Minnesota Wild vs. Winnipeg Jets: Game 2 Prediction, NHL Playoffs Odds
The Jets dominated most of game one, outshooting the visiting Wild 40-20, but it was only a one goal difference in game one of the best-of-seven series, with the Jets edging the Wild 3-2 on the scoreboard.
Wild vs Jets Betting Analysis
The Jets are 7-0 in their last seven games overall and 7-0 in their last seven after allowing two goals or less the previous game. Friday night games have been good to the Jets, as they are a perfect 4-0 dating back to February 16. The Wild are 0-4 in their last four games in Winnipeg. Of note, the over is 7-1 in the last eight games between these Central division rivals, the one under total happening Wednesday night in game one of this series.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild missed a big opportunity in Game 1 of this NHL matchup. Matt Cullen and Zach Parise scored third period goals 2:12 apart to take a 2-1 lead over the Jets with 16 minutes in the third period. But that was short lived, as the home side potted two goals to win it 3-2.
Loss aside, the Wild should be very happy with the play of goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who stopped 37 of 40 shots in the game and was easily the first star. He’s the single reason the Wild had an opportunity to steal the opener, and he’ll have to do much the same in Game 2 if the team has a chance. Wild rookie forward Jordan Greenway made history Wednesday evening, becoming the first player to play in the Olympics, NCAA Tournament and Stanley Cup playoffs in the same season. He picked up an assist on Minnesota’s first goal of the game.
Winnipeg Jets
Continuing with the theme of history, more was made this past Wednesday evening, as the Jets recorded their first playoff game win as a franchise in nine tries. Defenceman Joe Morrow, who was playing in place of the injured Toby Enstrom got the game winner. Forward Adam Lowry was the game’s first star, but didn’t register a goal or an assist. His major contribution in the hockey game – winning three key faceoffs in a span of 15 seconds to help protect the one goal lead. Lowry finished the night with a 69 per cent efficiency in the faceoff circle.
Only 10 Jets skaters took to the ice for Thursday’s practice, plus the two goaltenders. Head Coach Paul Maurice did not comment on the health of his hockey club, but it should be noted forward Mathieu Perreault left game one with an upper-body injury in the second period, he is listed as a game-time decision for Friday’s matchup.
