The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a massive win against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Monday, in a game where Connor Hellebuyck made an astounding 50 saves.
The Islanders have a little adversity to face right now as they are going to be without their star center, Mat Barzal, for the near future as he is out with a lower body injury. They had a strong performance in Pittsburgh on Monday, picking up a 4-2 win, but this will be their fourth game in six nights.
I doubt we will see Connor Hellebuyck in goal for Winnipeg after playing both games of a back-to-back against the Devils and Rangers, but David Rittich might be able to steal a game on the road against an Islander team that doesn’t score consistently.
Find out my best bet in our free NHL picks and predictions for Islanders vs. Jets on Wednesday, February 22.
Jets vs Islanders best odds
Jets vs Islanders picks and predictions
The Islanders have played a whole lot of hockey as of late, but they have been playing relatively well, going 6-2-2 in their last ten games.
The Jets haven’t really been at their best lately, but they have, in fact, won four out of their last six games. A lot of that has to do with their strength in defense and goaltending. They haven’t been involved in many high-scoring games as of late, and that is largely due to goalies Connor Hellebuyck and David Rittich, who have been excellent all season.
The former is 26-16-1 with a 2.39 GAA and a .926 SV%, while the latter is 9-5-0 with a 2.49 GAA and a .911 SV%. Rittich has been particularly strong on the road (2.37 GAA, .910 SV% in nine games), so head coach Rick Bowness might want to call upon him here.
The Islanders have strong goaltending as well, as Ilya Sorokin leads the way with a 2.43 GAA and .924 SV%, but their offensive production seems to be their biggest crutch. They're 24th in the NHL in goals per game (2.9) and 27th in power play conversion rate (17.1%). With Mat Barzal, J.G. Pageau, and possibly Josh Bailey all out tonight, this unit could suffer even further.
The Jets are the third-best defensive team in the NHL, only allowing 2.6 goals against per game. They also have the league's third-best penalty kill, which is successful on 84% of their opportunities.
It’s hard to really trust the Islanders these days, and I really happen to like Winnipeg in this spot.
My best bet: Jets moneyline (+105 at BetMGM)
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Jets vs Islanders moneyline analysis
The Islanders are a very difficult team to figure out at the moment, as you’re not exactly sure what kind of performance that you’re going to get from them. Brock Nelson has been on an absolute tear for New York, notching seven goals and four assists in his last 11 games. But outside of him, there aren’t too many consistent skaters right now.
Sorokin is coming off a strong performance in his last showing, making 44 saves and leading his team to a 4-2 victory. He’s had a great year in goal for the Islanders, but tonight he will face two threatening goal-scorers in Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. The pair combined for three goals and two assists against the Rangers on Monday night.
Right now I have a ton of trust in Jets, while the Isles' offensive production is not very steady. I think Winnipeg can steal this one.
Jets vs Islanders Over/Under analysis
This contest has the feeling that it’s going to be relatively low-scoring. Both of these teams are basically in the middle of the pack when it comes to scoring goals, as the Jets rank 16th with 3.1 goals per game, while the Islanders are 24th.
With that being said, they both rank in the Top 10 when it comes to team defense. The Jets are third, allowing 2.6 goals per game, and the Islanders are ninth, giving up 2.8 goals per tilt. Two strong defensive teams meeting two subpar offenses definitely gives the vibe that it’s going to be an Under.
Trend bettors should note that the Under is 12-3-1 in Winnipeg's last 16 games in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation, and 8-3-1 in New York's last 12 games following a win.
Jets vs Islanders betting trend to know
The Islanders are 1-5 in their last six games of a 4-in-6 situation. Find more NHL betting trends for Jets vs Islanders.
Jets vs Islanders game info
| Location: | UBS Arena, Elmont, NY |
| Date: | Wednesday, February 22, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, MSG Sports Network |
Jets vs Islanders key injuries
