Edmonton Oilers vs Winnipeg Jets Picks and Predictions March 20th 2025

Oilers Hitting Stride as They Host Jets

The Edmonton Oilers (40-24-4, 84 points) are heating up at just the right time, pushing toward the playoffs with three straight wins. Their most recent victory came in dominant fashion, crushing the Utah Hockey Club 7-1 on Tuesday night — their highest goal total in 39 games.

As the Oilers host the Winnipeg Jets (47-18-4, 98 points) on Thursday night, they’re aiming to keep the momentum rolling and inch closer to the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights, who are just two points ahead.

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“Everyone that comes into the rink, you hope you have this every single night from puck drop in Game 1,” said Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. “Our team game is going to continue to grow. You want to head into the end of the season playing your best hockey, and I think we’re starting to get there.”

The Oilers have outscored their opponents 12-3 over the past three games, an encouraging sign as they gear up for postseason action. Coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized that the team’s sharp play is no accident, attributing the focus to the looming playoff push.

“It’s in everyone’s vision right now,” Knoblauch said. “Everyone understands the importance of dialing it in and making sure our defensive play improves as we move forward to the playoffs.”

Jets Look to Rebound After Loss

The Winnipeg Jets, meanwhile, have been on a solid run, winning five of their last six games. However, they hit a bump in the road on Tuesday with a 6-2 defeat to the Vancouver Canucks. As they prepare for Thursday’s game in Edmonton, they aim to address areas of concern that could pose problems in the postseason.

Coach Scott Arniel made some mid-game adjustments against Vancouver, including pairing new acquisition Brandon Tanev with Alex Iafallo and third-line center Adam Lowry. The combination showed potential, and Arniel may stick with it in Edmonton.

“Just trying to get different looks,” Iafallo said. “It’s a good forechecking line. We’re just trying to create that offense down low and keep putting pressure on them. A big game in Edmonton will be a good test for that.”

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Goaltending Questions for Winnipeg

One of the biggest questions for the Jets is whether to give Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck more rest before the playoffs. Despite allowing five goals on 21 shots against the Canucks, Coach Arniel dismissed the idea that Hellebuyck was at fault.

“This isn’t on him,” Arniel said. “A lot of those goals were mistakes that we made, whether it was coverage or off the rush, that ended up in the back of the net. We know what he’s done for us all year long. He’ll just get right back on the horse and be ready for Edmonton.”

Injury Updates

For Edmonton, blueliner John Klingberg did not play against Utah but might return for the matchup with Winnipeg. Meanwhile, Jets defenseman Neal Pionk remains out with an undisclosed injury.

Betting Insights and Playoff Picture

• Edmonton is just two points behind Vegas for the Pacific Division lead, looking to secure home-ice advantage.
• Winnipeg, comfortably in a playoff position, is fine-tuning their game ahead of the postseason.
• Stanley Cup Odds and NHL Conference Winner Odds are shifting as the Oilers gain momentum.

For the latest game odds, expert analysis, and betting insights, visit our Picks and Odds Page, guided by our Expert Betting Guide.

Final Thoughts

Can the Oilers keep their winning streak alive and continue building momentum ahead of the playoffs, or will the Jets bounce back and spoil Edmonton’s run? With playoff implications on the line, this clash between two high-powered teams promises to be a must-watch showdown.