Winnipeg Jets at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and predictions

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The Winnipeg Jets (37-16-5) and Carolina Hurricanes (36-18-6) meet Saturday at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Jets vs. Hurricanes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Jets suffered a 4-1 loss in Dallas against the Stars Thursday to kick off a 3-game road trip. It was just the 2nd loss in the past 9 games, as Winnipeg is still 7-2-0 during the span dating back to Feb. 10. The Under (5.5) cashed against the Stars, snapping a 4-1-1 run to the Over in the previous 6 contests.

The Hurricanes doubled up the Blue Jackets in Columbus Thursday as the Under (6.5) connected. Carolina has won back-to-back games, both on the road, while the Under is on a 5-0 run, and the total has gone low at a 12-2-1 pace in the previous 15 contests. The Canes have won 4 of the past 5 outings at home, too, while the Under is 3-1 in the previous 4 at PNC Arena.

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Jets at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Jets +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Hurricanes -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Jets +1.5 (-225) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Jets at Hurricanes projected goalies

Connor Hellebuyck (28-12-3, 2.23 GAA, .924 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Pyotr Kochetkov (16-10-3, 2.35 GAA, .911 SV%, 3 SO)

Hellebuyck allowed 3 goals on 35 shots in a 4-1 loss in Dallas Thursday. He has still allowed 3 or fewer goals in 34 of his previous 35 starts, with the lone exception a 28-save effort in a 6-3 loss in Calgary. He allowed 5 goals in that setback.

Kochetkov is projected to get the starting nod. He allowed 2 goals on 30 shots in a 3-2 win at Minnesota Tuesday. He was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for February, posting a 5-3-0 record, 1.71 GAA, .940 SV% and 2 SO in 8 games in the month. He also won the award in December 2022.

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Jets at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Jets 2

Moneyline

HURRICANES (-145) is worth a look in this matinee game at Carolina. The Jets (+120) struggled in the road trip opener in Dallas, and they’ll be playing this game at 11:30 a.m. CT, which is their local time zone.

The Canes have been hot, winning 6 of the past 8 games, going 6-1-1 in the span. Carolina has used a combination of timely offense, strong defense and good goaltending to get the job done lately.

The Jets have won 4 of the past 5 games, so this one won’t be easy. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the game need overtime or a shootout, either.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Jets +1.5 (-225) will cost over 2 times your potential return, and that’s too much risk if you’re a little on the conservative side. If you like Winnipeg, just play it straight up.

However, Carolina has won each of the previous 3 meetings in Raleigh, and it has won each of those outings by 2 or more goals, with an average winning margin of 2.3 GPG.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is the lean in this East-West matinee battle.

First, it’s an early puck drop for both sides on a weekend day. The legs might be a little slow to get going. Second, we have a pair of red-hot goaltenders, as Hellebuyck has allowed 3 or fewer goals in 34 of his past 35 games, while Kochetkov is the defending NHL Rookie of the Month. Goals should be at a premium.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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