Golden Knights vs. Jets Game 4 Odds
| Golden Knights Odds | -118 |
| Jets Odds | -102 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 (-122 / +100) |
| Time | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
| Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Winnipeg Jets rallied from a 4-1 deficit in Game 3 only to lose in double overtime. That gave the Vegas Golden Knights a 2-1 series lead.
The Jets have to find a way to even the series on Monday night or face the daunting task of attempting to earn three straight victories, including two in Vegas, to advance to the second round of the NHL Playoffs.
Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas struggled in the series opener, registering just 17 shots against Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck. But the Golden Knights deserve credit for turning things around, bombarding 87 shots on the Jets goaltender over the last two contests.
Jack Eichel has registered a team-high 12 shots; his efforts have been rewarded with three goals and four points in the series. This is the 26-year-old's first playoff run after spending the first six seasons of his career with Buffalo. Mark Stone, who was limited to 43 games during the regular season because of a back injury, has stepped up with two goals and four points.
One forward who hasn't made an impact, though, is Jonathan Marchessault. He only has an assist through three games after providing 28 goals and 57 points in 78 regular-season outings. To his credit, the 32-year-old has fired nine shots on Hellebuyck — if he keeps that up, he should break out.
When it comes to goaltending, it's not clear who Vegas will start in Game 4.
Laurent Brossoit, who started the first three games, is the likely option, but he hasn't exactly shined with a 2.97 GAA and an .897 save percentage. Logan Thompson (lower body) hasn't played since March 23. If he's unavailable, Vegas lacks a good alternative to Brossoit.
There is Jonathan Quick, who has 92 career playoff starts on his resume, but he's 37 and posted an ugly 3.41 GAA and .882 save percentage over 41 regular-season games.
Brossoit might be the best Vegas can do, and that makes goaltending a potential weakness Winnipeg can exploit.
Winnipeg Jets
At the very least, Winnipeg seems to have the edge in goal given the presence of Hellebuyck. As noted above, Vegas has been peppering him with shots and that's been effective thus far, but Hellebuyck has shown in the past that he can take charge of games.
During the 2022-23 campaign, he was the backbone of the Jets with a 37-25-2 record, 2.49 GAA and .920 save percentage in 64 appearances.
Hellebuyck might be the biggest reason Winnipeg made it to the playoffs, but it's been the Jets offense that's truly shined in the postseason. Adam Lowry already has four goals, Neal Pionk has chipped in five assists and four other Jets players have each contributed at least three points.
That, however, might speak more to the vulnerability of Brossoit than the strength of the Jets. During the regular season, Winnipeg ranked 21st offensively with 3.00 goals per game.
Even if we give the Jets credit and say they're living up to their potential, it remains to be seen if they can keep this up after losing Josh Morrissey. The defenseman was a key pillar of their attack, providing 16 goals and 76 points in 78 regular-season outings, but he sustained a lower-body injury in Game 3 and has been ruled out for the rest of the series. Without him, Dylan Samberg and Nate Schmidt will be asked to do more.
Schmidt, in particular, is someone to keep a close eye on. He played with Vegas from 2017-2020, so this series has more of a personal edge to him, and he's already chipped in two assists.
Maybe he can help fill the large void Morrissey's injury has created, and perhaps Hellebuyck will shut the door in Game 4. Those are far from certainties though.
Golden Knights vs. Jets Pick
I look at the Golden Knights as the clear favorites in this series. I give the Jets credit for making it tough on Vegas thus far, but even with Game 4 in Winnipeg, my expectation is the Knights win.
Oddsmakers see things differently. Vegas is billed as the favorite on the moneyline, but just barely.
I see that as an opportunity to recommend the Golden Knights while they're a little underrated. I'll even be a bit bolder and grab them on the 60 Min Moneyline (3 way).
You can take Vegas on the regular moneyline if you want to play things safer, but personally, I think the increased payout of a win without overtime more than compensates for the added risk.
Pick: Golden Knights 60 Min Moneyline (3 Way) +130 | Play to +120.
