Preview: Canes vs. Red Wings
Carolina and Detroit wrap up their three-game regular season series at PNC Arena
When: Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m. EST
Watch:ESPN+, Hulu
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:48-18-8 (104 Points, 1st - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:4-2 Win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday, April 12.
Red Wings Record:28-35-10 (66 Points, 5th - Atlantic Division)
Red Wings Last Game:4-1 Loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, April 12.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
THE QUICK HITS:
Last Time Out:The Canes came out of the gate slow against the Rangers on Tuesday, eventually falling behind 1-0 early in the second. After they found themselves on the wrong side of the score they got to their game though, tying the contest before the end of two and ringing off for three in the third. Winning by a score of 4-2, Frederik Andersen made 28 stops on 30 shots to earn a share of the league-lead with his now 35 wins. Sebastian Aho paved the way offensively, factoring in on three of the goals.
Aho's Trio:With a goal and two assists on Tuesday, the three-point performance was the fifth of the season for Aho. Already leading the team with his 34 goals, #20 jumped back overtop Teuvo Teravainen for the lead in assists as well, now with 41 on the season. It is the second time in Aho's career that he's hit the 40-helper mark and with 75 points and eight games remaining, the team's top line center is just eight points shy of matching his career high (83).
The Captain's Heater:Jordan Staal also pitched in with a goal in Tuesday's win over the Rangers, following up his hat trick Sunday against Anaheim. With a multi-goal performance last Thursday against Buffalo, #11 now has six goals in his last four games. Since March 1, the last time these two teams met, Staal's nine goals trail only Aho, who was 11 during that span.
Freddie Money:With his win (which came in head-to-head fashion against fellow Vezina candidate Igor Shesterkin) on Tuesday, Andersen maintained his league-best 2.07 goals against average (GAA). His 35 wins sit only behind Juuse Saros of Nashville and his .926 save percentage (SV%) trails only Shesterkin and Darcy Kuemper of Colorado.
A Chance To The Right The Ship:The man advantage has been cited by players and coaches alike as an area that has room for improvement before playoff time. Since March 1 the Carolina power play is operating at just a 15.8% clip, ranking 27th out of 32. The good news is they'll have an opportunity tonight against a Red Wings penalty kill that ranks second worst in the NHL since March 1, denying just 67.8% of attempts. Watch for Carolina's units to have urgency and execution this evening.
Kotkaniemi Update:Out of the lineup since Monday, March 28 with a lower-body injury suffered against the Washington Capitals, Jesperi Kotkaniemi appears to be returning to the Carolina lineup any day now. #82 has been skating with the team at practices and morning skates and Tuesday before the win over New York, head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that the first-year Cane will definitely be back in the mix within the next week.
Need A Helper?:Jaccob Slavin and Tony DeAngelo are creeping their way up some franchise history lists, both sitting third and fourth right now for assists by a defenseman in a single season. DeAngelo (37) and Slavin (35) sit only behind Frantisek Kaberle (38) and Joni Pitkanen (40).
Getting Down To The End:After tonight the Canes have just two home regular season games remaining.
A Look At The Other Side:Detroit has won just two out of their last ten games and are 4-11-4 since they lest met Carolina. During that span they've allowed a league-high 4.53 goals per game and allowed 36.2 shots per night. Former Hurricane Alex Nedeljkovic is now 18-21-9 with a .900 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.34 goals against average (GAA). On a lighter note, Moritz Seider continues to build a strong case for Rookie of the Year, totaling 46 points in 73 games while averaging a team-high 23:09 per night.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Milestones Within Reach: Max Domi's first goal with the Canes will be his 100th of his NHL career. Teuvo Teravainen is two goals shy of 100 as a member of the team.
What Are We Wearing?:The Canes will be wearing their red sweaters tonight.
Worth A Click:
Writers Roundtable: Wrapping Up The Regular Season
CanesCast Episode 208: Who's Peaking?
Recap: Three-Goal Third Pushes Canes Past Rangers
In, But Not Done: Canes Clinch Playoff Spot
Hurricanes April Schedule
NHL Standings
