The set-up: The 22-11-6 Winnipeg Jets (50 points) are in second-place in the Central Division, just a single point behind the division-leading Nashville Predators. The Jets are one of the league's surprise teams, coming off a middling 40-35-7 (87 points) season in which they missed the playoffs. The Edmonton Oilers were one of last year's surprise teams (47-26-9, 103 points) and one of the 'sexier' picks to win the Western Conference this season., However, the Oilers have 'laid an egg,' checking in at 17-18-3 (37 points), which leaves them a distant sixth in the Pacific Division. These two teams meet to close 2017 tonight in Edmonton, after the Jets just won 4-3 in Winnipeg over the Oilers on Wednesday.

Winnipeg: Forward Kyle Connor continues to forge his way into a conversation among the Jets' talented youth, that typically centers around Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers. Connor scored his 12th goal and recorded an assist in the Jets' 4-2 home victory Friday over the New York Islanders, moving the 21-year-old into the top-10 among NHL rookies with 23 points. "The growth has been spectacular," Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice told reporters after Friday's victory in assessing the development of Connor, who recorded five points in 20 games last season. "He's a completely different player." Fellow young players Laine (31 points) and Ehklers (30 points) join top scorers Wheeler (10 goals & 44 points) and Schefle (15 goals & 38 points) to give the Jets plenty of firepower. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is tied for third in the NHL in wins with 20, after making 42 saves in Friday's win (2.45 GAA & .941 SP).

Edmonton: the Oilers have their share of youthful talent, most notably center Connor McDavid, who entered Saturday seventh in the league in points (45). However, Edmonton followed a four-game winning streak by losing 4-3 at Winnipeg on Wednesday and then lost 4-3 in overtime to Chicago at home on Friday. "We were able to come back and earn the point, but it was a frustrating night for our team and for some individuals," Edmonton head coach Todd McLellan told the media afterward. Center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (15 goals & 29 points) scored a goal with two assists against the Blackhawks, snapping a two-game point drought and giving him seven points in his past six games. Goaltender Cam Talbot allowed four goals for the second consecutive game, dropping his record to 14-11-2 (2.93 GAA & .906 SP), one season after he shared the NHL lead with 42 wins last season.It's rae when teams enjoy playing on New Year's Eve abut it cedrtainly benefits the home team.

The pick: The Jets have outscored Edmonton 9-5 in winning the first two meetings this season but in this quick turnaround "revenge" game from Wednesday, I have to favor the Oilers. After going 25-12-4 at home last season, the Oilers are just 8-10-1 at home this season. However, a win would be just the right way to end a frustrating 2017 so far and jump start the 2018 portion of their schedule. Make Edmonton an 8* play.