When: Thursday, January 13, 7 p.m. EST
Watch:ESPN+, Hulu
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:24-7-2 (50 Points, T-1st - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:4-3 Overtime Loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday, January 8.
Blue Jackets Record:16-17-1 (33 Points, T-5th - Metropolitan Division)
Blue Jackets Last Game:4-2 Loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, January 11.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
TRACKING THE STORYLINES:
Back To Business:The Canes had their five-game win streak derailed Saturday night against the Florida Panthers, but they did however earn a point for the sixth straight game. Tonight they'll look to make it seven in a row against a Columbus club who they're 2-0 against this season.
Surging While Short:Carolina enters tonight matchup having successfully killed off their last 29 consecutive penalties. It's now been over a month since they last allowed a power play goal and they've climbed their way all the way to second in the league in the category, killing off 90% on the season. They're now seven kills shy of matching the franchise record of 36, which was achieved during both the 2000-01 and the 2014-15 seasons.
Slavin Out: Defenseman Jaccob Slavin (COVID-19 Protocol) will not play tonight for the Canes after entering COVID Protocol Tuesday morning. He will miss tonight's game and also Saturday afternoon against Vancouver. Brendan Smith is expected to play in the open spot, skating alongside Ethan Bear at Wednesday's practice.
Getting It Done From The Back:Ian Cole, Tony DeAngelo, Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei all enter tonight's game with points in three straight contests. Highlighted by Skjei, who has scored in all three, the contributions from the club have come as a part of the club's 16 goals in their last three games. Skjei's three game streak is the longest of his NHL career and his eight points in the new year lead the team.
Additional Notes:
Milestone Watch: Brady Skjei is expected to play in his 400th NHL game tonight. Martin Necas is two points shy of 100 in his NHL career. Sebastian Aho is three assists shy of 200 for his NHL career.
What Color Are We Wearing?:The team will be wearing their red sweaters tonight.
Worth A Click:
Practice Report: LaFontaine's Arrival
Brind'Amour Named Metropolitan Division All-Star Coach
LaFontaine Signs: Why Now?
