NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes, April 9

Welcome back to 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. Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks return home to take on the Carolina Hurricanes.

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: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Season Series: Chicago leads 1-0

How to Watch TV: ESPN+, CHSN, FDSNSO

Location: United Center

The Hawks stunned the Hurricanes in the first matchup between these two teams. It was a back-and-forth affair, with the Hawks getting the second point in the shootout. Ilya Mikheyev kick-started the scoring in the first, with Joel Nystrom responding with his first-career goal. In the second period, Nick Lardis once again gave Chicago the lead before Canes’ captain Jordan Staal evened the score at two. In the third, Connor Murphy scored on a slick forehand-backhand move, but Jackson Blake yet again tied the score at three. Oliver Moore netted the shootout winner, backing Spencer Knight‘s 28-save performance. The Hawks are hoping to sweep the season series against the Metropolitan Division-leading Canes.

Blackhawks Aiming to End Season with Wins

The Hawks enter this matchup off a tough loss in San Jose to cap off their road schedule. Ryan Donato gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead, but San Jose netted three-straight goals to take a 3-1 lead. Frank Nazar capped off his strong night with a power-play marker to cut the lead to one. Ultimately, the Sharks stifled any comeback attempt and secured the 3-2 win. This loss was encouraging, as the Hawks controlled the play throughout the game and put together a nice push in the third period. Ultimately, however, the team could not pull through. Spencer Knight stopped 20 San Jose shots, but ultimately collected the loss. He should be back between the pipes tonight. The Hawks are looking for a similar effort tonight with better results.

As mentioned, the game in San Jose showed some positive signs that the team can take forward. For starters, the Hawks’ stars came to play. Connor Bedard looks enormously confident and really imposed his will. Nick Lardis continues to see time on Bedard’s line, while Teuvo Teravainen slotted up in the lineup in San Jose. However, Frank Nazar played one of his best games of the season. He registered a goal and an assist, but utilized his speed to create separation and offensive chances. Nazar registered six shots on goal. Additionally, Anton Frondell looks more comfortable as time goes on, which is a great sign for the team moving forward.

Hurricanes Eyeing Top Spot in Eastern Conference

The Canes come into this one on the back of a 6-5 thriller victory over the Boston Bruins to secure the Metropolitan Division. Andrei Svechnikov and K’Andre Miller opened Carolina’s scoring in the opening frame, but headed into the second down 3-2. The Canes broke through in the second period, thanks to goals from Logan Stankoven, William Carrier and former Blackhawk Taylor Hall. The Bruins evened the score in regulation, but Jaccob Slavin‘s first goal of the season won it in overtime. The Hurricanes dominated the Bruins, but Brandon Bussi struggled, surrendering all five goals on just 21 shots faced. Expect Frederik Andersen in the net tonight. As always, be sure to check social media for starting lineups and starting goaltender information.

With the win Tuesday night, Carolina clinched the Metropolitan Division and has their sights set on the top spot in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit two points ahead in that race, and tonight’s game provides another opportunity to pick up two points. The Hurricanes are one of the stingiest teams in the NHL, and if they can get goaltending, they can compete with anyone. Offensively, along with Sebastian Aho, Olympian Seth Jarvis, and off-season acquisition Nikolaj Ehlers have led the charge and should be a handful for Chicago’s young defensive core. Expect an inspired effort from the Canes as they look to get into playoff mode.

Game Prediction

As mentioned, this should be a competitive game from both sides. Expect Carolina to pull out a tight win.

Prediction: Carolina wins 3-2

Prop Bets

For the Blackhawks, we like Anton Frondell as an anytime goalscorer (+430) in this game. Frondell only has one goal since joining the Blackhawks; however, he’s looking more and more comfortable in each game, and we expect him to bury his second of the season tonight.

On the Hurricanes side of things, go with Jackson Blake as an anytime goalscorer (+250). Blake has 22 goals on the season and has produced six points in his last four games. Expect him to keep up this hot streak and find twine in this one.

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