The Carolina Hurricanes and the Anaheim Ducks face off tonight at the Honda Center, with the Hurricanes looking to extend their undefeated streak and the Ducks aiming to hand them their first loss of the season. Here's a look at the projected lineups:
Carolina Hurricanes (3-0-0)
The Hurricanes are coming off a dominant 5-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. However, they will be without key defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who did not travel with the team due to a lower-body injury. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov is also sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Here's the projected lineup:
- Forwards:
- Nikolaj Ehlers - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
- Andrei Svechnikov - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
- William Carrier - Jordan Staal - Jordan Martinook
- Taylor Hall - Mark Jankowski - Eric Robinson
- Defense:
- K'Andre Miller - Sean Walker
- Alexander Nikishin - Shayne Gostisbehere
- Mike Reilly - Jalen Chatfield
- Goalies:
- Frederik Andersen
- Brandon Bussi
Scratched for the Hurricanes are Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Charles Alexis Legault. Brandon Bussi, a 27-year-old rookie, made his NHL debut in the game against the Sharks, stopping 16 of 17 shots.
Anaheim Ducks (2-1-0)
The Ducks are coming off a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Troy Terry missed the morning skate due to a personal issue but is expected to play. Beckett Sennecke was back on the ice after missing Wednesday's practice for maintenance and will also be in the lineup. Jansen Harkins (upper body) and Ryan Strome (upper body) are injured. Strome is expected to miss the first couple of games of the regular season.
Here's the projected lineup:
- Forwards:
- Chris Kreider - Leo Carlsson - Alex Killorn
- Cutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Beckett Sennecke
- Frank Vatrano - Mikael Granlund - Troy Terry
- Ross Johnston - Ryan Poehling - Nikita Nesterenko
- Defense:
- Jackson LaCombe - Radko Gudas
- Olen Zellweger - Jacob Trouba
- Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson
- Goalies:
- Lukas Dostal
- Petr Mrazek
Sam Colangelo is scratched for the Ducks. After Leo Carlsson and Alex Killorn served as alternate captains in the first two games of the season, Jackson LaCombe and Mason McTavish took on that role for Tuesday's home opener. Radko Gudas is the captain of the Ducks.
Storylines to Watch
- Can the Hurricanes stay undefeated? Carolina has started the season strong, but injuries to key players like Slavin and Kochetkov could test their depth.
- How will the Ducks' young players perform? Players like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier are expected to play significant roles for Anaheim this season.
- Special Teams Battle: The Ducks had six power plays in their last game, with Chris Kreider scoring the game-winning goal on the power play. The Hurricanes will need to stay disciplined and limit Anaheim's opportunities with the man advantage.
The game starts at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FDSNSO, Victory+, and KCOP-13.