Winnipeg Jets at Detroit Red Wings Picks and Prediction for Wednesday, December 31, 2025
The Winnipeg Jets (15-18-4, 34 points, 7th Central) face the Detroit Red Wings (23-14-3, 49 points, 1st Atlantic) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, with the opening faceoff at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN+. Winnipeg has lost five straight games, following a 3-1 loss against Edmonton. Detroit won 3-2 in overtime against Toronto in its most recent outing. The Jets are 7th in the Central Division, while Detroit leads the Atlantic Division. Make sure to read this in-depth Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings prediction. Shoot and score! Don’t miss our free NHL picks for the Winnipeg Jets at Detroit Red Wings prediction.
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Winnipeg Jets Searching for Offensive Answers
The Winnipeg Jets enter this matchup 7-10-2 away from home. Offensively, Winnipeg has a goals-for average of 2.92 goals per game and a 3.06 goals-against average. Winnipeg is averaging 26.5 shots per game while allowing 28.2 per game. In the most recent outing, the Jets fell 3-1 against Edmonton, lacking punch on the attack and failing to convert on the power play. That loss followed three straight overtime defeats.
Mark Scheifele continues to carry the offensive load with a team-high 45 points, including 18 goals and 27 assists. Scheifele also leads the team in power play production with 4 goals and 4 assists. Winnipeg’s power play scores 20.4% of the time, but the penalty kill is at 80.7%, which must improve if the Jets hope to reach the postseason.
Goalie Connor Hellebuyck is 9-9-3, with a 2.56 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. Hellebuyck has been injured on and off this season, but his numbers are solid. However, Winnipeg has struggled at its own end of the ice, allowing over 28 shots per game.
Injuries: Winnipeg does not have any players listed in its injury report.
Detroit Red Wings Riding Home Ice Momentum
The Detroit Red Wings have been strong at home with a 13-7-1 record. Detroit has a 3.08 goals-for average and a 3.18 goals-against average. Detroit takes an average of 29.5 shots per game and allows an average of just 26.4 shots per game. In the most recent game, the Red Wings defeated Toronto 3-2 in overtime, once again playing well down the stretch and taking a firmer grip on first in the Atlantic Division.
Lucas Raymond leads Detroit with 42 points, including 11 goals and 31 assists. Alex DeBrincat has been the primary goal scorer with 20, including 9 on the power play. Detroit’s power play converts 25.0% of the time, while the penalty kill is successful just 80% of the time. The Red Wings have won four of the last five games, with three of those wins coming in overtime.
Goaltending has been split between John Gibson and Cam Talbot. Gibson is 12-8-1 with a 3.07 goals against average and a .891 save percentage. Talbot has 11 wins and a 2.94 goals against average. Detroit has allowed two goals or fewer in three of its last five games, including the most recent win against Toronto, where the defense gave up just two.
Injuries: Detroit will play without Sean Buium
Winnipeg Jets at Detroit Red Wings Pick
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
Spread Pick for Winnipeg Jets at Detroit Red Wings
- Detroit Red Wings +1 (4 Units)
Detroit has been the more consistent team on both ends of the ice. The Red Wings generate more shots, have a strong home record, and a power play that has been successful 25% of the time with the man advantage. Winnipeg has lost five straight games and has struggled to score during that stretch, managing just a combined 11 goals in the five games. Detroit has won four of the last five and continues to find ways to win close games, evidenced by its recent 3-2 overtime win over Toronto. With Winnipeg allowing more shots and relying heavily on its goaltending, Detroit’s offensive attack will be the difference-maker.
Over/Under Pick for Winnipeg Jets at Detroit Red Wings
- Over (5 Units)
Both teams have goals-against averages of near or above 3.00, and each has performed well on the power play, while the penalty kill unit has struggled at times. Detroit has a goals-for average of over three per game and has scored at least three goals in four of the last five games. Winnipeg has allowed four goals or more in three of the last five and continues to give up a large number of shots each time out. With Detroit pushing the pace at home and Winnipeg responding in an attempt to snap its losing streak, scoring chances will be plentiful.
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