The set-up: The39-23-11 Anaheim Ducks are riding a five-game point streak (4-0-1) as they get set to host the 33-34-7 Winnipeg Jets on Friday night. The Ducks are just two points behind the San Jose Sharks for the Pacific Division lead and with a home, coupled with a San Jose loss at Dallas, the Ducks would pull into a first-place tie. Winnipeg's long-shot playoff hopes got even longer after last night's 5-2 loss in LA to the Kings. The Jets are now 12 points behind Nashville for the second wild card in the Western Conference with just eight games left.

Winnipeg: Thursday's loss halted Winnipeg's three-game winning streak (overall) and also ended the team's run of six straight road contests with at least one point (3-0-3). The Jets have played reasonably well on the road since Jan. 31, going 5-2-3. However, they have lost 12 of 17 games against the Pacific Division and have lost their only previous meeting with Anaheim this season.

Anaheim: The Ducks have a chance to gain a first-place tie tonight with a win and after winning the past four Pacific Division titles, the Ducks feel the top spot in the division is their 'right!' They've won six of their last eight games and have been playing with a renewed emphasis on concentration and discipline. The team's recent surge is even more impressive when noting that the Ducks have achieved their recent success without No. 1 goalie John Gibson, who has missed the past 11 games because of a lower-body injury. Jonathan Bernier has been superb in his place, posting an 8-2-1 record, a 1.89 GAA & a .940 save percentage.
The pick: The Ducks are playing well and have a hot goalie. They are 24-8-4 at home, where they've allowed just 2.06 GPG. The Jets are now just playing out the string and have allowed a n average of 3.27 GPG on the road this season. Wininpeg has no more luck in Anaheim, than they had last night up the road in LA (allowed five goals). Make Anaheim an 8* play.