South Raleigh News

Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Buffalo Sabres, aiming to replicate his 34-save shutout performance from last year's Whalers Night. The annual throwback theme night previously saw Kochetkov in action against New Jersey before Sebastian Aho's overtime goal secured a win.

Kochetkov will make his second start since the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Carolina hopes to have "Brass Bonanza" playing throughout Lenovo Center after being held scoreless in Montreal on Tuesday.

Sebastian Aho has been effective against the Sabres, with 28 points in 20 career games and leading the team in scoring during their previous appearances in Whalers colors. Tyson Jost, who missed Tuesday's game, is set to return to the lineup after participating in morning skate alongside Jackson Blake and Taylor Hall. Riley Stillman is expected to be scratched from tonight's game.

The betting odds provided by Fanatics Sportsbook list the Canes at -240.

The projected lineup for tonight includes forwards Svechnikov, Aho, Rantanen; Martinook, Staal, Jarvis; Hall, Jost, Blake; Robinson, Kotkaniemi, Roslovic. The defense features Slavin with Burns; Orlov with Chatfield; Gostisbehere with Walker. Kochetkov will be starting as goaltender with Andersen as backup.

Injuries affecting the team include William Carrier with a lower-body injury and Jesper Fast out for the season due to a neck injury. Riley Stillman is listed as a scratch.

Power play units are set with PP1 featuring Aho, Jarvis, Svechnikov and Rantanen with Gostisbehere; PP2 includes Blake, Hall, Kotkaniemi and Roslovic with Burns.

Whalers Night begins at 7:00 p.m.