Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Islanders taking on the Winnipeg Jets. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch TV: MSGSN, TSN3, ESPN+
2025-26 Season Series: Jets lead 1-0
This round of NHL Predictions features two out-of-conference opponents who are in opposite positions in the standings. The Islanders are in second place in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division after 45 games. In those games, they hold a record of 25-15-5 which has them at 55 points on the season. Meanwhile, the Jets are in last place in the Western Conference’s Central Division through 44 games. Their record sits at 17-22-5 good enough for 39 points, a far cry from the Presidents’ Trophy season they had last year. This is the second and final matchup between these teams for this season. The Jets took the first matchup, which took place on Long Island. This one finds us north of the border at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.
The Islanders Story
After their two-game winning streak was snapped on Thursday in Nashville, the Islanders started a new one in Minnesota. This came in a 4-3 overtime thriller against the Minnesota Wild. Their offence came to play in this one and now have scored four or more goals in three of the last four games. That leaves them ranked 23rd in goals for per game with 2.89. Leading the way, as always, is Mathew Barzal, who still holds the team lead with 36 points in 44 games. His three-game point streak was broken up in the last game, however. During the time Bo Horvat has been out of the lineup, the team has had to rely on its depth to contribute. Recently, it has been Simon Holmstrom stepping up big time, a third liner who has been electric over the last month. He has 14 points over his last 15 games, which includes a three-game goal streak, two of them coming in the last outing. While it will be hard to maintain, the team will take it in a time of need as they wait for one of their top forwards to return from injury.
Defence continues to be the team’s stronger side of the puck. They are in the top five as far as goals against, ranking fourth with just 2.67 goals against per game. Led by 18-year-old Calder Trophy favourite Matthew Schaefer. He is the team’s third-highest scorer with 29 points in 45 games. He leads the team in time on ice at 23:57 a night, time pairing minutes, top power play and killing penalties too. His time on ice is ranked 18th in the entire league among all the skaters, showing the trust he has from his coach in just his rookie season. The backbone of the team remains Ilya Sorokin who is the backbone of the team and has played his way into Vezina Trophy discussions. He will start again tonight and carries a 14-10-2 record and .915 save percentages into this game.
The Jets Story
Coming into this game, the Jets are on a two-game winning streak. They are trying to get back on track and figure things out after what was an 11-game losing streak that came before the last two wins. After scoring four or more goals in back-to-back games, their offence ranks 21st at 2.93 goals per game. They are led by their top-line duo, who share the team lead for points. Both Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele have 52 points in 44 games. Connor has seven points over his last five games. He just had a five-game point streak snapped in their last game. While Scheifele leads the team in goals. He has four goals and three assists over six games in January.
Defensively, they rank better than they do offensively. They are 18th in goals against per game with 3.11. As of late, they haven’t been in great form. In four of the last six games, the Jets have allowed four goals or more. One thing that has hurt them has been a bottom half of the league penalty kill. They rank 21st at a 77.7% kill rate. Another thing working against them has been their goaltending play. Backup Eric Comrie is 7-9-1 with a .884 save percentage. While starter Connor Hellebuyck, who usually helps carry this team, has been in a slump recently. He picked up the win in his late outing, which breaks a 0-6-4 slump he had been in. Overall, he is 9-12-4 with a .901 save percentage, and despite the tough numbers, there are few goalies better.
Prediction
Coming into this game, these two teams are sitting on opposite ends of the league standings. Winnipeg holds the home ice advantage for this game. Offensively, the Jets have a slight edge in goal scoring and star power with the Horvat injury. However, with the defensive and goaltending advantage for the Islanders, we think that could tilt the game in their favour.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Prop Bets
According to the popular sportsbooks, the Islanders are the underdogs on the road. We like their value at +114 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 5.5. Due to the lack of scoring for the Islanders and a good goaltending matchup, we like the under at -102. As far as any-time goal scorers, for the Islanders, take Simon Holmstrom at +360. He has been the team’s hottest forward, so we think he keeps it rolling here. For the Jets, take Mark Scheifele at +145. He is the team’s leading goal scorer, and we think he should be in the middle of any goal scoring for his team.
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Main Photo: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images