When: Saturday, February 12, 8 p.m. EST
Watch:Bally Sports South, Bally Sports App
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:32-10-3 (67 Points, 1st - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:6-0 Win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday, February 10.
Wild Record:28-11-3 (59 Points, 3rd - Central Division)
Wild Last Game:2-0 Loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, February 8.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
THE QUICK HITS:
Last Time Out:The Canes put a thrashing on the Boston Bruins Thursday, completing a three-game season sweep with a 6-0 victory. Frederik Andersen was crucial in the early moments of the contest, as the team found themselves shorthanded twice within the game's first 4:21. The netminder would go on to make 34 saves for his second shutout of the season, both coming against Boston. Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen led the charge offensively for Carolina, each recording three points.
Back And Better Than Ever:Thursday night was Teravainen's return to the lineup after missing four games due to a lower-body injury. The injury has bothered the team's top line left wing for several weeks now, initially being in and out of the lineup dating back to January 21. #86 looked like he didn't miss a beat, jumping back in on Sebastian Aho's line and contributing immediately.
Kotkaniemi An Option?:Yesterday afternoon Jesperi Kotkaniemi rejoined the team in Minnesota after entering COVID-19 Protocol Sunday. While he is with the team, it does not necessarily indicate that he will definitely be in the lineup tonight. As we've seen on several occasions this season, Rod Brind'Amour likes guys to get a couple of skates in before returning. The 21-year-old has recorded 20 points in 42 games this year, including a stretch of eight in six games from December 12 - January 7.
Captain Back On The Scoresheet:Thursday night Jordan Staal etched his first goal since October 29, lifting a heavy weight off of his shoulders. Carolina's captain totaled just two goals in the first half of the season and the hope is for his contribution to kick-start a strong second half.
Turning It On Late:Following their trio of goals Tuesday night the Canes now have a league-best +26 goal differential in the final frame of regulation. A big part of that is allowing just 28 goals in 44 third periods this year.
Just Fine Away From Home:Rod Brind'Amour's club is 16-6-2 away from PNC Arena this season, matching the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins for the most wins on the road among any team in the NHL this season.
Dolla Bill Kirill:Tonight is the first meeting between Carolina and Minnesota since 2019. It will be the Canes' first time seeing forward Kirill Kaprizov, who joined the Wild last year after six successful seasons in the KHL. In 96 NHL games, Kaprizov has totaled 104 points, making him a definite player to watch this evening.
Additional Notes:
Milestone Watch:Tonight will be Vincent Trocheck's 100th game as a Hurricane. Antti Raanta is one win shy of 100 in his NHL career. Derek Stepan is one point shy of 500 for his NHL career.
What Color Are We Wearing?:The team will be wearing their white sweaters tonight.
Worth A Click:
Canes To Host Stadium Series Game At Carter-Finley In February 2023
Going Outside: Learning More About The Canes Outdoor Game
Hurricanes February Schedule
