Hurricanes Eye Fourth Straight Win, Navigate Injuries Ahead of Matchup with Blackhawks
RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes are riding a three-game win streak and looking to keep the good times rolling tonight as they welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to PNC Arena. But if they’re going to make it four in a row, they’ll need to do it without a couple of key pieces.
Injury Bug Bites Again
Forward Eric Robinson, who exited Monday’s game with an upper-body injury, is expected to be out for an extended stretch. That’s a tough break for Carolina, especially considering the energy and physicality Robinson brings to the bottom six.
In his place, Jesperi Kotkaniemi is stepping back into the lineup after a stint as a healthy scratch. He skated on the fourth line during Wednesday’s practice alongside Mark Jankowski and William Carrier.
On the blue line, the Canes are still missing their top offensive defenseman, Shayne Gostisbehere. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said he’s hopeful that Gostisbehere will be back on the ice soon, but for now, rookie Joel Nystrom continues to get reps next to Alexander Nikishin. That pair has been holding its own, and Nystrom’s steady play has been a bright spot in an otherwise injury-depleted defense corps.
Andersen Steady in Net
Frederik Andersen gets the nod in goal again tonight, and he’s been quietly excellent since returning to the crease. He’s picked up at least a point in each of his last three starts (2-0-1) and is coming off a 29-save gem against New Jersey over the weekend. He’s also a perfect 2-0-0 against the Blackhawks in a Hurricanes sweater, and Carolina will be counting on him to stay sharp as they try to extend their streak.
Tonight’s Projected Lineup
Forwards:
- Andrei Svechnikov - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
- Taylor Hall - Logan Stankoven - Jack Blake
- Nikolaj Ehlers - Jordan Staal - Jordan Martinook
- William Carrier - Mark Jankowski - Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Defense:
- Jaccob Slavin - Jalen Chatfield
- K'Andre Miller - Sean Walker
- Alexander Nikishin - Joel Nystrom
Starting Goalie:
- Frederik Andersen
Power Play Units
The first unit features Aho, Ehlers (or Staal on the draw), Jarvis, and Svechnikov up front with Nikishin quarterbacking from the point. Jordan Staal has been handling the faceoffs for this group-if he wins the draw, he stays on; if the puck clears the zone, Ehlers jumps in.
The second unit includes Blake, Hall, Jankowski, and Stankoven, with Miller manning the blue line.
Injury Report
- Shayne Gostisbehere (lower-body): Day-to-day, not yet skating
- Pyotr Kochetkov (hip surgery): Likely out for the season
- Charles Alexis Legault (hand): Out 3-4 months since Nov. 11
- Noah Philp (concussion protocol): No timetable for return
- Eric Robinson (upper-body): Out for an extended period
Scratched Tonight:
- Mike Reilly
What to Watch
Even with some key names missing, the Hurricanes have found a way to keep the engine running. Their depth is being tested, but contributions from across the lineup-especially younger players like Nystrom-are helping them weather the storm. Andersen’s return has also stabilized things in net, giving Carolina a reliable last line of defense as they continue to climb the standings.
With the Blackhawks in town, this is a matchup the Canes should capitalize on-but nothing comes easy in the NHL. If Carolina can bring their usual pace and structure, and if Andersen continues his strong form, they’ll be in a good spot to extend their win streak to four.