The Winnipeg Jets (21-24-7) face the Tampa Bay Lightning (33-14-4) in an interconference matchup where the Jets look to build on a recent road win against a Lightning team aiming to extend their home dominance. Winnipeg snapped a three-game skid with a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on January 27, showing resilience despite defensive lapses, while Tampa Bay continues their strong season, sitting atop the Atlantic Division. This is the first meeting this season, with the Lightning winning six of the last 10 head-to-head contests. Injuries plague both sides, potentially leading to a low-scoring affair at Amalie Arena, where Tampa Bay’s offensive firepower could overwhelm Winnipeg’s inconsistent play, but the Jets’ goaltending might keep it competitive.
Venue Location
Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, FDSW, and MSG-B.
Recent Team Forms
The Jets are inconsistent, going 2-2-2 in their last six with a focus on special teams but defensive vulnerabilities. The Lightning are surging, with a 4-1-0 record in their last five, emphasizing balanced scoring and strong goaltending.
Winnipeg Jets (Last 10 Games: 4-4-2, Avg. 2.92 GPG)
Recent Streak: Won 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 @ NJD: W 4-3 (Scheifele 2 G, Vilardi G+A).
Jan. 25 vs. TOR: L 2-4.
Jan. 23 vs. CBJ: W 4-3 (OT).
Jan. 21 @ VAN: L 2-3.
Jan. 19 vs. OTT: W 5-2.
Strengths: Power play at 19.6% (15th); Connor leading with 25 G, 30 A. Weaknesses: Allowing 3.06 GAA (20th); 9-14-2 on road.
Tampa Bay Lightning (Last 10 Games: 7-3-0, Avg. 3.45 GPG)
Recent Streak: Won 2.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 vs. NSH: W 3-2 (OT) (Stamkos GWG).
Jan. 25 vs. MTL: W 5-2.
Jan. 23 vs. VGK: L 2-3.
Jan. 21 vs. DAL: W 3-2.
Jan. 19 vs. CHI: W 4-1.
Strengths: Scoring differential +48 (top-5); Kucherov with 30 G, 60 A. Weaknesses: Recent home inconsistencies (14-9-0).
Injury Report
Injuries weaken both defenses, with the Jets missing three key blueliners and the Lightning without several top players, including Point and Hedman.
Winnipeg Jets:
OUT: Haydn Fleury (D, Upper Body; week-to-week).
OUT: Neal Pionk (D, Undisclosed; week-to-week).
OUT: Colin Miller (D, Knee; week-to-week post-surgery).
Tampa Bay Lightning:
OUT: Victor Hedman (D, Elbow; post-surgery, out indefinitely).
OUT: Brayden Point (C, Lower Body; week-to-week).
OUT: Emil Martinsen Lilleberg (D, Undisclosed; week-to-week).
OUT: Charle-Edouard D’Astous (D, Lower Body; out indefinitely).
DAY-TO-DAY: Ryan McDonagh (D, Lower Body).
Key
Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups amid injuries:
Jets Forwards: Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Gabriel Vilardi; Nikolaj Ehlers – Vladislav Namestnikov – Cole Perfetti; Nino Niederreiter – Adam Lowry – Mason Appleton; Morgan Barron – Rasmus Kupari – Alex Iafallo.
Lightning Forwards: Jake Guentzel – Jake Evans – Nikita Kucherov; Conor Geekie – Wyatt Johnston – Brandon Hagel; Nick Paul – Anthony Cirelli – Gage Goncalves; Luke Glendening – Zemgus Girgensons – Mitchell Chaffee.
Jets Defense: Josh Morrissey – Dylan DeMelo; Logan Stanley – Dylan Samberg; Ville Heinola – Haydn Fleury (out; Colin Miller out, Neal Pionk out – adjustments with Logan Stanley, Ville Heinola).
Lightning Defense: J.J. Moser – Darren Raddysh; Erik Cernak – Nick Perbix; Declan Carlile – Victor Hedman (out; Emil Lilleberg out – adjustments with Declan Carlile).
Goalies: Jets – Connor Hellebuyck (40 GP, 19-17-4, 2.95 GAA, .903 SV%); Lightning – Andrei Vasilevskiy (35 GP, 22-9-3, 2.45 GAA, .910 SV%).
Key Matchups:
Nikita Kucherov vs. Josh Morrissey: Kucherov (30 G, 60 A) exploits gaps; Morrissey’s mobility (10 G, 30 A) key to containing.
Kyle Connor vs. Erik Cernak: Connor (25 G, 30 A) speed tests Cernak’s physicality.
Mark Scheifele vs. Anthony Cirelli: Scheifele (20 G, 25 A) vs. Cirelli’s two-way play.
Goalie Duel: Hellebuyck vs. Vasilevskiy: Hellebuyck’s volume vs. Vasilevskiy’s efficiency.
Series History
All-time: Lightning lead 50-36-14 in 100 regular-season games.
Playoffs: No meetings. Recently: Lightning 6-4 in last 10; Jets won last 4-3 on March 5, 2025.
This season: First meeting (0-0).
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Lightning 3-2 ATS in last 5; Jets 2-3 ATS in last 5. Lightning 5-5 ATS as -200+ favorite; Jets 4-6 ATS as +170+ underdog. Over in 4 of Lightning’s last 6 home; Over in 3 of Jets’ last 5 road.
Game Odds
Winnipeg Jets 5.5
Tampa Bay Lightning – 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
