The Carolina Hurricanes are set to play their second preseason game in as many days, traveling to Florida to face the Panthers on Monday, September 29. The game is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. ET puck drop and will be available to watch on ESPN+ and Hurricanes.com for viewers within the Raleigh and Florida broadcast markets. Fans can also listen via 99.9 The Fan or the Hurricanes App.
In their previous preseason matchup, the Hurricanes defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2. Prospect Bradly Nadeau scored two goals, while Jackson Blake contributed two assists. Goaltender Cayden Primeau stopped 18 of 20 shots in his second start of the preseason.
NHL rules require teams to dress at least eight veterans in each preseason contest. Veterans are defined as skaters who played at least 30 NHL games in the previous season, goalies who dressed in at least 50 games or played in at least 30, any player with over 100 NHL games played, or current year first-round picks.
Forwards Kevin Labanc and Bradly Nadeau are expected to appear in their fifth consecutive preseason game tonight. Labanc, attending camp on a professional tryout contract, has recorded three assists and engaged in one fight so far this preseason. Nadeau leads the team with four points through four games and is being given extensive opportunities by the organization after a strong performance last season.
In goal, either Frederik Andersen or Nikita Quapp will play for Carolina against Florida. Andersen previously stopped all eight shots he faced from Florida during a recent outing at Lenovo Center. Quapp could make his Hurricanes preseason debut if selected for tonight’s lineup. Pyotr Kochetkov remains sidelined due to a minor injury described by head coach Rod Brind’Amour as “tweaked something.”
Several players remain out due to injuries:
– Defenseman Jaccob Slavin returned to practice with Group C1 after missing time but wore a no-contact sweater.
– Defenseman Jalen Chatfield has not practiced since September 19.
– Forward Juha Jaaska is considered day-to-day.
– Forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi left an exhibition game against Tampa after taking a stick to the face; Brind’Amour stated he believes “he’s going to be okay,” though no further update was provided.
– Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has no timetable for return.
The Hurricanes will wear their new white uniforms throughout all six preseason games.
After facing Florida, Carolina will practice Tuesday before concluding their exhibition schedule Sunday against Nashville at Bridgestone Arena. Their regular season home opener is scheduled for Thursday, October 9 against New Jersey at PNC Arena.
