Columbus, Ohio - The Carolina Hurricanes are gearing up for a clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and it looks like Andrei Svechnikov will be back on the ice. After notching his 24th goal of the season against Tampa, Svechnikov was a no-show at Monday’s practice, sparking some concern. However, head coach Rod Brind'Amour reassured fans today, stating that the 25-year-old forward is ready to go.
The big question now is how the lineup will shake out. Eric Robinson filled Svechnikov’s spot alongside Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis during practice. Will Robinson be sidelined tonight, allowing Nic Deslauriers to debut with the team, or will Robinson return to his previous line with William Carrier and Mark Jankowski, leaving Deslauriers out once more?
On defense, the Hurricanes will miss Shayne Gostisbehere for the fifth straight game as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury sustained on March 6 in Edmonton. His absence leaves a gap in the Canes’ point production from the blue line.
In goal, Brandon Bussi is set to make his 32nd appearance this season, bringing his steady presence between the pipes.
Tonight's Projected Lineup
Forwards
- Svechnikov - Aho - Jarvis
- Hall - Stankoven - Blake
- Ehlers - Staal - Martinook
- Carrier - Jankowski - Robinson*
Defense
- Slavin - Chatfield
- Miller - Walker
- Reilly - Nikishin
Starting Goaltender
- Bussi
Injuries
- Shayne Gostisbehere | Lower-Body | Out "A Couple of Games" as of Mar.
10
- Pyotr Kochetkov | Hip Surgery | "Likely Out For The Year" as of Dec.
29
Scratches
- Jesperi Kotkaniemi
- TBD
Power Play 1 (PP1) Sebastian Aho, Nikolaj Ehlers (or Jordan Staal on faceoffs), Seth Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov with Alexander Nikishin.
Jordan Staal is tasked with winning faceoffs for the first power play unit. If he secures possession, he stays on; if not, Ehlers takes over once the puck exits the zone.
As the Hurricanes hit the ice tonight, all eyes will be on how these lineup decisions impact their performance. With Svechnikov back and Bussi in net, Carolina is poised to bring their A-game.