The Chicago Blackhawks (8-20-4) take on the Carolina Hurricanes (22-6-6) at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blackhawks vs. Hurricanes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Blackhawks picked up a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets before the holiday break, snapping an 8-game losing streak. During the skid, Chicago scored just 9 total goals.
These teams met in Chitown Nov. 14, with the Hurricanes coming away with a 3-0 win as the Under easily connected.
The Hurricanes steamed into the break with a 14-game point streak, going 12-0-2 dating back to its last regulation loss Nov. 23. The Canes won a wild 6-5 game against the Philadelphia Flyers Friday night, and 6 of the past 7 wins have been by a lone goal.
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Blackhawks at Hurricanes odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 2:10 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Blackhawks +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Hurricanes -390 (bet $390 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (+125) | Hurricanes -1.5 (-150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -125)
Blackhawks at Hurricanes projected goalies
Petr Mrazek (2-8-1, 4.23 GAA, .874 SV%) vs. Pyotr Kochetkov (10-1-4, 1.94 GAA, .928 SV%, 3 SO)
The former Cane Mrazek returns to Raleigh looking for redemption, but it has been a tough go in the Windy City for the veteran. He has allowed 14 total goals across his past 3 starts, and he is 1-7-1 with a 4.39 GAA and .874 SV% since the start of November, including the loss to Carolina on Nov. 14.
Kochetkov turned aside all 27 shots he faced in Chicago in the first matchup, picking up his first NHL shutout in the process. He has had 2 more shutouts, both on the road, since that night.
Kochetkov has been a huge reason for the success of Carolina lately, going 7-0-1 with a 1.63 GAA and .939 SV% in 7 starts and 8 appearances in the month of December.
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Blackhawks at Hurricanes picks and predictions
Prediction
Hurricanes 5, Blackhawks 1
Moneyline
The Hurricanes (-390) will cost you nearly 4 times your potential return, and it is never recommended to be such a heavy favorite, even when tossing it into a multi-team parlay. The value is just sucked out.
AVOID, and look to the puck line instead.
Puck line/Against the spread
The HURRICANES -1.5 (-150) is the play here, although it’s a little on the pricey side. It comes with plenty of risk, too, as Carolina has been hot lately, but 6 of the previous 7 wins have been by just 1 goal.
However, Carolina has scored 3 or more goals in each of the past 6 outings, and 13 of the 14 games during the point streak. Chicago, on the other hand, has a total of just 14 goals across the past 9 outings. The Blackhawks +1.5 (+125) won’t be able to keep pace.
Over/Under
UNDER 6.5 (-125) is the lean, as we saw an Under result in the first meeting in mid-November.
The concern with playing the Under is Mrazek, as he has knuckled under the pressure lately, and that’s not good heading in to face a red-hot Carolina offense.
However, Kochetkov gave the Blackhawks nothing, and another shutout wouldn’t be shocking in the least. He has been standing on his head lately.
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