The Carolina Hurricanes are set to return to NHL play tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with their full roster available. All of the team’s Olympians are expected to participate, and Eric Robinson will rejoin the lineup after missing seven games due to an upper-body injury.
Robinson, who skated with William Carrier and Jesperi Kotkaniemi during the morning session, is aiming to continue his scoring streak after reaching double digits in goals for the fourth time in his career.
Brandon Bussi is likely to start as goaltender. The first-year player has secured seven consecutive wins, including a shutout performance in New York on February 5.
The projected forward lines include Svechnikov-Aho-Jarvis; Hall-Stankoven-Blake; Ehlers-Staal-Martinook; and Carrier-Jankowski/Kotkaniemi-Robinson. Defensive pairings feature Slavin-Chatfield, Miller-Walker, and Gostisbehere-Nikishin. Pyotr Kochetkov remains out following hip surgery as of December 29. Mark Jankowski or Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Mike Reilly are listed as scratches.
Power play units have Aho, Ehlers (Staal), Jarvis, and Svechnikov with Gostisbehere on the first unit, while Blake, Hall, Jankowski, and Stankoven join Nikishin on the second unit. Jordan Staal has been handling faceoffs for the top power play group; if he wins possession he stays on the ice until play leaves the zone when Nikolaj Ehlers substitutes in.
The Hurricanes play at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The venue covers over 700,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 20,000 people for events such as hockey games and concerts. It features multiple seating levels along with suites and concession stands (source). The arena hosts more than 150 events each year and contributes over $200 million annually to the local economy through its activities (source).
Carolina’s history includes notable achievements such as winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 (source). The team also recognizes significant contributors like Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour by inducting them into its Hall of Fame (source).
The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start.
