*8* play on Winnipeg Jets.

Two struggling Central Division foes will face off at MTS Centre Thursday night when the Winnipeg Jets host the Nashville Predators. The Preds are on a four-game slide with only one win in their last seven while the Jets will be looking to end a three-game skid. The Jets won 4-1 at Nashville on Jan. 5 though, and I think they'll come out ahead of this contest as well.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Road Woes - Nashville is 1-6-1 in its last eight road games and will play its fourth road-game in seven days tonight after being outscored by a total of 12-5 in losses at Colorado, Arizona and Chicago. Winnipeg has lost its last two at home but is 9-3 in its last 12 home games against a team with a road winning % of less than .400. The Preds are only 7-11-4 away from home for the season.

2. Special Teams - The Jets have converted on four of 11 chances to play with a man advantage in their last four games. That does not bode well for the Predators who are 10-for-15 on the penalty kill in their last four games.

3. X-Factor - Winnipeg's Drew Stafford had two goals at Nashville last week and we can expect him to stay productive home at MTS Center as well where he has produced 18 of his 24 points this season.

Selection: This is a play on the Winnipeg Jets (8*)