the puck out of the net (4.00 goals against per game in January) is a concern, and Winnipeg will take advantage of this in a 4-3 victory.
FLA
WIN