South Raleigh News

The Carolina Hurricanes are gearing up for a rematch against the Washington Capitals, following their victory at the Lenovo Center eight days ago. Both teams are set to face off once again in Washington D.C.

The matchup is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game on ESPN+, Hulu, or listen via 99.9 The Fan and the Hurricanes App. The current odds, as reported by Fanatics Sportsbook, place the Hurricanes as slight favorites at -120.

The Hurricanes hold a record of 46 wins, 27 losses, and 4 overtime losses, placing them second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points. Their most recent game resulted in a 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, the Capitals sit at the top of the division with a record of 49-19-9, having accumulated 107 points. However, they too suffered a recent defeat, losing 4-1 to the New York Islanders.

During a previous encounter, Jackson Blake led the Hurricanes to a solid 5-1 victory against the Capitals, but they have also experienced a 3-1 loss to the same team earlier in the season.

Goalkeeper Frederik Andersen is anticipated to start in goal for the Hurricanes. Andersen's record stands at 13 wins, six losses, and no overtime losses, with a goals-against average of 2.11 and a save percentage of .914. Pyotr Kochetkov, who started the last game against Buffalo, has a record of 26-15-3 with a goals-against average of 2.58 and a .898 save percentage.

Washington's Alexander Ovechkin recently made headlines by surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record for career regular-season goals with his 895th goal. His teammate, Dylan Strome, is also in form, having amassed points in his last five games, contributing to a career-high 76 points this season.

The game is a pivotal one for both teams as the playoffs loom. The Hurricanes are looking to secure home ice advantage and continue their strong postseason presence, having held home ice in the first round since 2021.

Forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to be out for at least a week with an injury, while William Carrier is still sidelined after a lower-body injury sustained earlier this year. Jesper Fast was ruled out for the entire season last August.

Following this match, the Hurricanes will return to practice in Raleigh and will face the New York Rangers at Lenovo Center on Saturday, April 12.