Winnipeg vs Florida Prediction 28 October 2026

Since parting ways with Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg have struggled to break out of a prolonged slump. Over their last seven games, the Jets have managed just one win-a 5-2 victory over Minnesota. Even when Winnipeg manage to pick up points, their opponents' dominance is often clear. That was the case in Dallas, where the Canadians fell 3-2 in overtime, despite being outshot 37-18 and trailing 4.1 to 1.6 in expected goals. The situation is further complicated by injuries to Josh Morrissey, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Nick Bjugstad. But the biggest concern for Scott Arniel’s side remains up front: during this current five-game losing streak, Winnipeg have scored more than two goals only once.

The Heritage Classic matchup against Montreal was supposed to offer a fresh start. Instead, the Jets suffered their fifth straight defeat, falling 2-1. Winnipeg outshot their opponents 10-8 in the opening period, with Cole Perfetti twice finding himself in prime scoring positions but unable to beat Jacob Fowler on both occasions. In the second period, Winnipeg conceded twice in a four-minute span and spent much of the game chasing the deficit. Isak Rosen pulled one back late, but even with a power play in the final ninety seconds, the Jets couldn’t find an equalizer. Winnipeg went 0-for-4 on the man advantage overall. After the game, Arniel pointed to his forwards’ approach: in his view, the team are shooting too much from the perimeter and not driving the net aggressively enough. Dawson Mercer, making his debut after arriving from New Jersey, logged 15:22 of ice time, fired two shots on goal, and registered a blocked shot.

Florida have been alternating strong performances with disappointing ones, so after 12 games they sit on six wins, four regulation losses, and two more in overtime or shootouts. Paul Maurice’s side endured a tough start to their road trip, first falling to Ottawa (1-5) and then getting shut out by Pittsburgh (0-4). Things improved in Chicago, though it was far from a comfortable victory. The Panthers edged the Blackhawks 3-2, outshooting them 32-22 but trailing in expected goals-3.3 to 3.9. The team is still missing key players: Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand, Jonah Gadjovich, and Jacob Markstrom remain sidelined.

The clash with the Blackhawks began poorly for Florida, as Ryan Greene opened the scoring just three minutes in. The Panthers responded quickly: Sandis Vilmanis, back in the lineup after missing a game, pounced on a rebound from close range, and then Matthew Tkachuk tipped home a Seth Jones shot on the power play. Florida took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission, though there was still plenty of work ahead. In the second period, Chicago drew level, and late in the frame Akira Schmid twice denied Cole Smith on breakaways to keep it tied. The decisive moment came with 2:23 left on the clock-Lars Eller spotted a line change, took a long pass from Aaron Ekblad, and scored his first goal for his new club. Just as crucial was Florida’s penalty kill: they survived all seven Chicago power plays, and since October 13 have killed off 26 of 27 opposition man-advantages. That defensive effort proved key as the Panthers left Chicago with two hard-earned points.