After an extended period sidelined by a lower-body injury, William Carrier will return to the Carolina Hurricanes lineup as they face off against the New York Rangers at Lenovo Center. Carrier has been absent from the ice for 39 games, last playing on January 4.
Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour commented on Carrier’s return: “That’s the one guy that needs [to play in these late-season] games, obviously,” expressing measured expectations as Carrier has not participated in many practices. “I’m not expecting much out of him,” Brind’Amour added, suggesting a gradual reintegration into gameplay.
Meanwhile, Taylor Hall will be given additional rest, and Shayne Gostisbehere will miss his second consecutive game due to a “little back issue.” Jesperi Kotkaniemi remains out with a minor injury. Brind’Amour emphasized, “If you’re not 100%, there’s no point in putting guys in right now.”
Pyotr Kochetkov is slated to start as goaltender for the Hurricanes, attempting to improve on recent performances. Kochetkov has recorded just one win in his last five starts but holds a 3-2 record against the Rangers, including a previous victory at Madison Square Garden.
Forwards for the Hurricanes tonight will include lines of Jarvis, Aho, and Blake; Robinson, Roslovic, and Svechnikov; Martinook, Staal, and Stankoven; Jost, Jankowski, and Carrier. The defense will consist of Slavin, Burns; Orlov, Chatfield; Walker, and Morrow.
Jesper Fast is out for the season due to a neck injury. Shayne Gostisbehere’s upper-body injury has no current timetable for return, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi is sidelined indefinitely with an undisclosed injury. Taylor Hall is scratched for rest.
Pyotr Kochetkov will start in the net, with Andersen positioned as backup. The power-play units feature Aho, Blake, Jarvis, and Svechnikov combined with Burns on the first, and Jost, Roslovic, and Stankoven alongside Morrow and Walker on the second.
The Hurricanes are poised to return to winning ways against the Rangers.
