NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Kings vs Jets (Monday, April 1)
Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images. Pictured: Laurent Brossoit of the Winnipeg Jets.
Kings vs. Jets Odds
| Kings Odds | +100 |
| Jets Odds | -120 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 -110/ -110 |
Here's everything you need to know about the Kings vs Jets on Monday, April 1 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
The Jets will look to snap a six-game losing streak Monday as they host the Kings. They have confirmed backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit (.927 Save %, 2.05 GAA) will start in goal and have no skaters listed on the injury report.
The Kings will look to snap a two-game losing skid of their own and continue solidifying a playoff berth.
Find my Kings vs. Jets prediction and NHL betting preview below.
The Kings have played to a solid 15-9-1 record since promoting Jim Hiller to head coach over the All-Star Break. In that time, they have allowed just 2.44 Goals Against per game, which is the third-best mark in the league. That is really nothing new for the Kings, who have been one of the league's best defensive teams for the better part of three seasons now.
Their 2.92 Goals For per game average under Hiller still ranks 19th in the league. Whether the Kings prove to be a legitimate cup contender will likely swing on what kind of offensive upside they display come late April.
We saw last week just how frustrating it can be if the Kings get a lead, as they will then look to turn the game into a complete slog as opposed to pressing for any more offense.
The Kings played without second-line center Phillip Danault Saturday in Calgary, and his absence was notable. The Kings' makeshift offensive lines did not own the play like they usually do. Danault is considered a game-time decision for this contest.
Cam Talbot rested Saturday versus Calgary, so he is probable to get the start Monday. Talbot has played to a +11.4 GSAx and .916 Save % across 47 appearances.
On January 17th, the Jets ranked first in the NHL and were considered among the cup favorites. Not only was their record excellent, but they also held the league's best Goals Against Average, which is always a trendy note among mainstream media.
Since that point, the Jets have gone just 14-14-2 (14-16 straight up), and trended down to 10th in the league. They have scored only 2.63 Goals For per game in that span, which ranks 27th.
They will likely get a nightmare first-round matchup against either the Avalanche or Stars, which is a big reason that their Stanley Cup outright price has drifted down to +1700.
Top line winger Gabriel Vilardi returned to the lineup Saturday versus Ottawa. Vilardi is an excellent play-driver who is great in the defensive zone, and the Jets top line has been getting outplayed consistently by other top units recently. His presence will hopefully allow Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor's even-strength production to improve while allowing fewer chances at the other end.
The Jets allowed just 2.94 xGA/60 in March and should continue to be one of the league's better defensive sides. While their offensive play is the larger concern, it's safe to say coach Rick Bowness will continue to preach a defensively responsible style of play.
Brossoit has been confirmed as the Jets' starting goaltender in this matchup. Across 20 appearances, Brossoit owns a +11.6 GSAx. His GSAx per 60 minutes of play ranks second in the league among goalies who have played in 20 or more games this season.
Kings vs. Jets
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Jets played in several low-event nail-biters last week, and this could set up as a similar spot.
The Kings were one of the league's best defensive sides in March and continue to get steady goaltending. They will make a tough opponent for a Jets side that ranks in the league's bottom third in terms of offensive production over the last two months of action.
The Jets still deserve to be viewed as one of the better defensive teams in the league, and Brossoit has been arguably the best backup goaltender in hockey. We know Winnipeg will bring an urgent effort Monday looking to snap its six-game skid, and quality chances should be at a premium for the Kings too.
Even with a low total of 5.5, I believe there is value betting unders in this game. Backing the game total to go under 5.5 at -110 presents value, as does backing the first period to go under 1.5. My recommendation would be splitting a unit between those two plays. A sprinkle on the first period to go under 0.5 at +320 at bet365 is also worth a look.
Pick: Under 5.5 -110 (Play to -115) | First Period Under 1.5 -115 (bet365 | Play to -120)
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