Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets Picks and Predictions for Tuesday October 13 2026
The Minnesota Wild visit the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:15 PM ET, with regional television coverage and streaming available through NHL Power Play on ESPN+. Minnesota enters at 3-1-1 following an impressive 4-1 victory over Florida on Saturday, while Winnipeg is 3-1-1 after suffering a 5-1 loss to Anaheim on Friday. The Wild also have a Monday night matchup against Vegas, leaving them with a difficult back-to-back situation heading into Winnipeg. Early betting listings have differed on the favorite, with one market showing Winnipeg at +120 and Minnesota at -120, while another lists the Jets at -125. A 5.5-goal total is also available. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more NHL predictions throughout the season.
Minnesota Wild Have Been Getting the Job Done Defensively
Minnesota has given opponents very little room to work with through its first five games. The Wild opened with victories over Nashville and Boston before suffering narrow losses against Buffalo and Tampa Bay. Neither defeat was particularly concerning from a defensive standpoint, with Minnesota losing 3-2 in overtime at Buffalo and by the same score in regulation against Tampa Bay. Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Florida was a strong response. The Wild controlled the dangerous areas of the ice, received excellent goaltending, and prevented the Panthers from generating the kind of sustained pressure that usually makes them difficult to handle.
The numbers tell a pretty convincing story. Minnesota has allowed just nine goals through five games, an average of 1.8 per contest, while scoring 15. The Wild have also been effective on special teams, with their power play converting at better than 35% and their penalty kill operating above 90% during the opening stretch. Those aren’t numbers to dismiss, even with the season still young. Minnesota hasn’t needed to chase games or depend on five-goal performances to win. The Wild have been comfortable protecting narrow advantages, forcing opponents to work through organized defensive coverage, and waiting for opportunities to develop.
The concern Tuesday isn’t necessarily how Minnesota has been playing. It’s the schedule. The Wild face Vegas on Monday before traveling to Winnipeg, giving them two games against quality Western Conference opponents on consecutive nights. That’s a demanding assignment, especially with injuries affecting their depth. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson remains sidelined by a hip injury, while defenseman Brock Faber and forward Nick Foligno are also unavailable. Additional availability concerns involving Marcus Foligno and Zach Bogosian could complicate the situation. Minnesota has handled adversity well, but fatigue and a shortened defensive rotation aren’t ideal against a Winnipeg team that has enjoyed several days of rest.
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Winnipeg Jets Need a Better Response After Anaheim Defeat
Winnipeg had been finding ways to win close games before Anaheim brought its three-game winning streak to an abrupt end Friday. The Jets defeated Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Colorado by identical 3-2 scores, showing patience and an ability to capitalize when opportunities appeared. Then came the 5-1 loss to the Ducks, a performance that looked nothing like the disciplined hockey Winnipeg had played during its previous three victories. Anaheim established control early, and the Jets never found much of an offensive response. It was a reminder that winning close games can hide some problems when a team isn’t generating enough sustained pressure.
Through five games, Winnipeg has scored 13 goals while allowing 15, averaging 2.6 goals scored and 3.0 allowed per contest. The Jets have managed approximately 26 shots per game while surrendering close to 30, numbers that explain why so many of their early contests have remained competitive deep into the third period. The offensive production hasn’t been overwhelming, and Friday’s defeat exposed how difficult things become when Winnipeg falls behind and can’t establish its forecheck. The Jets were limited to just 16 shots against Anaheim, a concerning number for a team playing at home. Winnipeg needs to generate more pressure rather than depending on its goaltending to keep every game within reach.
Tuesday does offer the Jets one significant advantage: rest. Winnipeg hasn’t played since Friday, giving the team time to address the mistakes that contributed to its loss against Anaheim. The Jets should also benefit from facing a Minnesota team playing its second game in as many nights. There are injury concerns, however, with defenseman Josh Morrissey dealing with an upper-body injury and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck unavailable. Those absences affect Winnipeg’s defensive depth and make the goaltending matchup worth watching. Still, the Jets have already demonstrated they can win without dominating offensively. If they establish possession early and force Minnesota into extended defensive shifts, the home team should have an opportunity to dictate the pace.
Minnesota Wild vs Winnipeg Jets Picks and Predictions
Pick: Winnipeg Jets Moneyline (+120, If Available)
I’m leaning toward Winnipeg, and the scheduling situation is a big reason why. Minnesota has played better defensively through the opening five games, and there’s no arguing with a team that’s allowing fewer than two goals per contest. But playing Vegas on Monday and then heading to Winnipeg the following night is a tough assignment, particularly with several injuries affecting the Wild’s depth. The Jets have had three full days between games, which should allow them to come out with considerably more energy than they showed against Anaheim. Winnipeg also has something to prove after getting embarrassed 5-1 on its home ice. The concern is that the Jets haven’t generated enough offensive pressure consistently, but Minnesota’s schedule could provide opportunities that might not otherwise be available. I’m taking Winnipeg in what figures to be a tight Central Division matchup, particularly if the +120 price is available.
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-104)
The Under 5.5 is my total pick, although this number doesn’t leave much room for mistakes. Minnesota has allowed just nine goals through five games, and every Wild contest has finished with five combined goals or fewer. Winnipeg’s three victories have all been 3-2 decisions, which tells us the Jets have been comfortable playing close, relatively low-scoring hockey. Friday’s 5-1 defeat against Anaheim was an exception, but Winnipeg managed only 16 shots and hasn’t consistently generated enough offensive pressure to suggest a big scoring night is coming. The Wild’s back-to-back schedule could lead to some defensive fatigue, which is the biggest concern with this selection. Still, Minnesota has been disciplined enough to limit opponents, and Winnipeg has reasons to emphasize defensive responsibility after Friday’s defeat. I’m expecting a game where scoring chances are contested and neither side has an easy time finding open ice. A 3-2 Winnipeg victory fits the matchup.
Final Picks: Winnipeg Jets Moneyline (+120, If Available) and Under 5.5 Goals (-104)
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