Jets Dominating with Offense, Ducks Ending Losing Streak
Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks: NHL Preview & Prediction – December 2024
The Winnipeg Jets (22-9-1) will head to Honda Center in Anaheim, California, to face the Anaheim Ducks (11-14-4) on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, for the opening game of a three-game regular-season set. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET. Winnipeg enters as a -195 moneyline favorite, aiming to extend their dominance over the Ducks with an eighth consecutive victory. The over/under for the game is set at 6.0 goals, reflecting both teams’ scoring trends and defensive capabilities.
Winnipeg Jets: Riding High on Offensive Firepower and Solid Defense
The Winnipeg Jets are off to an impressive start this season, currently sitting atop the Central Division with a 22-9-1 record. After their recent 4-2 win over Montreal last Saturday, the Jets aim to continue their strong form as they embark on a three-game road trip. Winnipeg has been a well-rounded team, sitting third in the NHL in goals scored per game (3.66) and fourth in goals allowed (2.53).
The Jets’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, with key contributors like Kyle Connor (13 goals, 16 assists), Mark Scheifele (18 goals, 9 assists), and Pierre-Luc Dubois (10 goals, 14 assists) leading the charge. The team has shown an ability to score in bunches, and they’ll look to maintain that pace as they face the Ducks, who have struggled defensively this season.
In goal, Connor Hellebuyck has been a rock for the Jets, earning a .919 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average (GAA) in 2024-25. Hellebuyck was slated to start in Winnipeg’s game against San Jose on Tuesday, which means Eric Comrie will likely get the nod against Anaheim. Comrie, with a 3-4-0 record, has posted a 3.05 GAA and a .901 save percentage this season, though he’s winless in his last four starts. Given Winnipeg’s high-scoring offense, Comrie will need to step up, but the Jets’ offensive depth should provide ample support.
Anaheim Ducks: End of a Five-Game Slide, but Offensive Woes Persist
The Anaheim Ducks managed to snap a five-game losing streak with a 4-3 overtime victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets last Saturday. While the Ducks showed resilience in overcoming a third-period deficit, they remain one of the least effective teams in the league in terms of both offense and defense. Anaheim has only managed to score 2.41 goals per game, ranking 31st in the NHL, while allowing 3.07 goals per game, which ties them for 19th.
In the win over Columbus, Alex Killorn was the standout player, registering two goals and an assist, including the game-winning tally in overtime. Robby Fabbri and Troy Terry were also key contributors, each adding two assists. However, even with individual performances like Killorn’s, the Ducks have struggled to consistently generate offense, and that remains a major concern as they face a high-powered Jets team.
In net, John Gibson has been the Ducks’ most reliable player, posting a 5-4-1 record, with a 3.00 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Gibson stopped 39 shots in the win over Columbus, but with a .909 SV%, he’ll need to be near-perfect to keep Anaheim competitive against the offensive juggernaut that is the Jets. Backup goalie Lukas Dostal has posted a 2.69 GAA and a .920 save percentage, but it’s unclear whether he’ll get the start against Winnipeg.
Conclusion
The Jets enter this game as clear favorites, and for good reason. With their high-scoring offense and solid defense, Winnipeg has been one of the most well-rounded teams in the NHL this season. Anaheim, while coming off a much-needed victory, faces a tough challenge in matching up against a Jets team that has outclassed them in recent head-to-head matchups.
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