Minnesota Wild vs. Winnipeg Jets: Game 1 Prediction NHL Playoff Odds
Despite being geographical rivals, these two franchises have never faced each other in the postseason. In fact, this will only be the second time the Jets have qualified for the postseason since the move from Atlanta.
Wild vs. Jets Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
The Jets won the first three of four games against the Wild this season, including a 7-2 win on Nov. 27. The Wild won the most recent game 4-1, but that was on January 13. Overall, the Wild are 1-4 against the Jets in the last five games played. The home team in this head-to-head series is 4-1 in the last five games as well. Also, the over has been a major factor the last seven meetings in Winnipeg, going a perfect 7-0 in that time.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild have made the postseason each of the past six seasons, which is tied for third longest streak currently in the NHL – but they have not advanced past second place in any of those opportunities. They were eliminated in the first round by the St. Louis Blues in five games last season. This year the team finished with 45 wins and 101 points, compared to 49 wins and 106 points in the 2016-17 season.
Statistics aside, the major setback for the Wild is the loss of all-star defenceman Ryan Suter. Suter fractured his right ankle late in the season, and will be lost to the Wild for the reminder of the season. At the time Suter was second in the NHL in average TOI (26:46) and already set a career high this season with 45 assists, with almost half of those coming on the power-play. Jason Zucker had two goals and two assists, and Marcus Foligno had a goal and three assists for the Wild against the Jets this year. Both Devan Dubnyk and Alex Stalock played two games against the Jets, but expect Dubnyk to carry the bulk of the load in this first round matchup.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets were swept by the Anaheim Ducks in 2014-15 season, and missed the postseason all together last year. This season has been the best in franchise history, with a remarkable 52 wins and 114 points, both franchise records. The team is also relatively healthy, although defenceman Toby Enstrom will not be in the lineup for game one, the team does expect him back at some time during this first round.
Jacob Trouba did not play the final game of the regular season, but is expected to play in this NHL matchup on Wednesday. He’s a workhorse on the Jets blue line, logging just under 22 minutes per game. The Jets have worked hard on both ends of the rink, finishing second in goals per game (3.32) with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler leading the Jets with six points each in the four games (Scheifele played in three games). The team was fifth in goals against (2.65) with Connor Hellebuyck 3-1 against the Wild this season, with a goals against of 2.50, and a save percentage of .914.
