Winnipeg Jets vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

Winnipeg Jets vs Columbus Blue Jackets December 8th 2024

Looking to win big? The Blue Jackets and Jets face off at 6:00 ET on ESPN+. The Jets are hosting the game at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB. The odds for this non-conference game currently have the Jets as the -1.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 6 goals.

Columbus vs. Winnipeg Key Information

• Teams: Blue Jackets at Jets
• Where: Canada Life Centre Winnipeg
• Date: Sunday, December 8th
• Betting Odds WPG -189 | CBJ +159 O/U 6

The Blue Jackets Can Win If…

With a 7-2 loss to the Capitals, the Blue Jackets dropped to 11-12-3 this season. Columbus was an underdog on the puck line, and the total for the game was set at 6.5 goals. The combined 9 goals easily went over that mark.

The Blue Jackets’ defense struggled early, giving up five goals in the first period. Columbus got on the board with 19:11 left in the second period, but the Capitals responded with another goal to make it 6-1. The Blue Jackets added one more goal in the second, but Washington sealed the win with a goal in the third.

Columbus fired 36 shots on goal but only managed two scores in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson netted his 4th goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his 2nd. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period before Severson got them on the board 49 seconds into the second period.

Columbus recorded 13 giveaways and failed to convert on any power play opportunities. Adam Fantilli picked up his 4th assist on Severson’s goal, and Sean Monahan added his 5th assist on Labanc’s score.

Defensively, the Blue Jackets will look to bounce back after giving up 7 goals on 22 shots from the Capitals. Goalie Daniil Tarasov posted a 68.2% save percentage, making 15 saves. Columbus also had 10 takeaways and 17 hits. The team will look to start faster, as they gave up 5 goals in the first period, including the first just 56 seconds into the game.

• Columbus has put together a record of 0-3 in their last three games (regular season). Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 0-3 to go along with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Across Columbus’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 5-5. This includes going 5-5 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 7-2-1.

The Jets Can Win If…

Winnipeg improved to 20-8-0 with a 7-4 road win over the Lightning. The Jets covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6.5 goals was surpassed by the 11 goals scored in the game.

After trailing 2-0 in the first period, the Jets responded with seven different players finding the back of the net. Winnipeg scored twice in the second period to tie the game, and then added four more goals in the third period to secure the win.

In their 7-4 win over Tampa Bay, Winnipeg’s offense saw seven different players score. After trailing 2-0 in the first, Vladislav Namestnikov got the Jets on the board with his third goal of the season. Logan Stanley added his first goal of the year in the second period, while Alex Iafallo netted his first on a power play in the third.

Nikolaj Ehlers scored his ninth goal, and Cole Perfetti added his fourth on an empty net. Josh Morrissey picked up two assists, bringing his season total to 13. The Jets took 34 shots on goal and scored twice on empty nets.

Defensively, the Jets will look to improve after allowing the first two goals and a 4-4 tie at 13:09 in the 3rd period. Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves with an 86.7% save percentage, while the Jets’ defense recorded 5 takeaways and 31 hits.

• Over their last three games, the Jets have gone 2-1 straight up. Their record vs the puck line in these matchups is less impressive at 1-2, while posting an over-under record of 1-2.
• Winnipeg has put together a record of 5-5 in their last ten games (regular season). In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 4-6 and an over-under mark of 3-7.

The Lean

When thinking about a moneyline wager in this game, our evaluation indicates that the Jets will take down the Blue Jackets. Nonetheless, given the current odds of -189, I’d recommend getting bet down on the puck line instead, as our predictions point to the Jets winning by more than one goal.

For a puck line pick, we are going with the Jets to win and cover. Look for the Jets to win this one by multiple goals over the Blue Jackets.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

Jets Seek to Extend Streak Against Struggling Blue Jackets

The Winnipeg Jets (20-3-2) host the Columbus Blue Jackets (9-14-4) on Sunday, riding a wave of momentum as the NHL’s first team to reach 20 wins this season. Winnipeg has recovered from a brief slump to post back-to-back victories, including Saturday’s 4-2 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Columbus, meanwhile, is struggling to find consistency. The Blue Jackets have dropped the last three games of their five-game road trip, all by three goals, and are facing mounting issues on special teams.

Winnipeg Jets: Balanced and Dominant

The Jets have been firing on all cylinders, combining potent scoring with solid defense. In Saturday’s win over Chicago, Winnipeg showcased its depth with goals from Gabriel Vilardi, Nino Niederreiter, Mark Scheifele, and Mason Appleton. Kyle Connor, who leads the team with 32 points, contributed two assists.

“When our spacing is correct, we’re a tough team to play against,” said Scheifele, whose game-winning goal Saturday gave him 14 on the season, tied with Connor for the team lead.

Winnipeg’s power play ranks third in the NHL, converting at an impressive 29.3 percent. Their ability to capitalize on special teams could be decisive against Columbus, whose penalty kill has been shaky during their losing streak.

Key Players for Winnipeg

• Mark Scheifele: With 14 goals, Scheifele continues to be a reliable offensive weapon.
• Kyle Connor: The team’s leading scorer provides consistent offensive production and playmaking.
• Connor Hellebuyck: The reigning Vezina Trophy winner leads the NHL with 17 victories and remains a steady presence in goal.

Sunday’s contest is the second half of Winnipeg’s first back-to-back set this season, but the Jets appear well-equipped to handle the challenge.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Searching for Answers

Columbus began their road trip with a promising 6-3 win over Chicago but has since faltered, losing three straight games by identical three-goal margins. In their latest defeat, a 5-2 loss to Vancouver, the Blue Jackets surrendered a 2-0 lead and allowed the Canucks to dominate the second and third periods.

Costly mistakes have plagued Columbus, including a miscue by goaltender Elvis Merzlikins on Friday that led to a critical game-tying goal.

“You have to almost play a boring hockey game at that point and not allow anything to happen,” coach Dean Evason said after the loss.

Key Concerns for Columbus

• Penalty Kill Issues: Columbus has allowed a power-play goal in 12 consecutive games, conceding 17 goals in 44 opportunities during that span.
• Offensive Struggles: The Blue Jackets are just 4 of 30 on their power play over the last 12 games, compounding their issues with special teams.
• Defensive Mistakes: Errors in execution have consistently undermined the team’s efforts, even in games where they start strong.

Key Players for Columbus

• Johnny Gaudreau: Columbus needs its offensive leader to produce in critical moments.
• Elvis Merzlikins: The goaltender must shake off recent mistakes and deliver a strong performance to give his team a chance.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Jets’ Power Play vs. Blue Jackets’ Penalty Kill: Winnipeg’s top-tier power play will look to exploit Columbus’ struggling penalty kill, a key area that could tilt the game.
• Mark Scheifele vs. Columbus Defense: Scheifele’s scoring touch and ability to capitalize on loose pucks will challenge the Blue Jackets’ defensive structure.
• Kyle Connor vs. Elvis Merzlikins: Connor’s playmaking ability will test Merzlikins, who must bounce back after recent errors.

Who’s taking the top spot? Dive into NHL Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions!

What’s at Stake?

For Winnipeg, a win would solidify their position as the league’s top team and extend their winning streak to three games. Their balanced attack and efficient power play make them a tough matchup for any opponent.

For Columbus, Sunday’s game offers a chance to end their road trip on a positive note and build some momentum after a disappointing stretch. Cleaning up mistakes and improving special teams will be essential to their success.

With one team surging and the other desperate for a win, this matchup promises to be a test of resilience and execution. Will the Jets continue their dominance, or can the Blue Jackets rise to the occasion? Fans can expect an intense battle in Winnipeg.