Carolina Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks

April 14, 2024

The Carolina Hurricanes (51-22-7) will face the Chicago Blackhawks (23-52-5) for the second time this season and aim for a sweep on Sunday, April 14, at 6:00 PM ET at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Hurricanes are favored with a puck line at -1.5 (-135).

Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview

The Hurricanes have won their last four games and are in a position to have another good match here. Their most recent success was a 5-2 outing against the St. Louis Blues.

Their road record currently stands at 24-12-3, which is appealing. Sebastian Aho will be key to watch, as he leads them offensively with 88 points, 35 goals, and 53 assists.

The Hurricanes maintain an average of 3.38 goals per game, conceding 2.54 from opponents. They launch an average of 33.2 shots and allow 25.8 in return, highlighting a commendable balance between offense and defense.

Their power play prowess shines through with 64 goals scored and only 35 allowed, translating to a formidable 26.6 percent success rate. Additionally, their penalty kill stands at 86.2 percent, surpassing the Blackhawks.

Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview

The Blackhawks are 1-4 in their last five games and are currently on a three-game losing streak. Their previous defeat was a 5-1 showing against the Nashville Predators. This also marked their third consecutive game of allowing four or more goals.

Their record at home could be more appealing at 16-20-4, but it is their best output compared to their road one. 18-year-old Connor Bedard leads their offense with 60 points, 22 goals, and 38 assists. He will need an outstanding performance to help keep them within striking distance.

The Blackhawks are averaging 2.16 goals scored and conceding 3.51 per game. Their shot count stands at 26.6 per game, while they face an average of 32.6 shots against, highlighting their struggles in offense and defense. This difference will kill them in this matchup and is the main reason they have only won 23 games this season.

Their power play performance this season could have been better, with 38 goals scored and 52 allowed, resulting in a power play percentage 16.5. Additionally, their penalty kill percentage, slightly lower than the Hurricanes, sits at 76.5.

Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick

The odds offered by MyBookie reveal that the Carolina Hurricanes are 1.5-puck line favorites. This will be the second matchup, with the Hurricanes winning 6-3 in the first meeting.

Based on their stats, momentum, and previous success against the Blackhawks, the Hurricanes are arguably too overpowering here. Look for them to win by at least two goals.

Final Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (-135)

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