The Winnipeg Jets host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday evening at the Canada Life Centre, and the NHL odds list Winnipeg as a -270 favorite.
Winnipeg’s offense has been rolling recently, and my Jets vs. Ducks predictions believe this success will continue tonight.
Read on for my NHL picks for Thursday, January 2.
Jets vs Ducks prediction
My Jets pick
Jets team total Over 3.5 (-127 at Pinnacle)
My Jets analysis
The Winnipeg Jets have one of the NHL's more underrated offenses. While their lineup doesn’t feature marquee names like Nathan MacKinnon or Nikita Kucherov, it's a deep one that ranks in the Top 3 in goals scored per game, power play percentage, and shooting percentage.
This offensive success is likely to continue against the Anaheim Ducks, a team that ranks in the bottom half of the league in goals allowed per game, shots on goal allowed per game, and penalty kill percentage. There are two primary reasons for Anaheim’s defensive woes.
First, it surrenders more high-danger scoring chances than any other team in the league, ranking last in xGA/60. I just mentioned the Ducks’ poor penalty-killing group, but they still rank last in xGA/60 even when you isolate for 5-on-5 play.
The other primary reason for their inability to keep the puck out of the net is the recent play of goaltender John Gibson, who is slated to guard the cage on Thursday. Over his past six appearances in the crease, Gibson sports a .896 SV%.
To be fair, Gibson is a solid netminder in a terrible position behind this Anaheim blue line, but his recent slide suggests he is starting to lose his ability to keep up with it.
It also won’t help Gibson’s cause he's going against a high-powered Jets offense he possesses a .890 SV% against through 19 career meetings.
Finally, Winnipeg has scored four or more goals in five of its past nine games against the Ducks.
Jets vs Ducks odds analysis
Winnipeg opened as a -270 favorite and remains at that price at the time of writing. I believe the market will inflate this line further closer to puck drop.
The total opened at six and remains at that number. However, considering the matchup of the Jets’ offense against the Ducks’ defense, I believe it's more likely that this total will move to 6.5 rather than 5.5.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Play at Pinnacle: Offering 25 + years of betting experience
Make your Jets wagers at Pinnacle, which offers Canadians unbeatable value with the most competitive odds in the industry and high limits — come find out why Pinnacle is home to better odds and better payouts!
19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Jets vs Ducks odds
Jets vs Ducks live odds
Jets vs Ducks opening odds
- Puck line: Winnipeg -1.5 (-105) | Anaheim +1.5 (-109)
- Moneyline: Winnipeg -270 | Anaheim +230
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-107) | Under 6 (-107)
Odds courtesy of Pinnacle
Jets vs Ducks trend
Winnipeg has scored four or more goals in seven of its past 12 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Jets vs. Ducks.
How to watch Jets vs Ducks
| Location: | Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB |
| Date: | Thursday, 1-2-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN3 |
Jets vs Ducks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
