On Thursday in the NHL the league-leading Winnipeg Jets ring in the New Year by hosting the Anaheim Ducks at Canada Life Centre. Welcome to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Hockey, where each day we preview and predict the upcoming slate of NHL games around the league! In this article, we will preview and predict the matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions throughout the 2024-25 season and follow along with your favourite teams.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Jets 0-1 Ducks
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN3; Victory+; KCOP-13; ESPN+
Winnipeg and Anaheim will meet for the second time this season and the first time in the Manitoba capital. Just two weeks ago the Ducks stunned the Jets 3-2 (December 18), scoring the game-winning goal in the last minute of play. That win for Anaheim snapped an eight-game losing streak versus Winnipeg, having won for the first time over the Jets since October 13, 2021.
That defeat in Anaheim was not a game to remember for Winnipeg; they were thoroughly outplayed by an inferior opponent and almost escaped with a point (or two) thanks to the heroics of Eric Comrie. In that game, the Jets finished with a 5 on 5 Expected GF% of just 35.14%, one of their lowest totals of the entire season so far. It was also among their worst performances of the season in terms of 5 on 5 shots against and High Danger chances against. However, it was the back end of a two-in-two for Winnipeg who had defeated the San Jose Sharks the night prior.
Winnipeg Jets Still Rolling Despite Loss
Although they dropped their New Year’s Eve matchup with Colorado on Tuesday 5-2, the Winnipeg Jets have been in form over the course of the last several weeks and specifically the last five games. The two empty-net goals in Colorado made that game look much more one-sided than it really was. It was a tight, gritty performance from the Jets in a scenario that could be called a schedule loss. Playing the Avalanche on a back-to-back where you played at home the night before is cruel from the league, but the Jets should be used to the brutal schedule they always have to face.
Outside of that game versus the Avalanche, the Jets had won the previous four games. Over the course of their last five games (from December 20 to January 2) Winnipeg’s 5 on 5 play has been stifling to opponents. They’ve allowed a mere four goals at 5 on 5 in those games and carry a league-leading 75% GF% over that span. As well, their expected GF% at 5 on 5 sits third in the NHL over that stretch, so their play is backing up their results.
Furthermore, they’ve been able to protect the scoring areas of the ice. They’ve allowed the fewest High Danger chances (30) and sit first in High Danger Chances For % (62.50%). As almost two out of every three high-danger chances have gone to the Jets it’s proof that they are driving play to their opponents’ net and keeping shots and attempts away from the middle of their own zone.
Anaheim Ducks Fly Together
The Ducks had very low expectations entering the season other than continuing to grow and build winning habits with their young team. This team is showing glimmers of that growth, winning five of their last eight games and two in a row. Given the quality of their last two opponents (New Jersey and Edmonton), those could be deemed two of their best wins of the season. Their offence, one of the worst in Goals/Game in the NHL, has scored eight times over their last two games, seven of which are at 5 on 5.
Despite their recent play, this club wants to and needs to see more from several of their young, core pieces. However, moving off of Cam Fowler and bringing in veteran Jacob Trouba signals a change in Anaheim. Trouba provides loads of experience and leadership for the Ducks, and they could take a giant step forward over the final half of the season.
Prediction
After defeating Winnipeg in their previous meeting, the Ducks will not bear the same fortune in this game. Offensively, the Jets are in the midst of some of their best play since their incredible beginning to the season. As well, their defensive metrics are tightening up and along with Connor Hellebuyck in their net, forms a dangerous combination. Winnipeg has won four consecutive games on home ice and allowed just four goals total in those games.
Though the main focus has been on the 5 on 5 play, which favours Winnipeg, the special teams battle heavily favours the home team. Winnipeg’s first-ranked power play will go up against the 27th-ranked penalty kill of Anaheim. In addition, the Ducks have been dreadful on their own power play, sitting 31st in the NHL. You have to score to win; Anaheim struggles to score and will not be able to keep the Jets at bay in this matchup.
Prediction: Jets win 5-1
Prop Bet of the Night
We’re taking a massive swing for the fences in this one. After being held off the scoresheet in two consecutive games, Mark Scheifele is due to break out. Winnipeg’s number one centre is a streaky scorer and look for him to prove so in this contest. Gambling sites have Scheifele at +1000 to score 2+ goals against Anaheim; two of his last five games he has scored in have been multi-goal games. Thursday is the perfect opportunity for another one of those performances from him.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: January 2 Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.