The Carolina Hurricanes could see the return of Shayne Gostisbehere and Pyotr Kochetkov to their lineup as they face the Vegas Golden Knights at Lenovo Center tonight. Gostisbehere, who suffered a lower-body injury during a win over Los Angeles on October 18, had been sent home from the team’s road trip but was back in practice on Monday. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said that Gostisbehere’s participation would depend on his comfort level after only one skate with the team.
If Gostisbehere is unable to play, Domenick Fensore from the AHL is expected to fill in. Brind’Amour commented on Fensore’s performance: “He’s been playing great. Lights out,” he said Monday. “We’ve always liked him, so you give him an opportunity. We’ve seen Charles (Alexis Legault) and his game, what he can do, and what kind of player he is. We gave him a few games, now maybe we give Dom a few games, because, obviously, we’re in this situation.”
Brind’Amour also indicated that goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov may return soon after being sidelined since October 6 due to a lower-body injury sustained in practice. If Kochetkov does not play tonight, there remains a possibility for his return against New York on Thursday.
The starting goaltender for tonight has yet to be announced. Brandon Bussi started Saturday’s game in Dallas; Frederik Andersen could be next in rotation unless Kochetkov is cleared and ready to start.
The projected lineup for tonight includes Ehlers-Aho-Jarvis as the top forward line, with Hall-Stankoven-Blake; Svechnikov-Staal-Martinook; and Jankowski-Kotkaniemi-Nadeau filling out the rest of the forwards group. On defense are Reilly-Walker; either Gostisbehere or Fensore paired with Chatfield; and Nikishin-Nystrom.
Injuries remain an issue for both teams. William Carrier and Eric Robinson are out for extended periods due to injuries sustained earlier this month. Jaccob Slavin and K’Andre Miller are listed as day-to-day or nearing returns.
Power play units feature Aho, Ehlers, Jarvis, Svechnikov with Gostisbehere on PP1; Blake, Hall, Nadeau, Stankoven with Walker on PP2.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
