Chicago Blackhawks: Blackhawks vs. Jets Game Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks face off against the Winnipeg Jets tonight, after an 0-2-0 start to the 2019-20 season.

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off of their second straight loss to start the 2019-20 NHL season. With their 5-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks in the books, the Blackhawks have a record of 0-2-0 and are currently tied for last place in the Central Division with the Minnesota Wild. Will this divisional matchup with the Jets bring the best out of the Blackhawks, or will they drop another winnable game?

The Blackhawks have scored seven goals in two games, giving them an average of 3.5 goals per game, which is good, but their defense has failed them early on. Corey Crawford has given up nine goals during the first two games to give him a 4.50 GAA.

The Winnipeg Jets have had no problem putting the puck in the back of the net this season while scoring 19 in their first five games. They have a record of 3-2-0, which places them in a tie for second place in the Central Division with six points.

The Chicago Blackhawks have struggled against the Jets during their last seven matchups, with them only winning one game. The 32-23 goal total tilts in favor of the Jets throughout that time. The Blackhawks have struggled early and this first of five games with the Jets will test the Blackhawks’ limits early.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, Patrick Kane and Andrew Shaw have been on fire. Shaw is coming off of a two-goal performance in the Blackhawks’ 4-3 defeat Thursday against the Sharks. Kane has scored one goal and tallied three assists for four points on the season. Kane is riding a two-game point streak and it will be interesting to see how long his first streak of the year will go.

The Blackhawks have struggled big-time on defense which gives the Jets a huge advantage if they can’t fix things. Calvin de Haan might play tonight, but he is a game-time decision. If de Haan plays, that could spark their play and help improve the Blackhawks on defense.

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Patrick Kane is yet again the impact player for me. The team runs through him. When Kane has an off night, the team plays poorly. Kane has played well so far this season. Hopefully, for his team’s sake, he can help them get a win tonight.

For the Winnipeg Jets, Patrik Laine has been their go-to guy with 10 points (3G, 7A) in five games. Laine had four points in the Jets’ 5-2 victory against the Wild on Thursday.

Laine has been their impact player this season by stepping up in key moments early on in the young season. He will have to keep on shining if the Jets want to keep their two-game win streak alive.

My pick on the breakout player of this game will be Calvin de Haan, if he plays. I think he is a solid player and he can really help out the Blackhawks’ blue line. With de Haan being a game-time decision, it is more unlikely than likely but there’s still a chance. The Chicago Blackhawks need him dearly, so it’ll be interesting to see how things play out on Saturday.