Jets Hope to Have Big Guns Back vs Flames

The Winnipeg Jets were hopelessly outmatched in Game 3 of their playoff qualification series with Calgary – and their hopes of staying alive in the best-of-five series could hinge heavily on the health of their stars as they tangle with the Flames on Thursday. Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine both missed Tuesday’s 6-2 loss but might return for Thursday’s elimination game.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Flames opened as -172 favorites, but that number has settled in between -150 and -165 at the majority of sportsbooks. The total is entrenched at 5.5, with the U5.5 set at -130.

Calgary News & Notes

While other teams have struggled to find their offensive footing since the return from the COVID-19 hiatus, the Flames are doing just fine. They’ve racked up 12 goals through the first three games of the series and have seen terrific balance, with nine different skaters scoring at least once. They’ve also converted five power-play goals through the Sportsbook three outings.

But while the Flames have done well to expose Winnipeg’s underperforming defense and goaltending, Calgary’s goal prevention has been sensational. Cam Talbot has been one of the most impressive goalies so far in the playoff qualification round, posting a 2.02 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage while playing every minute of the series for Calgary.

Winnipeg News & Notes

While the Jets can’t blame all of their woes in that one-sided Game 3 loss on the absence of two of their best players, it certainly didn’t help. Scheifele and Laine haven’t played since Game 1, and the Jets have been outscored 8-5 in two games since. But while Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice won’t say whether they’ll return Thursday, the Flames are assuming they both will.

Still, there are other problems the Jets will need to get in check if they hope to advance. And improving the penalty kill needs to be at or near the top of the list: Winnipeg surrendered three man-advantage goals in just four opportunities last time out and has allowed Calgary to go 5-for-14 in the series. The Jets ranked 22nd on the PK during the regular season.

Betting Pick: OVER

The Jets still have the talent to make life difficult for the Flames’ back end even with Scheifele and Laine out of action. The extra urgency should result in plenty of scoring chances for both sides.