Hockey fans, get ready for some action at the Lenovo Center as the Carolina Hurricanes return to the ice, aiming to stretch their point streak to an impressive 11 games. After a dominant 2-0 win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, the Canes are riding high. Brandon Bussi was stellar between the pipes, earning his second shutout with 16 saves.
The Hurricanes are back at full strength with their Olympians returning from Italy. Frederik Andersen and Nikolaj Ehlers rejoined the squad earlier this week, while Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis hit the ice for practice on Wednesday. Jaccob Slavin was absent from practice but caught up with the media afterward.
Now, let’s talk about their opponents: the Tampa Bay Lightning. The last time these two teams met, it was a rollercoaster.
The Hurricanes blew a three-goal lead twice in back-to-back games in Florida, including against the Bolts. Despite leading 3-0 after the first period, the Canes ultimately fell 6-4 after Tampa Bay rallied with three unanswered goals in the third.
That victory sparked an 11-game win streak for the Lightning, propelling them to the top of the Atlantic Division. Tampa has been nearly unstoppable, going 19-1-1 since that meeting, with their only losses coming against the Blues in a shootout and the Blue Jackets in regulation. They kept their momentum going with a win over Toronto last night.
The Lightning are bolstered by the return of Brayden Point, Emil Lilleberg, and Charle-Edouard D'Astous from injury. Point missed the Olympics, making way for Seth Jarvis in Milan. Anthony Cirelli, another key player who sat out the Games, was back in an optional skate but is ruled out for tonight.
With both teams vying for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, expect a fierce contest. Tampa Bay boasts one of the league’s most complete rosters, featuring a top-tier offense and the second-best defense, anchored by Andrei Vasilevskiy, who’s making a strong case for the Vezina Trophy. The Hurricanes will face a tough challenge right out of the gate.
Players to Watch:
For the Lightning, keep an eye on Nikita Kucherov. During Tampa’s 21-game hot streak, Kucherov racked up 49 points, tying with Connor McDavid for the most assists and securing third in points overall. With a three-week break due to Russia’s absence from international play, Kucherov is well-rested and ready to make an impact.
Victor Hedman is another player to monitor. Although he traveled to Milan for the Olympics, he didn’t play in Sweden’s quarterfinal loss due to a pre-game injury. Reports indicate he’s ready for tonight, but his health remains a topic of interest this season.
For the Hurricanes, Andrei Svechnikov is one to watch. Before the break, he was in fine form, scoring a crucial goal against the Rangers and tallying 14 points during the team’s ten-game point streak. Despite some wrist concerns earlier in the week, he’s expected to be back in action.
Eric Robinson is also set to return after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained over a month ago. He’s chasing a career-high in goals, needing just five more to surpass last season’s total. His return could provide a significant boost to the Canes’ lineup.
Get ready for an exciting matchup as these two powerhouses clash in what promises to be a thrilling battle on the ice.