The Carolina Hurricanes are visiting the Philadelphia Flyers tonight for the third game of the season for both teams. Game time is 7 P.M.
Both teams are also looking for their first win of the season.
The Flyers were blown out by the Pittsburgh Penguins in their home opener. They lost in overtime to the Devils most recently.
The Hurricanes lost in OT to Florida in their opener and then were handled by the Capitals just last night.
Head coach, Rick Tocchet is mixing the lines up and these lines were reported
from their morning skate.
Dan Vladar or Joseph Woll will be in net.
There is no question who will be in net for Carolina. After two games of Brandon Bussi, the Canes will turn to Pyotr Kochetkov, who will start in his first regulation game since last December.
Rod Brind’Amour mixed up his lineup during the game last night, but I would expect he would go back to the “normal” lines against the Flyers. The coach had mentioned in an earlier interview that he did not want to disrupt his lines, which had been so successful in last year’s playoff run. That is why he put Eric Robinson on the first line instead of a higher level player from the 2nd or 3rd lines. But Robinson has not been the answer here so far.
Here is my suggestion and keep in mind, this is an opinion from the cheap seats.
Move Robinson back to the 4rth line where he has been most successful. Move Nic Deslauriers to the press box and play Jesperi Kotkaniemi on the first line. I know I know, but can he do worse than what Robinson has done to date?
That would keep three lines together instead of two and the 4rth line could get back to doing what they do best.
I’m sure Deslauriers would love to play against his former mates, but I’m not sure that is what is best for the team for tonight.
Last night, Brind’Amour was asked about recalling some youngsters from Chicago, (notably Bradly Nadeau and/or Felix Unger Sorum), but the coach simply replied, “That’s management’s decision.”
If the Canes lose again, I would look for a recall to happen next week.
Rookie, Charles Alexis Legault had a rough night last night positionally, so look for Mike Reilly to try out that spot tonight. Nothing against CAL, it is not easy to be paired with an offensive minded blueliner like Shayne Gostisbehere. Alexander Nikishin found that out last year.
The Canes did not have a morning skate so we will not find out who officially plays tonight until closer to game time.
You can watch the game on Prime Video, Spectrum Cable, or Fubo. Listen as always on 99.9 The Fan.
