The Winnipeg Jets (29-24-5) host the San Jose Sharks (24-28-4) Friday at Bell MTS Place for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Sharks-Jets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Sharks at Jets: Projected starting goalies
Aaron Dell vs. Connor Hellebuyck
Dell is coming off a start against the Calgary Flames Monday in which he allowed six goals on 37 shots. He is 3-2-0 across his last five outings and 11-11-2 on the season. He has a .909 save percentage and 2.88 goals against average.
Hellebuyck, an All-Star, took the loss Tuesday against the New York Rangers while giving up four goals on 32 shots. He’s 24-17-5 on the season with a .919 SV% and 2.71 GAA.
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Sharks at Jets: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Jets 6, Sharks 3
Moneyline (ML)
Both teams enter off of the aforementioned losses. The Jets (-154) will have the home-ice advantage Friday, but the Sharks (+125) have had an extra day of rest. Winnipeg is just 4-5-1 over its last 10 games and a disappointing 14-13-3 at home this season, while San Jose is 4-6-0 over its last 10 overall and just 10-14-3 on the road.
The JETS (-154) are the play, as they lead the head-to-head season series 2-0 with 3-2 and 5-1 victories both coming in San Jose. The Jets have a goal differential of minus-2 but remain in contention for a Western Conference wild-card spot. The Sharks are minus-40 in goal differential and are headed for the draft lottery.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Based on the Sharks’ horrible goal differential, we’re backing the JETS (-1.5, +170) to win by at least 2 goals. The Sharks are 26-30 against the spread on the season and 13-14 on the road. The Jets are 34-24 ATS overall and 14-16 at home.
Winnipeg had won three straight games all by margins of at least 2 goals prior to Tuesday’s loss. Each of the Sharks’ last six losses was by a margin of at least 2 goals.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the OVER 6.5 (+125) as the more profitable side of the total bet. Both teams have hit the Over five times in their last 10 games. Both meetings this season fell below Friday’s projected total, but both goalies enter the day in poor form.
Esten’s NHL betting record: 232-212
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