Jets vs Kings 04/02/22 – Pre-game notes and betting odds

Photo credit:James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

2 years ago

The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a tough 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Jets looked gassed through the final 40 minutes, which is understandable as that was their fifth game in eight days.

Recently, captain @Blake Wheeler looks like he’s turned back the clock. The captain scored five goals and 19 points in March. Not too shabby for a 35-year-old. In the last two games, Wheeler has scored two highlight-reel goals – plus a beautiful game-winner in Wednesday’s shootout.

Looking at my betting numbers lately, I went 3-for-6 on Mar. 31. It’d be cool if I could go a perfect 6-for-6 just once this season. Let’s dive into Saturday’s showdown between the Jets and Los Angeles Kings.

What You Need to Know About the Jets

In March, the Jets earned a 9-6-1 record, securing 19 out of a possible 32 points. Overall, the club features a 33-26-10 record this season.

Goaltender @Connor Hellebuyck will return to the starter’s crease Saturday after taking Thursday off against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 28-year-old has a 25-23-9 record, a .912 save percentage and a 2.92 save percentage in 2021-22.

Power forward @Pierre-Luc Dubois will take his fifth crack at scoring his 100th career goal during this contest.

Winnipeg will be without @Cole Perfetti (upper body), @Kyle Connor (COVID-19) and Nate Schmidt (COVID-19) once again. Both Connor and Schmidt could potentially return to the line-up next week.

With Connor unavailable, @Mark Scheifele takes over as the Jets’ active team leader in goals (26) and points (64), with Wheeler leading in assists (42).

The Jets and Kings last faced off on Nov. 13, 2021, where Winnipeg came away with a 3-2 overtime victory.

What You Need to Know About the Kings

Even without core members of their line-up, the Kings enter this showdown with a 37-23-10 record on the season. Currently, they’re destined for a first-round playoff matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. It must be nice to own a post-season spot.

Los Angeles has yet to announce its starting goaltender, however, it appears two-time Stanley Cup winner, @Jonathan Quick, will likely make this start against the Jets. This season, he features a 17-12-9 record, a 2.66 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.

The Kings will be without @Blake Lizotte (upper body), @Matt Roy (lower body), @Dustin Brown (upper body), @Andreas Athanasiou (upper body), @Drew Doughty (upper body), @Mikey Anderson (upper body) and former Jet @Brendan Lemieux (lower body).

Veteran @Anze Kopitar leads the Kings in assists (40) and points (57), whereas @Adrian Kempe leads the team in goals (28).