My favorite bet in the NHL today is placed on the Boston Bruins hosting the Winnipeg Jets. This bet is not supported by any of my betting strategies, but here is why I prefer this bet.
This game features two of the best teams in the NHL, with the Bruins leading the Atlantic Division, while the Jets leading the Central Division.
The Jets arrive at TD Garden with two straight wins and having won 10 of their last 11 games. However, eight of them were recorded against opponents with a winning percentage below 50%. In other words, the strength of the schedule during this winning streak must be questioned.
The Bruins have also been playing well lately. They are currently on a four-game winning streak. They have outscored their opponents 21-9 during that span.
Offensive machine
The Bears were extremely impressive in their big 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche last Thursday. Most analysts would consider Denver to be one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this season.
The way the Bruins dismantled their visitors from the start shows that they are in great shape to face the Jets. After this victory, the Bruins attack washed away the Canadian by scoring nine goals on Saturday night.
We must also highlight the work of the goalkeepers in the duel this evening.
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to be between the pipes for the Jets. He has been dominant this season, recording 23 wins with a 2.15 goals-against average per game and a .927 save percentage. Hellebuyck was the goaltender for 8 of 10 victories in this recent winning streak, allowing no more than two goals in a single game. It’s impressive !
The Bruins are expected to respond with Jeremy Swayman, who has won three straight starts after losing his first four starts in 2024. Swayman has performed well during the three-game winning streak, posting a goals-against average of 2.14 and a save percentage of .926.
This game will be the fourth straight home outing for the Bruins, while the Jets will play their second game of three on the road. However, I think the Jets will be fresh and fit, having enjoyed a less busy schedule over the past week. They only played two games in the last week. On the other hand, the Bruins played three.
Solid defensive
For Boston to win this duel, they will have to overcome the solid and constant defensive fortress of the Jets. Here’s an incredible statistic: they haven’t conceded more than three goals in their last 34 games.
However, the Bruins are loaded with offensive talent. They are led by David Pastrnak. The right winger has been in good form over the last three games, scoring at least once in each of those games. That also included a hat trick against the Avalanche two games ago.
The last time these two teams met was on December 22, when the Jets earned a 5-1 victory. This brings up the revenge factor that I value so much. You can rest assured that Boston will be looking to avenge that December loss where they were humiliated by the Jets. And what’s better than doing it at home?
Boston has an impressive record of 18 wins and 2 losses in their last 20 home games against the Jets. Winnipeg is really struggling in this arena.
The only thing that concerns me about this game is that the Jets are one of the best road teams in the NHL with a 14-4-2 record so far this season. However, they are facing the Bruins who are one of the best home teams in the NHL with a record of 15-3-3.
There’s no doubt that this matchup should be exciting, but I really like the Bruins’ chances as my free bet pick today.