North Raleigh Today

The Carolina Hurricanes are preparing to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, April 13, marking their second game in as many days. The puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET and will be aired on FanDuel Sports Network South and via their app. Fans can also tune in to 99.9 The Fan for live commentary. According to Fanatics Sportsbook, the odds favor the Hurricanes at -170.

The Hurricanes currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 47-27-5, totaling 99 points. They secured a 7-3 victory over the New York Rangers in their latest matchup on April 12. In that game, Seth Jarvis scored a goal and contributed two assists, while Sebastian Aho, Jackson Blake, and Jordan Staal each added two points. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov made 28 saves to earn his career-high 27th win of the season.

From their previous meetings with Toronto this season, the Hurricanes have experienced mixed results. Despite a strong third period, they lost 6-3 when Toronto gained a four-goal lead in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. However, a hat trick from Jordan Staal helped them win 6-3 against the Maple Leafs at Lenovo Center.

With a win on Sunday, the Hurricanes aim to surpass 100 points this season for the fourth consecutive year, with their present 99 points ranking tied for fifth in franchise history. Additionally, they have a chance to set a new record for home wins, having matched their previous best of 31 from the 2005-06 season with their recent triumph over New York.

Their success is also fueled by Seth Jarvis, who has recorded a team-best 25 home goals this campaign. His performances are reminiscent of Eric Staal’s record in the franchise’s history. Jarvis's next goal could match his career highs in goals (33) and points (67).

In the net, Frederik Andersen (13-6-1) is expected to start against the Maple Leafs, following a performance where he stopped 24 of 28 shots in a previous game. Pyotr Kochetkov, who played against the Rangers, has a seasonal record of 27-15-3.

Toronto has displayed a formidable form lately with a record of 10-2-1 since St. Patrick's Day, while key players Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and John Tavares have been instrumental in their point production. Coming off a 1-0 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens, despite roster constraints, they might field Joseph Woll as their goaltender against the Hurricanes.

In injury news, Carolina's defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi remain unavailable due to their respective injuries, with Kotkaniemi ruled out for at least a week. Jesper Fast was sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season.

Following the game, the Hurricanes are slated for a break on Monday before resuming practice on Tuesday, ahead of their next fixture against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.