Time: 2:00 PM CST
Channel: TSN3
Radio: CJOB680
The Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks are playing for the first time this season. This is another Central Division game and just because the Blackhawks are much lower than the Jets in the standings does not mean that no one should be wary of them. They have Connor Bedard and are on the other side of an incident involving Corey Perry which led to Perry being cut from the team. With all that behind them, the Hawks will be looking to move forward in a positive direction.
The Hawks of course have Connor Bedard on their team. Bedard leads all rookies in scoring with 18 points and goals with 10. You cannot deny that he is an excellent hockey player. He has also not been surrounded by the supporting cast the Hawks wanted around him with the aforementioned cutting of Corey Perry and Taylor Hall having a season ending knee injury. All of this is to say that Bedard is performing at expectations (if not exceeding them) for the Hawks.
The Jets are looking to stop a slide of three straight losses; two of which were against Central Division opponents. Beating the Hawks would be a much needed win for the Jets who have continued playing well even in their slide. They just have not had the same luck as they did during their run. They do have the services of Gabe Vilardi back which is a boost and he will hopefully be a difference maker for the team once again.
Due to their recent slide and the fact that Laurent Brossoit played recently, I would not be surprised if Connor Hellebuyck gets the start. You want to stop losing streaks before they become a problem and this game is a great opportunity to do so.
