Preview: Canes vs. Devils
Carolina closes out their regular season with a Metropolitan Division title already secured
When: Thursday, April 28, 7 p.m. EST
Watch:Bally Sports South, Bally Sports App
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:53-20-8 (114 Points, 1st - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:4-3 Win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday, April 26.
Devils Record:27-44-9 (63 Points, 7th - Metropolitan Division)
Devils Last Game:5-4 Loss (OT) to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, April 26.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
THE QUICK HITS:
Last Time Out:The Canes locked up their 2022 Metropolitan Division championship Tuesday night by hanging on for a win over the New York Rangers. Pyotr Kochetkov weathered an early storm for the team inside Madison Square Garden, aiding in a pivotal turning point in the game. Carolina was forced to kill off three penalties in a span of 7:04 and they did so successfully, then allowing them to pick up the game's momentum. Less than two minutes later they scored, kicking off a three-goal second period swing. Tack on an early third marker from Sebastian Aho and that would be all that the Canes needed to close the book.
Franchise History:In addition to locking up the number one seed in the Metro, the Canes also set two new records for the organization on Tuesday. The team picked up their 53rd win of the season and in turn their 113th and 114th points of the season, both new highs.
Five In A Row:Not to be overlooked, Carolina has also won five games in a row now, dating back to last Monday in Arizona. They've also scored 21 goals during that span, an uptick of their season average of 3.35 goals-per-game.
Kochetkov's Arrival:This time last week Pyotr Kochetkov had yet to play in an NHL game. Now, he's won his first three games in three appearances in four days. Kochetkov earned wins in starts over New Jersey and the New York Rangers, with a relief appearance victory in between over the New York Islanders. With 55 stops on 61 shots against thus far, the rookie has made waves around the league, emerging as the latest brick wall in net for Carolina. While an update on Frederik Andersen could come as soon as today, one of either Kochetkov or Antti Raanta is expected to start for the Canes this evening.
Let The Kid Cook:Rookie Seth Jarvis moved his career-long point streak to six games with an assist on the above Aho goal. Since March 17 he has recorded 19 points, which ties him with Aho for the team-lead. He is also just the second rookie since the franchise's relocation to have a point streak of six games or more. The other? Aho in 2017.
Playing The Full 60:The Canes have a league-best +45 goal differential in the third period thus far this season. Including a 11-2 ratio within the last week alone, the group has proven to never be out of games in the third, while at the same time displaying a killer instinct to put teams away.
A Look At The Other Side:The Devils enter their second-to-last regular season having lost their last four games played. Unfortunately they are also limping to the finish line of their season health-wise, as already without superstar Jack Hughes, they will not have P.K. Subban nor Nico Hischier tonight, both of whom did not travel due to non-COVID illnesses. AHL Utica's leading goal scorer, Alexander Holtz, has joined New Jersey in Carolina though, and could be a player to watch.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Milestones Within Reach: Vincent Trocheck is five points shy of 100 as a member of the Hurricanes.
What Are We Wearing?:The Canes will be wearing their red sweaters tonight.
Worth A Click:
CanesCast Episode 210: As One Race Ends, Another Begins
Canes Clinch Division Title For Second Consecutive Year
Canes Win Metropolitan Division Title With Win In New York
Canes 2022 Playoffs Merch
Round One Tickets On Sale Now
Hurricanes April Schedule
NHL Standings
