South Raleigh News

The Carolina Hurricanes will meet the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, April 16, as they close out their regular season. With the Hurricanes holding a season record of 47-28-5, they are positioned second in the Metropolitan Division, while the Canadiens stand at 39-31-11, fifth in the Atlantic Division. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on FanDuel Sports Network South and on 99.9 The Fan.

The Hurricanes' last match saw them fall 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sebastian Aho scored the lone goal. In contrast, the Canadiens are looking to secure a playoff spot, needing just one point to clinch the Eastern Conference's second wild card position.

Looking at team line-ups, the Hurricanes are expected to rest key players, preparing for their first-round matchup against the New Jersey Devils. "Rod Brind'Amour did not specify who following practice on Tuesday, but did indicate that Jordan Martinook...would probably be one of them," and added that Alexander Nikishin is unlikely to debut this week.

For this fixture, Pyotr Kochetkov is expected in goal after a 28-save win against the Rangers. On the Canadiens' side, rookie Ivan Demidov brings momentum having scored in his NHL debut, while defenseman Lane Hutson recently set a franchise record for points by a first-year player.

The game will give Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour a chance to field younger players including Bradly Nadeau, Skyler Brind'Amour, Domenick Fensore, and Riley Stillman, offering them crucial experience at the NHL level.

The match takes on added significance as the Canadiens aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since their 2021 Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Following this game, the Hurricanes will head to Ottawa to conclude the regular season.

The team's current injury list features Jordan Martinook, and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who has been out due to back issues, is anticipated to play. Forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, missing games since April 5, is also expected back. Forward Jesper Fast will remain unavailable for the remainder of the season.

The Hurricanes will be wearing their white uniforms for Wednesday's game. Following the Montreal match, the focus will turn to their upcoming playoff series against New Jersey, the date of which is yet to be announced.

For the latest updates and team-related news, the Carolina Hurricanes encourage fans to stay connected through their official platforms.