The Winnipeg Jets get their season underway against the New York Rangers (2-0-0) on Friday at Canada Life Centre. The Jets are -120 favorites, and the total is 6. New York is coming off a high-scoring 7-3 win over the Wild yesterday. The Rangers committed seven penalties in the game, conceding one power play goal. Chris Kreider was the top goalscorer for the Rangers with two goals. Artemi Panarin had a goal and three assists to lead the team in scoring. Igor Shesterkin saved 33 of 36 shots in the win.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Rangers won both games between the teams last season, including a 3-0 victory in their final meeting in April, their fourth straight win against Winnipeg. Ryan Strome (2G 0A), Panarin (0G 2A), and Andrew Copp (0G 2A) each had two points to lead New York. Shesterkin saved 31 shots to earn the shutout win.
FACING OFF
New York averaged 3.05 goals per game last season, 16th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Jets team that allowed 3.09 goals a game (20th). Meanwhile, Winnipeg found the net 3.05 times a game on average, 16th in the league, and the Rangers allowed opponents to score 2.49 goals per game (2nd).The Rangers were one of the league’s best power play teams (4th), converting 25.23% of their opportunities, while Winnipeg’s 75.00% penalty kill percentage ranked as the fifth-worst. The Jets scored on 21.05% of their power play chances (17th). New York’s PK% of 82.30 ranked No. 7.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With five points early this season, Panarin is the top skater for the Rangers. He has one goal and four assists in two games. In the net, Shesterkin (2-0-0) is New York’s top goaltender. He has a 2.02 GAA and a .935% save percentage. With 96 points last season, Panarin was the top skater for the Rangers. He was among the league leaders with 74 assists (4th) and added 22 goals of his own. Shesterkin (36-13-4) was New York’s top goaltender by goals against average. He had a 2.07 GAA, best in the league, and a .935% save percentage, also best. Kyle Connor led the Jets in scoring a season ago with 93 points. His 47 goals were the fifth-best total in the league. He also had 46 assists. Connor Hellebuyck (29-27-10) is the top returning goalie for Winnipeg with a goals against average of 2.97. He had a save percentage of .910%.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
NY Rangers (+125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
