The Winnipeg Jets return home for Game 5 against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference semifinals. Puck drop is set for 9:30PM ET on Thursday at Canada Life Centre. Dallas leads the series 3-1 after winning back-to-back games on home ice.
Winnipeg opened the series by splitting the first two games on the road but struggled in Dallas. The Jets scored just three total goals in Games 3 and 4. Dallas now has a chance to close the series with a win on the road, while Winnipeg needs a response to keep its season alive.
JETS Preview – More Goals Needed to Stay Alive
Winnipeg had 70 shot attempts in Game 4 but scored only once in the 3-1 loss. They had 32 shots on goal, but many were blocked or missed the net. Jake Oettinger made 31 saves and continued his strong play in net for Dallas.
The Jets led the NHL in power play percentage during the regular season, but they are just 1-for-16 in this series. Special teams are a key problem, and their scoring depth has gone quiet. Nikolaj Ehlers scored in Game 4, but top players like Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele have been quiet.
Head coach Scott Arniel said his team needs to get in front of the net more and create traffic. He wants harder play around the crease and more effort on second chances. The Jets have shown they can score during the season but haven’t solved Dallas’ defense through four games.
STARS Preview – Healthy and In Control
Dallas has taken command of the series by playing solid team defense and getting timely goals. Jake Oettinger has a .929 save percentage and has made key stops in every game. He shut out the Jets in Game 3 and gave up just one goal in Game 4.
Miro Heiskanen returned from a long injury layoff and helped stabilize the blue line. He had missed time since January 28 with a knee injury. Jason Robertson also returned this round, giving the Stars their top scorer from the regular season back in the lineup.
The Stars have also gotten contributions from their new players. Mikko Rantanen had a hat trick in Game 1, and Mikael Granlund scored three goals in Game 4. Dallas is finally healthy and getting scoring from all four lines. They’ve held the Jets to two goals or fewer in three of the four games so far.
Betting Prediction
Dallas is an underdog in Game 5, but they have all the momentum. Winnipeg is the favorite at home, but the offense hasn’t produced despite high shot volume. The Stars are confident with a full lineup and a red-hot goalie in Oettinger.
The total is set at 5.5, and most games have stayed under. Expect another low-scoring game with strong defense and goaltending. Dallas should continue to control the pace and close the series in Winnipeg.
Pick: Stars +100 / Under 5.5
