Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Prediction for Thursday October 15, 2026
The Winnipeg Jets will travel to Chicago, Illinois, Thursday night for a Central Division matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. The puck is scheduled to drop at 8 PM Eastern. Winnipeg enters the contest 4-1-1, looking to secure an important road victory against a Chicago team continuing to develop its young offensive talent. Chicago returns home 2-5 this year, hoping to challenge Winnipeg with its speed and developing offensive weapons. Chicago will be a +114 home dog in this game, and the total was set at 6.5. Stay in the news with our NHL Picks.
Winnipeg looks for another road win
Kyle Connor is leading the Winnipeg offense this season with 10 points and a team-leading seven goals. Cole Perfetti is second on the team with eight points, and Adam Lowry is one of five players on the roster with three points this season. Mark Scheifele has scored six points and leads the team with five assists.
Stuart Skinner was fantastic in the net for Winnipeg last time out, giving up two goals on 21 shots to post a .905 save percentage. Cole Perfetti led the team with two goals on four shots in just over 16 minutes. Mark Scheifele chipped in heavily with one goal and two assists, and Kyle Connor added one goal and one assist in the game. Cole Koepke chipped in as well with one goal on three shots in just under 12 minutes.
Key Injury Report for Winnipeg:
- Josh Morrissey (Day-To-Day) - Oct 15
- Conner Hellebuyck (IR-NR) - Oct 17
- Garrett Brown (IR-NR) - Oct 17
- Walker Dueler (IR-NR) - Oct 17
- Elias Salomonsson (IR-NR) - Oct 15
Chicago tries to inch closer to .500
The Chicago offense has struggled this season, averaging just 2.43 goals and 20.9 shots per game. Defensively, Chicago has been terrible, allowing 4.14 goals on 29.9 shots per game, and they have allowed thirteen goals across their last three losses. Anton Frondell leads Chicago’s offense this season with six points, and he has boasted a team high 5 assists. Teuvo Teravainen is second on the team with five points, and Tyler Bertuzzi has added a third-best four points this season. Roman Kantserov is one of three players tied with three points this season, and he leads the team with three goals.
Spencer Knight did the job for Chicago in their last outing, giving up three goals on 27 shots to post an .889 save percentage in the win. Teuvo Teravainen led the scoring for Chicago with two goals on 3 shots in nearly 17 minutes on the ice. Roman Kantserov chipped in as well with two goals on four shots. Tyler Bertuzzi added one goal and one assist in just over 16 minutes.
Key Injury Report for Chicago:
- Andrew Mangiapane (IR) - Oct 31
Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks Picks and Prediction
Pick: Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg should have the advantage Thursday night against a Chicago team that could struggle to match the Jets' overall experience and defensive structure. Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele give Winnipeg two dangerous offensive weapons capable of creating scoring opportunities against a Blackhawks defense that can become vulnerable when opponents establish pressure. Chicago will rely heavily on Connor Bedard to generate offense, but the Jets should attempt to limit his space and force other players to create scoring chances. Winnipeg also has the advantage in goal, providing additional protection against Chicago's offensive threats if he starts. The Jets should be able to establish possession, create opportunities around the net, and prevent the Blackhawks from consistently generating dangerous chances. Take Winnipeg to secure the road victory.
Pick: Under 6.5
Winnipeg should have an opportunity to control the pace against Chicago by limiting dangerous scoring chances and forcing the Blackhawks to generate offense through sustained possessions. The Jets have the defensive personnel to make life difficult for Chicago's younger forwards, particularly if they prevent Bedard from finding open space through the middle of the ice. Chicago will need strong goaltending and disciplined defensive positioning to remain competitive, which could also contribute to a lower-scoring contest. Winnipeg should generate enough offense to establish an advantage, but the Jets do not necessarily need a high-scoring game to secure the victory. If Winnipeg controls possession and prevents Chicago from creating consistent transition opportunities, the total should remain below seven combined goals.