Blackhawks Face Formidable Test in Carolina as Grueling Stretch Begins
The Chicago Blackhawks are staring down the barrel of one of their toughest stretches of the season, and it all kicks off tonight in Raleigh against a Carolina Hurricanes squad that’s as deep, disciplined, and dangerous as any team in the NHL right now.
This is the first of four games in six nights for the Hawks, and it doesn’t get any easier from here. After tonight’s tilt with the Metro Division-leading Hurricanes, they head back to Chicago to host the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning, who are riding a 14-game point streak and pacing the Atlantic Division. Then comes a visit from the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, before wrapping up the stretch against a Minnesota Wild team that sits among the league’s elite in points.
Hurricanes Are Rolling - Again
Carolina has been a model of consistency under Rod Brind’Amour, and this season is no different. The Canes are once again suffocating opponents with a combination of relentless puck pressure, balanced scoring, and airtight defensive structure. They rank second in the NHL in shots on goal per game and allow the fewest shots against - a testament to both their forecheck and their ability to control the neutral zone.
Goaltending has also been a bright spot, especially with the emergence of Brandon Bussi. The 25-year-old netminder has stepped into the spotlight and might just be the missing piece that turns this already well-rounded team into a true juggernaut. If this is the most complete version of the Hurricanes we’ve seen in recent years, the rest of the East should take notice.
Blackhawks Looking to Snap Skid in Raleigh
The Blackhawks haven’t had much success in Carolina lately - or at all, really. They haven’t won in Raleigh since a 2-1 overtime victory back on May 6, 2021, during the pandemic-shortened season when the two teams shared a division. Since then, the Hurricanes have owned the matchup, going 11-0-1 in the last 12 meetings and 18-2-1 against Chicago since 2018.
If the Blackhawks are going to flip the script tonight, they’ll need a strong performance from their goaltender - and they’re turning to a guy who’s already had Carolina’s number.
Knight Gets the Nod in Net
Spencer Knight will be between the pipes for Chicago, fresh off a 32-save shutout against Winnipeg. He’s been outstanding lately and has a track record of success against the Hurricanes.
In four career starts against them while with Florida, Knight went 3-1-0 with a sparkling 1.50 goals-against average, a .952 save percentage, and two shutouts. If he can channel that same level of play tonight, the Blackhawks might just have a shot to steal one on the road.
Frank Nazar Returns to the Lineup
Chicago gets a big boost up front with the return of Frank Nazar, who’s back in action for the first time since December 20. He’ll be wearing a new chin guard to protect his healing jaw, but the expectation is that he’ll jump right back into his usual role - skating alongside Tyler Bertuzzi, with whom he’s developed strong chemistry.
“Honestly, I think it’s his execution,” Nazar said of Bertuzzi. “His wall play is just so good. He always finds his feet, and he gets to those dirty areas.”
Ryan Donato will join that line as head coach Jeff Blashill looks to spark some offense from the veteran winger. Donato’s had a tough go this season in terms of production, but he’s been asked to play all over the lineup. Slotting him next to two offensive-minded players could help get him going - and his recent history against Carolina is encouraging, with a goal and three points in his last three games against them.
Youth Movement: “Kid Line” Brings Energy
One of the more intriguing storylines for the Blackhawks has been the emergence of their young trio: Landon Slaggert, Oliver Moore, and Nick Lardis. Slaggert, recalled from Rockford on Dec. 27, has brought grit and energy to the group, and this will be their second game skating together as a unit.
In limited time, the line has posted a 58.82 Corsi For percentage - a small sample, sure, but a promising one. Blashill likes what he’s seen from the group, particularly Slaggert’s ability to get to the net and disrupt plays on the forecheck.
“There’s a lot of tenacity on the line,” Blashill said. “Slaggs gives you some of that disruption, that net-front presence. It’s just more natural for him.”
Head-to-Head: Season Series Begins
Tonight marks the first of two meetings between these teams this season, with the rematch set for April 9 in Chicago. The Blackhawks will be looking to build momentum and confidence against a team that’s had their number for years. But they’ll need to bring their best - and then some - to hang with a Hurricanes team that’s firing on all cylinders.
Team Leaders
For Chicago, Connor Bedard continues to lead the way in points (48) and assists (28), while Tyler Bertuzzi tops the team in goals (24) and power-play tallies (9). Bedard and Bertuzzi are tied with three game-winners apiece.
Carolina counters with Sebastian Aho, who leads the team in both points (52) and assists (35), and Seth Jarvis, who’s pacing the Canes with 22 goals and five game-winners. Andrei Svechnikov leads the team in shots on goal (138), while Sean Walker tops the penalty minutes chart.
By the Numbers: Team Stats Breakdown
The Hurricanes hold the statistical edge in just about every category. They’re fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.38), eighth in goals against (2.86), and dominate the shot battle - second in shots for and first in shots allowed. Their power play (21.9%) and penalty kill (79.6%) are both solid, and they’re disciplined, taking just eight penalty minutes per game on average.
The Blackhawks, meanwhile, are still finding their footing. They rank 26th in goals per game (2.71) and 18th in goals against (3.08).
Their penalty kill has been excellent (84.6%, second-best in the league), but they struggle to generate offense, ranking 31st in shots per game. Faceoffs and puck possession remain areas of concern.
Projected Lineups
Blackhawks Forwards:
- Ryan Greene - Connor Bedard - Andre Burakovsky
- Ryan Donato - Frank Nazar - Tyler Bertuzzi
- Landon Slaggert - Oliver Moore - Nick Lardis
- Nick Foligno - Jason Dickinson - Ilya Mikheyev
Blackhawks Defense:
- Alex Vlasic - Louis Crevier
- Wyatt Kaiser - Artyom Levshunov
- Matt Grzelcyk - Connor Murphy
Scratches: Sam Lafferty, Colton Dach
Injured: Teuvo Teravainen (upper body)
Hurricanes Forwards:
- Andrei Svechnikov - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
- Taylor Hall - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
- Nikolaj Ehlers - Jordan Staal - Jordan Martinook
- Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Mark Jankowski - William Carrier
Hurricanes Defense:
- Jaccob Slavin - Jalen Chatfield
- K’Andre Miller - Sean Walker
- Alexander Nikishin - Joel Nystrom
Scratched: Mike Reilly
Injured: Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body), Pyotr Kochetkov (hip), Charles-Alexis Legault (hand), Noah Philp (concussion), Eric Robinson (upper body)
Puck Drops at 6 p.m. CT
This one goes down at the Lenovo Center, with coverage on ESPN+ and WGN Radio. The Blackhawks are underdogs, no doubt - but with Spencer Knight in net, Frank Nazar returning, and the kids pushing the pace, there’s a path to a statement win. It won’t be easy, but this is the kind of challenge that tells you a lot about where a team stands - and where it might be headed.