The Chicago Blackhawks take on one of the top teams in the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes. Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day’s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Head-to-Head: First Matchup of the Season
How to Watch TV: Disney+, ESPN+, SN1
Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks hit the road for a one-game road trip against Sebastian Aho and the Carolina Hurricanes.
Blackhawks Aiming to Pass Tough Test Against One of League’s Top Teams
The Hawks snapped their three-game losing skid with a quality win over the Winnipeg Jets. The win was one of Chicago’s most complete performances in a long time, on the back of a 32-save Spencer Knight shutout. The Hawks’ two goal scorers, Jason Dickinson and Connor Bedard, each snapped personal five-game scoring droughts. Dickinson, in particular, is hoping to maintain some offensive consistency. Monday’s goal was his sixth of the season, which puts him one goal shy of matching his 2024-25 total. Ryan Donato assisted the Dickinson goal, while Ilya Mikheyev had a helper on Bedard’s empty net tally. Alex Vlasic assisted both goals and earned his third multi-point game of the season. The Hawks turned in a solid effort and will be looking for a repeat in Carolina.
Most notable for this matchup is the return of Frank Nazar. Even though he has struggled at points during the year, the Hawks have surely missed his 21 points during his absence. However, neither Teuvo Teravainen nor Andre Burakovsky played against the Jets. Burakovsky should be back after an illness, while Teravainen will likely be out. The team will need every ounce of scoring to keep up with the high-flying Hurricanes. In the net, Knight should get the start, while Arvid Soderblom will likely see the crease in the second half of the back-to-back against Tampa.
It looks like Frank Nazar is tracking for a return on Thursday in Carolina. He hasn’t played since Dec. 20 after taking a slapshot to the face. #Blackhawks https://t.co/i9PRHI2Y6f
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) January 21, 2026
With some of the Hawks’ injury uncertainty, now is a good time to mention our disclaimer. Always check social media before puck drop for lineups and starting goaltender information.
Hurricanes Looking to Expand Metropolitan Division Lead
No team in the NHL is ever on cruise control, but the Hurricanes certainly have every reason to have confidence. The team enters this matchup with a seven-point lead in the Metropolitan Division and a three-game win streak. Their most recent was a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. In that one, Carolina’s top players generated all of their offence. Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis scored both goals. Svechnikov also had an assist on Jarvis’ goal, while Sebastian Aho had a helper on both. Sean Walker also had the secondary helper on Svechnikov’s goal. However, Brandon Bussi was the story of the game, as he thwarted Buffalo’s third-period push. Even though he had only 17 saves, he had a response for every quality Buffalo scoring chance.
He has taken the reins as the starting goaltender and played well behind a solid Hurricanes group. He should be in the net again against Chicago. However, as mentioned, the team in front of the goaltender is loaded. Aho and Svechnikov lead the team in scoring, while new signing Nikolaj Ehlers‘ 39 points in 50 games have been everything Carolina could have hoped for. Jarvis and Jackson Blake have provided nice production, as well. Shayne Gostisbehere leads the back end with 32 points in 35 games. Additionally, K’Andre Miller and youngster Alexander Nikishin have played well on the backend.
NHL Prediction
The Hawks showed some encouraging signs against the Jets, but Carolina should prove to be too much to handle. Expect a competitive performance from the Hawks, though.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2
Prop Bets
The Hurricanes are -124 to cover the -1.5 spread, which we think is likely. Additionally, the Canes are fifth in the league in first-period goals, so we like Andrei Svechnikov to net one in the first at +650 odds.
Main Photo: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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