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The Winnipeg Jets have work to do to secure a playoff spot, and they’ve got a huge matchup on deck against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight.
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My top Lightning vs. Jets predictions and NHL picks are calling for a close, low-scoring bout on Thursday, March 5.
Lightning vs Jets prediction
Lightning vs Jets best bet: Under 5.5 (+105)
The Winnipeg Jets are dealing with multiple injuries and have scored just 11 goals in four games since the Olympic break. A date with the Tampa Bay Lightning won’t do the offense any favors either.
Tampa Bay has allowed the second-fewest goals per game (2.64) and ranks third in expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five.
Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy in each of the past two seasons, while the Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy owns an elite .918 SV% and 2.21 GAA since the start of 2024.
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Expect scoring to be hard to come by tonight.
Lightning vs Jets same-game parlay
Despite the poor offense, the Jets have been competitive with a 2-0-2 record, and Hellebuyck has been sharp in his past two starts, stopping 48 of 52 shots. They’ll keep things competitive against a Lightning squad that has dropped three straight.
Winnipeg winger Gabriel Vilardi has recorded two or more shots in 10 of his past 17 games. I also value him returning to the No. 1 line with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor.
Lightning vs Jets SGP
Gabriel Vilardi Over 1.5 shots
Lightning vs Jets odds
Moneyline: Lightning -180 | Jets +155
Puck Line: Lightning 1.5 (+140) | Jets +1.5 (-160)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) | Under 5.5 (+105)
Lightning vs Jets trend
Winnipeg has hit the Under in nine of its last 13 games (+5.60 Units / 38% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Jets.
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How to watch Lightning vs Jets
Location
Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Puck drop
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN3
Lightning vs Jets latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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