Forward Justin Robidas is expected to play his first game of the season for the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday as they host the New York Rangers in Raleigh. The move comes as Jordan Staal remains at risk of missing a second straight game due to illness. Robidas, 22, has recorded 12 points in 16 games with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) this season, ranking second on the team.
“He’s a great kid. He’s quick and competitive, and he’s been playing like that since we’ve had him,” head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Obviously, it’s not Jordo, but he’s deserving of the chance.”
On defense, K’Andre Miller is set to play against his former team after being injured in Buffalo on Sunday. During morning skate, Miller worked with Sean Walker instead of his usual partner Jalen Chatfield. Walker was also paired differently from Shayne Gostisbehere than usual.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen is scheduled to make his 13th start of the season. He has gone winless in his last four games (0-2-2) and will be making his 20th career appearance against the Rangers over his 13 NHL seasons.
The projected lineup for tonight includes forwards Svechnikov, Aho, Jarvis; Ehlers, Stankoven, Blake; Carrier, Jankowski, Martinook; Hall, Robidas, Robinson. On defense: Gostisbehere with Chatfield; Miller with Walker; Nikishin with Nystrom. Andersen will start in goal.
Injuries for Carolina include Jordan Staal (illness), Pyotr Kochetkov (lower-body injury), Jesperi Kotkaniemi (ankle injury), Charles Alexis Legault (hand injury), and Jaccob Slavin (lower-body injury). Mike Reilly is listed as a scratch.
The Hurricanes’ power play units feature Aho, Ehlers, Jarvis and Svechnikov with Gostisbehere on PP1; Blake, Hall and Stankoven with Miller and Walker on PP2.
The game is set to begin at 7:00 p.m.
