Jets vs Lightning Prediction, Odds & Picks Mar 12
The Winnipeg Jets and Tampa Bay Lightning were among the top-ranked teams in the NHL but have struggled to stack wins recently.
However, with both teams having won their last game, it’s time for one of these to get back on a winning streak and build momentum, and the playoff push continues.
We’ll review the essential stats and NHL lines to make our picks for Sunday night’s Jets vs Lightning matchup.
Jets Have Been Grounded Recently
The Winnipeg Jets were flying up NHL future odds lines throughout the season with consistent strong defensive play and outstanding goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck.
However, the Jets have been stuck on the tarmac over the last 10 games, posting a 3-7 straight-up record (3-5-2).
The Jets’ recent struggles have dropped them from competing for the Central Division lead with the Dallas Stars to fourth in the division and in the Wild Card chase. But there could be positive news on the horizon, as the Jets did win their last game 5-4 over the Florida Panthers on March 11th.
The Jets are 1-6 in the last seven games against the Eastern Conference.
Uncharacteristically, the Jets have hit the over in four of the last five games and have a 5-4-1 over/under record in the previous ten games, which is important to consider for our total goals NHL picks.
Winnipeg isn’t offensively gifted, ranked 18th and averaging 3.11 goals per game, while having the 16th-ranked powerplay, converting at 21.3%.
Defensively, the Jets are 11th in the NHL, giving up 2.82 goals per game while having the seventh-ranked penalty-killing unit, operating at 82.5%.
Kyle Connor leads the Jets with 73 points (27 goals, 46 assists) and has scored six points in the last five games.
According to the NHL news, Winnipeg’s injury report features two significant players listed as out: center Pierre-Luc Dubois and top-defenseman Josh Morrissey.
We expect David Rittich to get the start for the Jets. Rittich has a 9-6-1 record, a 2.57 GAA, and a .906 SV%.
Lightning To Strike Back
The Winnipeg Jets might have won the first meeting, but the Tampa Bay Lightning are poised to strike back. However, Tampa Bay has struggled recently, posting a 3-7 straight-up record (3-4-3) in the last 10 games and going 0-5 in the previous five games against teams with a winning record.
Regardless of recent performances, the Lightning seems locked into the third seed in the Atlantic Division and destined for another first-round playoff matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Lightning are offensively gifted, ranked sixth and averaging 3.47 goals per game, while having the second-ranked powerplay in the NHL, converting at 26.0%. The Lightning has a 6-3-1 over/under record in the last ten games.
Defensively, the Lightning are in the middle of the pack, ranked 15th, giving up 3.05 goals per game, and having the 14th ranked-penalty kill, operating at 80.0%.
Nikita Kucherov leads the Lightning with 95 points (26 goals, 69 assists) and has scored eight points in the last six games. However, Steven Stamkos is listed as day-to-day as of publication, which you need to consider before making Sunday’s sport betting picks.
We expect Andrei Vasilevskiy to get the start for Tampa Bay. Vasilevskiy has a 29-16-4 record, a 2.69 GAA, and a .914 SV%.
This is the second and final head-to-head matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022-23 NHL season.
The Jets won the first game 4-2 on home ice back on January 6, 2023.
Here are a couple of head-to-head trends to consider for your sport bets: the home team is 7-2 in the last nine games, while, historically, the Jets have struggled in Tampa, with a 6-13 record in the last 19 trips to Florida.
Jets vs Lightning Game Information
- Game: Jets (37-26-3) vs Lightning (39-21-6)
- Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
- Day/Time: Sunday, March 12, 2023, 7 p.m. ET
- Jets vs Lightning Live Stream: NHL.TV
Jets vs Lightning Betting Lines
Jets vs Lightning Picks & Prediction
Before we make any betting picks, we always turn to the Las Vegas odds and both teams’ betting records.
The Tampa Bay Lightning Lightning are the home moneyline favorite at -190, while the Winnipeg Jets are listed at +165.
As the underdog, Winnipeg is listed at +1.5 with -165 odds on the puck line spread, while Tampa Bay is listed at -1.5 with +145 odds. The Lightning have a 30-36 ATS record, while the Jets are 36-30 ATS.
The total goals line is set at 6.5, with the over at -110 and the under at -110. Winnipeg has a 21-41-4 over/under record, while Tampa Bay has a 33-28-5 over/under record.
We have not been impressed with the Jets’ fall from grace recently. Factor in a likely start for the Jets’ backup goalie and no Josr Morrisey, and we are favoring offense in this game, leaning toward taking Tampa Bay on the moneyline.
As for our second NHL pick, we’re taking the over of 6.5, considering both teams’ recent performances and the fact that the over is 5-0-2 in the last seven meetings.
