Preview: Jets, Blackhawks Meet in Clash of Struggling Central Division Foes CHICAGO (Interstat) — Two teams looking to salvage disappointing seasons will meet when the Winnipeg Jets visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night at United Center. Both clubs enter the matchup with nearly identical records. The Jets are 19-27-0, while the Blackhawks sit at 19-28-0, leaving both well outside the current Western Conference playoff picture. The game represents a critical opportunity for each to gain ground in a tightly packed lower tier of the standings. Winnipeg arrives with momentum from a 6-2 road victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. Center Mark Scheifele was instrumental in that win, posting a goal and three assists. He has been a bright spot during a recent uptick, recording 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in his last nine games. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made 32 saves against Minnesota, is expected to start. Chicago, meanwhile, seeks to halt a two-game skid after a 3-1 home loss to Calgary on Thursday. Veteran forward Nick Foligno scored the lone goal for the Blackhawks in that contest and has provided consistent physical play, registering 10 hits over his last five appearances. The Blackhawks have shown sporadic resilience at home, including a 7-3 win over St. Louis on Jan. 7, but have struggled for consistency. The Jets have won three of their last four games overall, showing improved offensive output. Their recent success contrasts with a 1-5-1 stretch immediately prior. Chicago’s form has been more volatile, mixing decisive wins with lopsided losses over the past two weeks. In the only previous meeting this season, Winnipeg defeated Chicago 6-3 on Oct. 30. Scheifele had three assists in that victory. Following this contest, Winnipeg begins a four-game homestand Tuesday against St. Louis. Chicago opens a three-game road trip Thursday in Carolina. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.