The spotlight in the NHL tonight will be on the Bell Centre in Montreal, where the Winnipeg Jets (4-3-0, 3rd in Central Division) will square off against the Montreal Canadiens (4-2-1, 5th in Atlantic Division). Both teams are buzzing, coming off impressive victories. The Jets are riding a three-game win streak and the Canadiens have had a knack for last-minute heroics. 

Jets Fueling Up for Another W

The Winnipeg Jets, with a record of 4-3-0, have found their groove, winning three consecutive games. The most recent victory against the Detroit Red Wings showcased their strength at both ends of the ice with a 4-1 victory. Kyle Connor is leading the way in goals scored with five this season. He’s become a critical player on the Jets’ roster, showing an ability to finish plays and put the puck in the net. Josh Morrissey, the team’s assist leader with six, has been equally instrumental, setting up scores.

In goal, Connor Hellebuyck has been solid. His goals against average of 2.99 and save percentage of .899 might not be eye-popping, but his 35-save performance against the Red Wings was nothing short of spectacular. The goaltender can be a game-changer, and in matchups like the one against the Canadiens, Hellebuyck’s form could be the difference. However, there’s room for concern on special teams; the Jets’ power play percentage stands at 14.8%, and their penalty kill percentage is at 74.1%. Both numbers must be improved, especially against a Canadiens team that has shown strength on the power play.

After a lackluster start to the season, Winnipeg has won three straight and have shown resilience, particularly in away games. The Jets away record of 2-1-0 suggests that they can hold their own even in hostile environments. Moreover, the Jets have averaged 3.43 goals per game, highlighting a balanced and potent offensive attack. 

Winnipeg Jets Team Facts

• The Jets have lost three of their last four games as favorites following a road win.
• The Jets have covered the puck line in five of their last six games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Jets have lost the third period in four of their last five games following a road win.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Jets’ last six games against Atlantic Division opponents.

Canadiens Aiming to Continue Momentum

The Montreal Canadiens, boasting a 4-2-1 record, are a team in good form. A recent 4-3 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets was a thriller, with Cole Caufield scoring the game-winning goal. Caufield is leading the team not just in goals but also in assists and points, at 4 goals, 5 assists and 9 points. Caufield’s performance this season has been excellent, and the young star is quickly becoming the go-to player in clutch situations for the Canadiens.

In net, Jake Allen has been the backbone of the team. With a goals against average of 2.58 and a save percentage of .929, Allen has been a wall for the Canadiens. However, Montreal’s penalty kill percentage stands at just 73.0%, a statistic that could be exploited by a team like the Jets with offensive firepower. The Canadiens also lead the league in penalty minutes with 130, a statistic that must be improved upon.

An important trend to note for the Canadiens is the ability to perform under pressure. The power play has been clicking at 20.7%, a formidable number that could tilt the game in their favor. Additionally, Montreal has been strong at home with a 3-2-0 record. The Canadiens have also been strong in close games, with two wins coming in overtime. With both teams in good form, the Canadiens will aim to use their home advantage and special teams prowess to secure a win.

Montreal Canadiens Team Facts

• The Canadiens have lost seven of their last eight night games following an overtime win.
• The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four night games at Bell Centre following an overtime win.
• The Canadiens have lost the third period in each of their last 10 night games at Bell Centre following an overtime win.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 15 night games against opponents on a winning streak.

Montreal Canadiens Team Facts

• The Canadiens have lost seven of their last eight night games following an overtime win.
• The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four night games at Bell Centre following an overtime win.
• The Canadiens have lost the third period in each of their last 10 night games at Bell Centre following an overtime win.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 15 night games against opponents on a winning streak.

David’s Pick – Winnipeg Jets (-111)

This is a matchup where both teams have shown they can light the lamp, but the Jets have the edge in terms of momentum and offensive depth. Connor Hellebuyck, despite his mixed stats, has shown he can be a game-changer when it matters the most. The Canadiens, on the other hand, have a star in the making in Cole Caufield, but their penalty woes might just be their undoing. Considering the Jets’ recent form and the Canadiens’ penalty kill struggles, I’m leaning toward the Jets to extend their win streak. The Jets’ power play has the potential to exploit the Canadiens’ weaknesses, and I expect them to do just that. It’s going to be a thrilling game, but the Jets have what it takes to leave the Bell Centre with two more points in the bag.