Exciting news for Carolina Hurricanes fans! The team is set to welcome back William Carrier for their match against the Buffalo Sabres on January 19th. After a four-game hiatus caused by a lower-body injury, this hardworking winger is eager to make his return. However, head coach Rod Brind'Amour has chosen not to reveal which player will sit out to accommodate Carrier's comeback.
In terms of injuries, the Hurricanes are still feeling the absence of Shayne Gostisbehere, their top-scoring defenseman, who will miss his third straight game due to a setback with his lower-body injury sustained last week. On a brighter note, rookie Joel Nystrom, who was recently promoted from the Chicago Wolves in the AHL, is expected to continue in the lineup. Meanwhile, veteran player Mike Reilly is likely to serve as a healthy scratch for the second game in a row.
As for the goaltending situation, Brandon Bussi will be taking his turn tonight. He has made a remarkable start to his NHL career, boasting an impressive record of 17 wins, 3 losses, and 1 overtime loss in just 21 games. In his latest outing against Florida, he showcased his skills by stopping 15 out of 16 shots, leading to yet another victory.
Here’s what the projected lineup looks like for tonight:
Forwards:
Svechnikov - Aho - Jarvis
Hall - Stankoven - Blake
Ehlers - Staal - Martinook
Robinson - Jankowski/Kotkaniemi - Carrier
Defensemen:
Slavin - Chatfield
Miller - Walker
Nikishin - Nystrom
Starting Goaltender:
Bussi
Injury Report:
- Shayne Gostisbehere (Lower Body Injury | Day-To-Day)
- Pyotr Kochetkov (Hip Surgery | "Likely Out For The Year")
- Charles Alexis Legault (Hand Injury | Out 3-4 Months Since Nov. 11)
- Noah Philp (Concussion Protocol | No Timetable For Return)
Scratches:
- Mike Reilly
Power Play Units:
- PP1: Aho, Ehlers (with Staal), Jarvis, Svechnikov, and Nikishin
- PP2: Blake, Hall, Jankowski, Stankoven, and Miller
Jordan Staal has been pivotal in faceoff situations for the first power play unit. If he secures the puck, he remains on the ice; however, once the play moves out of the zone, he exits and Nikolaj Ehlers takes his place.
This game is sure to be a thrilling one, so let’s see how the lineup holds up against the Sabres!
