The Carolina Hurricanes will begin a back-to-back series in the Metropolitan Division with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 17.
This matchup is important as both teams are competing for playoff positions, with the Hurricanes currently leading the division and the Blue Jackets also in contention. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network South and available for streaming on the FanDuel Sports Network App. Fans can also listen to coverage on 99.9 The Fan and through the Hurricanes App.
The Hurricanes enter this contest with a record of 42-18-6, having recently secured a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, Jordan Martinook scored a third-period winner, while Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov contributed early goals. Logan Stankoven added an empty net goal to seal the victory. Goaltender Frederik Andersen made 17 saves for his third consecutive win, marking Rod Brind’Amour’s 367th career coaching victory in his 600th game behind the bench.
Sebastian Aho is approaching a significant milestone, needing just one point to reach 700 in his NHL career. If achieved, he would become only the third player to record at least 700 points while playing for the Hurricanes or Whalers, joining Ron Francis and Eric Staal. Despite being selected thirty-fifth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, Aho could soon join Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, and Mikko Rantanen as members of that draft class to reach this mark.
On defense, Shayne Gostisbehere remains sidelined due to injury and will not play against Columbus. In goal, Brandon Bussi was seen practicing as a likely starter; however, Andersen has won four out of five games since returning from international play.
The Blue Jackets have improved under new coach Rick Bowness with a strong defensive record over their last twenty-one games. Zach Werenski continues to lead defensively while Charlie Coyle has provided offensive momentum since January.
The Hurricanes’ home venue is Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The arena features more than 700,000 square feet of space and accommodates up to 20,000 people for events such as hockey games and concerts according to its official website. The team contributes over $200 million annually to the local economy through events and community engagement according to its official website.
Several former players have been recognized by induction into the team’s Hall of Fame for their contributions according to the official website. The franchise also achieved a major milestone by winning its first Stanley Cup championship in 2006 according to its official website.
Following this game against Columbus, Carolina will return home immediately for another divisional contest against Pittsburgh at Lenovo Center.
