If the playoffs were to start today, the Winnipeg Jets would face off against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhawks have quickly become a rival of the Jets. It does not matter who is playing at home, the fans come out in droves. The games are high scoring, high tempo, flashy high-skilled matches.

Game #153. #243. #348. #379.

The first game was a home game for The Jets. It was a sell out crowd. The Jets went 3 for 3 on the power play and avoided the box entirely themselves. 42 shots from Chicago to Winnipeg's 32. The Jets had a hard time generating much 5 on 5 and Chicago chased Thiessen in the eventual loss, 7-4, Mantha with a hat trick.

The second game. Game 243. This was another home game for the Jets. Another sell out. This time both squads took 3 penalties each, nothing was generated on special teams. The Jets held the shot advantage 36 to 34. With that, they took the second contest with a resounding 7-2 win, returning the favour. Niitymaki held the fort down in this one. Greiss with the loss for Chicago. Mikheyev with a four point night. Zaitsev with two goals. Mantha, 0 pts, -2.

The third game. Game 348. Another home game for the Jets. A sell out crowd. 2 penalties for Chicago, one for Winnipeg, no conversions. Chicago with 33 shots to Winnipeg's 26. White and Niederreiter connect for two points each. Greiss and Niitymaki in net again this time.

Fourth game. Game 379. This one was in Chicago. 16,335. 76% attendance, which is about as full as a Hawks game gets, on average. Jets converted one of two power play opportunities while Chicago was 0 for 3 with the man advantage. 36 shots to 30, I'm favour of Winnipeg. Kuznetsov, White and Nylander with multi point nights. Hawryluk, Stone and Pacioretty also had multi point nights. It wasnt enough and Brad got his first win against the Hawks with a total of 4-2 for the Jets.

The record sits 3-1-0.

How the second half of the season goes. If Chicago adds tools to their potent offense. And the trends and injuries will have a word in deciding this. I feel the Jets to be the underdog. But I also don't think it is out of the realm of possibility for this series to go either way.

Will Niitymaki get the starts in the postseason? Will Niity start if Brad drops the first game? Will Ristolainen stay healthy?

Until next time -