The Winnipeg Jets are heading into Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday, October 24, 2024, to face the Seattle Kraken, looking to maintain their perfect 6-0-0 start to the season. The Jets, one of the NHL’s hottest teams right now, are the slight underdogs with a moneyline of -130, while the Kraken are at +110.

Game Preview: Jets vs. Kraken

The Jets have been an unstoppable force so far this season, dominating on both ends of the ice. With the second-highest goals scored average (4.5 per game) and the fewest goals allowed (1.67), Winnipeg has quickly become the team to beat. Their power play is operating at a scorching 44.4%, the best in the league, making them lethal with the man advantage. Meanwhile, Seattle will need to rely on their home-ice advantage and sharpen their penalty kill, which ranks 25th in the NHL with a disappointing 73.68% success rate.

Seattle Kraken, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to their season with a 4-3-0 record. While the Kraken’s offense is solid, averaging 3.29 goals per game (14th in the NHL), they will need to be sharp defensively to hold off a Jets team that has been firing on all cylinders. Goalie Joey Daccord will likely be tasked with stopping a Jets offense led by Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, while Jared McCann, who recently scored his 100th goal for the Kraken, will aim to help Seattle bounce back after their 3-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week.

Players and Matchups to Watch

Winnipeg’s star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been outstanding with a .948 save percentage and a 1.40 goals-against average. He’s been a key reason why the Jets are undefeated, and he’ll likely be the difference maker in this matchup. On the other end, the Kraken will need to generate offense and keep traffic in front of Hellebuyck if they hope to score.

Seattle’s Matty Beniers will be promoted to the top line alongside McCann and Jordan Eberle, forming a potent trio that the Kraken will lean on heavily. Ryker Evans, who has been a rising star on the blue line, will also play a crucial role in trying to contain Winnipeg’s high-octane attack.

Betting Odds and Prediction

The Jets are the clear favorites with a moneyline of -130, implying a 56.5% chance of victory. Seattle sits at +110, giving them a 47.6% implied probability to win. With both teams averaging over three goals per game and Winnipeg’s ability to pile up points on the power play, this game could easily go over the total of 5.5 goals.

Prediction: Jets 4, Kraken 2
The Jets should continue their undefeated streak, powered by Hellebuyck’s stellar play and their dominant special teams. However, expect a competitive game from the Kraken as they look to pull off the upset in front of their home crowd.