Get ready, hockey fans! The Carolina Hurricanes are gearing up for a showdown against the New Jersey Devils on January 17th in Newark, and the stakes are high. After a challenging end to the 2025 season, the Canes are looking to build on their recent momentum.
Between the pipes, we'll see Frederik Andersen, who's been a key player in the Hurricanes' recent success, securing three out of a possible four points in his last two starts. He's already faced the Devils once this season, delivering a solid performance by saving 19 of 22 shots in a 6-3 victory on opening night.
The lineup is expected to remain largely unchanged from the team that tied a team record with nine goals in their recent win against Florida. Sadly, this means Shayne Gostisbehere and William Carrier will miss another game due to lower-body injuries.
However, there's good news! Jaccob Slavin is set to play in both games of a back-to-back series for the first time this season. Recovering from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for 29 games, Slavin has been carefully managed. But now, he's ready to return to the ice, as confirmed by Coach Rod Brind'Amour.
Here's a glimpse at the projected lineup for tonight's game:
Forwards:
- Svechnikov - Aho - Jarvis
- Hall - Stankoven - Blake
- Ehlers - Staal - Martinook
- Robinson - Jankowski - Kotkaniemi
Defense:
- Slavin - Chatfield
- Miller - Walker
- Reilly - Nikishin
Starting Goaltender:
- Andersen
Injuries to watch:
- William Carrier (Lower-Body Injury - resumed skating on Jan. 15)
- Shayne Gostisbehere (Lower-Body Injury - day-to-day)
- Pyotr Kochetkov (Hip Surgery - likely out for the year as of Dec. 29)
- Charles Alexis Legault (Hand Injury - out for 3-4 months from Nov. 11)
- Noah Philp (Concussion Protocol - no timetable for return)
Scratches:
- Joel Nystrom
Power Play Units:
- PP1: Aho, Ehlers (Staal), Jarvis, and Svechnikov with Nikishin
- PP2: Blake, Hall, Jankowski and Stankoven with Miller
Interesting note: Jordan Staal has been taking faceoffs for the first power-play unit. If he wins the faceoff, he stays on the ice. When the puck leaves the zone, he's replaced by Nikolaj Ehlers.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think the Hurricanes' current lineup has what it takes to consistently dominate their opponents? Are there any specific player matchups you're particularly excited to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
