The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to use the same lineup of 18 skaters as they face the San Jose Sharks tonight in Raleigh. The main uncertainty for the team is whether goaltender Frederik Andersen will start or if Pyotr Kochetkov, who has been recovering from a lower-body injury, will be ready to return.
Kochetkov began his season late due to an injury but won all four of his first starts. However, he was sidelined again by the same issue before November ended and has missed more than two weeks. If Andersen starts, it will mark his 20th career game against San Jose. Despite recent struggles—going winless in his last six games—Andersen said Thursday, “I’ve played better hockey, and I’ve had worse numbers,” adding that while recent results “doesn’t look good,” he still feels confident in his play. “We’re not getting the wins with me in the net lately, but I still feel like I’ve got my game.”
Rod Brind’Amour is scheduled to speak with media at 2:45 p.m., when he may confirm which goaltender will start.
Recent standout performances include Jackson Blake with two goals and one assist and Nikolaj Ehlers with one goal and two assists.
The projected forward lines are:
– Svechnikov – Aho – Jarvis
– Ehlers – Stankoven – Blake
– Martinook – Staal – Carrier
– Hall – Kotkaniemi – Robinson
On defense:
– Miller – Walker
– Gostisbehere – Chatfield
– Nikishin – Nystrom
Injuries continue to affect the team. Pyotr Kochetkov remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury; Charles Alexis Legault is out with a hand injury; Jaccob Slavin has also been sidelined since October 14 due to a lower-body concern.
Players scratched for this game are Mark Jankowski and Mike Reilly.
Power play units are set as follows: PP1 features Aho, Jarvis, Staal (Blake), Svechnikov, and Gostisbehere; PP2 includes Ehlers, Hall, Stankoven, Nikishin, and Walker.
Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
