Winnipeg Jets vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, NHL Odds
Back in October, Winnipeg beat Chicago 6-3. Many around the hockey world would not have believed if you told them that by the next time they meet, Chicago would be above Winnipeg in the standings.
It is an all-out sprint to the Olympic break for teams around the NHL. The action around the league has been intense every night, and this game will be no exception as they look to climb the standings and claim a desperate two points.
Jets vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Odds
The Jets are the outright favourite, carrying odds of -145 on the money line, and +170 to cover a -1.5 puck line. The Blackhawks are +120 on the money line, and the game total is 6.0 with the under being -120 and the over being +100.
After they dropped their 11th straight game, Winnipeg won four straight, scoring 20 goals during that stretch. Their streak was snapped with a 4-3 overtime loss to the streaking Maple Leafs on Saturday. But Winnipeg’s favoured odds make sense given their solid recent play and Chicago’s three straight losses.
Winnipeg Jets
Being under .500 in the second half of the season is unfamiliar territory for the Jets. This has been a remarkably consistent team for the last decade. After a brutal month, Winnipeg looks motivated to get back in the playoff race.
The Jets have points in four of their last five games. Being seven points out of a playoff spot with seven teams to jump is not an ideal spot. But they still have Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi and Josh Morrissey, who have a combined 197 points in 188 games played this year. They also have the back-to-back Vezina and Jennings-winning goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. If Winnipeg is going to make a run, they have the guys to do it and have to win games like this one.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks came back down to earth after a great start. Since November 20, Chicago is 9-17-3. They look more reminiscent of the rebuilding Blackhawks teams of recent years.
Chicago enters this game having lost three straight and four of their last five. In those four losses, the Blackhawks were outscored by a combined 17-5 scoreline. Lately, when the Blackhawks lose, they lose big. Home-ice advantage appears nullified by Chicago’s eight losses in their last 11 at home. The Blackhawks have their hands full in this one.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Jets vs. Blackhawks?
Chicago is a tough team to figure out. This is a very pesky team that is clearly on the other side of the rebuild. But their results, both recently and over a longer term, do not give much confidence in bettors taking them as underdogs against what appears to be a better team.
Not only do the Jets have more depth, score more goals per game, allow fewer goals per game, and have better recent results than the Blackhawks, but they are the more desperate team. This improved Blackhawks team is still on the rise but are broadly still a couple of years away from competing. Meanwhile, Winnipeg’s window is now. The Jets will do everything they can to make the playoffs, and that means beating teams like the Blackhawks. Look for a 4-2 Jets win.
WIN
CHI