Florida Panthers vs Winnipeg Jets Betting Picks

Winnipeg is enduring a disappointing season. The Jets' defense hasn't played up to standards, and star goalie Connor Hellebuyck hasn't been in peak form, yielding 10 goals in his last three starts. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers also have been lackluster defensively this season. They rank 23rd defensively. Florida veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is having one of his worst seasons. Florida lost to St. Louis 5-4 two days ago. The Panthers have allowed nine goals in two straight losses. The good news for them is that Matthew Tkachuk scored his first two goals of the season against the Blues. Tkachuk had been out most of the season. Florida is averaging four goals a game in its last four games. Take the OVER.

Two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida has yet to get in full gear. Still, the Panthers have seven more points than the disappointing Jets. Winnipeg is 20th in scoring and its defense has slipped. Despite having star goalie Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets rank 16th defensively and 18th on the penalty kill. Winnipeg is averaging two goals a game in its last three games. The Panthers rank ninth in successfully killing penalties. They also give up the seventh fewest shots on goal. Florida has a winning road record and is poised to make a move with the return of left wing Matthew Tkachuk. He has averaged 32 goals the previous four seasons, while giving Florida a certain toughness. This will be Tkachuk's second game back from surgery for a torn adductor that had kept him out all season. His old man played for the original Jets back in the 90s, so that'll give Matthew and his mates an extra spark in what is always a loud arena. Take the Panthers. 

Winnipeg has won seven of eight, including its last four after defeating Tampa Bay 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday. Adam Lowry scored the game-winner and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 29 shots for the Jets. Hellebuyck is probable tonight with a 9-4-1 record and 2.84 goals-against average and .900 save percentage. Winnipeg has won the past three meetings, including 6-4 on Oct. 14. Florida lost 3-1 to Boston on Wednesday and the Panthers have lost four of five against Central Division opponents. Florida is 2-6 versus teams with above .600 winning percentages and the Jets have won five of their past seven road contests. Also, Winnipeg is 5-1 after allowing two or fewer goals its previous game and it has allowed only 2.5 goals per game its past 10 games. Take the Jets.