Winnipeg Jets (52-24-6) vs. Colorado Avalanche (50-25-7)
Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 3 4/26/24 – As the NHL playoffs heat up, the first round presents an intriguing matchup with the Winnipeg Jets facing off against the Colorado Avalanche on April 26, 2024. With the Jets finishing the season strong and the Avalanche close behind, this game is a critical point for both teams. Taking place at the Ball Arena, this Friday night game promises high stakes and intense action, vital for any expert-paid selections.
The Winnipeg Jets showed dominant offensive performance since the season began. The main point of reference was the top forward Mark Scheifele who compiled 72 points and he recorded 25 goals and 47 assists. He has to play the pocket against Colorado’s defensive squad. As well, it is also Kyle Connor who scored 34 goals that depicts the Jets’ accuracy and quickness. The main task of the team will be to stick to the game plan and to be able to go through the various defenses, due to their poorer goaltending this season.
From one side, the Colorado Avalanche flaunts an offensive team, headlined by Nathan MacKinnon, who netted 140 points in just 51 games thanks to his brilliant 51 goals and the 89 assists he provided. With him, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar have been working hard and excelling in the offensive lines of Avalanche. Along with their other abilities, this is quite an unfamiliar task for the Jets’ defense because Connor Hellebuyck has been on a roll in his goalkeeping performances this season.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 3 4/26/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck vs. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev
Connor Hellebuyck took over the goalkeeping duties for Winnipeg Jets, with his goalkeeping exploits reaching a new level of excellence, posting an exemplary .921 save percentage after 60 games in regular season. A tandem of his massive saves with a goals against average of 2.39, is a formidable wall for the Avalanche renown attackers. Hellebuyck has proved through his play this season not only consistency but also the ability to play also in the high game pressure, making him a very important player in this playoff series.
In contrast, Alexander Georgiev of the Colorado Avalanche with his .897 save percentage and a goals against average of 3.02 over the 63 games in the regular season. These shapes show some sort of vulnerability, thus the gunmen of Winnipeg capitalize on it. Moreover, Georgiev has demonstrated the shades of brightness and staying power, seeing him at his best in the critical instances. His ability to perform well in shootouts, for example, where he has a .778 save percentage, is among the qualities that suggest he could develop into an ice stopper.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Colorado Avalanche -146, Total Odds: 6.5
The current betting odds slightly favor the Avalanche, likely due to their offensive depth and home-ice advantage. However, the total of 6.5 suggests that a high-scoring game is anticipated, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Winnipeg Jets Betting Trends
In spite of the good result as a whole, the Jets have had a hard time playing against the spread in the last five actions; they got the negative result 0-1 in their last five games. On the other hand, their road game performance is reliable, which could give them an advantage. The total has gone over in the recent game and it’s clear that they tend to have high-scoring matches – this trend may continue given the offensive nature of this playoff series.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends
Colorado had 0 wins in their last five matches, but by the end of the season, they had maintained a better record against the spread, which is indicative of their ability to beat the betting predictions. In several of their home games, the total has gone over, signaling their inclination to be part of the high scoring matches, maybe even a lot more when they are in their home court.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche 4/26/24 Betting Picks
Considering the statistical insights and team dynamics, this matchup is expected to be closely contested with potential for a lot of goals. The Avalanche’s offensive might, coupled with their home advantage, makes them slight favorites. However, the Jets’ resilience on the road and their goaltending strength cannot be underestimated.
The better pick here seems to lean towards a high-scoring game, potentially going over the total. Prop bets on key players like MacKinnon and Scheifele to score might offer value given their track records this season. For today hockey playoffs 2024 free picks, a safe yet potentially lucrative bet would be on the game total going over.
Free Pick and Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 4, Winnipeg Jets 3.