Jets take defensive focus into Chicago matchup
Winnipeg visits the Blackhawks on Thursday after limiting Minnesota to eight shots over the final two periods of its previous game.
The Winnipeg Jets visit the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Thursday, Oct. 15, looking to build on the defensive work that helped them beat Minnesota on Tuesday. Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
Winnipeg enters the first of four meetings between the clubs with a 4-1-1 record. Chicago is 2-5-0. Both teams won their previous games: the Jets defeated the Wild 5-2, while the Blackhawks beat Pittsburgh 5-3.
The Jets' game-day report says they allowed Minnesota just eight shots over the last two periods. Cole Koepke described a team emphasis on closing space sooner and applying pressure, with offence developing from that defensive approach.
Koepke's line had been on the ice for three goals against in the preceding loss to Anaheim. Winnipeg then spent two practice days working on defending the rush. Against Minnesota, that line scored once without conceding at five-on-five and led high-danger chances two to one, according to Natural Stat Trick figures cited by the Jets.
Coach Scott Arniel had not settled any lineup changes in the club's preview ahead of Thursday's morning skate. Isak Rosén said Winnipeg would try to carry its play from the final two periods against Minnesota into the Chicago game.
The Blackhawks enter with Connor Bedard back in their lineup. He recorded an assist in Tuesday's victory over Pittsburgh, his first appearance of the season.
