Chicago vs Winnipeg Prediction 16 October 2026
🔊 Connor Bedard’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for Chicago. The Blackhawks finally gave their fans something to cheer about, putting five past Pittsburgh in a much-needed win. However, a tougher challenge now awaits. Winnipeg have dropped just one of their last five games and are steadily climbing the Western Conference standings. This will be a real test for the hosts’ revamped attack.
Winnipeg get the job done.
📊 Last season, the Jets took three out of four games against Chicago. The Blackhawks’ lone win was a shutout (2-0), with Spencer Knight turning aside all 32 shots he faced. The teams met twice more in the spring, and on both occasions Chicago managed to force overtime, but Winnipeg still came away with the victories.
Head-to-head statistics Chicago - Winnipeg
Bedard returns just in time
Chicago’s position in the Western Conference remains disappointing. Jeff Blashill’s side average just 2.4 goals per game while conceding around 4.1-a gap that makes consistent wins a tough ask. On the bright side, their penalty kill has shown promise, allowing just one power-play goal across their last three outings. The headline news, however, is the return of Connor Bedard, who missed the first six games following shoulder surgery. Bedard racked up 75 points last season and is expected to inject much-needed firepower into an offense that’s clearly struggled to produce.
The Blackhawks came out flying against Pittsburgh (5-3), looking determined to settle things before the first intermission. Teuvo Teravainen struck just 28 seconds in, before Roman Kantserov converted on the power play off a Bedard assist. Kantserov found the net again in the second period, notching his first NHL brace. Still, Chicago let a two-goal lead slip away as the Penguins drew level in the third. Teravainen stepped up again, burying the game-winner with minutes to play. He also set up Tyler Bertuzzi’s empty-netter, capping off a three-point night. The offense got the job done, but defensive frailties once again kept fans on edge.
Match Results: Chicago Blackhawks
The top line have found their rhythm.
Winnipeg have kicked off the season with four wins in six games, collecting nine points along the way. Despite Connor Hellebuyck remaining sidelined, Scott Arniel’s side are conceding just 2.8 goals per game on average. Stuart Skinner has stepped up in Hellebuyck’s absence, posting three wins in four appearances, with his only loss coming in overtime. Only Boston have managed to score more than two goals against him so far. Offensively, the top line has carried much of the load, as Cole Perfetti has looked increasingly comfortable alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. Their chemistry has emerged as one of the Jets’ biggest assets early in the campaign.
Against Minnesota (5-2), this trio combined for seven points. Perfetti notched a brace, Scheifele tallied a goal and two assists, while Connor chipped in with two more points. The teams traded goals twice in the opening period, but Winnipeg soon seized control. Perfetti’s second goal on the power play proved pivotal-after that, the Jets never let the Wild back into the contest and stretched their lead further in the third. Arniel highlighted postgame how his team managed to pin Minnesota deep in their own zone and wear down their defensemen. Meanwhile, Skinner needed just 19 saves to secure the win.
Match Results: Winnipeg Jets
Prediction for the 1st period
Winnipeg rarely open games with a pair of early goals. In 20 of their last 22 outings, the Jets have scored no more than once in the opening period. Their road stats are even more telling-19 out of 20 times, they've been limited to a single goal or less through the first twenty minutes. Even against Chicago, who concede frequently, banking on two quick goals from the visitors looks like a stretch. The pick here is Winnipeg’s individual total under 1.5 goals in the first period.
Total Goals Prediction
Chicago’s recent games have consistently featured more than four goals. The Blackhawks have seen the over 4.5 line hit in their last 13 outings, 12 of which came in the NHL. Winnipeg are on a similar run, with 12 straight matches producing at least five goals, including each of their last five on the road. The return of Bedard has certainly boosted the hosts’ attack, but their defensive issues remain unresolved. The pick here is over 4.5 total goals.
⭐️ Editorial Prediction
Chicago have shown signs of life since Bedard’s return, but a single win over Pittsburgh doesn’t erase the issues they faced in the opening games. The Blackhawks are still conceding heavily, and in their most recent outing, they nearly squandered a two-goal lead. Winnipeg, by contrast, look far more organised. Even without Hellebuyck, the Jets are solid at the back, and their top line is already making an impact. Their victory over Minnesota was a prime example of how Winnipeg can shift gears as the game progresses.
There’s another factor favouring the visitors: Winnipeg have avoided defeat in regulation in nine of their last ten head-to-head clashes with Chicago. The Jets have dropped just one of their last five, while the Blackhawks are only beginning to find their footing. The hosts can certainly put up a fight, especially with Bedard back in the lineup, but consistency remains an issue. That’s why I’m not backing Winnipeg for a straight win. My pick is Winnipeg to avoid defeat in regulation (Double Chance X2).
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Betting Tips: Chicago Blackhawks - Winnipeg Jets
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