Winnipeg Jets vs Vancouver-canucks Picks and Predictions March 30th 2025

Canucks Face First-Place Jets in Pivotal Clash

The Vancouver Canucks are clinging to their postseason hopes, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as they wrap up a lengthy road trip with a daunting matchup against the NHL’s top team — the Winnipeg Jets.

Sunday afternoon’s game pits two Canadian clubs on very different trajectories. The Jets (50-19-4) have already clinched a playoff berth and are riding high after back-to-back wins, while the Canucks (34-26-13) are in a desperate scramble for points as they sit just outside the wild-card cut line in the Western Conference.

Follow the playoff chase on the NHL Scores & Odds.

Canucks: Frustration and Fight

Vancouver’s 7-6 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday was a heartbreaker — and a lost opportunity. After storming to a 3-0 first-period lead, the Canucks gave up six goals in regulation and needed a late third-period goal to force overtime and salvage a single point.

Head coach Rick Tocchet didn’t hold back after the game:
“When pressure hits, you’ve got to face it. I think sometimes we’re sinking… Some young guys, they’re trying hard, but this is a good lesson for them.”

Brock Boeser tallied a goal and assist, and young forward Aatu Raty scored twice — including the game-tying goal with under three minutes left. Kiefer Sherwood and Pius Suter added three assists apiece.

Despite the blown lead, the Canucks are now 2-1-2 on their six-game road swing. A win in Winnipeg would go a long way toward keeping their playoff dreams alive as they return home for a crucial three-game homestand.

Explore the NHL Western Conference Odds to see how the Canucks stack up.

Jets: Full Throttle Toward the Cup

The Winnipeg Jets have been flying high, and Friday’s 4-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils was just the latest example of their all-around dominance.

Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves for his NHL-best seventh shutout of the season, surpassing his own franchise record for most shutouts in a season.

“I just love shutouts, to be honest with you. That’s why I play the game,” Hellebuyck said.

The Jets’ offensive attack continues to impress. Alex Iafallo scored twice, David Gustafsson returned from injury with a goal, and Kyle Connor added two assists. Mark Scheifele notched a goal and assist, becoming the franchise leader in multi-point games with 201 — surpassing Blake Wheeler.

Coach Scott Arniel praised the team’s depth and mentality:
“Our group has done that all year, and that’s helped with our success.”

Even with Gabriel Vilardi sidelined week-to-week, Winnipeg continues to roll and became the first team in the NHL to reach 50 wins this season — and the first Canadian club to do so since the Canucks in 2010-11.

Get more on Winnipeg’s postseason outlook from the Stanley Cup Odds & Predictions.

Key Matchups

Hellebuyck vs. Demko (or DeSmith)
Hellebuyck has been elite. Vancouver needs a stellar performance in net to keep pace — whoever starts must match his intensity.

Boeser & Pettersson vs. Jets’ Blue Line
If the Canucks want a shot, their stars must find a way to break through Winnipeg’s structured and physical defensive group.

Iafallo & Scheifele vs. Canucks’ Forecheck
Scheifele is on fire, and Iafallo is making the most of his increased role. Vancouver must disrupt the Jets’ breakout and limit second-chance looks.

What’s at Stake

• Canucks: Still hunting a wild-card spot, every point is crucial. A regulation loss puts immense pressure on their upcoming home games.
• Jets: With 104 points, Winnipeg is gunning for the Presidents’ Trophy and aims to stay sharp heading into the playoffs.
• Both: Pride and positioning in a marquee Canadian showdown.

Track more playoff odds and projections via the NHL Conference Odds.

Stay Ahead of the Game

NBA Data & Insights

Get Free Trial

Final Word

The Canucks are fighting for survival. The Jets are cruising toward a top seed. But in the NHL, momentum is everything — and desperation can be a powerful motivator.

Will Vancouver rise to the moment and finish its road trip on a high note? Or will Winnipeg’s dominance continue behind the stellar play of Hellebuyck and a surging offensive unit?

For expert analysis, futures insights, and game-day previews, visit the NHL Picks Hub and the Expert Betting Guide.