Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction - March 31, 2026
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
The Winnipeg Jets travel to Chicago to face the Blackhawks on March 31, 2026, in a matchup that pits a team riding positive momentum against one struggling to find consistency. Let's break down what the data tells us.
Team Form & Recent Performance
The Jets enter this contest in significantly better form than their hosts. Winnipeg has won 3 of their last 5 games and carries the confidence of a team playing well. More importantly, the Jets have had two days of rest since their last contest, allowing them to prepare fresh legs and tactical adjustments for this matchup.
Chicago, conversely, has managed just 1 win in their last 5 games—a concerning stretch that reflects deeper offensive and defensive issues. While the Blackhawks have one day of rest (standard schedule), that minimal recovery time won't address the fundamental performance gaps evident in their recent results. When a struggling team gets limited preparation time against a hot opponent, the disparity typically widens.
Winnipeg dominates across all three key metrics:
While neither team is exceptional in this measure, Winnipeg's 6-point advantage shows they're controlling play and generating more offensive opportunities at even strength.
This metric is highly predictive of future results.
In playoff hockey, this kind of advantage typically translates to goals.
Goalie Matchup
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to start for Winnipeg, bringing a 19-20-11 record into this contest. Hellebuyck has been a reliable presence for the Jets and will face a Blackhawks team that has struggled to generate quality chances.
Chicago counters with Septimus Knight (18-21-10), whose record reflects the team's broader struggles this season.
Prediction
According to WP Hockey Predictor, the Winnipeg Jets are favored to win this matchup with a Confident confidence tier, while the Chicago Blackhawks hold a chance of pulling off the upset.
Combined with better recent form and additional rest, Winnipeg enters as the clear choice in our NHL picks.
For bettors looking at anytime goalscorer props, Mark Scheifele represents strong value on the Winnipeg side, while Connor Bedard offers upside for Chicago backers seeking a contrarian angle.
Run your own prediction using the WP Hockey Predictor calculator to customize variables and test different scenarios for this matchup.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.