Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
The Winnipeg Jets have held top spot in the Western Conference for several months now, but with the Dallas Stars just four points behind, the Jets can’t afford to ease off. This matchup is far from a dead rubber.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have maintained strong form with a 7–3–0 record over their last ten, with most of their defeats coming on the road — losses to the Carolina Hurricanes (2:4) and the Vancouver Canucks (2:6) stand out, while their only recent home slip came against the Buffalo Sabres (3:5). That result can be partially explained by the absence of Connor Hellebuyck — arguably the league’s top netminder with a .924 save percentage. Backup Eric Comrie (.909) started instead and conceded four goals on just 16 shots. Against the Devils, expect Hellebuyck back between the pipes and fully locked in.
New Jersey Devils
With their playoff position essentially secured — third in the Metropolitan Division and a date with the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1 — the Devils have eased off slightly. A 5–4–1 record in their last ten is serviceable, but all five losses came at home. On the road, they’ve won three of their last four, although the opposition — bottom-three divisional sides and the Chicago Blackhawks — wasn’t exactly elite.
Winnipeg Jets vs New Jersey Devils Prediction
Despite some encouraging road form from the New Jersey Devils, it’s difficult to back them here. The Winnipeg Jets are in a fight to secure top spot out West and will start their ace in net. Connor Hellebuyck completely shut down the Devils in their first meeting this month, stopping 95.7% of shots in a commanding 6:1 win in Newark. A similar story is likely here.
