A Friday night showdown features a matchup between the NHL-best Winnipeg Jets and the inconsistent Pittsburgh Penguins. Welcome to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we examine upcoming games, providing predictions and analyzing head-to-head matchups. In todayès prediction article, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins host Mark Scheifele and the Jets. Don’t forget, be sure to check out all of our predictions throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
2024-25 Head-to-Head: Jets 1-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST)
TV: NHL Network; Sportsnet+,
A quarter-way through the season, the NHL is in full swing. The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a disappointing season. Following an offseason of retooling, the club’s 7-10-4 record is good for a bottom-ten spot in the league. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are absolutely soaring, leading the league in wins and points as a result of their 16-3-0 record.
The Penguins’ Story
The Penguins have had a disastrous season. In 20 games, Pittsburgh have blown leads far too often. For example, they are 4-5-2 when scoring first. Moreover, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin lead the way offensively with 20 and 19 points through 20 games, respectively. Although Malkin has had a nice resurgence this season, the offensive depth of the Penguins is lacking. Only two other players have point totals in the double digits so far. Pittsburgh’s defence has also been disappointing, with players like Ryan Graves and Erik Karlsson failing to rebound well from last season.
Goaltending is another issue for the Penguins. Following an excursion to the AHL, Tristan Jarry is 0-1-1 since his return to the Penguins net. Although his last game against Tampa saw him post a .914 save percentage, he still allowed three goals against and a blown lead against the Lightning. Alex Nedeljkovic hasn’t been much better. As the Penguin’s backup this season, he is 3-3-3, with an .886 SV%. The duo’s abysmal combined record of 4-5-4 is a large factor in their struggles in the league standings.
The Jets’ Story
Winnipeg has enjoyed one of the best starts to an NHL season in history. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor lead the way with a tied 12 goals and 24 points each in 19 games. Behind them, seven other Jets forwards have ten or more points to start the season. This incredible depth extends to the defence as well. Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk are fourth and fifth in team scoring, with 19 and 17 points, respectively. This incredible firepower of Winnipeg’s will be a key factor in their offensive against Pittsburgh.
Goaltending is a strength for Winnipeg as always. Long-time superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is 13-2-0 with a .923 SV%. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner is off to a great start placing his bid for the trophy again. Behind him, Eric Comrie has seemingly found himself a cozy home behind Hellebuyck. His 3-1 record and .909 SV% is great in easing the worries of fans when Hellebuyck isn’t the starter in the net. Pittsburgh’s anemic offence will likely struggle breaking through either goaltender in this game.
NHL Predictions Pens and Jets
The Winnipeg Jets are on fire, and there is no reason to think this iteration of the Penguins can stop them. Expect Winnipeg to keep rolling.
Prediction: Jets win 5-1
Prop Bets of the Night
Pittsburgh has shown an inability to play defence at a consistent and acceptable level. With the Jets’ top players producing the way they are, we’d recommend Fanduel’s Kyle Connor Any Time Goal Scorer bet at a +120.
Main Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
