Winnipeg Jets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 23rd 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Winnipeg Jets will be seeking retribution as they make their way to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs on Monday afternoon.

On October 28th, the Maple Leafs triumphed over the Jets with a score of 6-4. This marked the first defeat of the season for the Jets, who had previously won eight consecutive games. However, they quickly bounced back and went on to win seven more games in a row, bringing their record to an impressive 15-1-0.

In their most recent game, the Jets dominated the Minnesota Wild with a 5-0 victory, thanks to a stellar performance by goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who earned his fourth shutout of the season.

"We need to replicate that same level of play," stated Cole Perfetti, who contributed a goal and two assists in the game. "I've noticed that we've struggled against Toronto in the past few years. They have a lot of skilled players, but hopefully we can secure another win on the road and head into the Christmas break on a high note."

Last season, the Maple Leafs had a perfect 2-0-0 record against the Jets.

Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs' three-game winning streak came to an end with a 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday, despite two goals from William Nylander.

Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs' captain, was unable to play in Saturday's game due to an upper-body injury sustained in the previous game against the Buffalo Sabres. He had scored a goal in that game, but was crosschecked and aggravated his existing injury, causing him to miss nine games.

"He's doing everything he can to help the team," said John Tavares, who had an assist in Saturday's game. "I know it's tough for him to sit out, but he's doing everything in his power to not only play at a high level, but to also ensure he's healthy. He's working hard to get back on the ice as soon as possible."

The more well-rested Islanders were able to score two goals in the first 4:48 of the game.

"We were playing on a back-to-back, facing a fresh team that hadn't played in a while, and we gave up two two-on-ones in the first five minutes of the game," said Toronto coach Craig Berube. "That's not very smart. It was a bit surprising. They were more aggressive and we weren't playing smart hockey."

"I understand they were well-rested and had a bit more energy, but we need to be smarter than that. We can't give them easy opportunities, but that's exactly what we did and it put us behind early on. It wasn't a good game for us."

Since their impressive 15-1-0 start to the season, the Jets have leveled out and have gone 9-9-1 in their last 19 games.

In their previous game, the Jets suffered a 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on the road. However, they were able to take advantage of the Wild, who had played the previous night.

"I would say it's one of our better performances in the last few games," said Jets coach Scott Arniel. "We came out strong in the first period and maintained that momentum throughout the game. I was pleased with our effort, attention to detail, and overall performance. There were a lot of positive things that happened for us."

The Jets' power play was particularly impressive against the Wild, converting on two of their five opportunities. In fact, over the past seven games, their power play has been successful on 11 out of 28 attempts.

"Our players are extremely confident when they step onto the ice," Arniel said. "This has been the case since the beginning of the season and it has only grown stronger. We have a strong work ethic and are able to regain possession of the puck quickly if we lose it. Our movement and aggressive mindset have been consistent and effective throughout the season."

PREDICTION

Winnipeg Jets

2

3

Toronto Maple Leafs

Winnipeg Jets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Recap APR 15TH 2021