The Carolina Hurricanes will face the Nashville Predators on Sunday, September 28, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. This preseason matchup is the first of two games between the teams within six days.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be available for viewing on Hurricanes.com, with a geo-restriction for viewers outside the Raleigh and Nashville broadcast markets. Fans can also listen to the broadcast on 99.9 The Fan or through the Hurricanes App.
In their previous game against Tampa Bay, a young Hurricanes lineup narrowed an early deficit with a four-goal third period but ultimately lost as both teams exchanged goals late in the game. Bradly Nadeau recorded one goal and one assist, Joel Nystrom had two assists, Justin Robidas added two assists, and Givani Smith contributed a goal and an assist.
According to NHL rules for preseason games, each team must dress at least eight “veterans,” defined as players who meet certain experience criteria from previous seasons.
Jordan Staal, Jordan Martinook, and Sean Walker are set to make their first exhibition appearances of this campaign. Staal returns as team captain for his eighth season. Martinook aims to build on his career-high 36 points last year. Walker is expected to play after recovering from an injury suffered during last season’s Eastern Conference Final.
Forwards Kevin Labanc and Bradly Nadeau are participating in their fourth preseason contest tonight—the only skaters on the roster to do so thus far. Labanc has registered an assist in each of his three outings while attending camp on a professional tryout contract. The organization continues to evaluate Nadeau—last year he became just the fifth under-20 player in AHL history to score more than 30 goals—and he is considered close to making the NHL roster.
Goaltenders Cayden Primeau and Nikita Quapp are expected to share time in net for Carolina. Both joined the team during the offseason; Quapp signed in May while Primeau arrived via trade before signing in July. Primeau made his preseason debut Monday night against Tampa Bay where head coach Rod Brind’Amour said he was “solid” after stopping 18 of 20 shots despite taking a loss. Quapp could make his first appearance with Carolina tonight.
Pyotr Kochetkov remains sidelined due to a minor injury described by Brind’Amour as having “tweaked something.” There is no timetable yet for his return.
On defense, Jaccob Slavin practiced with Group C1 on Thursday after missing earlier sessions because of a minor injury; he wore a no-contact sweater during practice and may not play this preseason according to Brind’Amour’s comments. Jalen Chatfield has not practiced since September 19 due to another minor injury; Brind’Amour indicated there is no concern if Chatfield does not participate before regular season begins.
Forward Juha Jaaska remains day-to-day following an injury sustained September 21. Jesperi Kotkaniemi left Friday’s game against Tampa Bay after being struck by a stick; no further update was available immediately following that contest.
For all six preseason games, Carolina will wear new white uniforms.
After Sunday’s matchup against Nashville, Carolina travels south for another preseason contest against Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday night (September 29). The Hurricanes’ next home game is scheduled for Opening Night against New Jersey Devils on October 9 at Lenovo Center.
