NHL Preview, Odds, And Prediction: Winnipeg Jets vs Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins will be finally back in action after a 10-day break when they visit the Winnipeg Jets inside the Bell MTS Place on Friday to start a grueling stretch of eight road games in their next 12 assignments.

The Bruins will look to avert complacency as their once comfortable buffer at the top of the Atlantic Division standings is now trimmed to just five points. Boston carries 70 points as the footsteps of Tampa Bay are being heard at the trail with 65 points. In fact, the Lightning already passed the Bruins in total wins, 30-29.

Still, the NHL betting lines predict that the Bruins will not be hampered by rust caused by the long break as they are pegged as favorites on the road against the Jets.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets suffered a four-game setback before hitting the All-Star break in which they got overwhelmed by a disastrous 20-7 total scoring disparity. Their return to ice action against Boston inside the Bell MTS Place will start a well-needed three-game homestand as their chase for a playoff spot continues.

Winnipeg has lost six of their seven games, including the current slide. They will try to pounce on, though, on a relatively favorable schedule as they play nine of their next ten games at home.

Boston Bruins

The season could not be more exceptional for David Pastrnak. Apart from keeping hold of the league’s top-scoring bragging rights, the Czech skater was also recognized as the MVP of the just concluded All-Star game where he amassed four goals and two assists. He will try to add more to his 70-point total when the Bruins get back to real business on Friday.

Bruins goalie Tuuka Rask is expected to return after a three-game absence due to a concussion which also caused him to miss the All-Star Game.

Odds and Trends

Jets are underdogs at home offered at +135. The Bruins are pegged at -155 to win.

Jets are 1-6 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game and 1-7 in their last 8 home games.

Bruins are 5-0 in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 39-19 in their last 58 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Over is 6-1 in Jets last 7 vs. Atlantic and 3-0-1 in Bruins last 4 games following a win.

Under is 10-4-2 in Jets last 16 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 6-1 in Bruins last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.

Prediction

Money line: Jets

Total: Over