Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction

Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes Game Analysis | 22-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on January 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Lenovo Center, Raleigh, pits the Chicago Blackhawks (20-22-7) against the formidable Carolina Hurricanes (31-15-4). The Hurricanes enter this contest as clear favorites, showcasing a dominant record compared to the Blackhawks’ struggle for consistency.

Chicago Blackhawks Team Performance

The Chicago Blackhawks have endured a challenging season, reflected in their sub-.500 record. Their performance has been characterized by flashes of offensive brilliance, often spearheaded by their young stars, but inconsistent defensive play and goaltending have hampered their ability to string together wins. While they possess dynamic talent, their overall team structure and depth have been tested, leading to a position outside the playoff picture. They often rely on individual skill plays rather than a cohesive 60-minute effort, making them prone to defensive lapses against structured opponents.

Chicago Blackhawks Key Players

Points: Connor Bedard (48)
Goals: Tyler Bertuzzi (24)
Assists: Connor Bedard (28)

Injury Report Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen (Out): Teravainen (upper body) will not travel with the team for Thursday’s clash with Carolina, Scott Powers of The Athletic reports.
Ryan Ellis (Injured reserve): Ellis (back) and his contract have been traded to Chicago from San Jose, along with Jake Furlong and a 2028 fourth-round pick in exchange for Laurent Brossoit, Nolan Allan and a 2028 seventh-round pick Thursday.
Shea Weber (Injured reserve): Long-term injured reserve.

Carolina Hurricanes Team Performance

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to assert themselves as one of the NHL’s elite teams, boasting an impressive 31-15-4 record. Their success is built upon a relentless forecheck, a stifling defensive system, and a balanced offensive attack. Even with recent injury setbacks in net, their systemic strength often compensates, limiting opponents’ high-danger chances. They are a disciplined team, excelling in possession and transition, making them incredibly difficult to play against, especially on home ice. Their consistent performance positions them as a strong contender.

Carolina Hurricanes Key Players

Points: Sebastian Aho (52)
Goals: Seth Jarvis (22)
Assists: Sebastian Aho (35)

Injury Report Carolina Hurricanes

Noah Philp (Injured reserve): Philp (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Friday.
Pyotr Kochetkov (Injured reserve): Kochetkov (lower body) will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the campaign, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes’ official site reports Monday.

Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes

Considering the stark contrast in team performance and overall roster depth, the Carolina Hurricanes are heavily favored in this matchup. Their disciplined system and home-ice advantage should overwhelm the Blackhawks, who are also missing key offensive depth with Teuvo Teravainen out. While Pyotr Kochetkov’s season-ending injury is a significant blow for Carolina, their robust defensive structure typically limits shot quality, easing the pressure on Frederik Andersen or Brandon Bussi. The Blackhawks’ struggles with consistency and their propensity to give up goals will likely be exploited. Expect a dominant performance from the Hurricanes.

Predicted Winner: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (Spread)

Total Goals Prediction: Under 6.5

Last 5 Games: CHI

Form:

WLLLW

VS vs Winnipeg

W 2-0

PTS 20-22-7

GOL Knight

AST Knight

VS vs Boston

L 5-2

PTS 19-22-7

GOL Soderblom

AST Bedard

VS vs Calgary

L 3-1

PTS 19-21-7

GOL Knight

AST Slaggert

VS vs Edmonton

L 4-1

PTS 19-20-7

GOL Knight

AST Knight

VS @ Nashville

W 3-0

PTS 19-19-7

GOL Commesso

AST Commesso

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Winnipeg	W 2-0	20-22-7	Knight	Knight
vs Boston	L 5-2	19-22-7	Soderblom	Bedard
vs Calgary	L 3-1	19-21-7	Knight	Slaggert
vs Edmonton	L 4-1	19-20-7	Knight	Knight
@ Nashville	W 3-0	19-19-7	Commesso	Commesso

Last 5 Games: CAR

Form:

WWWLL

VS vs Buffalo

W 2-1

PTS 31-15-4

GOL Bussi

AST Jarvis

VS @ New Jersey

W 4-1

PTS 30-15-4

GOL Andersen

AST Svechnikov

VS vs Florida

W 9-1

PTS 29-15-4

GOL Bussi

AST Ehlers

VS @ St. Louis

L 3-0

PTS 28-15-4

GOL Bussi

AST Bussi

VS @ Detroit

L 4-3 OT

PTS 28-14-4

GOL Andersen

AST Aho

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Buffalo	W 2-1	31-15-4	Bussi	Jarvis
@ New Jersey	W 4-1	30-15-4	Andersen	Svechnikov
vs Florida	W 9-1	29-15-4	Bussi	Ehlers
@ St. Louis	L 3-0	28-15-4	Bussi	Bussi
@ Detroit	L 4-3 OT	28-14-4	Andersen	Aho

Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction | NHL 22.01.26