Lightning vs. Jets prediction: NHL odds and pick Friday

The Winnipeg Jets are just three points behind Dallas for first place in the Central Division. They have two games in hand on the Stars. The Jets play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Connor Hellebuyck has been Winnipeg's MVP this season. Tampa Bay has similar strengths as Winnipeg. They are 17-8 in their last 25 games and rank second in the NHL with a 56.2% expected goals rate and first with 60. 2% high-danger scoring chance rate. They have the best goaltender in NHL and one of the league's best power-play units.

Andrei Vasilevskiy is likely to start in goal for the Lightning in Winnipeg. He missed Wednesday's game in Minnesota with an illness.