Instant Analysis: This Time Jets Shock the Blackhawks 2-1

The Chicago Blackhawks were just three minutes from a shutout and a second straight stunner against the Winnipeg Jets. Instead, it was the Jets shocking the Blackhawks with two goals in just over two minutes to beat Chicago 2-1 Thursday night in Winnipeg.

Both Jets goals came late, with the tying goal coming with 3:29 left, and then the go-ahead with 1:05 remaining in the game. The loss spoiled a strong Blackhawks effort that would have cooled the hot Jets again. This time though, Winnipeg found rallied to move their winning streak to eight games.

The lone goal for Chicago came from Connor Murphy, who notched his second of the year just four minutes into the second period. Petr Mrazek had 26 saves in the losing effort.

It was the Hawks catching the Jets off guard, using two goals from Connor Bedard to win in overtime back on December 27th 2-1. Tonight it was the Jets returning the favor. And while they were the favorite to win, it took a strong late effort to knock the pesky Hawks off to escape another shocker.

Another Tough Game Awaits the Blackhawks Saturday

The Hawks welcome in Dallas on Saturday, who last bludgeoned them to finish off 2023. The Stars are looking up at the Jets in the division, and chasing the Avalanche–with two games in hand. Hand it to Chicago, though, who despite missing a chunk of players, are still playing the league’s best teams tight when they’ve been all but written off by most.

Colin Blackwell was against tenacious, and the Blackhawks even had a chance late before time ran out on them. No one wants the moral victories, and to the locker room, it will simply be an L in the wrong column.

But they’re still fighting and that has to count for something.