The series is tied and returns to Winnipeg tonight when the Blues and Jets face off in a Game 5 matchup. The Jets are -180 favorites on the Moneyline and the game total is set at O/U 5.5 goals on DraftKings Sportsbook. The goaltender matchup is as expected: Connor Hellebuyck vs. Jordan Binnington.
See below for a preview and best bet for tonight’s Game 5 matchup between the Jets and Blues.
Jets vs. Blues Game 5 preview, prediction
The Jets will look to get back on track in front of the home crowd after dropping both road games and being out-scored 12-to-3. Hellebuyck has struggled and ranks last in goals saved above expected this postseason. To add insult to injury, the offense is struggling to score goals, something it did all regular season so easily. Winnipeg ranks 13th in 5v5 goal percentage and has failed to find its groove on the power play, converting just 16.7% of its chances.
St. Louis was on fire entering the postseason, so it’s no surprise to see it generating goals. As a squad, the Blues rank fourth in 5v5 goal percentage and have found success on the power play, converting a third of their opportunities, which ranks third. Binnington hasn’t necessarily been lights out but he has out-played Hellebuyck twice, and that’s what secures wins. St. Louis dropped both games in Winnipeg but has generated 12 goals in the past two games, so it’s safe to say it has some extra momentum entering Game 5.
Jets vs. Blues Game 5 pick, best bet
It’s important that the series is back in Winnipeg because the Jets were the second-best home team in the league and won Games 1 and 2. Hellebuyck’s struggles are concerning but he is more than capable of bouncing back and the Blues’ recent offensive explosion feels unsustainable. St. Louis’s expected goal percentage ranks 11th and Winnipeg’s offensive pieces tend to come alive when playing at home. This series has weighed heavily on which team was playing at home, and I’m following the trend. The -180 Moneyline price tag is a bit high, so I suggest taking the Jets to win in regulation at -110 odds, instead.
