Expected Lineup Announced for January 16 Showdown Against Florida

The Carolina Hurricanes are set to face the Florida Panthers tonight, but they will likely be without some key players. Coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed that William Carrier is unavailable due to a lower-body injury. This will be Carrier’s third consecutive game missed. He did practice with the team recently but hasn’t recovered enough to play.

Another defenseman, Shayne Gostisbehere, is doubtful for the matchup after missing Thursday’s skate due to health concerns. His absence may allow Mike Reilly to continue in the lineup, having previously substituted for Jaccob Slavin. Slavin is expected to return after sitting out a game for injury rehabilitation. Brind’Amour expressed optimism about Slavin’s ability to participate in tonight’s game and potentially play tomorrow against New Jersey, marking his first back-to-back appearances of the season.

Projected Lineup Against Florida

In goal, Brandon Bussi will make his 21st NHL start. He aims to recover from a recent loss in St. Louis, where he had a notable performance with 38 saves against the Panthers during their previous match on December 19. Following the recent developments, the Hurricanes have also recalled defenseman Joel Nystrom from Chicago in the AHL.

Tonight’s Projected Lineup:

• Forwards:
  • Svechnikov – Aho – Ehlers
  • Hall – Stankoven – Blake
  • Martinook – Staal – Jarvis
  • Robinson – Jankowski – Kotkaniemi
• Defense:
  • Slavin – Chatfield
  • Miller – Walker
  • Reilly – Nikishin
• Starting Goaltender: Bussi

Injury Report

• William Carrier: Lower-body injury (Resumed skating on January 15)
• Shayne Gostisbehere: Undisclosed injury (No timetable for return)
• Pyotr Kochetkov: Hip surgery (Likely out for the year since December 29)
• Charles Alexis Legault: Hand injury (Out 3-4 months since November 11)
• Noah Philp: Concussion protocol (No timetable for return)

The team aims to secure a vital win tonight as they take on the Florida Panthers, emphasizing the importance of player performance despite recent injury setbacks.