Lightning vs Jets Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Strong Offenses Get the Best of Strong Goaltending

The Central Division’s Winnipeg Jets host the Atlantic Division’s Tampa Bay Lightning in what should be a terrific matchup on Friday evening. Projected for this game is an elite goaltending matchup as Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start for Winnipeg, while Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to go for Tampa Bay.

Will the goaltending live up to expectations, or can these strong offenses stuff the net? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for the Lightning vs Jets on Friday, January 6.

Lightning vs Jets best odds

Lightning vs Jets picks and predictions

Despite the elite goaltending, there have been six or more total goals scored in each of the last six meetings between these two clubs, a trend that should continue on Friday. While Vasilevskiy is undoubtedly one of the world’s best goaltenders, the Jets have had his number.

Through nine career starts against Winnipeg, Vasilevskiy is just 4-4-1 with a .891 SV% and 3.44 GAA. In front of Vasy is a defense that struggles in its own zone.

At 5-on-5, the Bolts rank just 19th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). However, plenty of goal support should be in store as Tampa Bay ranks third in the league in expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF/60).

Like Vasilevskiy, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has also struggled mightily against tonight’s opponent. Over his nine career appearances against the Lightning, Hellebuyck is 4-3-1 with a .863 SV% and 4.53 GAA.

In front of Hellebuyck is a defense that, like Tampa Bay, ranks in the bottom half of the league in xGA/60 at 5-on-5. However, offensively, the Jets are primed for positive regression.

At 5-on-5, Winnipeg ranks 22nd in the league in GF/60 but 16th in xGF/60. With the history between these two teams, two below-average defenses, an elite Lightning offense, and a Jets' offense primed for positive regression, the total is set too low at six.

My best bet: Over 6 (-114 at FanDuel)

Lightning vs Jets moneyline analysis

I would lean towards the Lightning moneyline, and think that would be the team to back in this contest. They rank higher than the Jets in xGF/60 at 5-on-5 while both teams are just a few ticks apart at xGA/60 at 5-on-5.

With how good Tampa Bay’s offense is, it is more likely that Hellebuyck will need to stand on his head once again to keep Winnipeg in this game. That being said, the Jets are also due for positive regression offensively and could give Vasilevskiy some trouble.

Given the circumstances of this contest, I am more comfortable in taking the Over at six, although the Bolts would be my team to back if I had to choose a side.

Lightning vs Jets Over/Under analysis

Obviously, the main concern in taking the Over is the elite goaltending in this matchup, which is why the total is at six instead of 6.5. Through 26 starts this season, Vasilevskiy is 16-9-1 with a .921 SV% and 2.42 GAA.

Meanwhile, Hellebuyck is 19-9-1 with a .928 SV% and 2.31 GAA through 29 starts. Additionally, both netminders rank in the Top 10 in the league in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

But, with their track records against these two teams, a rare poor outing is not out of the question for two guys who typically struggle against tonight’s opponent. Add to the fact that the Bolts have been scoring at-will while the Jets are primed for offensive regression, six goals should not be too difficult to come by.

Lightning vs Jets betting trend to know

There have been six or more total goals scored in each of the last six meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs Jets.

Lightning vs Jets game info

Lightning vs Jets key injuries

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