The Vancouver Canucks have begun the Bruce Boudreau era in style, winning their first two games with him behind the bench.
After securing a 2-1 shootout victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night, the Canucks will look to keep their momentum rolling as they welcome the Winnipeg Jets to Rogers Arena on Friday evening.
The Canucks, now 10-15-2, have moved out of the cellar in the Pacific Division into seventh place, and currently sit eight points out of a playoff spot. Giving up only one goal in Boudreau’s first two games, Vancouver looks to have temporarily weathered their defensive woes.
Despite conceding a goal on the penalty kill against Boston, the Canucks have scored three power play goals in their last two games, making special teams a positive so far through the early days of the new regime.
The Jets, having played in Seattle last night, come into proceedings floating in the middle of the Central Division after a very inconsistent first-third of the season. Winnipeg is a very poor team away from the Canada Life Centre, losing over 65% of their road games thus far. They are just above a slightly-average team in goals scored (3) and goals conceded (2.8) per game, yet have the league’s second worst penalty kill (66.2%), better than only the Canucks who clock in at an efficiency rate of 65.9%.
Friday’s game will be the first contest that the Canucks will play under new President of Hockey Operations and interim General Manager Jim Rutherford, after his new position was announced by the team on Thursday morning.
After rolling with star goalie Connor Hellebuyck in Seattle on Thursday, expect the Jets to turn to backup Eric Comrie in Vancouver. The Canucks are expected to continue with Thatcher Demko in net after another dazzling performance against the Bruins on Wednesday night.
The odds for Friday’s game between the Jets and Canucks are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of FanSided.
Jets vs. Canucks Odds and Totals:
Moneyline:
Canucks -120
Jets +100
Total:
5.5 goals (over -115 // under -105)
Puckline:
Canucks -1.5 at +195
Jets +1.5 at -230
Jets vs. Canucks Prediction:
The Canucks are riding high right now after earning back-to-back wins for just the third time this season. Vancouver has been dominant in both victories, even with the Boston game going to a shootout, and they seem to be experiencing the energy boost that most teams tend to receive after a change at the helm.
The Jets have been up and done this year and, after playing in Seattle last night, expect them to come in fatigued and start Friday’s game at a sluggish pace, which should help Vancouver secure their third win in four games.
Pick: Canucks Moneyline -120
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Jets and Canucks? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!