{"id":548803,"date":"2026-04-09T15:06:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T15:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/548803\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T15:06:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T15:06:14","slug":"chicago-blackhawks-vs-carolina-hurricanes-april-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/548803\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes, April 9"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/24\/chicago-blackhawks-recall-highly-touted-prospect-to-nhl-roster\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> return home to take on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/02\/16\/carolina-hurricanes-goalie-inks-contract-extension\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Carolina Hurricanes<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n<p>Time:\u00a08:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p>Season Series:\u00a0Chicago leads 1-0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">How to Watch<\/a> TV:\u00a0ESPN+, CHSN, FDSNSO<\/p>\n<p>Location:\u00a0United Center<\/p>\n<p>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. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mikheil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Ilya Mikheyev<\/a> kick-started the scoring in the first, with <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nystrjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Joel Nystrom<\/a> responding with his first-career goal. In the second period, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lardini01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Nick Lardis<\/a> once again gave Chicago the lead before Canes\u2019 captain <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/staaljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Jordan Staal<\/a> evened the score at two. In the third, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/murphco02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Connor Murphy<\/a> scored on a slick forehand-backhand move, but <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/blakeja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Jackson Blake<\/a> yet again tied the score at three. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mooreol01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Oliver Moore<\/a> netted the shootout winner, backing <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/knighsp01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Spencer Knight<\/a>\u2018s 28-save performance. The Hawks are hoping to sweep the season series against the Metropolitan Division-leading Canes.<\/p>\n<p>Blackhawks Aiming to End Season with Wins<\/p>\n<p>The Hawks enter this matchup off a tough loss in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/03\/06\/washington-capitals-acquire-right-shot-defenceman-san-jose-sharks\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">San Jose<\/a> to cap off their road schedule. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/donatry01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Ryan Donato<\/a> gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead, but San Jose netted three-straight goals to take a 3-1 lead. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nazarfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Frank Nazar<\/a> 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. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/knighsp01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Spencer Knight<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p>As mentioned, the game in San Jose showed some positive signs that the team can take forward. For starters, the Hawks\u2019 stars came to play. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bedarco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Connor Bedard<\/a> looks enormously confident and really imposed his will. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lardini01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Nick Lardis<\/a> continues to see time on Bedard\u2019s line, while <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/teravte01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Teuvo Teravainen<\/a> 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, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/frondan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Anton Frondell<\/a> looks more comfortable as time goes on, which is a great sign for the team moving forward.<\/p>\n<p>Hurricanes Eyeing Top Spot in Eastern Conference<\/p>\n<p>The Canes come into this one on the back of a 6-5 thriller victory over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/04\/08\/boston-bruins-have-signed-their-top-2025-draft-pick\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Boston Bruins<\/a> to secure the Metropolitan Division. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/svechan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Andrei Svechnikov<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/milleka01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">K\u2019Andre Miller<\/a> opened Carolina\u2019s 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 <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stanklo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Logan Stankoven<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carriwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">William Carrier<\/a> and former Blackhawk <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=hallta02,hallta01&amp;search=Taylor+Hall&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Taylor Hall<\/a>. The Bruins evened the score in regulation, but <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/slavija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Jaccob Slavin<\/a>\u2018s first goal of the season won it in overtime. The Hurricanes dominated the Bruins, but <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bussibr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Brandon Bussi<\/a> struggled, surrendering all five goals on just 21 shots faced. Expect <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/anderfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Frederik Andersen<\/a> in the net tonight. As always, be sure to check social media for starting lineups and starting goaltender information.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s 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 <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=ahose01,ahose02&amp;search=Sebastian+Aho&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Sebastian Aho<\/a>, Olympian <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarvise01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Seth Jarvis<\/a>, and off-season acquisition <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/ehlerni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-08_hr\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Nikolaj Ehlers<\/a> have led the charge and should be a handful for Chicago\u2019s young defensive core. Expect an inspired effort from the Canes as they look to get into playoff mode.<\/p>\n<p>Game Prediction<\/p>\n<p>As mentioned, this should be a competitive game from both sides. Expect Carolina to pull out a tight win.<\/p>\n<p>Prediction: Carolina wins 3-2<\/p>\n<p>Prop Bets<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s looking more and more comfortable in each game, and we expect him to bury his second of the season tonight.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: James Guillory-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day\u2019s&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":548804,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5115],"tags":[521,1775,37,96,30639,5263,5,4],"class_list":{"0":"post-548803","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-chicago-blackhawks","8":"tag-blackhawks","9":"tag-carolina-hurricanes-predictions","10":"tag-chicago","11":"tag-chicago-blackhawks","12":"tag-chicago-blackhawks-predictions","13":"tag-chicagoblackhawks","14":"tag-hockey","15":"tag-nhl"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nhl\/116375373998720114","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=548803"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548803\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/548804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=548803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=548803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=548803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}