Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Jets Open Eight-Game Homestand with Ducks Rematch

The Winnipeg Jets are kicking off a crucial eight-game homestand on Thursday, and their first challenge is a rematch against the Anaheim Ducks. The Jets are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Colorado, while the Ducks are coming in hot, having taken down some of the NHL’s top teams recently.

Anaheim Ducks: Proving They’re No Pushovers

The Ducks might be sitting below .500, but they’ve been punching well above their weight lately. In the past week, they’ve taken down the New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers, showing they can’t be taken lightly.

• Late-Game Magic:
  Ryan Strome has been the Ducks’ go-to guy in crunch time, scoring game-winning goals in the final minutes of their last two victories.“We’re playing good hockey right now,” Strome said. “It’s been nice to close the year on a high note.”

• Second-Line Surge:
  Anaheim’s second line of Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, and Robby Fabbri is finally clicking. Over the last five games, they’ve combined for seven goals and eight assists.“We’re just vibing out there,” Fabbri said. “Cutter’s flying around, McTavish is a beast, and the chemistry is just there.”

The Ducks stunned the Jets back on December 18 with a last-minute goal from Troy Terry to win 3-2. They’ll be looking to repeat the performance as they kick off a tough stretch of games.

Winnipeg Jets: Time to Lock It Down at Home

The Jets are back home after a mixed stretch on the road. They had a four-game win streak snapped by Colorado on Tuesday, where they let a 2-2 tie slip away in the third period. Now, with a long homestand ahead, the Jets know they need to reset and take advantage of being on home ice.

• Learning from the Past:
  Winnipeg’s last game against Anaheim didn’t end well. Despite leading 2-1 late in the third period, they let the Ducks score twice in the final minutes.“We know what they’re capable of,” forward Morgan Barron said. “This time, we need to stay sharp all the way through.”

• Home Sweet Home:
  The Jets have been nearly unbeatable at Canada Life Centre this season, posting a 14-3-1 record. With the first three games of their homestand against sub-.500 teams, they’re in a prime spot to build momentum.
• No Excuses:
  Despite a busy schedule, the Jets aren’t looking for sympathy.“We’ve all been through tough stretches,” defenseman Neal Pionk said. “We just need to dig in and get the job done.”

What to Watch For

• Ducks’ Depth Scoring: Anaheim’s second line is on fire, and their ability to generate offense beyond the top line makes them dangerous.
• Jets’ Resilience: Winnipeg is one of the best home teams in the league, but they need to avoid the late-game lapses that cost them in December.
• Clutch Performers: Can Ryan Strome keep delivering in the big moments, or will Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck step up to help Winnipeg take control?

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Why This Game Matters

For the Jets, this is about making a statement and setting the tone for their homestand. For the Ducks, it’s another opportunity to prove they can hang with the league’s best.

While Winnipeg is favored, Anaheim’s recent form and confidence mean this game could come down to the wire. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy matchup from start to finish.