Winnipeg Jets (14-8-2) vs. Colorado Avalanche (15-7-2)
Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/7/23 – The Winnipeg Jets take on the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night in a battle between two Western Conference foes. This NHL game picks two teams heading in opposite directions, with the red-hot Avalanche winning six of their last seven and the Jets struggling through a 3-5 run over the last eight games.
The Avalanche offense presents a major challenge for the Jets defense. Colorado boasts elite scorers like Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin, while Cale Makar leads the blue line attack. However, Winnipeg has gotten stellar play from goalie Connor Hellebuyck. If he can withstand the barrage of shots, the Jets may be able to take advantage of the Avalanche’s inconsistent defensive play and vulnerable goaltending tandem of Pavel Francouz and Alexandar Georgiev.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche will look to contain the Jets top line of Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor. Scheifele has eight goals in his last 10 games and will test Colorado’s defense. Fortunately, the Avs have one of the most dynamic blueliners in Makar to lead the charge. His puck handling ability ignites the transition game, which could lead to prime scoring chances against a Jets team that has surrendered 3+ goals in five straight contests.
Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck vs. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev
Connor Hellebuyck has been stellar this season, posting a 11-6-1 record along with a 2.49 GAA. He has gotten peppered with shots, facing 30+ in six of his last 10 starts. However, his poise and technical skill allows him to stay composed against an Avalanche attack that leads the NHL in shots per game. If Hellebuyck remains sharp, he gives the Jets a fighting chance. While Hellebuyck has shone behind a porous Jets defense, the reigning Vezina winner has shown some tiny cracks recently. He has allowed 3+ goals in four straight starts, averaging 3.75 given up per game during that span. The Avalanche sport the most dangerous offense Hellebuyck will have seen over this recent run.
Georgiev has struggled in his first season as Colorado’s starter, going just 8-7-1 with a 3.14 GAA. He has allowed 3+ goals in six of his last 10 starts and faces a Jets offense clicking at the fifth-best rate in the league. Winnipeg excels on the power play and Georgiev’s .895 save percentage with the man advantage is among the lowest in the NHL among regular starters. He’s a vulnerable target for the Jets scorers. While Georgiev has battled consistency in his debut Denver campaign, he has shown flashes of the ability that made him a 17-game winner
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be released, but given the close records of both teams, it’s expected to be a tight contest. Bettors should monitor the puckline and moneyline closely for insights into how the matchup is viewed by oddsmakers.
Winnipeg Jets Betting Trends
The Jets defense and goaltending has faltered recently, allowing 3+ goals in 11 of their last 15 contests. With Colorado’s dynamic offense on tap next, Winnipeg seems likely to surrender plenty of goals yet again. The over on 6.5 totals cashes comfortably.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends
The Avalanche are rolling right now and their home ice advantage has benefited them against some of the league’s better traveling teams like Winnipeg. With two days of rest heading into this contest, Colorado should continue their domination at Ball Arena in this spot.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche 12/7/23 Betting Picks
Based on the teams’ recent performances and betting trends, this game is expected to be closely contested. The offensive strengths of both teams, coupled with the abilities of their goaltenders, point towards a game that could go either way.
Choosing the better pick requires considering the Avalanche’s home advantage and offensive depth against the Jets’ strong road performance and solid goaltending. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially the teams’ top scorers and playmakers, could offer good value. The over/under bet might lean towards OVER, given both teams’ recent scoring trends.
For the best premium picks, seasoned handicappers would likely weigh the teams’ recent form, head-to-head matchups, and individual player statistics. This detailed analysis could provide insights into the most likely outcomes.
Free Pick and Prediction: Winnipeg Jets 4, Colorado Avalanche 3