Los Angeles Kings vs Winnipeg Jets Pick and Prediction for Friday January 9, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Los Angeles Kings finish their Canadian road trip against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, January 9, 2026. This 8:00 PM EST matchup at Canada Life Centre features a Kings team thriving on the road (11-5-5) against a Jets squad struggling through a historic franchise slump. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NHL picks over at Winners and Whiners.
Los Angeles Kings: Overcoming Captain's Absence
The Kings (18-14-10) are currently in the middle of a gritty stretch, winning four of their last five games despite a mounting injury list. Los Angeles ranks among the league's best defensively, allowing just 2.67 goals per game, backed by the steady play of Darcy Kuemper (2.38 GAA). Their road success has been a hallmark of their season, as they've found ways to secure points in over 75% of their away contests.
However, the Kings' depth is being tested. Captain Anze Kopitar and winger Joel Armia are both listed as day-to-day after sustaining injuries on Monday. Kopitar is dealing with a lower-body injury, while Armia has an upper-body ailment; both missed Wednesday's game against San Jose. Trevor Moore remains on Injured Reserve but has resumed skating, while Corey Perry is currently away from the team for personal reasons.
Winnipeg Jets: Fighting to End the Slide
The Jets (15-21-5) enter this game desperate to snap a 10-game losing streak (0-6-4), the longest winless skid since the franchise moved to Winnipeg. While their overall record is disappointing, they remain dangerous at home and feature elite top-end talent in Kyle Connor, who leads the team with 49 points. The Jets are averaging 2.85 goals per game but have struggled to close out tight contests, leading the league in one-goal losses.
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Winnipeg's blue line took a major hit earlier this week when Haydn Fleury was stretchered off the ice. While he has been released from the hospital with a broken nose and bruised back, he is on Injured Reserve and will miss tonight's game. In net, the Jets continue to lean on Connor Hellebuyck, who remains a high-caliber starter despite the team's recent results.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets Prediction
This game is a matchup of contrasting styles: the defensive structure of the Kings versus a Jets team looking to break out of a scoring funk. Winnipeg has been "unlucky" during their slide, losing several games in overtime, and they are eventually due for a regression toward the mean.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets ATS Pick
- Pick: Winnipeg Jets +1.5 (-218)
While the Kings have been excellent on the road, the potential absence of Anze Kopitar significantly hampers their puck possession and defensive matchups against Kyle Connor’s line. Winnipeg has played in 11 one-goal games during their recent struggles, indicating they are rarely blown out even when losing. Expect a desperate Jets team to keep this game within a single goal, especially if Kopitar remains out of the lineup.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets Total Pick
- Pick: Under 5.5 (-108)
Both teams favor a low-scoring, structured game. The Kings have built their season on a "defense-first" mentality, and the Under has hit in five of their last seven road games. Winnipeg, desperate to stop the bleeding, will likely prioritize defensive zone coverage to support Hellebuyck. With key offensive pieces like Trevor Moore and potentially Kopitar missing for LA, a 3-1 or 2-1 final score is highly probable.
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