Calgary Flames - Winnipeg Jets predictions and free betting tips [19/02/2024]

The Calgary Flames will play host to the Winnipeg Jets in a regular NHL championship match.

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are grappling with the task of improving their performance following three straight losses. The team most recently succumbed to the Detroit Red Wings in a 0:5 defeat, highlighting their struggles offensively and defensively. Notwithstanding a significant 38:21 shot advantage in this game, the Flames were unable to bypass the opposition's defence, particularly goalkeeper James Reimer.

The team's special units' issues also cast a shadow over the play, with a dismal 0 out of 12 in the majority and 8 out of 11 in the minority in the last three matches. These results underscore the need for tactical adjustments and increased efforts in these critical aspects of the game. Team captain Mikael Backlund emphasises the importance of altering game momentum and maintaining energy after goals conceded, pointing to the need for quick recovery and focus on the next shift.

The Flames' goaltender position is also under scrutiny, notably after Jacob Markstrom allowed four goals on only 12 shots in the last match. Dan Vladar, who took to the ice for the first time after an injury, might receive more playing time to provide the requisite steadiness at the last line of defence.

The Flames' forwards, including Jacob Pelletier who is questionable due to injury, face the pressure of enhancing their offensive outcomes. Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman, who make significant contributions to the score, should take on even more responsibility in light of current challenges. Russian player Kuzmenko, after a trade from Vancouver, has had an excellent start - 3 goals in the first 6 encounters.

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are gathering momentum after ending a winless stretch of five games with three successive victories, including over league-leading team Vancouver Canucks with a 4:2 score. This success triggered a resurgence of their offensive ability, which became evident after a lull when the Jets scored only 9 goals in 8 games. On Saturday though, they showed improvement in majority play, scoring 2 goals on 4 attempts.

The coaching staff, including interim head coach Drew Bannister, expressed faith in the team despite a loss to Nashville Predators, noting that the team held the initiative in the five on five play. A string of victories and improved majority play suggest a heightened level of synchronisation and understanding among players, important for the Jets' future success.

Goalie pair Connor Hellebuyck and Laurent Brossoit are expected to continue alternating matches, upholding the team's defensive strength, which has shown significant improvement by allowing only three goals in the last three games. Defensive efficacy and goaltending play have become key elements in the Jets' current success, underlining their top place in the league defensively.

The Jets' offence showed balance, with several leading scorers. Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Nikolaj Ehlers have been the driving forces offensively, while the special units' improvement has added an extra threat to their opponents. Russian player Vladislav Namestnikov had 6 goals and 19 assists in 46 matches.

Head-to-head

The Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets have competed in a series of matches since 12th October 2023, where Calgary clinched a 5:3 victory. On 3rd October, Calgary triumphed again, this time with a 5:4 outcome. The 28th September meet concluded with a Calgary win with a marginal one-goal advantage, a 3:2 score after penalty shots. On 6th April, Calgary again prevailed 3:1, and the last of the 5 games, held on 4th January, ended with a minimal 3:2 victory for Winnipeg.

Forecast for the Calgary Flames - Winnipeg Jets match

After Calgary's three consecutive losses in a row and twice the team remained goalless, Detroit and San Jose are far from being NHL leaders. I'm betting on a Winnipeg victory, as it is on a run of three wins in a row and placed in the top 4.