The Carolina Hurricanes return home following a 2-1 road trip as they welcome in the Chicago Blackhawks to PNC Arena in Raleigh.
The Hurricanes (32-17-5) sit six points behind the New York Rangers for first place in the Metropolitan Division and are heavy favorites in Monday night’s contest.
The Blackhawks (15-37-3) not only sit in last place of the Central Division, but Chicago owns the fewest points in the NHL at 33 and is headed for its second straight year of picking first in the draft.
Blackhawks vs. Hurricanes odds
- Spread: Blackhawks +1.5 (+132), Hurricanes -1.5 (-160)
- Total: Over 5.5 (-128), Under 5.5 (+104)
- Moneyline: Blackhawks +300, Hurricanes -385
Odds via FanDuel
Blackhawks vs. Hurricanes prediction
Rookie standout Connor Bedard, Chicago’s No. 1 pick in 2023, has recorded three points over the last two games since missing more than a month with a jaw injury. Bedard scored a goal and dished out an assist in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Senators.
Carolina closed out its road swing with victories at Arizona and Vegas, while winning four of its past five home contests.
Spencer Martin gets the start in net for the Hurricanes. He is 2-0 in two outings since getting released by the Blue Jackets and claimed off waivers by the Hurricanes in January.
Carolina is listed as its heaviest favorite price this season at -440 (Bet $44 to win $10) at several sportsbooks. That’s too high of a price to back Carolina in this game, but there’s a first-period bet we’re targeting instead.
Blackhawks vs. Hurricanes pick
The Blackhawks have failed to score a goal in the opening 20 minutes in five of their last six road games, and Martin has allowed just one first-period goal in two starts – against two of the top teams in the league, the Bruins and Golden Knights.
Let’s target the under 1.5 first-period goals, which you can find at -112 at FanDuel.
- Pick: Under 1.5 first-period goals (-112 at FanDuel)
