Raleigh, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes are gearing up for their clash against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight with a fully loaded roster ready to hit the ice.
All eyes are on the return of the Hurricanes' Olympians, with Sebastian Aho sitting out the morning skate but expected to play. Eric Robinson, who’s been sidelined for seven games due to an upper-body injury, is back in action. Skating alongside William Carrier and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Robinson aims to continue his impressive form, having hit double digits in goals for the fourth time in his career.
Between the pipes, rookie sensation Brandon Bussi is set to start. He’s been on a tear, winning seven consecutive games, including a standout shutout in New York earlier this month.
Tonight's Projected Lineup
Forwards
- Svechnikov - Aho - Jarvis
- Hall - Stankoven - Blake
- Ehlers - Staal - Martinook
- Carrier - Jankowski/Kotkaniemi - Robinson
Defense
- Slavin - Chatfield
- Miller - Walker
- Gostisbehere - Nikishin
Starting Goaltender
- Bussi
Injury Report
- Pyotr Kochetkov (Hip Surgery | "Likely Out For The Year" as of Dec. 29)
Scratches
- Mark Jankowski/Jesperi Kotkaniemi
- Mike Reilly
Power Play Units
PP1: Aho, Ehlers (Staal), Jarvis, and Svechnikov with Gostisbehere
PP2: Blake, Hall, Jankowski, and Stankoven with Nikishin
Jordan Staal has been taking the crucial faceoffs for the first power play unit. If he wins, he remains on the ice, but as soon as the puck leaves the zone, Nikolaj Ehlers jumps in to keep the momentum going.
The Hurricanes are poised and ready, with a blend of seasoned talent and rising stars, to take on the Lightning in what promises to be an electrifying matchup.