After missing three games due to illness, Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal may return to the lineup as the team faces the Calgary Flames on Sunday in Raleigh. Staal participated fully in practice on Saturday and was placed back into his regular spot with Jordan Martinook. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour commented before the game that he is “hopeful” Staal will be able to play.
Goaltender Brandon Bussi is set to make consecutive starts for the first time in his career after a strong performance against Winnipeg on Friday. Bussi’s recent win marked him as the first goaltender in franchise history to secure six victories in his first seven starts with Carolina, giving him a record of 6-1-0 this season, an .899 save percentage, and a 2.43 goals-against average.
The projected forward lines for Sunday’s game are: Svechnikov-Aho-Jarvis; Ehlers-Stankoven-Blake; Martinook-Staal-Carrier; and Hall-Jankowski-Robinson. On defense, pairs are Miller-Walker, Gostisbehere-Chatfield, and Nikishin-Nystrom. Bussi will start in goal.
Injuries continue to affect the Hurricanes roster. Pyotr Kochetkov (lower-body), Jesperi Kotkaniemi (ankle), Charles Alexis Legault (hand), and Jaccob Slavin (lower-body) remain out with no timetable for their return. Mike Reilly is listed as a scratch.
Power play units are expected to feature Aho, Ehlers, Jarvis, Svechnikov, and Gostisbehere on the top unit; Blake, Hall, Stankoven along with Miller or Nikishin and Walker form the second unit.
Game time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
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