Two of the league’s best at converting on the power play, the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Islanders clash at the Barclays Center in an East-West matchup. MSG Network will broadcast the matchup, and the opening face-off takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23.
Winnipeg Jets vs. New York Islanders Odds
Winnipeg is 20-16 straight up (SU) and has earned moneyline bettors 3.3 units this season. 19 of its contests have gone over the total, while 16 have gone under and just one has pushed. This 2017-18 Jets team is 8-12 SU on the road.
Winnipeg has converted on 24.8 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that places them in the top-5 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 21st overall, and it has successfully killed off 80.0 percent of all penalties.
The Jets, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.2 times per game overall this season, 3.8 per game over its past five games total, and 4.2 per game over its last five on the road. The team’s been forced to kill penalties just 8.0 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Averaging 27.0 saves per game with a .920 save percentage, Connor Hellebuyck (18-11-5) has been the best option in goal for Winnipeg this season. If head coach Paul Maurice chooses to rest him, however, the team could turn to Steve Mason (2-7-1 record, .907 save percentage, 3.26 goals against average).
Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele will both spearhead the attack for the visiting Jets. Wheeler (41 points) has tallied nine goals and 32 assists, and has recorded multiple points 11 times. Scheifele has 15 goals and 22 assists to his name (and has notched at least one point in 21 games).
New York is 18-17 straight up (SU) and has lost 0.3 units for moneyline bettors this year. 24 of its games have gone over the total, while 10 have gone under and just one has pushed. It’s 10-6 SU at home this season.
The Islanders have converted on 22.5 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that places it in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 31st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 72.8 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York players have been penalized only 3.4 times per game in total this season, and 2.4 per game over their last five home outings. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays just 7.4 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Jaroslav Halak (26.6 saves per game) has been the top selection in goal for the Islanders. Halak has nine wins, 11 losses, and two OT losses and has recorded a pedestrian 3.07 goals against average and a fairly-weak .903 save percentage this year.
The home team will be led on offense by John Tavares (21 goals, 24 assists) and Josh Bailey (10 goals, 35 assists).
Winnipeg Jets vs. New York Islanders Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Islanders, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
Winnipeg is 1-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while New York is 2-1 in shootouts.
Over New York’s last ten outings, six of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 1-5 in those games).
Winnipeg skaters have dished out the league’s 11th-most hits per game (22.1).
