The Winnipeg Jets (14-6-1) will be out to build on their winning streak when they host the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets (7-12-2) at Canada Life Centre on Friday. Columbus is coming off a 3-2 shootout loss against the Golden Knights on Monday, their third defeat in a row.
The Blue Jackets committed four penalties in the game, though they held Vegas without a power play goal. Johnny Gaudreau and Boone Jenner both scored once for the Blue Jackets. Gaudreau added an assist to share the scoring lead with Gustav Nyquist, who had two assists. Daniil Tarasov saved an impressive 34 of 36 shots (.944%) in the loss.
Winnipeg won their third in a row, beating the Avalanche 5-0 on Tuesday. Blake Wheeler was the leading goal scorer for the Jets, netting a hat trick. Connor Hellebuyck earned his second shutout of the season, second-most in the NHL, with 40 saves.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams split their two meetings last season, the last of which was a 4-3 (OT) victory for the Jets in March. Dominic Toninato and Kyle Connor each had two points (1G 1A) to lead Winnipeg. Adam Boqvist, Brendan Gaunce, and Oliver Bjorkstrand were on the scoresheet for Columbus. Eric Comrie got the win, saving 33 of 36 shots (.916%).
FACING OFF
Columbus is averaging 2.86 goals per game for the season, 23rd in the NHL, and they are taking on a Jets team that is allowing only 2.52 goals a game (3rd). Meanwhile, Winnipeg has found the net 3.24 times a game on average, 14th in the league, and the Blue Jackets are allowing opponents to score 4.10 goals per game (31st).
Columbus averages fewer shots a game (29.7) than most teams in the league, ranking 28th. Winnipeg has been one of the league’s best shot-stopping teams, ranking No. 3 with a team save percentage of .925%.
The Blue Jackets’ 16.00% power play percentage is the fourth-lowest in the league, while the Jets rank 19th with a conversion rate of 20.90%. In terms of penalty killing, Winnipeg has the league’s sixth-ranked PK% at 82.14%, while Columbus is 18th at 79.03%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 22 points this season, Gaudreau is the top skater for the Blue Jackets. He has eight goals and 14 assists in 21 games. In the net, Joonas Korpisalo (3-4-1) is Columbus’ top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.76 GAA and a .899% save percentage. Elvis Merzlikins (2-5-0) leads the Blue Jackets in games played in goal. He has a GAA of 4.74 and a save percentage of .864%.
Josh Morrissey leads the Jets in scoring with 25 points. He has five goals and 20 assists (9th). Hellebuyck (10-5-1) is the top goalie for Winnipeg with a goals against average of 2.43. He has a save percentage of .925%, fourth-best in the league.
HOME AND AWAY
Columbus is looking to avoid a fourth successive road loss this season. Winnipeg is 8-2-0 at Canada Life Centre this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Columbus Blue Jackets (+170)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
