Winnipeg Jets vs. Anaheim Ducks Preview, Scores and Predictions

The Winnipeg Jets had a tumultuous season with injuries to key players, the trade of star forward Evander Kane and one of their best players, Dustin Byfuglien, being suspended down the stretch. Despite all of the hardship, the +130 underdog Jets have made it back to the NHL Playoffs for the first time since they returned to Winnipeg. The -182 favored Anaheim Ducks, on the other hand, won the Pacific Division for the third straight year. Anaheim was 3-0 against Winnipeg this year, but if the Ducks underestimate the Jets, they could see yet another disappointing and early exit despite home ice advantage throughout the Playoffs.

Winnipeg Jets:
The Jets were surging late in the regular season, making them a dangerous first round opponent, and yet Winnipeg lacks playoff experience. Despite the fact that the Jets’ first line doesn’t have a superstar, it contains the team’s top three goal scorers. Winnipeg finished the year ninth in the league in shot attempts, which could matchup favorably with inexperienced starter John Gibson in net for Anaheim. Defensively, the Jets have had issues keeping it’s blue liners healthy, making depth an issue. If Winnipeg can bring their high-intensity style of play and limit mental mistakes and penalties, they have a shot at the second round.

Anaheim Ducks:
Unfortunately for the Ducks, the Jets match up well with them despite finishing the season 10 points ahead of Winnipeg in the standings. While Anaheim has more star power in Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler, they’ve had issues finding the right combinations to put together definitive lines on offense. They’ll need to stick to their system and make the other team adjust to their style of play to be consistent. Defensively, the Ducks are lacking overall, but good goaltending from Gibson can help overshadow any weaknesses. Anaheim is more than capable of winning the series. If they can force the Jets into a speed game, forcing Winnipeg to abandon their rough and tough style, the Ducks can cruise.

Prediction:
The city of Winnipeg will be an intense place to play for the Ducks, as it’ll be the first playoff game held there since 1996. With less playoff experience on the roster, the Jets will need to be mentally tough against Anaheim or the series will get away from them fast. For the Ducks, mental toughness will also be a challenge as they’ve let lesser opponents get under their skin in previous years. Both teams match up well against each other. While there’s potential for a close series, the Ducks might just be the more talented and well-prepared team heading into the playoffs.

Pick: Anaheim Ducks in 6 games.