The NHL is back on the schedule after the pause due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. And of the games that attract the attention is the Great White North Derby between Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames. This is game one of a best-of-five qualifying round series. This will be the first game back for both teams in a different type of playoff system due to the interruption of the league.
Winnipeg Jets Review
The Jets are heading into this game strong core of players that can score goals. After all, they have players such as Mark Scheifele , Patrik Laine, and Kyle Connor. That trio has a total of 95 goals between them. Yet, this team is still on the 17th spot in the league in scoring. And the reason behind that is quite simple. The Jets do not have enough squad depth. Therefore, that might be their challenge for them in this playoffs.
Also, during the regular part of the season, the Jets had a record of 37-34 and their season performance to that point was pretty average. On a positive side, they had 4 wins in a row before and had 11-6 record in the last 17 games.
On the offensive side of the game, the Jets are placed on the 17th spot in the league with an average of 3 goals per game.
As for the defensive game on the ice, the Winnipeg side conceded an average of 2.83 goals per game. And that is the 10th record in the league in scoring defence.
Calgary Flames Form
The Flames were one of the teams that performed well before the break. Moreover, they had a record of 36-34, but they were placed on the 3rd spot in the Pacific Division with 79 points.
As for the Western Conference, they were placed on the 8th spot.
They were part of the playoffs 4 times during the past 6 seasons. This year’s format might be different for them, but they will need to improve since they were out after the first round.
The team will also rely on Elias Lindholm as he leads the team in goals with 29 goals.
On the offensive side of the game, the Flames score an average of 2.91 goals per game. And that record is enough for the 20th goalscoring in the league.
On the defensive side of the ice, the Albertans are placed on the 17th spot in the league as they concede an average of 3.06 goals per game.
Prediction
This Canadian Derby can go either way. However, I believe that the Jets will be the better team in these series. Also, they have many individual scores in their team and I expect that they will win this first game as well.
Furthermore, they are better on the power play and they are better on the blue line. Therefore, take the Jets to win this one.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Winnipeg Jets vs. Calgary Flames 08/01/2020 is: take the Winnipeg Jets +110 (Moneyline)
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