RALEIGH, N.C. - The stage is set for a duel with the division leaders as the Carolina Hurricanes host the Washington Capitals at Lenovo Center on Sunday.
Seeking a sixth straight win, the Canes are expected to roll out the same group that toppled the Boston Bruins 8-2 on Thursday. Jack Roslovic and Andrei Svechnikov led that effort with two goals apiece and are likely to headline the forward corps once again alongside Sebastian Aho, who has registered 27 points in 27 career games against Washington.
Behind them, Martin Necas will look to find the scoresheet for a sixth consecutive outing after recording four points against Boston to reach a team-leading 15 points (5G, 10A) on the year. Rookie Jackson Blake also comes into the contest on a bit of a heater, sporting a three-game point streak (1G, 2A) as he continues to establish himself in the NHL.
On the blue line, Sean Walker will look to continue contributing offensively after scoring his first goal as a Hurricane on Thursday. His partner, Shayne Gostisbehere, has hit the ground running with nine points in nine games, good for a share of third in team scoring with Aho.
Amidst Frederik Andersen's week-to-week absence, Pyotr Kochetkov has gotten the nod in back-to-back games and may see a third straight start tonight. Rod Brind'Amour suggested on Thursday that the Russian is "more than likely going to get a good run at it (being the starter)," and particularly in a non-back-to-back scenario, it seems likely that he'll continue to ride the hot hand against the Caps.
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Tonight's Betting Odds...
Odds at Time of Publishing, provided by Fanatics Sportsbook: Canes -250
To view more Fanatics Sportsbook betting lines, click here.
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Lines From 10/31 vs. Boston...
Forwards
Svechnikov - Aho - Roslovic
Robinson - Kotkaniemi - Necas
Martinook - Staal - Jarvis
Carrier - Drury - Blake
Defense
Slavin - Burns
Orlov - Chatfield
Gostisbehere - Walker
Goaltenders
Kochetkov
[Backup: Martin]
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Injuries
Frederik Andersen (Lower-Body, Week-To-Week)
Jesper Fast (Neck, Out For 2024-25 Season)
Riley Stillman (Lower-Body, Practicing)
Scratches
N/A
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PP1: Aho, Jarvis, Necas, and Svechnikov with Gostisbehere
PP2: Blake, Drury, Kotkaniemi, and Roslovic with Burns
