Lenovo Center | Carolina Hurricanes
Lenovo Center | Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are set to face the Nashville Predators on Monday, December 23, aiming for a second consecutive win. The game will commence at 8:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on FanDuel Sports Network South or listened to on 99.9 The Fan.
The Hurricanes currently hold a record of 21-11-1, placing them third in the Metropolitan Division with 43 points. They secured a victory against the New York Rangers with a score of 3-1 in their last game on Sunday, December 22. Meanwhile, the Predators stand at 10-17-7 and are seventh in the Central Division with 27 points. Their recent match saw them winning in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, December 21.
Rod Brind'Amour, head coach of the Hurricanes, has an opportunity to achieve his 300th NHL coaching win during this game. He could become the fastest coach in NHL history to reach this milestone if successful.
Carolina's penalty kill has been effective recently, not allowing any goals since November 30. They have achieved a perfect record of 24-for-24 this month and rank third among all NHL teams with an overall kill rate of 86.1%. Conversely, their power play is ninth in the league for December.
Goaltender Dustin Tokarski might start for Carolina as they complete back-to-back games. If Pyotr Kochetkov is chosen instead, he will aim for his fifteenth win of the season.
Nashville Predators have struggled offensively this season despite high expectations and significant player additions over the summer. Their scoring average is currently at a league-low of 2.32 goals per game.
In terms of injuries, Jack Drury is sidelined for at least four weeks due to a broken bone in his hand sustained earlier this month. Goaltender Frederik Andersen is also out following knee surgery performed after an injury in October.
Following Monday's game, the Hurricanes will take a break before resuming practice on Friday morning ahead of their next match against New Jersey Devils on Saturday, December 28.