Hurricanes Anticipate Thrilling Thursday Season Opener
The Carolina Hurricanes are gearing up for their highly anticipated season opener against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. After three weeks of training camp, the roster has been finalized to 23 players, following a preseason that included six games. The team enters the new season with aspirations for an eighth consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Preparing for the Season Opener
Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour shared his excitement, stating, “We’ve been waiting what feels like a long time. You get through preseason, and now it starts.” His comments came after a practice session at Lenovo Center, highlighting the team’s readiness for the upcoming challenges.
Goaltending Decisions
In the net, Pyotr Kochetkov has faced minor setbacks during training camp, leading to uncertainty about his availability for the opener. As he missed parts of training, Frederik Andersen is expected to take the starting role. If Kochetkov is unable to play, newcomer Brandon Bussi, who was claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers, would step in for his NHL debut.
Defensive Lineup
- All seven defensemen, including K’Andre Miller and Jaccob Slavin, are anticipated to be available for the game.
- Jalen Chatfield, who missed some practice time, is also set to make an appearance.
- Mike Reilly may find himself on the sidelines, depending on the coaching staff’s final decisions.
Forward Positions and Power Play Units
With 13 healthy forwards, the lineup remains competitive. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Mark Jankowski are competing for a spot alongside Taylor Hall and Eric Robinson. Kotkaniemi recently recovered from an eye injury, adjusting to a tinted visor as he returns. If he secures the placement, Jankowski may face time in the press box.
The Hurricanes have also established their power play units:
- First Unit: Sebastian Aho, Nikolaj Ehlers, Seth Jarvis, Andrei Svechnikov, Shayne Gostisbehere
- Second Unit: Jackson Blake, Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, K’Andre Miller, Sean Walker
As the Carolina Hurricanes prepare for their thrilling Thursday season opener, the team looks to deliver strong performances and aim for continued success in the NHL.
