Carolina Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Preview and Discussion

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 9, 2026 8:43 PM ET

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Game Preview and Discussion

The Carolina Hurricanes (50-22-6) travel to face the Chicago Blackhawks (28-36-14) tonight at 8:30 PM. Carolina arrives two days after clinching the Metropolitan Division.

Recent results and context

Carolina secured the Metro title with a 6-5 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. That win came with four games remaining in the regular season.

If the season ended today, the Hurricanes would meet the Ottawa Senators in the first playoff round. Carolina is 2-1 against Ottawa this season but lost to them 6-3 on Sunday.

Chicago’s form and key players

The Blackhawks sit last in the Central Division. They will likely contend for a top draft pick this offseason.

Chicago’s last 10 games: 2-6-2.
They have lost six of their last seven contests.
Connor Bedard leads the team with 72 points in 65 games.
Tyler Bertuzzi has 56 points in 75 games.
Frank Nazar totals 41 points in 62 games.

Why this matchup matters

Even with a potential division-clinching hangover, Carolina should be positioned to win. The Blackhawks lack depth beyond their top scorers.

This game preview and discussion will highlight matchups and roster moves to watch. Expect Carolina to press for the Eastern Conference top seed.

Injury, roster and goalie notes

Carolina recalled four players from the AHL yesterday. Those recalls were Skyler Brind’Amour, Bradly Nadeau, Josiah Slavin, and Charles Alexis Legault.

Defenseman Jalen Chatfield left Tuesday’s game and is day-to-day. Carolina has been alternating netminders.

With that pattern, Frederik Andersen is expected to get the start tonight.