The Carolina Hurricanes are preparing to face the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. Jalen Chatfield, who missed the team’s previous game against Washington, remains uncertain for the matchup. He participated in practice, which head coach Rod Brind’Amour described as “a good sign,” but no final decision has been made regarding his participation.
If Chatfield is unable to play, Scott Morrow may make his Stanley Cup Playoff debut after practicing alongside Shayne Gostisbehere. Although Alexander Nikishin replaced Chatfield previously, Brind’Amour suggested that Morrow’s familiarity with the team’s system and his past performances make him a likely candidate for tonight’s game.
Brind’Amour intends to maintain the same lineup of forwards that defeated Washington last Thursday. Frederik Andersen will start as goaltender despite missing morning skate, continuing his strong playoff performance.
The betting odds for tonight’s game list the Hurricanes at -120 according to Fanatics Sportsbook.
The projected lineup includes:
Forwards: Svechnikov, Aho, Jarvis; Hall, Roslovic, Stankoven; Martinook, Staal, Carrier; Robinson, Kotkaniemi, Blake.
Defense: Slavin-Burns; Orlov-Walker; Gostisbehere-Chatfield/Morrow.
Goaltenders: Andersen with Kochetkov as backup.
Injuries include Jalen Chatfield (day-to-day), Jesper Fast (out for season), and Mark Jankowski (day-to-day). Scratches consist of Juha Jaaska, Tyson Jost, Alexander Nikishin, Ty Smith, and Riley Stillman.
Special teams are organized with PP1 featuring Aho, Blake, Jarvis, Svechnikov with Gostisbehere and PP2 consisting of Hall, Kotkaniemi, Roslovic and Stankoven with Burns. The game is set to begin at 8:00 p.m.
“LET’S GO”
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes)
