Tuesday night sees the Central Division’s Winnipeg Jets hosting the Pacific Division’s Los Angeles Kings. Low-scoring affairs are typically in store when these two clubs square off, with six or fewer total goals scored in eight of the last 10 meetings.
Will we see another low-scoring contest, or can the goals pick up this time around? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Kings vs Jets on Tuesday, February 28.
Kings vs Jets best odds
Kings vs Jets picks and predictions
Taking the Under in the Winnipeg Jets’ games has been one of the most profitable endeavors in hockey this season, going a remarkable 41-14. A big part of this trend is the play of Vezina Trophy odds candidate Connor Hellebuyck, who is projected to start between the pipes for Winnipeg on Tuesday.
Through 45 starts this season, Hellebuyck is 26-18-1 with a .923 save percentage (SV%) and 2.46 goals against average (GAA). Based on his underlying metrics, regression should not be an issue for the veteran netminder.
Among starting goaltenders, Hellebuyck ranks fourth in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5. In front of Hellebuyck is a strong two-way team that ranks in the top half of the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.
Across the ice, goaltender Pheonix Copley is the expected starter for the Los Angeles Kings. A big surprise for the Kings this season, Copley has cemented himself as the go-to guy in net for this playoff team.
Among starting goaltenders, he ranks 11th in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5. Making Copley’s life easier is the fact that Los Angeles is one of the better two-way teams in the league, in large part due to a forward group loaded with great back-checkers.
Anze Kopitar, Phillip Danault, and Trevor Moore all make life extremely difficult for opposing skaters, although Moore is questionable for this game with an upper-body injury. Mix in a strong blue line and a forward group willing to play in all three zones, and it’s not shocking that the Kings rank sixth in the league in xGA/60 at 5-on-5.
However, offense is where things get a bit more complicated for the Kings, as they rank in the bottom half of the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5. These two teams play slow and both feature strong defenses and goaltenders, a recipe for yet another Under.
My best bet: Under 6.5 (-148 at BetRivers)
Looking to do some NHL betting? Here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) Get a profit boost (up to 100%) on any NHL parlay today at DraftKings! Opt-in Now
B) New users at FanDuel can get a no-sweat first bet of up to $1,000! Sign Up Now
*Eligible USA locations only. Also, check out our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Kings vs Jets moneyline analysis
These two clubs are extremely even, with the Jets holding the advantage offensively and in net, while the Kings possess the advantage in their stronger two-way play. On home ice, it’s not shocking that Winnipeg sits as a –136 favorite while Los Angeles returns +112 on the moneyline.
With that said, I would lean towards the Kings at plus money, but don’t feel confident one way or the other. I think this game is closer to a coin-flip than those odds indicate, but do not have an interest in betting on this L.A. offense to beat Hellebuyck on the road.
Both clubs are profitable on the moneyline this season, while the Jets are 5-4 straight up in the last nine meetings, and another close game is likely in store on Tuesday.
Kings vs Jets Over/Under analysis
I am laying more juice to take the Under at 6.5 because I think –148 is an extremely generous price at that total. For those who don’t want to lay that price, taking the Under at six at –115 is just as strong of a play.
Not only are both goaltenders strong this year, but their track records against these two teams are just as prolific. Over Hellebuyck’s last seven appearances against the Kings, he is 4-3 with a .918 SV% and 2.76 GAA.
There were six or fewer total goals scored in five of those seven outings. On the other hand, Copley is 1-1 with a .947 SV% and 1.52 GAA over his last two starts against the Jets.
The Under cashed in each of those two games as well. In fact, there haven’t been more than six total goals scored in any of Winnipeg’s last 12 games.
Kings vs Jets betting trend to know
The Under has cashed in nine of the last 11 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs Jets.
Kings vs Jets game info
| Location: | Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MN |
| Date: | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BSW, TSN3 |
