Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets: NHL Odds, Prediction
This is officially the last regular season game for both the Blackhawks and the Jets. The Jets are set to host the Minnesota Wild in the first round, while the Blackhawks will regroup, evaluate the franchise, and prepare to come back stronger in 2018-19.
Blackhawks vs. Jets Betting Analysis
The Blackhawks embarrassed the Jets back in late March, knocking them off 6-2 at the United Center, which included a 14 minute appearance from emergency goaltender/accountant Scott Foster, who stopped all seven stops he faced. This season the Blackhawks have had the Jets number, winning three out four games. Overall, the Blackhawks are 11-3 in the last 14 appearances in Winnipeg while the over is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings head-to-head.
Chicago Blackhawks
Despite missing the playoffs, the Blackhawks announced that both General Manager Stan Bowman and Head Coach Joel Quenneville will return to the team next season. It’s been a rough season in Chicago, something the franchise isn’t used to in recent history, with winning three Stanley Cups since the 2010 season. While the coaching staff and management are in place for next season, the same thing cannot be said about some of the veterans on this hockey club.
This will reportedly be veteran Patrick Sharp’s last game as he’s expected to retire and defenceman Brent Seabrook could be gone too. Seabrook still has plenty of term (contract expires after the 2023-24 season), but there is some talk that the club will try to move the veteran who has been a healthy scratch this season. There is some uncertainty on who will start in goal for the Hawks, J.F. Berube got the start against the Blues Friday night. Jeff Glass will probably start this game against the Jets.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets enter this NHL matchup winners of four straight, and are 9-1 in their last 10 games – their only loss in the last 10 games to the Blackhawks. Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck earned his 43rd win of the season Thursday, tying him with Tom Barrasso (1992-93) with most wins in a season by an American goaltender. He will likely get the chance to break that mark against the Blackhawks on Saturday night. Defenceman Jacob Trouba took a spill and left practice early Friday morning. Considering the importance of having him in the line-up for the first round of the post season, he might be scratched. Head Coach Paul Maurice gave five players the night off a couple games ago in Montreal, expect him to do the same against the Hawks.
