Winnipeg Jets vs Utah Hockey Club Picks and Predictions January 24th 2025

Barrett Hayton, Utah Look to Jolt Jets in Rematch

The Utah Hockey Club will face off against the Winnipeg Jets for the second time this week on Friday night in Winnipeg, looking to replicate their 5-2 home victory on Monday. Both teams are coming off wins, setting the stage for an exciting rematch.

Utah Aims to Extend Win Streak

Utah enters the game on a three-game winning streak after shutting out the Minnesota Wild 4-0 on Thursday. Karel Vejmelka stopped all 26 shots in his first shutout of the season, while Barrett Hayton scored twice to continue his recent hot streak.

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Key Players for Utah

• Barrett Hayton: 3 goals, 4 assists in his last four games.
• Clayton Keller: 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in the past five games.
• Karel Vejmelka: 26-save shutout vs. Minnesota, looking to stay hot.

Hayton and Keller were key contributors in Utah’s win against Winnipeg on Monday, each recording a goal and an assist.

Utah sits four points behind Calgary for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, making Friday’s game crucial for their playoff push.

Utah’s Mentality: Staying Focused

Lawson Crouse, who assisted on Hayton’s second goal against the Wild, emphasized the need to keep their momentum going:

“We’ve been well aware of these games, and they’re important. Another one (Friday) night, and it’s not gonna be easy. This one feels good, but we have to reset and get ready for (Friday).”

Jets Seeking Revenge After Monday’s Loss

The Winnipeg Jets, who lead the Western Conference with 67 points, bounced back from their loss in Utah by defeating the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday.

Winnipeg’s Strong Response Against Colorado

• Neal Pionk scored the game-winner just 17 seconds into overtime.
• Morgan Barron and Gabriel Vilardi also found the net.
• Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves and even recorded an assist.

After a disappointing performance against Utah, coach Scott Arniel was pleased with his team’s effort against the Avalanche:

“That’s the growth of our team, part of our leadership group, knowing we had to be a lot better. Nobody was happy with how we played in Utah. Just to come out like we did and play as strong as we did … it was a strong effort by everybody.”

Hellebuyck’s Dominance in Net

• 29-7-2 record (leads NHL in wins).
• 2.02 GAA (best in the NHL).
• .927 save percentage, tied for first in the league.

Hellebuyck’s stellar goaltending continues to be a major reason for the Jets’ success, and he will be eager to redeem himself against Utah after allowing five goals on Monday.

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Penalty Kill & Defensive Focus

Winnipeg has been excellent on the penalty kill, shutting down 13 of 14 opponent power plays over their past seven games.

Josh Morrissey, who had two assists against Colorado, highlighted what the Jets need to do to avoid another loss to Utah:

“When we are on our game, we are aggressive. Each guy is on his toes and playing with pace and competitiveness. That is something we can control every night. And we just didn’t feel like we had it in Utah.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Barrett Hayton & Clayton Keller vs. Connor Hellebuyck

• Hayton and Keller torched Winnipeg on Monday.
• Hellebuyck is one of the best goalies in the league and will look to shut them down this time.

2. Utah’s Offense vs. Winnipeg’s Defense

• Utah has scored 9 goals in the past two games.
• The Jets have one of the NHL’s best defenses but struggled in Utah earlier this week.

3. Special Teams Battle

• Winnipeg’s penalty kill has been elite (13-for-14 over last seven games).
• Utah’s power play could be a difference-maker if they can break through.

Can Utah Sweep the Season Series?

Utah has a chance to win its fourth straight game and sweep the season series against the top team in the West. However, Winnipeg is coming off an emotional OT win and will be motivated to prove Monday’s loss was a fluke.

Expect a fast-paced, physical matchup as Utah fights for a playoff spot and Winnipeg looks to tighten its grip on the top seed.