The Carolina Hurricanes are set to play the Buffalo Sabres in a matinee game at KeyBank Center, aiming to extend their current point streak to six games. The team has achieved a 3-0-2 record over their last five games.
After defeating the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, the Hurricanes are expected to use a similar lineup for today’s match. The main uncertainty lies on defense, as there are now seven healthy players available. Alexander Nikishin did not play against Winnipeg but is healthy and could be included in the lineup by head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
Brind’Amour has not announced who will start in goal. Pyotr Kochetkov was scheduled to start against Winnipeg but was replaced by Brandon Bussi after reporting he “was not feeling right” during morning skate. Bussi secured the win and now holds a 5-1 record in his first NHL starts. For today’s game, either Frederik Andersen or Kochetkov is likely to be named starting goaltender.
Andersen’s most recent appearance ended in a shootout loss, while Kochetkov nearly recorded his second shutout in four starts during his last outing.
The projected forward lines feature Svechnikov, Aho, and Jarvis; Ehlers, Stankoven, and Blake; Carrier, Staal, and Martinook; as well as Hall, Jankowski, and Robinson. On defense, Gostisbehere pairs with Walker; Miller with Chatfield; and either Nikishin or Reilly with Nystrom.
Injuries remain an issue for the Hurricanes: Jesperi Kotkaniemi is out indefinitely due to an ankle injury; Charles Alexis Legault is sidelined with a hand injury; and Jaccob Slavin continues to recover from a lower-body injury since October 14.
Special teams units include Aho, Ehlers, Jarvis, Svechnikov with Gostisbehere on power play one (PP1), while Blake, Hall, Stankoven join Miller and Walker on power play two (PP2).
Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. local time in Buffalo.
