By: Kim Smith Published 01/31/2026, 05:45 AM ET 
The Winnipeg Jets travel to Sunrise, Florida, to take on the Florida Panthers on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in an interconference matchup at Amerant Bank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Florida enters the contest as the home favorite with the Panthers listed at -162 on the moneyline, while Winnipeg comes back as the underdog. The total for this matchup is set at 5.5 goals. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert analysis.
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Terms & Conditions Jets Trying to Steady the Ship on the Road
Winnipeg comes into this matchup with a 21-25-7 overall record and has struggled away from home this season, posting a 9-15-2 road mark. The Jets have been inconsistent throughout the year, particularly defensively, which has made sustaining momentum difficult. Over their last five games, Winnipeg has recently lost to Tampa Bay and Detroit, picked up a road win over New Jersey, dropped a shootout decision to Florida, and earned a home win against St. Louis. That stretch reflects a team that has been competitive but unable to string together results.
From a statistical perspective, Winnipeg averages 2.92 goals per game while allowing 3.06, numbers that place them near the middle of the league offensively but slightly below average defensively. The Jets generate 26.2 shots per game and allow 27.9, often finding themselves defending extended shifts in their own zone. Their power play has been inconsistent, converting at 19.6% with 28 power play goals on the season.
Defensively, Winnipeg’s penalty kill sits at 79.1%, and they have not allowed a shorthanded goal this season. The Jets have also scored five shorthanded goals, showing some ability to capitalize on aggressive forechecking. However, discipline has been an issue at times, as their 465 penalty minutes have put additional strain on their defensive structure, especially on the road.
Panthers Looking to Reassert Control at Home
Florida enters Saturday’s matchup with a 28-22-3 overall record and has been solid at home, posting a 14-11-3 record at Amerant Bank Arena. While the Panthers have dropped a couple of close games recently, they remain a dangerous team when playing in front of their home crowd. Over their last five games, Florida has recently lost to St. Louis and Utah, but responded with wins over Chicago, Minnesota, and Winnipeg in a shootout. That recent victory over the Jets provides Florida with added confidence heading into this rematch.
Offensively, the Panthers average 3.02 goals per game while allowing 3.23, suggesting a team that prefers to play at a faster pace and trade chances. Florida generates 28.9 shots per game and limits opponents to just 25.8, giving them a clear edge in puck possession. Their power play has been less efficient than expected at 18.1%, but it remains capable of producing timely goals.
Defensively, Florida’s penalty kill has been reliable at 82.5%, and the Panthers have yet to allow a shorthanded goal this season. Their ability to suppress shots and control play at even strength has been a key factor in their home success. Against a Winnipeg team that struggles to generate sustained offense on the road, Florida’s defensive structure could once again be decisive.
Winnipeg Jets vs Florida Panthers PickWinnipeg Jets vs Florida Panthers Pick
Florida’s home-ice advantage and puck possession edge make them the stronger side in this matchup. The Panthers have already shown they can limit Winnipeg’s scoring chances, and their ability to control play at even strength should tilt the ice in their favor. With Winnipeg struggling defensively on the road, Florida is well-positioned to secure another win.
Winnipeg Jets vs Florida Panthers Total Pick
I’m backing the under in this matchup because both teams have shown an ability to keep games tight when facing each other. Florida’s shot suppression and Winnipeg’s inconsistent scoring on the road point toward a lower-scoring contest. With the total set at 5.5, this game sets up well for a tighter defensive battle.
Final Score Prediction: Florida Panthers 3, Winnipeg Jets 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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