Winnipeg Jets (41-31-3) vs Detroit Red Wings (33-32-9)
Friday, March 31, 2023 at 8:00 pm
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Winnipeg Jets over the Detroit Red Wings. If the Jets thought they were going to cruise into the post-season -- it would be just the franchise's sixth overall playoff appearance since moving from Atlanta -- they better be careful. After back-to-back losses to the Kings and Sharks, Winnipeg is just two points ahead of Calgary and three ahead of Nashville for the final Wild Card spot in the West. The good news is that the Jets play both of those teams in April so to a certain extent their fate will be in their own hands. But games like the one tonight -- against a 33-32-9 Red Wings team which isn't playing for anything except pride -- are crucial if Winnipeg is going to hold on to that spot, or even possibly pass the Kraken for the first Wild Card. The Jets haven't been very good at home lately, but the Wings have been even worse on the road and have won just four of their last 16 overall. Detroit is just 19-41 in its last 60 games when playing without rest, while the Jets are 33-15 in their last 48 against teams with a losing record. Take Winnipeg. As always, good luck...Al McMordie