The Carolina Hurricanes are set to face the San Jose Sharks on Sunday, December 7, at 5:00 p.m. ET in Raleigh. 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 the game on 99.9 The Fan or through the Hurricanes App.
The Hurricanes currently hold a record of 17-8-2, placing them second in the Metropolitan Division with 36 points. They are coming off a 6-3 victory over the Nashville Predators, where Jackson Blake and Nikolaj Ehlers each recorded three points. Goaltender Brandon Bussi secured his sixth consecutive win, making him just the eighth goalie in NHL history to achieve eight wins in his first nine starts.
Sunday’s matchup features two teams known for strong starts; both Carolina and San Jose have scored 31 goals in first periods this season, ranking among only four teams to surpass the 30-goal mark early.
With Bussi playing against Nashville, either Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start in net for Carolina against San Jose. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour commented on Kochetkov’s status: “It’s kind of in (the players’) hands… When they say that they can play, then we’ll make that determination. Until that time, I don’t know. But he looks good to me.” Kochetkov has been effective when available this season with a perfect record and one shutout.
San Jose enters with a record of 13-12-3 after a recent loss to Dallas but has improved since a slow start to their season. Rookie Macklin Celebrini leads the team offensively as one of only three skaters league-wide to reach 40 points so far this year. Veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov leads San Jose in average ice time and assists.
Injury updates for Carolina include goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov returning to practice after missing games since November 21 due to not feeling well during morning skate. Defenseman Charles Alexis Legault is out for three to four months following surgery for lacerated tendons suffered on November 9. Jaccob Slavin remains sidelined with a lower-body injury but returned to practice wearing a no-contact sweater as of December 2.
The Hurricanes will wear their black uniforms for Sunday’s contest.
Following Sunday’s game, Carolina will host its annual Alumni Game against NC State Wolfpack on Monday before returning to regular action Tuesday versus Columbus Blue Jackets.
