Game #9 Preview: Hurricanes @ Blackhawks

 

Hurricanes (8-0-0) @ Blackhawks (1-7-2)

After earning their first win of the season, the Blackhawks move on to playing the Hurricanes. This game is the 2nd meeting against Chicago in 3 games for Carolina. They look to stay undefeated and build upon the best start in franchise history.


Previous Meeting

The last game between these two teams was a wild, high-scoring affair. Antti Raanta won his first game in net for Carolina, while Tony DeAngelo earned 1st-star accolades for his 3 point night. The final score was 6-3 in favor of the Hurricanes.


The Unlucky Alex DeBrincat

Alex DeBrincat has been one of the most impactful players in the NHL to start the 2021-2022 season. He has the 2nd highest expected goals (5.7) in the NHL (Via MoneyPuck.com). His production does not match his on-ice impact, as DeBrincat has scored only four goals and one assist. These are for sure going to go up as the season goes on, and he may begin that upward trend tonight against Carolina. 


Jarvis’ Impact

Seth Jarvis played limited time in his first career game. But his impact was still very high. Carolina owned 70% of the shot attempts while Jarvis was on the ice. Carolina also had a 69.2 expected goals percentage while Jarvis was on the ice (Via MoneyPuck.com). Expect him to continue more of the same tonight.


Projected Lines
Martinook-Aho-Teravainen

Svechnikov-Trocheck-Necas

Kotkaniemi-Staal-Fast

Lorentz-Stepan-Jarvis


Slavin-Bear

Skjei-Pesce

Cole-DeAngelo


Andersen

Raanta


Scratches: B. Smith


Injuries: Niedereitter (Lower Body)


What the Analytics Predict

MoneyPuck.com gives Carolina a 56.2% chance of winning tonight


Players to Watch

Frederik Andersen has been the best goaltender in the NHL up to this point of the season. Putting up a 7-0-0 record, posting a league-high .956 save percentage, and has a league-best 1.29 GAA.


Patrick Kane had a vintage performance (3 goals, 1 assist) against Ottawa to help earn Chicago’s 1st win of the season. More of the same is needed to defeat Carolina tonight.

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