NHL Betting Picks, Odds, And Preview: Winnipeg Jets vs Ottawa Senators

Dylan DeMelo was traded away by Ottawa for a 2020 third-round pick to Winnipeg. And as if fate wants to play games, his debut as a Jet oddly happens against his former team as Winnipeg visits the Senators inside the Canadian Tire Center on Thursday, just two days after the consummation of the swap deal.

The Senators are looking to make it three wins in a row while the Jets eye back-to-back victories after rolling past the Los Angeles Kings in a high scoring affair on Tuesday, 6-3. The latest win puts Winnipeg to a just single point behind a wildcard position in the West.

Winnipeg Jets

While everyone is interested to see how DeMelo is going to play with a chip of his shoulder facing his former squad, the Jets still have a bigger mission in mind more than the drama. It is desperation mode for Winnipeg as the team continues to be in pursuit of a playoff spot in the Central Division. Currently at fourth with a 31-25-5 record, the Jets are two wins and six points removed from the registered tally by the Colorado Avalanche who sit in third place.

Ottawa Senators

The torrid offensive showcase of Jean-Gabriel Pageau carries on for the Senators. He now leads the club in total points, mustering 40 in total built around 24 goals (also a team-best), and 16 assists. But Ottawa needs more contribution from the rest of the team, especially with their position in jeopardy being in a rather deep hole in the Eastern Conference. The team has gained some positive grip by winning their last two outings, this after losing all but one of their previous eight. Anthony Ducalair and Brady Tkachuk will have to launch their usual offensive exploits to help Ottawa extend their mini-winning run.

Odds and Trends

DeMelo will be on the favored side this time as the Jets are tagged to have a higher chance of winning this game on the road, priced at -140, based on the latest update in the NHL Betting Odds while the Senators are underdogs at home with a +120 money line price.

The Jets are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1-day rest and 1-6 in their last 7 Thursday games.

The Senators are 35-72 in their last 107 overall and 9-19 in their last 28 vs. Western Conference.

Over is 4-0 in Jets last 4 games as a road favorite and in Senators last 7 games following a win.

Prediction

Jets win, 4-2