Chicago Blackhawks at Carolina Hurricanes Matchup

betdsiArticles, Hockey, NHL

PNC Arena is the site for an East-West matchup as the Chicago Blackhawks pay a visit to the Carolina Hurricanes. The match will get going at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 11 and it’s being shown live on WGN Channel 9.

Chicago Blackhawks at Carolina Hurricanes Odds

Chicago (+105) is entering this one as the underdog to Carolina (-125) and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 6 goals (-110 for the over, -110 for the under). Chicago is 7-9 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.9 units for moneyline bettors thus far. Through 16 regular season contests, eight of its games have gone under the total, while seven have gone over and just one has pushed. The Hawks are 3-5 SU on the road in 2017-18. Chicago has converted on just 13.0 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that places them in the bottom- overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked sixth overall, and it has successfully killed off 83.9 percent of its penalties. The Hawks, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.4 times per game this season, and 3.4 per game over its past five contests. The team has been forced to kill penalties just 8.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings. Averaging 29.0 saves per game with a .942 save percentage, Corey Crawford (7-7) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago this year. If Chicago chooses to rest him, however, they may turn to Anton Forsberg (0-3-2 record, .895 save percentage, 4.25 goals against average). Patrick Kane and Ryan Hartman will both lead the way for the visiting Blackhawks. Kane (14 points) is up to five goals and nine assists, and has recorded two or more points in two different games. Hartman has four goals and six assists to his name (and has logged a point in five games). Carolina is 5-8 straight up (SU) and has lost 4.3 units for moneyline bettors thus far. Seven of its outings have gone over the total, while six have gone under and none have pushed. It’s 2-4 SU at home this season. The Hurricanes have converted on just 13.3 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the bottom 5 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 25th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 76.9 percent of all penalties. Carolina skaters have been sent to the penalty box only 2.3 times per game this season. Last year, that number was at 2.7, the best mark in the NHL. After serving an average of 5.8 penalty minutes per game a season ago the team has had to stave off opponent power plays for 4.6 minutes per contest this year. Scott Darling has denied 24.4 shots per game as the top selection in goal for the Hurricanes. Darling has four wins, six losses, and three OT losses to his credit and has registered a .910 save percentage and 2.35 goals against average this year. Justin Williams (two goals, nine assists) will pace the offensive counter for the Hurricanes.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes Free Picks

Predictions: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Over

Betting Notes

  • After going 3-6 in games decided by a shootout last year, the Hurricanes are off to a 1-2 start in shootouts this season. Chicago went 4-1 in shootouts last year and has yet to participate in one this time around.
  • The under has hit in three of Carolina’s last five games.
  • Two offenses that fire the puck toward the goal a lot, Chicago has taken the league’s eighth-most shots on goal (33.8) and Carolina has attempted the second-most (36.9).