Chicago Blackhawks vs Carolina Hurricanes Picks and Predictions January 20th 2025

Blackhawks Look to Build Momentum Against Hurricanes

The Chicago Blackhawks aim to build on a much-needed victory when they host the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night. While Chicago remains in last place, their recent win over the Vegas Golden Knights provided a boost of confidence. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are also coming off a victory over Vegas, hoping to continue their strong recent form.

Blackhawks Feeling Encouraged After Ending Losing Streak

The Blackhawks (12-30-2) snapped a four-game skid with an impressive 5-3 win over the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights on Saturday. Despite their struggles this season, Chicago showed resilience, responding to Vegas’ comeback attempt with two key goals in the final period.

Today’s NHL Picks Are In! Get your game plan with NHL expert picks today.

Interim head coach Anders Sorensen believes the team’s response was crucial after a tough shootout loss to Nashville earlier in the week.

“It was good for the group coming off that Nashville loss, where we felt we played well enough,” Sorensen said. “Our first period was really good. The second, we kind of fell back a little bit again, but the response in the third was really good to see as a group, to be able to kind of fight through that.”

Key Players for Chicago

• Tyler Bertuzzi (2 PPG vs. Vegas) – Played a major role in the win over Vegas, scoring two power-play goals.
• Connor Bedard (6 G, 9 A in last 13 games) – The 2023 first-overall pick has found his offensive rhythm after a slow start, registering points in 12 of his last 13 games.

Bertuzzi credited his improving chemistry with Bedard as a major factor in Chicago’s recent offensive success.

“I’m starting to feel better, just coming into games and being better prepared,” Bertuzzi said. “Our chemistry, me and Connor, just keeps kind of growing as we go. The biggest thing for us, and we talk about it, is being better defensively.”

Hurricanes Also Coming Off a Key Victory

Like Chicago, the Hurricanes (26-14-5) snapped a winless skid with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Vegas on Friday. They are now 3-1-1 in their last five games, showing signs of regaining their strong form.

Jackson Blake played the hero, scoring the game-winning goal in the third period—his 10th of the season.

“That was a really fun game,” Blake said. “To come out on top means a lot for us.”

Key Players for Carolina

• Jackson Blake (10 G this season) – The rookie has made an immediate impact, finding the back of the net in key moments.
• Pyotr Kochetkov (Strong performance vs. Vegas) – Made 13 key saves in the first period, allowing the Hurricanes to stay in the game before their comeback effort.

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour praised Kochetkov’s early saves, which helped Carolina stay within striking distance.

Wondering Where The Winning Picks Are?

Access Expert NHL Predictions Today!

Join Now!

“(Kochetkov) kept us in it,” Brind’Amour said. “Their first period was good. We were trying, but they were putting it on us. That’s what a goalie can do, keep us in it.”

Frederik Andersen Set to Return for Carolina

The Hurricanes will receive a major boost in net, as veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen is expected to play one of the next two games—either against Chicago on Monday or Dallas on Tuesday. This will be Andersen’s first game since undergoing knee surgery in November and will mark his 500th career NHL game.

His return gives Carolina a stronger goaltending duo, with Kochetkov proving to be a reliable option in Andersen’s absence.

Can Chicago Build on Its Momentum?

While the Blackhawks remain at the bottom of the standings, their win over Vegas showed promise. Meanwhile, Carolina continues to push forward in the playoff race, making this an intriguing matchup.

Will Chicago string together consecutive wins for the first time in weeks, or will Carolina take advantage of its depth and returning talent? Monday’s game will provide the answer.