Updated:
Mar 31, 2026 , 11:32 AM ET
• 3 min read
Criscola’s prediction: Jets stifle Blackhawks’ offense.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (4) celebrates after scoring a goal.
The Winnipeg Jets’ late-season push for a playoff spot continues on Tuesday night when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks.
My Jets vs. Blackhawks predictions see Winnipeg improving their long-shot postseason hopes by suffocating the Chicago offense.
Here are my best free NHL picks for March 31.
Jets vs Blackhawks prediction
Jets vs Blackhawks best bet: Blackhawks team total Under 2.5 (+100)
The Chicago Blackhawks are a dismal 5-12 SU since the Olympic break ended, and their offense — or lack thereof — a big reason why.
Chicago is dead-last at 2.34 goals per game since February 24. They’re also 23rd in goals allowed per game in this stretch because they’re constantly chasing the puck.
The Blackhawks are second-worst in both shots for and shots against per game since the Olympics ended.
The Winnipeg Jets are 10th in goals allowed per game in March, getting their usual good goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck. This is playable down to -120.
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Jets vs Blackhawks same-game parlay
The Blackhawks have been more than kind to opposing defensemen this season, which is why I’m backing both Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk in this +700 SGP.
Morrissey has notched an assist in four straight games, and Chicago has served up the seventh-most points per game to the position.
Pionk has had multiple shots on goal in four of five games since returning to the lineup. The ‘Hawks allow the third-most shots per game to blueliners.
Jets vs Blackhawks SGP
Blackhawks team total Under 2.5
Josh Morrissey Over 0.5 assists
Neal Pionk Over 1.5 shots on goal
Jets vs Blackhawks odds
Moneyline: Jets -152 | Blackhawks +126
Puck Line: Jets -1.5 | Blackhawks +1.5
Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Jets vs Blackhawks trend
The Jets have hit the Under in 16 of their last 25 games (+8.45 Units / 31% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Jets vs. Blackhawks.
How to watch Jets vs Blackhawks
Location
United Center, Chicago, IL
Date
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Puck drop
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
TSN3, CHSN
Jets vs Blackhawks latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Robert M. Criscola’s road to becoming a Covers publishing editor began with an internship at Metro New York, which eventually turned into a freelance job at MetroBet covering many sports from a wagering angle, including horse racing. He continued to focus on “The Sport of Kings” by writing for shapperdacapper.com, danonymousracing.com, and informer.fanxt.com before joining the team at the TwinSpires Edge in 2019 as a regular contributor and weekend editor. “Crisco” began writing game previews for Covers in 2022 and joined the editing team in 2023.
His best advice for sports bettors? Bet with your head, not over it.
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