Carolina Hurricanes @ Chicago Blackhawks | Week 4 Game Preview
When: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 8:30pm E.T.
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
How: Bally Sports South, Fox Sports South, NBC Sports Chicago+
Spread: Carolina -1.5 (+155)
Total: 5.5
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Hurricanes Spotlight
The Carolina Hurricanes are the only remaining undefeated team in the NHL. This team is a scoring machine. The canes rank in the top 3 in almost all major offensive categories including the top 2 for goals scored per game with 4.13. On the defensive side, Carolina has not given up more than three goals in a game this season, and has held their opponent to less than two goals in 5 of 8 games so far this season. Frederik Andersen has been stellar in net this season, and is likely to get the start. Andersen has a save percentage of .962.
Blackhawks Spotlight:
The Chicago Blackhawks finally got their first win of the season with the help of a hat trick by Patrick Kane, defeating the Ottawa Senators 5-1 on Monday. Chicago is now 1-7-2 on the season and will try to extend the win streak to 2. The Blackhawks have not finally arrived. They still have serious issues to deal with. On offense, the Blackhawks are only scoring 2.2 goals per game, and are 31st in the league in E/G p 60 with 1.43. It doesn't stop there. Chicago has only scored 11 goals in 5-on-5 situations this season. Offensive production isn't the only thing to be concerned about, the defense also has major problems giving up 30 goals in 5-on-5 situations, which is worst in the league. It doesn't matter who is in net, both Fleury and Lankinen have struggled. Fleury comes into this matchup with a save percentage of .872 and Lankinen has a save percentage of .886.
Final Say:
The Hurricanes have won by at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 8 games. The odds on the puck line provide good value in this spot. The Hurricane’s offense is wreaking havoc on defenses around the league and should have no problem shredding the soft Blackhawk defense. These two teams played last Friday night, with the canes in rout 6-3. I see the same thing happening again.
Pick: Carolina -1.5 (+155)
