CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS VS. CAROLINA HURRICANES – 10/26/2019 FREE PICK & NHL BETTING PREDICTIONS

The Hurricanes are big favorites to take out the Blackhawks on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh. It would be a much needed win for Carolina, who has stumbled a bit after a very strong start to the 2019/20 season.

Speaking of needing a win, that’s definitely the spot the Blackhawks are in. Chicago’s offense has gone in the tank as they’ve slipped to 2nd to last in the Central with just 6 points.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks have netted a whopping 2 goals total in their last two games, both losses. Chicago has now dropped 3 in a row overall and their 2-4-2 record has them with 6 points, a tie for 2nd fewest in the NHL.

The Blackhawks have the offensive talent, but are just 25th in the league in goals/game at 2.5. Patrick Kane has been shut out of the scoring sheet for the last two games and Alex Debrincat the last three.

It’s going to be hard for Chicago to get unleashed on Saturday not only because of the early 1:00 PM EST road start, but also because Carolina ranks 3rd defensively in SOG against.

The unfortunate thing for Chicago backers is that their offense has to be great to get a win on Saturday considering the way their defense/goaltending has started the season. The Hawks have the 2nd most penalty minutes as well.

Corey Crawford gets the start Saturday but it looks like his time has passed. Crawford has allowed 4+ goals in 4 of 5 starts this season.

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina began the season with 6 wins in their first 7 games but come into Saturday afternoon’s contest having dropped their last 3.

The good thing for still backing the Canes’ at -171 is that all three of their defeats came on the road at San Jose, at Anaheim, and at Columbus. Carolina is 3-1 at PNC Arena this season and is back on their own ice for the 1st time in 2 weeks.

Dougie Hamilton has 11 points in 10 games for Carolina and should be able to get on track vs. the Blackhawks shaky goaltending. Carolina scored at least 4 goals in 4 of their first 6 home games this season.

Is Petr Mrazek vulnerable in net leading to a Blackhawks +150 play – or at least a wager on the over? Mrazek does have one shutout this season, but for the most part he’s been leaking.

On October 18th the Carolina goaltender allowed 4 goals on just 13 shots vs. Anaheim. He also has a 2 goals in 19 SOG and a 3 goals on 13 SOG appearance this season.

NHL Betting Trends:

Blackhawks are 5-16 last 21 games as an underdog
Blackhawks are 1-5 last 6 road games
Blackhawks are 0-4 last 4 vs. Metropolitan
Hurricanes are 9-1 last 10 vs. Central
Hurricanes are 26-9 last 35 games as a favorite
Blackhawks are 2-6 last 8 H2H meetings

Free Carolina Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks NHL Prediction:

Bad goaltending is the name of the game in this one. Factor in the early Saturday start and the sleepy defenses and the ‘over’ is the only play to make here, especially with Carolina being so costly at -171.