Game Preview and Thread: Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets
The Carolina Hurricanes (47-21-6) are again house tonight to tackle the Columbus Blue Jackets (38-25-12) at 7 PM, with an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth.
Tonight’s matchup is the second straight between the 2 groups, with the Canes profitable the primary 5-2 on Tuesday.
Nikolaj Ehlers led the way in which for Carolina on Tuesday with three factors, giving him 64 on the 12 months and matching his profession excessive from the 2016-17 season with the Winnipeg Jets.
The story of the evening was the powerplay for the Canes, although. Carolina scored three energy play targets on 5 alternatives and are actually ranked fifth within the league in energy play share at 24.6 %.
Heading right into a playoffs the place it feels just like the Canes have a terrific shot to make it out of the Eastern Conference, the ability play is rising on the good time. After struggling on it final season, the place they ranked twenty fifth within the league, Carolina has returned to its 2023-24 kind, the place they have been second within the NHL at 26.9 %.
Columbus has rather a lot to play for because the season comes all the way down to an finish, although. With seven video games left within the season, the Blue Jackets presently maintain a two level lead over the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings for the second wild card spot within the Eastern Conference. If Columbus can maintain off and earn a playoff berth this season, it is going to mark their first for the reason that 2019-2020 season.
The Blue Jackets are led by Norris Trophy favourite Zach Werenski, who has 78 factors in 68 video games this season.
Up entrance, winger Kirill Marchenko is second on Columbus in scoring with 63 factors on the 12 months. Marchenko has three factors in three video games this season in opposition to the Canes.
In internet for Columbus shall be Elvis Merzlikins, who has served because the second goalie for almost all of the season behind Jet Greaves. In 28 begins this 12 months, Merzlikins has posted a 3.34 GAA and .886 save share.
Getting the nod for the Canes ought to be Frederik Andersen, who has put up a 3.16 GAA and .871 save share in 31 begins this season.
Carolina goes into this recreation with none new additions to the damage report.
If the Canes are in a position to come out with a win tonight, will probably be the eighth straight 12 months of playoff hockey in Raleigh.
Here’s how you can catch the motion:
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network App/ESPN+
