The Chicago Blackhawks (20-22-7) visit the Carolina Hurricanes (31-15-4) in an inter-conference matchup that pits a rebuilding Chicago squad against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. Carolina sits second in the Metropolitan Division with elite speed and goaltending, while Chicago is fighting for a wild-card spot in the Central, relying on young talent amid inconsistencies. This game could feature Carolina’s high-pressure forecheck overwhelming Chicago’s defense, but the Blackhawks’ offensive sparks might keep it close. Recent trends suggest a potential Hurricanes blowout if Chicago’s road woes continue.
Venue Location
PNC Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (broadcast on ESPN+, BSSO, and CHSN)
Recent Team Forms
Carolina has been dominant lately, winning seven of their last 10 with a +15 goal differential. Chicago has struggled, going 4-5-1 in their last 10, but showing flashes of offense.
Chicago Blackhawks Last 10 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals For | Goals Against |
| Jan 20 | vs. DAL | L 2-4 | 2 | 4 |
| Jan 18 | @ MIN | W 3-2 OT | 3 | 2 |
| Jan 16 | vs. NSH | L 1-3 | 1 | 3 |
| Jan 14 | @ STL | W 4-3 | 4 | 3 |
| Jan 12 | vs. COL | L 2-5 | 2 | 5 |
| Jan 10 | @ WPG | L 3-4 OT | 3 | 4 |
| Jan 9 | vs. UTA | W 5-2 | 5 | 2 |
| Jan 7 | @ DAL | L 1-4 | 1 | 4 |
| Jan 5 | vs. MIN | W 3-1 | 3 | 1 |
| Jan 3 | @ NSH | L 2-3 | 2 | 3 |
Record: 4-5-1
Avg. Goals: 2.6 for, 3.1 against
Power Play: 18.2% (20th in NHL); Penalty Kill: 79.6% (18th)
Carolina Hurricanes Last 10 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals For | Goals Against |
| Jan 20 | @ NYI | W 4-2 | 4 | 2 |
| Jan 18 | vs. PIT | W 5-1 | 5 | 1 |
| Jan 16 | @ PHI | W 3-2 | 3 | 2 |
| Jan 14 | vs. WSH | L 2-3 OT | 2 | 3 |
| Jan 12 | @ CBJ | W 6-3 | 6 | 3 |
| Jan 10 | vs. NYR | W 4-1 | 4 | 1 |
| Jan 8 | @ NJD | L 3-4 | 3 | 4 |
| Jan 6 | vs. NYI | W 5-2 | 5 | 2 |
| Jan 4 | @ PIT | W 4-3 OT | 4 | 3 |
| Jan 2 | vs. PHI | L 1-2 | 1 | 2 |
Record: 7-2-1
Avg. Goals: 3.7 for, 2.3 against
Power Play: 27.1% (3rd in NHL); Penalty Kill: 85.4% (4th)
Injury Report
Chicago is dealing with several key absences, impacting their depth, while Carolina is relatively healthy but monitoring a few veterans.
Chicago Blackhawks:
Connor Bedard (C): Day-to-day (upper body) – Questionable, missed last game
Taylor Hall (LW): Out (knee) – IR, expected back Feb 15
Andreas Athanasiou (LW): Out (groin) – IR, out until at least Feb 25
Tyler Johnson (C): Out (foot) – IR, expected back Mar 1
Nikita Zaitsev (D): Day-to-day (lower body) – Game-time decision
Arvid Soderblom (G): Out (illness) – Expected back Jan 24
Carolina Hurricanes:
Frederik Andersen (G): Day-to-day (lower body) – Questionable, backup likely starts if out
Jesper Fast (RW): Out (upper body) – IR, expected back Feb 1
Tony DeAngelo (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed) – Recently returned, monitor
Shayne Gostisbehere (D): Out (personal) – Non-roster, no timeline
Projected Starting Goalies:
Chicago: Petr Mrazek (12-14-4, 3.05 GAA, .902 SV%)
Carolina: Pyotr Kochetkov (18-7-2, 2.35 GAA, .912 SV%) – If Andersen is out
Key Player Matchups
Carolina’s balanced attack will challenge Chicago’s young core. Expect speed and physicality to define these battles.
Connor Bedard (CHI) vs. Sebastian Aho (CAR): Bedard (18G, 25A) is Chicago’s offensive engine with elite shot. Aho (22G, 30A) leads Carolina in points, excelling in all zones. This could be a high-skill duel on rushes.
Philipp Kurashev (CHI) vs. Seth Jarvis (CAR): Kurashev (15G, 20A) provides secondary scoring for Chicago. Jarvis (20G) is a breakout star for Carolina with speed and finishing. Watch for them in transition plays.
Kevin Korchinski (CHI) vs. Andrei Svechnikov (CAR): Korchinski (D, 5G, 20A) is Chicago’s top young blueliner. Svechnikov (18G, 25A) brings power and skill for Carolina. Physical edge battles loom.
Nick Foligno (CHI) vs. Jordan Staal (CAR): Foligno (10G) adds grit and leadership for Chicago. Staal (C) anchors Carolina’s shutdown line with strong faceoffs (55%). Checking line matchup key for possession.
Teuvo Teravainen (CHI) vs. Brent Burns (CAR): Teravainen (12G, 18A) faces his former team. Burns (D, 8G, 25A) leads Carolina’s blue line in points. Power-play implications here.
Series History
All-time: Carolina leads 45-35-6-3 (89 games). Recent: Carolina has won 6 of the last 10 meetings, including a 5-2 win on Nov 15, 2025. Chicago is 2-3 in the last 5 at PNC Arena. At PNC Arena: Carolina 24-15-3-1 vs. Chicago. Trends: Under has hit in 6 of the last 8 head-to-heads; average combined goals: 5.2. Carolina 5-0 SU when favored by -200 or more vs. Chicago.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Hurricanes have covered in 7 of last 10 home games. Total: Under has hit in 6 of Carolina’s last 8; Over in 4 of Chicago’s last 6 road games. Team Trends: Chicago 4-5-1 last 10; 2-8 SU last 10 as underdogs of +200 or more. Carolina 7-2-1 last 10; 8-2 SU last 10 at home. Chicago 3-7 SU vs. Metropolitan teams this season.
Game Odds
Chicago Blackhawks 6.5
Carolina Hurricanes – 280
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026
