Chicago Blackhawks: Top Post-Lockout Rivals, Part II

Feb 6, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw (65) checks Winnipeg Jets defenseman

(63) during the second period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4: Winnipeg Jets

Blackhawks’ record against since 2005: 6-4-0 (doesn’t include time as Atlanta Thrashers)

Past irritants: Tanner Glass

Current irritants: Dustin Byfuglien

This one is interesting. The new Winnipeg Jets have only been around since 2011, and they weren’t inserted into the Western Conference until the 2013-14 season. So, in theory, there shouldn’t be much here to create friction besides frequent meetings as a result of being in the same conference and division.

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But sometimes that’s all it takes. Look at the irritant lists up there. Barely anything. Winnipeg is more or less Chicago Blackhawks North. You actually need to watch recent games between the teams to understand why this is a quickly budding rivalry.

Not only did the Jets give the Blackhawks massive trouble in 2014-15 (Chicago managed a 2-3-0 mark), but they don’t play in any way that resembles what Chicago does. The Jets play a heavy game, with former Blackhawk Byfuglien’s super-chippy style pacing that view. They always go for the body, and they have no problem starting scrums after the whistle. And it’s frustrating, because their size advantage can legitimately be an advantage.

We all remember Adam Pardy getting pushed through an empty spot in the United Center boards and having his helmet stolen by a seemingly drunk fan in 2013. Fans don’t appear to love the Jets, and it’s only a matter of time before that dislike makes itself known more frequently on the ice.

Next: Who's No. 3?

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