Connor, Scheifele and Perfetti Eye Chicago Test

The early read: Winnipeg is banking points while bending a bit without the puck, and Chicago just lit a spark at the United Center. The Jets sit second in the Central at 4-1-1, but their expected goals against — how much the chances they allow should be worth — sits at 3.42 per game, a hint that the bounces have been kind so far. Chicago’s own defensive profile is shakier, with an expected goals against of 3.66, so this could come down to which crease settles first.

Names to watch: Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Cole Perfetti drive Winnipeg’s finish, testing a Spencer Knight-backstopped Blackhawks team that just saw Teuvo Teravainen and Roman Kantserov cash at home with Connor Bedard feeding plays. For Winnipeg, the crease has been stabilized by Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson, giving the visitors options if this turns into a grinder.

Standings angle: Winnipeg can firm up its Central spot with a road result, while Chicago (2-5-0, eighth in the division) needs to keep its home form rolling to start climbing the Western ladder.