Carolina Hurricanes: Three Keys to Beating Chicago

Don’t Underestimate the Opponent

The Chicago Blackhawks, although missing several key players (most notably captain Jonathan Toews), have still managed to pull out a win against a very capable Detroit Red Wings squad, and a very solid Columbus Blue Jackets squad.

As I mentioned before, the Carolina Hurricanes do have a tendency to play down to their opponent’s level when the ice is as lopsided as it’s sure to be tonight.

The Canes can’t do that against this squad; the Blackhawks have a few solid pieces that can capitalize on mistakes in either end of the ice, and rookie goaltender Kevin Lankinen has been surprisingly solid for the Blackhawks of late.

If the Canes can manage not to underestimate Lankinen and the Hawks and play the game they played against both Dallas and Tampa Bay, this game should go relatively smoothly in favor of Carolina.