What does a matchup featuring two of the best teams in the North Division actually mean?
I keep trying to bring myself to the understanding that there is actual competition within this all-Canada division. These two teams, especially, should be able to challenge for a final four spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
But outside of that, what the Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers ultimately bring is star power with an unknown caveat. These two teams, tied for second place at 38 points, are not that far off from first-place Toronto.
Nevertheless, despite what the opinion may be of the big picture involving these teams, we can expect a fun matchup with a ton of big names.
| BetMGM | Spread | Total | Puckline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg Jets | Over 6.5 (-105) | +115 | TBD |
| Edmonton Oilers | Under 6.5 (-115) | -130 | TBD |
Center Depth Down The Jets’ Runway
You’re not going to find a bigger fan, at least outside of Winnipeg, of Pierre-Luc Dubois than me.
As I highlighted back in January, the trade between the Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets between Dubois and Patrik Laine was one of the weird ‘both teams win’ scenario. Even though it’s a freefall in Columbus right now opposed to playoff aspirations for Winnipeg, it’s still two star players being moved.
It’s not often 22-year-old No. 1 centers fall in your lap. The Jets’ center depth is already top-notch between Mark Scheifele. Paul Stastny and Mason Appleton. You throw in Dubois, who will be in strong consideration for the Selke Trophy before his 30s, and it’s hard for teams to counter that.
Dubois has 10 points in 14 games; he’s played four fewer games than that of his teammates. If he was on that pace, he’d still be inching toward a point per game. He showcased his playmaking prowess on Wednesday with a three-assist night in a 4-3 win over Montreal.
The Jets are very good. Are they good enough to win? Dubois is the missing piece they’re hoping for.
McDavid, Draisaitl, And…
It’s a tale as old as time. How do the Edmonton Oilers get production outside of guys not named Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl?
The NHL’s 1-2 punch in scoring, McDavid is well on his way to a third Art Ross trophy by leading the NHL in scoring. Draisaitl is seven points behind his teammate, but the reigning Hart Trophy winner is still over a point-per-game pace.
Outside of Edmonton’s top superstars, it’s really an unknown. Tyson Barrie has been a godsend of a signing for Edmonton (28 points in 32 games), but he and Darnell Nurse aren’t going to intimidate playoff teams from the blue line.
Forward wise, it’s pretty much a crapshoot. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the only other Edmonton forward with more than 20 points this season. The next highest would be Kailer Yamamoto at 16 points. The Oilers just don’t get the help their superstars need.
So far, it hasn’t mattered The Oilers are well on their way to another playoff spot, where they really need to not have another dud like last season.
Other Sports Betting Sites
The Jets are coming off a 4-3 overtime victory at home against Montreal on Wednesday. That in lies the problem; Winnipeg is traveling on no days rest after an overtime game. Winnipeg is getting +115 on BetMGM.
Betting on the Jets is one thing; taking -1.5 goals would be something. FanDuel has it as high as +190 as of this morning. NHL betting is a weird, mythical construct.
Even on a supposed day off, taking the Jets seems like a fun play. Yeah, they might be tired, but these are the games you take notice of.
PICK: Winnipeg at -1.5 at +190
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