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The hockey world turns its attention to Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday as the Winnipeg Jets welcome the Montreal Canadiens for the 8th Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the outdoor setting promises a spectacular showcase of two storied franchises.
The Jets enter the contest with a 4-3-3 record, while the Canadiens sit at 5-3-2. Winnipeg recently resolved the Connor Hellebuyck saga by trading the goaltender to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for multiple players and draft picks. Stuart Skinner will start in net for the Jets, and Jakub Dobes gets the nod for Montreal.
Winnipeg is mired in a four-game losing streak, but an outdoor game could be the perfect remedy. Montreal, meanwhile, has dropped three straight to Winnipeg and will look to reverse that trend. The matchup features star talent on both sides, and if both teams embrace a run-and-gun style, fans could be treated to a high-scoring affair.
Key Analysis
From a betting perspective, the Jets' moneyline at -102 (DraftKings) holds appeal. Sometimes a change in atmosphere—and the departure of a distracting trade saga—can spark a team. Winnipeg is due for a win, and the outdoor setting might be just what they need to snap their skid.
On the Canadiens' side, Lane Hutson is an electrifying young defenseman who quarterbacks the top power play and has already dished out seven assists, tying him for the team lead. He has yet to record an assist against Winnipeg in four career games, making him a prime candidate to break through at -145 odds.
For the Jets, Kyle Connor has been on fire with nine goals in 10 games, including a tally in his last outing against Dallas. He has registered at least three shots on goal in three of his last four contests and has four power-play markers this season. At +125 to score anytime, Connor is a dangerous threat to light the lamp.
Originally reported by yahoo.