The Vegas Golden Knights got the split they wanted in Winnipeg and return home to host the Jets in Game 3 of the Western Conference final tonight. The Knights stunned the “whiteout” crowd at MTS Centre with a 3-1 victory in Game 2 and will be excited to get back to T-Mobile Arena, where they’re 6-1 SU in their last seven games as home favorites. Vegas opened as a -130 favorite to take the edge in the series and continue its improbable run.
SHARK BITES
The Jets are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.
The total has gone OVER in the Jets’ last three games on the road.
The Golden Knights are 1-3 SU in their last four games after a win.
Tonight’s Game 3 is a case of an unstoppable force vs an immovable object. The Jets are 4-1 SU on the road in the postseason, outscoring their opponents 21-9, while the Knights are 4-1 SU at home, outscoring teams 18-8. The real edge, though, in Game 3 might come down to which team scores first as Winnipeg is 8-1 SU when it scores the first goal while Vegas is 7-1 SU.
The Jets’ only road loss in the postseason was a 5-4 result in overtime vs Nashville in Game 2 of their second-round series. Other than that, they’ve been impeccable away from Manitoba, leading the NHL in away goals with 3.83 per game and holding teams to 2.50 goals per game. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been steady for the Jets with a .958 save percentage on the road this postseason and considering the Jets are 6-0 SU in their last six games after a loss, tonight’s game may be slightly in favor of Winnipeg.
That being said, the Knights have shown time and time again that they’re not to be discounted. Vegas came out firing in Game 2 and took an early 2-0 lead in the first period and never looked back. Forward Jonathan Marchessault was electric with two goals to pace the Knights and now has five markers in the postseason.
But while timely scoring has been the recipe for success for Vegas, the key ingredient has been the play of netminder Marc-Andre Fleury. Flower stopped 30 of 31 shots from the high-powered Jets in Game 2 and now has an incredible 1.83 goals-against average and .945 save percentage in the postseason. If bettors are planning to wager on the Knights, they should stick to their moneyline as Vegas is 2-6 ATS in its last eight home games; the Knights were favored in each of those contests.
The total opened at 5.5 and the OVER may be the profitable angle. The OVER has hit in the Knights’ last three games at home with an average combined score of 7.33 goals per game. When you factor in the scoring prowess of the Jets on the road, it could be a shootout in the desert tonight.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NHL betting line for this matchup, Vegas sat as -145 favorites over at Sportsbook. The total was set at 5.5 at Sportsbook but may move closer to puckdrop.
OddsShark computer prediction formulas pick a 3.2-2.4 win for the Golden Knights on Wednesday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Supporters of the Winnipeg Jets have seen them go 61-24-11 so far this season, while the Golden Knights are 60-26-8. In totals betting, the Golden Knights are 46-44-4, while the Jets are 46-47-3. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Vegas vs Winnipeg injuries news.
According to new NHL Power Rankings here at OddsShark, it's the No. 20-ranked Golden Knights and the No. 12-rated Jets in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Vegas's No. 6-ranked offense, averaging 3.26 goals per game, against a Jets defense that ranks No. 2 at 2.61 goals allowed. The Golden Knights power play is averaging 21.16% while the Jets defense kills off 80.91% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Betting Trends
Winnipeg is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Winnipeg is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
Winnipeg is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
