- Matchup: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets
- Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Venue: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB
- Broadcast: TSN3
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The Winnipeg Jets (23-26-10) will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (38-16-4) at Canada Life Centre this Thursday.
In their previous outing, the Tampa Bay Lightning suffered a disappointing 5-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild. During the game, the Lightning spent a total of 20 minutes in the penalty box. Offensively, the Lightning struggled significantly, concluding the match with only 1 goal from 25 shots and failing to capitalize on 3 power play opportunities.
On the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have scored 205 goals (ranking 4th in the NHL) and conceded 151. With a total of 80 points, their points percentage stands at .690. The Lightning have had 183 opportunities for power plays, successfully scoring 40 times, which translates to a 21.86% success rate. At even strength, they have allowed 120 goals while they netted 165. The Lightning have taken 1,650 shots this season, achieving a shooting percentage of 12.4%. Defensively, they’ve faced 1,551 shots against them with a save percentage of .903. Their opponents have seen 183 power play attempts (9th in professional hockey) and have netted 31 goals during those situations.
In goal for this matchup will be Andrei Vasilevskiy. To date, Vasilevskiy boasts 334 quality starts with a quality start percentage of .587. He holds a save percentage of .917 over 28,716 minutes played. Throughout his career, Vasilevskiy has faced 17,114 shots, making 15,694 saves. He has conceded 1,420 goals, resulting in a career goals against average (GAA) of 2.50. Vasilevskiy’s professional record stands at 359 wins, 171 losses, and 38 overtime losses, across 569 games.
Most recently, the Winnipeg Jets squared off against the Chicago Blackhawks, securing a close 3-2 victory. In that game, they had 2 power play chances but could not convert. The Jets scored 3 goals from 32 shots on net.
The Winnipeg Jets have taken a total of 1,560 shots this season (24th in professional hockey), achieving a shooting percentage of 10.71%. They’ve allowed 1,666 shots and boast a penalty kill percentage of 79.31% against 174 power play attempts. Their current save percentage stands at 89.1%. The Jets have had 167 power play opportunities, converting only 18.56% into goals. In even-strength situations, they’ve scored 136 goals, but managed just 31 (22nd in pro hockey) on the power play. To date, they have allowed 182 goals, which includes 146 at even strength and 36 while shorthanded. Thus far, Winnipeg has accumulated a total of 167 goals and 56 points, resulting in a points percentage of .475.
In net for the Jets will be Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck carries a career record of 335-201-53 and has played in 606 games. His career quality start rate is 59.6%, with 355 quality starts to his name. He’s made 16,623 saves out of 18,136 shots faced, leading to a save percentage of .917. Opponents average 2.54 goals per game against him, totaling 1,513 goals conceded throughout his career and playing over 30,199 minutes in the crease.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NHL matchup against the spread or on the moneyline?
Prediction: Go with Winnipeg
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