KEY POINTS

  • Jets, Blackhawks meet on Sunday in Winnipeg
  • Jets, Blackhawks continue fight for playoff spot
  • Jets pegged to win over Blackhawks

Taking a glance at the Western Conference standings, one may surmise that seventh-placed Winnipeg is miles ahead of 12th placed Chicago. But that is not the case in reality as the teams are just separated by three points in a logjam at the bottom half of the ladder.

The Blackhawks and the Jets will face off Sunday in Manitoba in a clash that could significantly shape the appearance of the tight race for a postseason spot in their conference.

Chicago Blackhawks

A tough schedule is ahead of the Blackhawks as they are set to play teams above them in the standings for their next five assignments - all on the road. It starts Sunday in Winnipeg where they are underdogs. Chicago may be placed last in the Central Division but the team is still alive to contend in the postseason. Over its last 10 games, Chicago recorded 6-2-2, although its last two outings resulted in overtime losses to Boston and Minnesota, respectively.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets will play the Blackhawks for their second of a six-game homestand which started well with a 5-2 victory over Ottawa on Saturday. Patrik Laine was all over the place in the said match as he recorded his eighth career hat-trick to spearhead the team. He now has a total of 51 points in the season built around 23 goals and 28 assists. Rookie Kirby Dach continues to thrive on his role since being placed at the No. 2 line with Kane and Brandon Saad as he currently sits on a personal scoring streak of five games. The Jets are fourth in the Central Division but they have somehow struggled in their last 10 games where they accounted for only four wins.

Odds and Trends

The Jets are favorites at -125 to win according to the latest NHL Odds as the Blackhawks are offered at +105.

Blackhawks are 4-0 in their last 4 Sunday games and 6-1 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.

Jets are 7-1 in their last 8 games as a home favorite and 0-8 in their last 8 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.

Over is 13-3 in Blackhawks last 16 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 8-1 in Jets last 9 games following a win.

Under is 4-1 in Blackhawks last 5 vs. a team with a losing record and 4-1 in their last 5 road games.

Prediction

Moneyline: Blackhawks

Total: Under

Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to win their fourth Stanley Cup championship since 2010. Getty