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Penguins vs. Jets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NHL Game

Gary Pearson

Last Updated: October 20, 2024 10:03 AM EDT • 3 min 24 sec read.

San Jose Sharks forward Tyler Toffoli and Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck look for the puck as we offer our Penguins vs. Jets prediction.
San Jose Sharks forward Tyler Toffoli and Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck look for the puck. Photo by Terrence Lee via Imagn Images

Scott Arniel has carried on where Rick Bowness left off in Winnipeg. 

The Winnipeg Jets' new head coach has led his team to the only unblemished record in the NHL entering Sunday's contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The 4-0-0 Jets have won 12 straight games dating back to the end of last season, and they look to make it 13 when the inconsistent 3-3-0 Pens visit Canada Life Centre for Sunday's 3 p.m. ET matinee (ESPN+).

The Jets, who enter the game as favorites, will soon be among the Stanley Cup odds front-runners if they continue playing like they have to start the campaign. 

Our Penguins vs. Jets prediction analyzes current and historical trends, offering advice on whether to back the Over or Under while shedding light on an appealing prop. 

Penguins vs. Jets prediction

Odds via our best NHL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.

My best bet: Under 6.5 goals ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: | Implied probability: 55.56%

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As of Sunday morning, we're still awaiting confirmation on which netminders will get the starting nod. The decision from the Jets camp bears more weight on the Over/Under, as has again performed sensationally to kick off the new campaign. 

The Jets' reigning Vezina Trophy winner and Vezina Trophy odds front-runner has a .952 save percentage and a paltry 1.25 goals against average through four games. He shut out the Edmonton Oilers in the opener and hasn't allowed more than three goals in 11 consecutive regular season games. 

He has 3.8 goals saved above expected - tied for sixth - and allowed a total of two goals in his first three starts before conceding three in the Jets' dominant 8-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Friday.

And then there's his record against the Pens to consider. Hellebuyck hasn't allowed more than three goals in his last seven starts against Pittsburgh. 

But at some point, the Jets must turn to backup Eric Comrie, who is about as active as a bear during hibernation.

The Jets play 12 games in the next 23 days, and Sunday's tilt represents the least rest between games. Even if Comrie starts, I'm still leaning on the Under, albeit not nearly as confidently. 

The Under doesn't completely depend on Hellebuyck starting 

The Jets allow the fewest goals per game (1.25) and are tied with the Minnesota Wild for the least allowed per 60 minutes (1.17). However, despite scoring 14 goals in two of their four wins, they aren't exactly offensive dynamos.

They scored six goals against the Oilers on just 2.49 expected goals and netted eight against the lowly 0-3-2 San Jose Sharks, who often more closely resemble an AHL team.

Winnipeg scored four goals in the other two games against the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks, with both requiring 3-on-3 overtime to net the winner. 

Plus, they have 7.3 expected goals through four games, the NHL's fewest. And if Comrie starts, you can take some confidence knowing Winnipeg has allowed just five high-danger shots, the third-fewest. 

Winnipeg and Pittsburgh are familiar with playing in low-scoring head-to-head matchups, with six straight since the start of the 2021-22 season hitting the Under. The Pens' offense has been notably inconsistent, scoring six goals per game in three wins and one per contest in three defeats.

Whether Hellebuyck gets the nod or not, I'm going with the Under. However, I'll feel much better about things if he leads the Jets onto the ice. 

A $10 winning bet profits $8. 

Penguins vs. Jets player prop bet

NHL picks made Sunday; odds subject to change.

Josh Morrissey prop bet: Over 2.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -120 via Betway | Implied probability: 54.55%

I like the look of another prop, but its price is too rich for my blood. The Jets have the league's best power play, scoring on seven of 14 opportunities. They have -110 odds to score with the man advantage, a 52.38% implied probability. With the lack of goals expected and such short odds, I won't pull the trigger.

So, I'm looking to Morrissey to fire at least three shots on goal, which he's done in the last two contests.

Morrissey marshals the power play and is the catalyst of most Jets' threatening offensive forays. He has also shown more of a willingness to fire on goal in each subsequent contest. 

A winning $10 bet will profit $8.33.

Penguins vs. Jets live odds & info

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 20
  • Puck drop: 3 p.m. ET
  • Where: Canada Life Centre (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
  • How to watch: ESPN+
  • Favorite: Jets -175 via Betway

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Written By:
Gary Pearson
Gary Pearson has written professionally since 2010, focusing on sports betting since 2014. Before entering the sports betting space, he contributed to the Canadian Press, FanSided, the Hockey Writers, the Calgary Herald, and other publications. His work has also been featured in Sports Illustrated and Bleacher Report. Gary, who consumes sports like a blue whale devours plankton, has a penchant for writing predictions and analyses across several sports, including hockey, soccer, football, tennis, and more. He bets regularly, preferring single-game picks, props, and live betting. While there isn't a sport he has yet to dabble in, Gary prefers betting on soccer, hockey, and football. He studied at various post-secondary institutions, including the University of Calgary, SAIT Polytechnic, and Griffith University, located in Brisbane, Australia. Gary has a marketing degree and completed his bachelor's degree in journalism at Griffith University. He feels strongly that life experience is as essential as post-secondary education, helping formulate more accurate predictions and analyses. Gary believes that competing at a high level of amateur sports during his formative years helped him better understand an athlete's psyche and the nuances and complexities of a team's dynamic, both on and off the playing surface. He feels that knowledge is immeasurably important when offering his analytical expertise. He has lived on five continents and currently resides in Canada.