Yes, we just did this but it was so fun why not jump back in?
The Canes are right back in action this evening as they welcome the San Jose Sharks into Raleighwood for a game that will also serve as the beginning of sorts to the Canes’ celebration of their Stanley Cup win 20 years ago. If Saturday Night was the precursor to the celebration, the next two days should be fun.
All eyes will be on the crease for the Canes to see who gets the start. It obviously won’t be Brandon Bussi—but it’s pretty clear
now that he’s going to be with the team for a while as he’s won eight of nine appearances, becoming only the eighth goaltender to do so. How long this bus ride lasts, who knows? Looking back on some of his saves on Saturday it looks as if more than a few were of the “Nashville missed” than the “Bussi saved” variety, however, he also made saves when called on and that’s something that Frederik Andersen hasn’t been able to say for the majority of the season. Of the three goalies, Andersen has been the weakest so far. Will he get another chance today, or will Pyotr Kochetkov be healthy enough to get the start? As he was a full participant in practice on Friday it’s clear he’s close to returning.
On the other side of the ice is the Sharks. A team that many thought would be battling for yet another high draft pick has turned into a squad that is actually competing for the playoffs, if not a division title. The Canes opened the State Fair Road Trip with a 5-1 win over these Sharks back in October, but this team has fought hard since. They stand just two points out of a wild card spot, four points out of third in the Pacific, and six points away from the division leading…Anaheim Ducks.
They are doing this thanks to some exciting play by their youth, and former Hurricane Dmitri Orlov anchoring the defense. The Sharks have cooled off recently, though. They were blown out by Washington 7-1 at home, and then were kicked by Dallas 4-1 on Friday. They got the chance to watch the Canes in Raleigh last night, and no doubt they want to turn their fortunes around as they travel on to Philadelphia, Toronto, and Pittsburgh later this week.
Yes, the NHL schedulers had them go to Philly, Toronto, and Pittsburgh. Seriously does anyone check their work?
The player to watch for the Sharks, is of course 19 year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini. He hasn’t scored a goal in six games, and was held without a point in the last two blowout losses. Still, he’s leading the team in points and is a huge reason for optimism in the Bay Area. He’s clearly showing signs as being the star of the future, and it’ll be interesting to see which line Rod Brind’Amour chooses to match up with the youngster. With 40 points, he’s ahead of the next highest scorer Will Smith by 13, and he has 14 goals already—only Seth Jarvis has more for the Canes.
On the 20th Anniversary front, the Canes are rolling out the celebration. To prepare you for it, and if you haven’t seen it, check out this video they posted on Twitter/X:
Also, as can be expected not every member of the Hurricanes on that team will be able to make it this week. Brind’Amour, of course is coaching and Kevyn Adams is busy trying to save his job in Buffalo. One interesting name that The News and Observer’s Luke DeCock was able to catch up with: Anton Babchuck. His is a story that reminds us that as much as we want to use sports as an escape, the real world still intercedes. Check it out if you haven’t.
If you aren’t going to Lenovo today, here’s how to catch the action:
Time: 5 PM
TV: FanDuel Sports Network. Mike Maniscalco will handle play-by-play alongside Tripp Tracy doing color. Hanna Yates and Shane Willis will provide off-ice reports as well as host pregame starting at 4:30 and postgame that will run for about 30 minutes after the conclusion.
Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network App for fans in the Carolinas. Outside of the area, the ESPN app has you covered, it typically has every out-of-market game except those that have been chosen to be on NHL Network.
Radio: The pregame on 99.9 The Fan starts at 4:30. At 5PM the Hurricanes Radio Network (consisting of 99.9, 730 The Game in Charlotte, ESPN New Bern 107.5/1490, and ESPN Greenville 107.5/1570) picks up the FDSN feed. You can also stream the call on the Hurricanes app.
Odds: Hurricanes -320 Moneyline, Puckline Hurricanes -1.5 at -132/Jets +255 Moneyline, Puckline +1.5 at +108, O/U 6.5 (+100 Over/-122 Under)
