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New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets Betting Preview
The Islanders are still searching for their first win of the season, and they’ll get another chance Monday afternoon when the Winnipeg Jets visit UBS Arena. New York is 0-2-0, while Winnipeg sits at 1-1-0 after a gritty comeback win over Los Angeles. Puck drop is set for 1:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
New York’s record doesn’t show it, but rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been electric. The first overall pick scored his first NHL goal Saturday against Washington, becoming the youngest defenseman in league history to record a power-play goal. He also logged 26 minutes and led the team with eight shots, earning praise from coach Patrick Roy for his poise and confidence.
The Jets have shown plenty of their own star power. Mark Scheifele scored twice against the Kings, including the game-winner, and now sits tied with Kyle Connor for the most game-winning goals in franchise history. Winnipeg’s top line looks in sync again after a Presidents’ Trophy season, and Connor Hellebuyck has been sharp in goal.
Both teams are playing their third game in five days, but Winnipeg’s structure and scoring depth make them a tough matchup for a young Islanders squad still finding its identity.
Line Movement and Odds
The Jets opened around -120 on the moneyline, with the Islanders near +100 and the total set at 5.5 goals. Early bettors leaned toward Winnipeg, moving the line slightly to -125 by Monday morning.
The total has stayed firm at 5.5, with modest interest on the over after both teams combined for 17 goals through their first four games. The public side is with the Jets, while sharper money appears to favor the over, expecting both offenses to capitalize on tired legs.
You can monitor live market movement and pricing on the NHL odds page.
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Matchup Breakdown
Winnipeg’s outlook
The Jets rebounded from a sloppy opener to edge the Kings 3–2 on Saturday. Mark Scheifele has five points through two games, while Kyle Connor has added four. Winnipeg’s physical play has stood out early, ranking near the top of the league with 59 hits and 36 blocks.
Connor Hellebuyck has stopped 62 of 67 shots so far, and even without Adam Lowry and Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg’s lineup has enough balance to sustain pressure. Coach Scott Arniel has emphasized pace and discipline, which helped them close out the Kings instead of letting another lead slip away.
New York’s outlook
The Islanders have been more competitive than their record suggests. They’ve fired 73 shots in two games and are one of the league’s most physical teams, with 55 hits already. Rookie Matthew Schaefer has quickly become the story, providing puck movement and power-play confidence that this team sorely needed last season.
Patrick Roy’s club is generating chances but not finishing them. They’ve been chasing too many games, leading for under two minutes all season. If the Islanders can clean up turnovers in their own zone and stay out of the penalty box, they’ll be in position to finally grab that first win.
Key edge
Winnipeg’s top-six scoring is the difference. The Jets convert more efficiently and have the edge in net with Hellebuyck. The Islanders’ best path is through physical play and special teams, but if they fall behind early again, Winnipeg’s structure can close the door fast.
Injuries and Conditions
New York Islanders injury report
No major changes were noted on the latest injury report after Saturday’s loss to Washington.
Forward Oliver Wahlstrom remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Goaltender Ilya Sorokin is expected to start and has allowed seven goals on 61 shots through two games.
Winnipeg Jets injury report
Captain Adam Lowry remains on injured reserve, while forward Cole Perfetti is out for another week.
Gabriel Vilardi is day-to-day and could return to the lineup soon.
The latest team injury report lists no new absences.
Weather will not impact this matchup with the game indoors at UBS Arena.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Islanders are trending up but still searching for a full sixty minutes. Winnipeg’s experience and goaltending give them a safer floor, especially with their top line rolling.
The Islanders’ crowd will bring energy, but the Jets’ scoring depth and special-teams edge are tough to fade. Expect New York to compete early before Winnipeg’s transition game takes over late.
Projected score: Winnipeg Jets 4, New York Islanders 3
Best bet: Winnipeg moneyline at -125
Secondary lean: Over 5.5 goals with both teams averaging over 30 shots per game
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