Winnipeg Jets came out on top against Minnesota Wild 5:2 in an NHL match on October 14th. The hosts pulled off something of a surprise, especially considering where both sides sat in the table before kick-off. By then, Winnipeg had five games under their belt while Minnesota had played six, and neither side had any points to show for it yet — the season was still finding its feet.
There was no minute-by-minute record to work from, but the scoreline told you enough. Five goals for the home side against two for the visitors. It wasn't a tight affair, not by any stretch. The Jets ended a barren spell in front of goal, and it was the visitors who found themselves backed against the walls for large stretches.
Winnipeg's recent form had been mixed. They'd lost 5:1 to Anaheim on October 10th after three consecutive wins over Colorado, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Minnesota, meanwhile, had won four of their last five, including a 4:2 victory over Vegas just days before. Things came to a head against each other tonight, and the underdog had the last word.
The table after the match tells a different story. Winnipeg moved up to seventh with three wins and two defeats. Minnesota dropped to third place with four wins and two losses. Neither side had points yet — this is the early season, and the standings don't carry much weight at this stage. But momentum matters, and momentum swung one way tonight.
Our prediction had been on the Wild at 45 per cent confidence. Not a slam-dunk, but not a long shot either. Minnesota had been playing better football in those recent results. By then, you'd fancy their chances. The result tonight suggests the market has overreacted to the favourite — or perhaps Winnipeg simply showed up on the right day.
