After missing Carolina’s series-clinching win over New Jersey due to an undisclosed injury, Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen is anticipated to return for the opening of Round 2 against the Washington Capitals. Andersen performed strongly in the first four games of the previous round, leading all starting goalies with a .936 save percentage and a 1.59 goals-against average. His performance in Game 4 tied him with Arturs Irbe for the second-most playoff victories by a goalie in franchise history.
The lineup in front of Andersen is expected to remain unchanged from six days ago, as no new injuries have been reported. Jack Roslovic and Tyson Jost are likely to be healthy extras when the Canes face off against the Caps in Washington D.C.
The betting odds at the time of publishing, provided by Fanatics Sportsbook, list the Hurricanes at -130.
The projected lineup includes forwards Svechnikov, Aho, Blake; Hall, Kotkaniemi, Stankoven; Martinook, Staal, Jarvis; and Robinson, Jankowski, Carrier. The defense consists of Slavin and Burns; Orlov and Chatfield; Gostisbehere and Walker. Andersen will start as goaltender with Kochetkov as backup.
Jesper Fast remains out for the season due to a neck injury. Scratches include Tyson Jost, Alexander Nikishin, Jack Roslovic, and Riley Stillman.
Power play units feature Aho, Blake, Jarvis, Svechnikov with Gostisbehere on PP1 and Hall, Kotkaniemi, Stankoven with Burns and Walker on PP2.
Round 2 begins tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Washington D.C., as announced by Carolina Hurricanes on Twitter.
