Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets Prediction, NHL Odds
The Blackhawks are quietly heating up in the Central Division, winning five of their past seven games and sit just 2 points behind Winnipeg in the division. With four points separating five teams, these Central Division matchups are shaping up to be important, even early in the year.
The NHL odds have the Jets as a heavy favourite on Thursday, sitting at -235, and the total is set at six goals. Get your bets in before the puck drops from the United Center, set for 8:00 PM ET.
Blackhawks vs. Jets NHL Betting Odds
The Hawks and Jets will both be looking to set the tone early, as they will face off four times this season. The Jets have dominated this head-to-head over the past couple of years, including a perfect 3-0 in last year’s season series. Chicago managed to push two of those three meetings to overtime, covering the spread in that pair, while the series played the OVER/UNDER 2-1. Kyle Connor had the Hawks in his back pocket last season, putting up five points in three games (1G 4A). He’s likely a shoo-in for at least a point on Thursday.
Chicago’s ability to stay in games has been making bettors money through 10 games. Their 9-1 record against the spread is the best in the league, and they have done it in all four home games so far. They have only hit the OVER in three games, two of which their offence popped off for a combined 15 goals. This Hawks team has some swagger right now, and if they can keep it up, they could be fighting for a spot in the postseason despite being +750 on the NHL Futures Board.
Winnipeg has been a bit inconsistent over the past week, going 2-2 after just sneaking out an overtime win in their most recent. In their wins, they have hit the OVER, while the losses hit the UNDER, bringing their season total to an even 5-5. They have only covered the spread in one of their past five and are 4-6 ATS on the campaign. Home ice has not been much of an advantage, looking at their 3-3 record, while 4-0 on the road.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Hawks are having fun out there so far this season, and it makes them a fun team to watch. With their young talent adapting to the NHL game, they have found a way to get themselves to a respectable 5-3-2 record in the early stages.
Their most recent win on Tuesday is an example of just that. Connor Bedard got the crowd roaring, scoring his first career hat-trick on route to a 7-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. 22-year-old Colton Dach scored his first of the season and third of his career to open the scoring, setting the tone for the rest of the night. Of Chicago’s seven goals on Tuesday, only one was scored by a player over the age of 24.
A huge part of the Hawks’ early success has been goalie Spencer Knight. He has won his past three starts and played seven of the team’s 10 so far. He has climbed up to third in save percentage league-wide at .930 and fifth in goals against average, 2.11 per game.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets got back in the win column on Tuesday, taking down the Minnesota Wild, stringing together nine straight wins over their Central Division rivals. Winnipeg probably did not deserve to win that game, but good teams find a way to win, even if they have an off night. After going up 2-0 in the first, the Wild came back buzzing in the second, tying things up. They would score another early in the third to take the lead, but Winnipeg would knot it up again, forcing overtime. In overtime, who else but Kyle Connor (5) would score the game-winner for the Jets, silencing the Minnesota crowd.
Along with Connor, Mark Scheifele had a pair of assists, adding to his impressive start to the season. He’s looking to push for a spot on that Team Canada Olympic roster, and with his current 60-plus goal and 120-point pace, he is making himself a lock.
Just another day at the office for Connor Hellebuyck, stopping 32 of 35 versus Minnesota for his fifth win of the season. He kept the Jets in the fight despite being outshot 35-21. Catch him at +310 to win the Vezina Trophy again on our NHL Futures Board.
