Florida Panthers
Carolina Hurricanes
TNT | Thursday, May 22nd 8:00 PM EDT
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield will be a game-time decision for Thursday’s Game 2 against the Florida Panthers, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour told WRAL.
Chatfield has missed the past two playoff games with an undisclosed injury, but did take part of morning skate earlier Thursday.
Florida leads the best-of-seven series 1-0.
“We’d love to get him in there,” Brind’Amour said hours before the start of Game 2 at the Lenovo Center “He’s such a big part of this team and the back end, and we know how well he skates, and just, man, he’s everything. So if we can get him in there, that would be a huge boost.”
Brind’Amour crossed his fingers as he spoke about Chatfield.
Chatfield played in 79 games for the Canes this regular season, adding 18 points and a +22 goal differential. He plays a pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ league-best penalty kill.
Florida won the opener 5-2 behind two power-play goals. Carolina had the top penalty kill in the playoffs entering the series. It was Carolina’s first home loss of the playoffs (5-1).
The Hurricanes have struggled to replace Chatfield on defense.
Defenseman Scott Morrow made his playoff debut in Chatfield’s place in Game 1 against Florida. Morrow played 12:18, the fewest of any Carolina defenseman, in the loss and was minus-3. He also took a penalty for delay of game, and Florida scored on the ensuing power play.
Rookie Alexander Nikishin made his NHL debut in the Hurricanes’ series-clinching Game 5 victory against Washington when Chatfield was out. Nikishin played 10:33 and also took a penalty.
The Hurricanes have lost 13 consecutive games in the Eastern Conference Final, spread across four series, including a sweep by Florida in 2023.
The Hurricanes trailed 2-0 in Tuesday’s Game 1 and fell to 3-3 in games when they don’t score first this postseason. Carolina is 5-0 when they do score first this postseason.
“Getting out ahead would be great,” Brind’Amour said. “If you can get them off the their game by making them chase the game, that’d be great. We know how loud it is in here. We got to give these guys something to cheer about.”
Preview: Tussle between Carolina’s Gostisbehere, Florida’s Marchand stands out ahead of Game 2
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers schedule
Game 1: Florida 5, Carolina 2
Game 2: Florida at Carolina, Thursday, May 22, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 3: Carolina at Florida, Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 4: Carolina at Florida, Monday, May 26, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 5: Florida at Carolina (if necessary), Wednesday, May 28, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 6: Carolina at Florida (if necessary), Friday, May 30, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Game 7: Florida at Carolina (if necessary), Sunday, June 1, 8 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
Postgame show: After each playoff game, WRAL’s Chris Lea and Pat Welter will break down the biggest moments with insider analysis from former NHL pro Shane Willis. Tune into WRAL at 11:25 p.m. for postgame coverage.