Time: 7:00 PM CST
Channel: TSN3
Radio: CJOB680
The Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets are playing again and this time it is without Connor Bedard. The Jets will look to continue their hot streak against the not good Blackhawks. The Jets have been vibing and playing great since they should Saxophone Squirtle on the Jumbotron. Definitely the reason why things are going so well. I know this isn’t analysis, but it is for a snowstorm day.
The Hawks are bad and are now without Bedard who has a broken jaw. This means the already thin Blackhawks are left with even less fire power. Jets fans should remember who scored the goals for Chicago last time they were in town. It will be very interesting to see their offence without their linchpin.
The Jets have been rolling in the good play and good vibes for a while now. They have found lines that are both balanced and work well, they have been able to manage injuries the best they can, and their defence seems to have found a nice balance that they need. They are still waiting on the return of Kyle Connor and it will be interesting to see if Ville Heinola will return to health and see some AHL time to get back to speed. There is also Rasmus Kupari who was sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint after recovering from his injury.
The Jets are rolling and are playing their best hockey since 2017-2018. This is huge for them as they seem to have finally assembled a team that, even with some holes, can stand up to a lot of other teams and beat them. They have found a way to use their pieces, which seemed mismatched and weird, to great affect. The Jets might look to add a piece or two at the trade deadline (specifically a defenceman), but with no team truly running away with the NHL this season, it would be a good time to seriously consider it.
We also have to talk about Connor Hellebuyck (who might not play tonight based on nothing but the fact the Hawks are not good) who has been killing it lately. He has been dynamite and playing some of his best hockey. Now, the Jets will have to try to preserve him so he does not run out of gas in the playoffs which is why they might decide to play Laurent Brossoit tonight.
