NHL betting preview (Jan. 2): Ducks vs. Jets odds

Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Thursday’s matchup between the Anaheim Ducks and Winnipeg Jets.

Ducks vs. Jets odds

• Anaheim Ducks Moneyline: +240
• Winnipeg Jets Moneyline: -300
• Puck Line: Ducks +1.5 (-110), Jets -1.5 (-110)
• Game Total: 6 (Over -110, Under -110)
  Game odds courtesy of Sports Interaction.

Handicapping the Ducks (15-20 SU, 24-11 ATS, 10-22-3 O/U)

Anaheim has won five of its last eight games, including two in a row. This marks the second such stretch for the Ducks since mid-November, though they also endured their worst stretch, losing five straight games between Dec. 4 and Dec. 12.

Since then, the Ducks have pulled off some impressive upsets, defeating teams like the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, and Jets, whom they beat at home on Dec. 18. However, Anaheim has lost its past four trips to Winnipeg, dating back to the start of the 2021-22 season.

The Ducks are currently in the middle of one of their toughest stretches of the schedule. By week’s end, Anaheim will have played six games in nine days. Tuesday’s game marks the first half of a back-to-back for the Ducks, who will travel to Edmonton for a rematch against the Oilers on Friday, before finishing up at home on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anaheim has yet to name a starting goaltender for either game, but the schedule presents a challenge regardless.

Lukas Dostal has started the last five games in a row, including two back-to-backs. With the Oilers on deck for Friday, Anaheim might choose to start John Gibson against the Jets, though he hasn’t started since Dec. 20 and could be rusty as a result. If the Ducks’ goaltending isn’t at its best, they’ll face an uphill battle against the Jets, as Winnipeg ranks 32nd in expected goals against per 60 minutes and 31st in goals per 60.

Handicapping the Jets (27-12 SU, 21-18 ATS, 16-20-3 O/U)

Winnipeg hit a rough patch about a month ago, losing seven times in a 10-game stretch, but the Jets have rebounded, going 9-4 since Dec. 5 to sit atop the Central Division standings. Their four-game win streak was snapped in Colorado on Tuesday, but it was the second half of a back-to-back for the Jets, with backup Eric Comrie in goal.

On Thursday, the Jets will begin an eight-game homestand against the Ducks. As mentioned, Winnipeg lost to Anaheim a couple of weeks ago, but it was the Jets’ second road game in as many days, and once again, Connor Hellebuyck was not in goal.

Hellebuyck will be in goal on Thursday, and he’s been red-hot, winning six consecutive starts and posting a 9-1 record in his last 10 outings. He’s also 12-3-2 all-time against Anaheim and 7-0 at home versus the Ducks. Additionally, Anaheim hasn’t won in Winnipeg since Jan. 23, 2017, and is winless in its last nine road games against the Jets.

This marks Winnipeg’s third game in four days, so they’re not exactly rested, but their most important player is, as Hellebuyck last played on Dec. 30 against Nashville. He’s been stellar this season, allowing more than three goals in only three games, usually keeping opponents to two or fewer. The 31-year-old has five shutouts on the season, including two in his last four games.

Given Anaheim’s struggles offensively, they stand little chance of defeating the Jets, who rank third in goals per 60 minutes. That said, Anaheim does have a 24-11 record on the puck line year-to-date. From a betting perspective, however, I rarely bet on a -300 moneyline favorite, but there is at least one player prop that is worth considering.

Best bet for Ducks vs. Jets

• Kyle Connor Over 1.5 Points (+140) at Sports Interaction

Jets forward Kyle Connor went pointless in his last outing, but he had recorded multiple points in eight of his previous 11 games. Additionally, Connor has scored two or more points in four of his last eight meetings against the Ducks, including two assists on Dec. 18 in Anaheim. He could be facing a weaker goaltending matchup than expected, but even if Dostal starts, I still believe Connor’s chances of posting another multi-point game are better than the odds suggest.

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