{"id":416050,"date":"2026-01-19T14:30:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/416050\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T14:30:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:30:15","slug":"jonathan-toews-returns-to-chicago-as-jets-take-on-blackhawks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/416050\/","title":{"rendered":"Jonathan Toews Returns to Chicago as Jets take on Blackhawks"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> aim to pick up a crucial two points against Central Division foe the Winnipeg Jets<\/a>.\u00a0Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day\u2019s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

Time:\u00a08:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n

Head-to-Head:\u00a0Blackhawks 0-1 Jets<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a> TV:\u00a0ESPN+, CHSN, TSN3, TVAS\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jonathan Toews<\/a> returns to the United Center for the first time as the Winnipeg Jets battle Connor Bedard<\/a> and the Chicago Blackhawks.<\/p>\n

Desperation Level Cranked Up to New Level for Blackhawks\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Hawks will need a better, more complete game against the Jets than they gave in the first matchup. The Jets won 6-3, but the game was less competitive than the score indicated. The Jets jumped out to a 5-1 lead before the Hawks scored two in the third to pull themselves closer. Teuvo Teravainen<\/a> netted the first goal, while Alex Vlasic<\/a> and Andre Burakovsky<\/a> scored in the third period. Connor Bedard and Connor Murphy<\/a> collected two assists each, while Artyom Levshunov<\/a> had an assist on the Burakovsky goal. Spencer Knight<\/a> was between the pipes in the first meeting, stopping 26 of 32 shots faced. Arvid Soderblom<\/a> was in the crease in Saturday\u2019s contest against the Bruins, so Knight will have a chance for redemption tonight.<\/p>\n

Over the last three games, the Hawks have dropped each of them, scoring a total of four goals. Connor Bedard has not scored in his last five games, while leading goal scorer Tyler Bertuzzi<\/a> has just two in the same span. The Hawks\u2019 other top players have also struggled of late. Jason Dickinson<\/a> and Ryan Donato<\/a> have zero points in the last five, while Burakovsky has just one assist and captain Nick Foligno<\/a> has a goal and an assist. On the backend, Wyatt Kaiser<\/a> scored against the Bruins and is up to 11 points on the year.\u00a0On the injury front, Teravainen did not play against the Bruins and will continue to sit with his upper-body injury. Frank Nazar<\/a> has been practicing with the team, but head coach Jeff Blashill ruled him out for tonight\u2019s contest. Signs are positive, however, as he may be trending towards a near return. Both players will certainly provide a much-needed offensive spark for the Blackhawks.<\/p>\n

Nazar and Teravainen are out for tomorrow vs Winnipeg<\/p>\n

I get the sense Nazar might return Thursday at Carolina https:\/\/t.co\/onOY9I9Brs<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) January 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jonathan Toews Returns to United Center as Jets Looking to Crawl Back into Playoff Race<\/p>\n

After a crippling 11-game winless skid, the Jets won four straight games to right the ship before falling to the Maple Leafs in overtime on Saturday. In the last five, the Jets\u2019 offensive game has come to life. They have averaged 4.6 goals per game over that span and have gotten production from up and down the lineup. Notably, Jonathan Toews has come to life after a relatively slow start. He did not score against Toronto, but he took a four-game goal streak into that game. He is up to 18 points in 47 games played. Winnipeg\u2019s top two weapons, Mark Scheifele<\/a> and Kyle Connor<\/a>, however, have continued to lead the charge. Scheifele, in particular, leads the Jets with 58 points and has been red hot of late. He has three goals and five assists in his last five. Connor is second on the team with 56 points and has points in his last three games. Additionally, Gabriel Vilardi<\/a> has seven points and Cole Perfetti<\/a> has five points in their last five games.<\/p>\n

Credit Image: \u00a9 Larry MacDougal via ZUMA Wire<\/p>\n

On the backend, Josh Morrissey<\/a> continues to be one of the best defencemen in the NHL and one of the Jets\u2019 only offensive sparks on the back end. He has 39 points and plays over 24 minutes per game. Dylan DeMelo<\/a> and Logan Stanley<\/a> also add 17 and 16 points, respectively. Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> has continued to play well. His numbers are lower than in previous years, exemplified by his .901 save percentage, but the team has earned points in five of his last six starts. Hellebuyck has started the team\u2019s last four games and with the back-to-back looming, Eric Comrie<\/a> should see the net in this one.<\/p>\n

Since the Jets have yet to announce a starter, now is a good time to mention: always check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NHL Prediction<\/p>\n

The Jets\u2019 top players have been red-hot, so their ability to score will be on display. However, expect Chicago\u2019s scoring to finally click and for the team to find a way to win.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Hawks win 5-4<\/p>\n

Prop Bets<\/p>\n

With the high likelihood of scoring, expect the over 5.5 goals to hit at -130 odds. Additionally, the Hawks are +120 on the moneyline, which has some good value to it.<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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