Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, the Winnipeg Jets host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a cross-conference game.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Jets 0-0 Penguins
Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; Sportsnet+,
Sidney Crosby and the Penguins take on Kyle Connor and the Jets in a clash between two of the NHL’s best teams to start the season.
The Penguins Story
The excellent start to the 2025-26 season continues for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Coming into a game against the Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh had a seven-game point streak. Following some adversity in the first period, the Penguins weathered the storm and tied the Wild 1-1 after two periods. In the third, the offence of the Penguins came alive once again, scoring three goals and winning the game 4-1. This marks the eighth straight game with a point for Pittsburgh. Their 8-2-2 record currently has them at the top of the NHL, a far cry from the expectations that surrounded this hockey team.
The “Mutant Line” of Evgeni Malkin, Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha was relatively quiet. Brazeau failing to get on the score sheet, Mantha scoring a goal and Malkin an assist. In their absence, the defence and depth of the Penguins shone against Minnesota. Defenceman Ryan Shea has gone from fringe-NHL defenceman to a top-four defensive option on a top team in the league. Paired with star Kris Letang, Shea has scored one goal and six assists through 12 games. This production alone is better than his other 70 NHL games prior to this year, where he’s mustered just three goals and three assists. With a weak defensive group, contributions from players like Shea have been crucial to the Penguins’ success. Playing a strong Winnipeg Jets group, Pittsburgh will need its unsung heroes like Shea and Tommy Novak to continue producing at a respectable pace.
The Jets Story
The reigning Presidents’ Trophy winners continue to be a symbol of sustained excellence. Winnipeg boasts an 8-3-0 record, tied with a litany of other teams for second in the league. The Jets have wasted no time returning to top form, with solid team play on both ends of the ice. The organization ranks seventh in goals-for and third in goals-against. Special teams have been another strength of the organization. The Jets’ have the eighth-best power play and top penalty kill in the league. Against a red-hot Pittsburgh squad, the Jets will need their slightly superior special teams to give them the edge in this matchup.
With the loss of star winger Nikolaj Ehlers, the Jets have received production from other sources in the lineup. Star forwards Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor lead the charge. Through 11 games, Scheifele has a team-leading 18 points, while Connor has 15 points. Centre Gabriel Vilardi has continued to develop into the offensive force he was projected to be when the Los Angeles Kings drafted him in 2017. The former 11th overall pick has scored four goals and 11 points through 11 games. Defensively, Josh Morrissey has been a constant for Winnipeg as their top defenceman for years. The 30-year-old star has a goal and 10 points through 11 games while playing in all situations. The Jets certainly have the talent needed to defeat the Penguins, although it’ll take a complete team game to do so, something the Jets have shown they’re more than capable of.
NHL Prediction
While the Pittsburgh Penguins are hot, there have been some cracks in the armour. Defensive lapses and at times lazy play are factors the Jets are keenly aware of and interested in exploiting. Expect Winnipeg to win this game and tie Pittsburgh for the most points in the league.
NHL Prediction: Jets win 5-3
Prop Bet for the Night
An excellent prop bet is the total goals over seven, with odds of +186. The Penguins and Jets both boast high-powered offence. This game is likely to be another one that turns into a shooting gallery, as many of the Penguins’ games have gone.
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Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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