The Carolina Hurricanes are preparing to face the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, with hopes of seeing the return of two key players. Jordan Martinook, sidelined since December 17 due to a lower-body injury, and William Carrier, who missed the previous game because of illness, both participated fully in the morning skate.
If both Martinook and Carrier are able to play, adjustments will be made to the forward lines. Logan Stankoven is expected to join Sebastian Aho’s wing, while Mark Jankowski and Jesperi Kotkaniemi are likely to center their own lines for the evening matchup.
On defense, K’Andre Miller did not participate in morning skate and is listed as a game-time decision after blocking a shot late in Tuesday’s game. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour commented that Miller “hasn’t felt great following” the incident.
Brandon Bussi is set to start in goal again. The 27-year-old goaltender recently recorded a career-high 38 saves during his last appearance but saw his nine-game win streak end with a shootout loss. His current record stands at 11-1-1 this season.
Tonight’s projected lineup for the Hurricanes features:
Forwards:
– Svechnikov – Aho – Stankoven
– Ehlers – Kotkaniemi – Blake
– Carrier – Staal – Martinook
– Hall – Jankowski – Robinson
Defense:
– Nikishin – Walker
– Gostisbehere – Chatfield
– Reilly – Nystrom
Starting Goaltender: Bussi
Players listed as injured include Seth Jarvis (upper-body), Charles Alexis Legault (hand), K’Andre Miller (lower-body), and Jaccob Slavin (upper-body). Bradly Nadeau is designated as a scratch.
Power play units will see Aho, Blake, Staal (with Ehlers), Svechnikov, and Gostisbehere on PP1; Ehlers, Hall, Stankoven, Nikishin, and Walker on PP2.
The Carolina Hurricanes operate out of Raleigh, North Carolina according to their venue information, using the Lenovo Center which accommodates up to 20,000 people and hosts over 150 events each year. The team contributes more than $200 million annually to the local economy through its activities and community engagement. Since moving from Hartford in 1997 as detailed by their official site, they have provided professional ice hockey entertainment and related events.
Notable figures such as Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour have been recognized by the organization for their contributions through induction into their Hall of Fame. The Hurricanes achieved a major milestone by winning their first Stanley Cup in 2006 as recorded on their official website.
Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.
