It’s a pretty sad state of affairs when you consider that Canada, the nation that gave birth to the game of hockey, has 7 teams that are not going to make the playoffs this season. 5 of the 7 teams could very well fall under the small market label, and they are finding it increasingly difficult to keep pace with the big boys. That said, there were still plenty of people who believed that a couple of teams from north of the border would find their way into the postseason this year. The Winnipeg Jets, who put together a surprisingly good season last year, were one of those teams, but they have had a disappointing season that saw them take a step or two backwards. They are now just playing out the string, and will have a very tough one on Friday night when they host the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. Keep up to date with the NHL Betting odds for this one at MyBookie.ag.

How To Bet the Chicago Vs Winnipeg NHL Odds, TV & Game Info

When: Friday, April 1 at 8 PM EST Where: MTS Centre, Winnipeg TV: CSNC NHL Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Chicago Blackhawks

If the Chicago Blackhawks (44-26-7) are to repeat as champions this year, they are going to have to play a whole lot better than they have been of late. They are just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games, and are now looking at being without Duncan Keith for an extended period of time, as the defense man faces a harsh suspension after a recent sticking incident. The good news for Chicago is that they have won 2 of 3 in their current 4-game road trip, and they also recently blanked the Jets 4-0 in a game played in Winnipeg. That should be enough to swing many bettors in their favor, but you have to wonder how this team is going to react to the potential long-term loss of Duncan Keith. The Blackhawks are averaging 2.8 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.

Why bet on the Winnipeg Jets

The Jets (31-29-7) don’t appear to be willing to put up much of a fight in the closing couple of weeks of the season. They are coming into this one having lost 3 straight, and are just 4-4-2 in their last 10 games. They have a legitimate shot at having the worst record in the league, and you have to wonder if they would be willing to tank their final few games in order to get a shot at the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft. This is a team that looked pretty close to being very good last year, and you feel that a couple of good moves could set them on the right path again for next season. The Jets are averaging 2.5 GPG, and are giving up 2.9 GPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Neither of these teams are playing particularly good hockey at the moment, but the Blackhawks should have more than enough to take out a Jets team that has more to gain by losing. Chicago Blackhawks 4 Winnipeg Jets 2