When: Saturday, December 18, 7 p.m. EST
Watch:Bally Sports South, Bally Sports App
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:20-7-1 (41 Points, 3rd - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:5-3 Win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, December 16.
Kings Record:13-10-5 (31 Points, T-5th - Pacific Division)
Kings Last Game:4-1 Win over the Florida Panthers on Thursday, December 16.
TRACKING THE STORYLINES:
Next Men Up:The Canes found a way to get it done Thursday night with a cast that was two skaters short of a normal NHL lineup. Not only were they shorthanded, they were also utilizing three players that were making their team debuts as well. Nino Niederreiter did a nice job of paving the way, opening the scoring early and scoring the eventual third period game-winner. Who will step up tonight?
This evening they are not slated to be playing two short again, although there are some hurdles to clear before that is confirmed the case. The team was able to recall forwards Josh Leivo and C.J. Smith from Chicago Friday night, allowing them to enter the fold on an emergency basis. Now the next step is the team receiving two sets of negative COVID-19 tests from each player before taking the ice tonight.
Run It Back:These two teams met exactly four weeks ago today, playing to a 5-4 Canes victory at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. The Saturday matinee got off to a wild start, containing three goals in the opening five minutes - so be in your seat on time this evening. Eventually all nine goals came in the contest's first 40 minutes, going back-and-forth each time. If you missed that affair, you won't want to miss this one.
Raanta Claus?:It hasn't yet been announced who will start in net for the home side tonight, but if it is Antti Raanta, the numbers are in his favor. In his career, the 32-year-old Finn is 6-0-1 with three shutouts and a .957 save percentage (SV%) against the Kings. There are no other teams in the league who he has three shutouts against.
Additional Notes:
Milestone Watch: Tonight is expected to be Jesperi Kotkaniemi's 200th NHL game. Brady Skjei's next assist will be his 100th in the NHL.
What Color Are We Wearing?:The team will be wearing their black alternate sweaters.
Worth A Click:
Plans Change: Drury's Path To A Captivating NHL Debut
Mailbag #10: Stay Positive, Test Negative
Ten Canes Prospects Selected For World Juniors
All-Star Fan Voting Open Now
