Jets Seek Regulation Win Against Blackhawks

Winnipeg looks to avoid overtime after three straight extra-period games

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:15am

The Winnipeg Jets are hoping to avoid another overtime game when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. The Jets have played in three straight overtime contests since returning from the Olympics, including a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. Winnipeg has struggled in overtime this season, going 3-10 in such games. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, have lost eight of their last 10 games but are coming off a 4-0 shutout win over the Utah Mammoth in their last outing.

Why it matters

The Jets' playoff hopes are fading as they sit nine points out of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Avoiding overtime and securing regulation wins is crucial for Winnipeg to keep their postseason dreams alive. The Blackhawks are also looking to build momentum after a rough stretch, making this an important matchup between two struggling teams.

The details

In the Jets' 2-1 overtime loss to the Sharks, Connor Hellebuyck made 31 saves but was unable to secure the victory. Morgan Barron gave Winnipeg an early lead, but the team was held scoreless the rest of the way. The Sharks evened the score in the third period before Michael Misa ended the game in overtime. Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel was critical of his team's defensive lapses that led to the overtime-winning goal. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are coming off a 4-0 shutout win over the Mammoth, with Teuvo Teravainen scoring two goals and Arvid Soderblom making 22 saves for his first career NHL shutout.

  • The Jets have played in three straight overtime games since the NHL restarted after the Olympics.
  • Winnipeg's playoff hopes are fading, as the team is now nine points out of the second wild-card slot.
  • The Blackhawks have lost eight of their last 10 games, but are coming off a 4-0 shutout win over the Utah Mammoth in their last outing.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

The three-time Vezina Trophy Award winner and reigning league MVP, who recently backstopped Team USA to a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games.

Scott Arniel

The head coach of the Winnipeg Jets.

Teuvo Teravainen

The Blackhawks forward who scored two goals in Chicago's 4-0 win over the Mammoth and won bronze with Finland at the Olympics.

Arvid Soderblom

The Blackhawks goaltender who recorded his first career NHL shutout in the win over the Mammoth.

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What they’re saying

“We gave up a breakaway, we gave up a 3-on-2, and then we gave up the 2-on-1, which became the goal. That's just ... If you're trying to gain points, you're on the road, you can't cheat it like that.”

— Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets Head Coach

“Yeah, it's usually how it goes, you get one chance one way, and it goes down the other way. And unfortunately, they were able to score on that one, and we weren't able to get another one. That's just how it goes sometimes.”

— Kyle Connor

“It felt great. It's been a long time coming and a lot of ups and downs, but to finally get it done felt great. The guys did a great job in front (of the net). I thought we played our defensive system flawlessly. It was really good.”

— Arvid Soderblom, Chicago Blackhawks Goaltender

What’s next

The Jets will look to bounce back and secure a regulation win against the Blackhawks on Tuesday, as they try to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

The takeaway

This game highlights the Jets' struggles in overtime this season, which have contributed to their slipping playoff position. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are hoping to build on their recent shutout win and gain some momentum as they continue their road trip.