Canucks vs. Jets Odds
| Canucks Odds | +145 |
| Jets Odds | -165 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 |
| Time | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
We have a couple of teams trying to end their losing streaks tonight, as Bruce Boudreau's Vancouver Canucks travel to Winnipeg to take on the Jets.
The Canucks are trying to end their three-game skid, while the Jets will look to end their five-game drought at the Canada Life Centre.
Someone's losing streak ends tonight, so will it be the road 'dog or the home favorite?
Canucks Will Miss Starting Goaltender
The Canucks head back on the road after failing to win at all on their three-game homestand. Vancouver has been absolutely riddled with injuries, with 11 guys currently on the injury report.
One name stands out in particular on that inactive list, and it's formidable goaltender Thatcher Demko. The Canucks' starting netminder has been tremendous all season and a strong backbone for a struggling group.
Instead of Demko, the projected Vancouver starter is Michael DiPietro. In his debut against St. Louis, DiPietro struggled mightily, giving up three goals on just 17 shots faced, good for a 0.824 save percentage.
Not having Demko is also huge because the offense for Vancouver has been lackluster at best, and them being dependent on DiPietro standing on his head in net does not bode well for the visiting squad. The Canucks rank 24th in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF).
The Canucks have also failed to score more than three goals in nine of their last 11 games, putting a ton of pressure on DiPietro to stay strong against a powerful Winnipeg offense.
Winnipeg Has Strong Matchup To End Skid
I just talked about how DiPietro will need to stand on his head to keep Vancouver in this contest, but that will be even more difficult due to the offensive prowess of the Jets. Winnipeg ranks ninth in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals per 60 minutes (xGA).
While the Canucks have the very unproven DiPietro slated to patrol the crease, the Jets have the very proven Connor Hellebuyck projected to start. Hellebuyck is having yet another nice season, posting a 0.911 save percentage and ranking ninth amongst starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx).
Many bettors on Vancouver will point to the Jets' five-game losing streak, but the Canucks are a good team to get right against, especially considering who Winnipeg's five losses are against:
- @ Washington Capitals
- @ Nashville Predators
- @ Boston Bruins
- @ Pittsburgh Penguins
- vs. Florida Panthers
That is an incredibly tough stretch of games, most of which came on the road. The visiting Canucks, who have lost three straight and seven of their last 10, are exactly what Winnipeg needs to get back on track.
Canucks vs. Jets Pick
This is a great spot to buy low on the better team. The Jets have the clear offensive advantage and clear goaltending advantage with Demko out.
Vancouver has come back down to earth following the great stretch they played after hiring Boudreau, and I think the Jets will use tonight as a get-right game following their very tough stretch of games.
Pick: Winnipeg Jets -1.5 +150 (play to +130)
