Unseen Force: How the Blackhawks Are Defying Expectations and Surprising Everyone

Ever have one of those streaks where nothing seems to click — and I mean absolutely nada — no matter which sport you bet on? Yeah, that’s where I find myself right now. After a rough patch tinkering with baseball, NFL, and hockey picks, I’m zeroing in on tonight’s clash between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets. Here’s the kicker: the Blackhawks, once a dazzling dynasty, are still searching for that spark, with Connor Bedard lighting a little fire but the team’s shockingly inconsistent. Meanwhile, the Jets boast arguably the league’s best goalie and a potent offense that’s been buzzing, but both teams are letting more shots fly against them than they’re taking. So what’s the smart money? I’m leaning under on the total goals, and surprisingly, the Blackhawks at +200 look like a steal — almost like finding a $20 bill in an old winter coat pocket. If you’re wondering whether the Hawks have what it takes to turn the tide or if the Jets will keep flying high, stick around — it’s gonna be a fascinating night. LEARN MORE.

Blackhawks vs. Jets, 8:00 ET

It has been a rough couple of weeks for me with Outkick articles. Normally, if I am struggling in one sport, the other is hot. Right now, I have been ice cold in baseball, NFL, and hockey plays. I have been hot with college football, and the NBA has gone well, but I am not going to give up on the others. I am looking forward to the baseball season being over, but I’m trying to get everything back on track here in the other sports. I’m putting my energy and effort into tonight’s game between the Blackhawks and Jets.

The Blackhawks used to have the glory years, and it seems like they are anxiously looking/searching for a way to return to those years. The team has some pieces they can, and will, build around, but it just seems like it is taking far too long. Connor Bedard, their best player, is off to a nice start this year with six goals through 10 games. He leads the team with 12 points as well, adding six assists to his stat sheet. Overall, the team is off to a decent enough start, but I’m not ready to really crown them as true contenders. I think it is just a decent start and nothing more. They are 5-3-2 for the season and 2-1-1 on the road this year. Their offense has looked really strong in some games, and completely absent in others. Consistency might be the next step they need to take in order to succeed. One stat that stands out to me is that teams are outshouting them by five shots per game. The defense seems to be doing a good job against opponents even with the high shot total. They are allowing just 2.50 goals per game. I suppose that should be attributed to goalie Spencer Knight who has a 4-2-1 record, 2.11 goals against per game average, and a .930 save percentage. If he can keep this hot start going, the Blackhawks might only need a few pieces to make a run at the playoffs this year.

The Jets are one of the better teams in the league. They have arguably the best goalie in hockey, and the team seems like they are clicking. They enter tonight’s game with a 7-3-0 record for the season, but all three losses have come at home. Similar to the Blackhawks, they are only allowing 2.5 goals to opponents in each game. They have done a much better job on offense, attacking the net with 3.40 goals netted per game. Interestingly enough, the Jets are also allowing five more shots to opponents than they are taking. Connor Hellebuyck, the aforementioned great goalie, is likely to be in the net for the Jets tonight. He is 5-3-0 for the season with a 2.26 goals against per game average and a .926 save percentage. In his games this season, the Jets have seen five of them have fewer than five goals, and three go over the total. It doesn’t have anything to do with the wins and losses.

I’ve been a bit lost with the picks in the few articles I’ve written to start this hockey year. Tonight, I feel like the edge is on the under. If you can find under 6.5 that would be ideal. I think the 5.5 under is still the right side as well. I also think that the Blackhawks are playing too good of hockey and their goalie is locked in at the moment. They should also be considered for a win here. They are +200 and really should be closer to +140 in this one. I’ll take a half unit and back both the Blackhawks and the under 5.5, both plus money looks.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024