My favorite NHL bet today is for the Boston Bruins to host the Winnipeg Jets. This bet is not supported by any of my betting strategies, but for this reason I prefer this bet.
This game pits two of the NHL's best teams: the Bruins lead the Atlantic Division while the Jets lead the Central Division.
The Jets come to TD Garden with two straight wins and have won 10 of their last 11 games. However, eight of them came against opponents with a win rate of less than 50%. In other words, the strength of the schedule during this winning streak must be questioned.
The Bruins have also been playing well lately. They are currently on a four-game winning streak. They have outscored their opponents 21-9 during that span.
Offensive machine
The Bears were extremely impressive in their big 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche last Thursday. Most analysts would consider Denver one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this season.
The way the Bruins dismantled their guests from the start shows that they are in great shape to face the Jets. After that win, the Bruins' attack overwhelmed the Canadian with nine goals on Saturday night.
The work of the goalkeepers in this evening's duel should also be highlighted.
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to line up between the posts for the Jets. He was dominant this season, recording 23 wins with a goals-against average of 2.15 and a save percentage of .927. Hellebuyck was the goaltender in 8 of 10 wins in this recent winning streak and did not allow more than two goals in a single game. It is impressive !
The Bruins are expected to respond with Jeremy Swayman, who has won three straight starts after losing his first four starts in 2024. Swayman performed well during the three-game winning streak, posting a goals-against average of 2.14 and a save percentage of .926.
This game will be the Bruins' fourth straight home game, while the Jets will play their second three-game road game. However, I think the Jets will be fresh and fit as they had a less busy schedule last week. They only played two games last week. On the other hand, the Bruins played three.
Solid defense
For Boston to win this matchup, they will have to overcome the Jets' solid and consistent defense. Here's an incredible statistic: in the last 34 games they haven't conceded more than three goals.
However, the Bruins are loaded with offensive talent. They are led by David Pastrnak. The right winger has been in good form in the last three games, scoring at least one goal in each of those games. That included a hat trick against the Avalanche two games ago.
The last time these two teams met was on December 22nd when the Jets earned a 5-1 victory. This brings out the revenge factor that I value so much. You can be sure that Boston will be looking to avenge the December loss in which they were humiliated by the Jets. And what better way to do it than at home?
Boston has an impressive record of 18 wins and 2 losses in their last 20 home games against the Jets. Winnipeg really struggles in this area.
The only thing that concerns me about this game is that the Jets are one of the best away teams in the NHL with a record of 14-4-2 so far this season. However, they will face the Bruins, who are one of the best home teams in the NHL with a record of 15-3-3.
There's no doubt that this matchup should be exciting, but I really like the Bruins' chances as my free bet for today.