Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Islanders taking on the Winnipeg Jets. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSGSN, TSN3, ESPN+
This round of NHL Predictions features two out-of-conference opponents, who have both enjoying recent success. The Islanders fifth in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division with a record of 25-21-7. Through 53 games this season, they have 57 points. The Jets are at the top of the Western Conference’s Central Division through 55 games. Their record stands at 38-14-3 good for 79 points on the season. This will be the first of two matchups between the two sides this season. Tonight’s game taking place north of the boarder at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. These two met twice last year as well splitting those matchups.
The Islanders Story
After their seven-game win streak was snapped, the Islanders wasted no time starting a new one. They picked up a 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in their last contest. This was their eighth win in their last 10 games, pulling themselves into wild card contention in the Eastern Conference. Their 26th ranked offence averaging 2.72 goals per game has played a big role in the winning. However, their last game snapped a nine-game streak of scoring three or more goals in a game. This can be attributed to the loss of Mathew Barzal who was just placed on the IR with a lower body injury. Team point leader Bo Horvat stepped up for a big goal in the last game, he has 10 points in the last 10 games. They will need him to continue his strong play on the top line if they want to be able to make the playoffs.
The defensive and goaltending efforts however are the main reason for the team’s recent turnaround. They rank 12th in goals against per game at 2.85. In their last 10 games they have allowed more than two goals just twice. With all the moving parts they’ve had on the blueline that is impressive. Newcomer Tony DeAngelo has been playing well since coming to the team. He’s averaging 25:26 of ice time and has recorded four points in six games. Ilya Sorokin remains the biggest reason for this teams’ successes. He has been outstanding as of late going 7-0 with a .960 save percentage, 1.16 goals against and two shutouts. His play has brought the team to just three points out of the second wild card spot.
The Jets Story
The Jets come into this game as the best team in the league. They also ride a seven-game win streak coming into this one. Most recently taking out the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 at home. Their high-powered offence has a lot to do with that, they rank tops in the league at 3.60 goals per game. This team also holds the top power play in the league at 33.8%. They have scored three or more goals during every game of their winning streak. Led by Kyle Connor and his 67 points in 55 games. He has four goals and three assists over his last five games and just had a four-game point streak snapped in the last one. He and linemate Mark Scheifele have been dominate on their top line all season. Scheifele with 61 points in 55 games, he has three multi-point games in his last five outings. He’s had no fewer than 13 points in any month so far this season. His 31 goals have him second in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy.
Just like their offence, the Jets defence also ranks at the top of the league. They allow a league best 2.38 goals per game. They have given up two goals or less in six of the seven games on their winning streak. The team has allowed the 11th most shots on goal against at 1226. Of those shots however, only 95 have been high danger and that is the seventh fewest. The main reason they rank so well is their goaltending. They have arguably the best goalie in the league in Connor Hellebuyck. He has won nine of his last 10 starts, he owns a 33-7-2 record with a .925 save percentage and 2.04 goals against. Backup Eric Comrie has been good as well, he earned the shutout in their last game. He has a 5-7-1 record with a .912 save percentage and 2.58 goals against. Hellebuyck has been named the confirmed starter for this game.
Prediction
The Islanders are outmatched in every facet of this game. Winnipeg holding the advantages of offence, defence, special teams and goaltending. Despite the Islanders playing their best hockey of the season, it will be hard to overcome the best team in the league on the road. We feel these factors will lead to the Jets extending their winning streak in this game.
Prediction: 3-2 Jets win
Prop Bets
The popular sports books have the Jets as heavy favourites at -205. There isn’t much value in betting it but it feels like the safe play in this game. The over/under is set at 5.5. Due to two of the best goalies squaring off and the Jets number one ranked defence, we feel like the under is the play at -115. As far as any time goal scorers go, for the Islanders take Anders Lee at +220. He is the team’s top goal scorer and has gone four games without scoring so he is due. For the Jets take Scheifele at +160, he is also his team’s leading scorer and would like to keep pace in the Rocket Richard Trophy race.
Main photo by: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: February 7 New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.