Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Predictions October 11th 2024

Jets’ Humble Connor Hellebuyck Looks to Continue Strong Start Against Blackhawks

As the NHL season kicks into gear, all eyes are on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who delivered a stellar performance in the season opener. After shutting out one of the league’s most potent offenses, the Edmonton Oilers, Hellebuyck and the Jets will now turn their attention to the visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night.

Hellebuyck’s shutout victory against the Oilers was a remarkable achievement, especially considering Edmonton’s high-octane offense. He stopped all 30 shots in a commanding 6-0 win, although Hellebuyck, known for his humility, was quick to pass the credit to his teammates.

“I just thought the guys in front of me were just keeping everything outside, allowing me to see pucks, allowing me to feel it, clearing rebounds, clearing lanes,” Hellebuyck said postgame. “They made my night really easy. Once in a while I made a big save, which allowed me to feel like part of the team.”

Winnipeg’s Balanced Attack and Strong Start

The Jets’ success against the Oilers wasn’t just about Hellebuyck’s heroics. Winnipeg’s offense clicked from the start, with Mason Appleton leading the charge with a goal and two assists. Adam Lowry and Mark Scheifele also had strong performances, each contributing a goal and an assist in the dominant victory.

Winnipeg’s quick-strike offense was particularly effective against Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, who was beaten for five goals in just over a period and a half before being pulled from the game. From there, the Jets coasted to a comfortable win in what was head coach Scott Arniel’s first game behind the bench.

Arniel, a former head coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets, took over as head coach after Rick Bowness retired. Arniel had spent the last two seasons as an associate head coach with the Jets and is now looking to build on this early success.

“To get the first win of the season right away, it’s a good feeling and we’re going to look to build on that,” Lowry said.

Chicago’s Struggles and a Plan for Improvement

On the other side of Friday’s matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks are coming off a tough start to their season. They lost 5-2 in their opener against the Utah Hockey Club, a game in which they struggled to find their footing early. Utah jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Chicago could get on the board.

Despite the slow start, Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno felt his team found their rhythm as the game progressed. Foligno scored early in the third period to cut into Utah’s lead, and Teuvo Teravainen added a goal late in the second period to get Chicago on the board. Foligno saw improvement in the latter half of the game, even though the Blackhawks couldn’t complete the comeback.

“I thought we carried the play and deserved to equalize the game,” Foligno said.

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However, Foligno also acknowledged that the Blackhawks need to address their slow starts, particularly in the first period, where they managed just three shots on goal.

“It’s an area we need to address,” he added. “We just need to make sure we start right.”

Heading into Friday’s game against the Jets, Chicago’s goal will be to open with more energy and maintain their momentum throughout the full 60 minutes.

Young Talent on Display for the Blackhawks

While Chicago’s performance in their opener left room for improvement, the team did showcase some promising young talent. Connor Bedard, who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie last season, assisted on both Blackhawks goals. His ability to generate offense will be crucial if the Blackhawks are to keep pace with the Jets.

Additionally, rookie defenseman Nolan Allan made his NHL debut in the game, logging over 10 minutes of ice time. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson was pleased with Allan’s calm and composed play, praising the young defenseman’s ability to transition to the NHL.

“He just looks really calm out there,” Davidson said. “One of the things with Nolan is he plays a calm, solid game, and he’s continued to grow that. With his game, he plays within himself. He doesn’t try to do too much; he doesn’t beat himself. That’s a great trait for a defenseman.”

Allan’s solid performance could be a positive sign for Chicago as they continue to integrate younger players into their lineup this season.

A History of Close Contests

Last season, Winnipeg and Chicago faced off four times, with the Jets winning three of those matchups. Interestingly, three of the games were decided by just one goal, and two of them went to overtime. This history of close contests suggests that fans can expect another tightly fought game between these Central Division rivals.

Hellebuyck’s strong start will give the Jets confidence heading into the game, while Chicago will be looking to find a way to overcome their early struggles and deliver a more complete performance.

As the Jets aim to keep their momentum going and the Blackhawks seek their first win of the season, this matchup promises to deliver another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams. Fans can look forward to an exciting clash as Winnipeg’s elite goaltending meets Chicago’s young, hungry squad.