The Carolina Hurricanes (42-18-6) are on the road tonight after two days off to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (34-21-11) at 7 p.m.
Coming off a big win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, the Canes are looking to carry that momentum over against a solid Blue Jackets team in tonight’s divisional matchup.
Columbus is in the same situation as a year ago, currently sitting just two points outside a playoff spot. The bottom feeder team that people have come to expect for much of the 2020’s is gone, as the Blue Jackets are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
The Blue Jackets are led by star defenseman and Norris Trophy candidate Zach Werenski, who has team-high 68 points.
Winger Kirill Marchenko is having another good season after breaking out last year. The 25 year old has tallied 25 goals and 57 points in 60 games this season, proving to be Columbus’ go-to forward option.
Former third overall pick Adam Fantilli is enjoying a solid season with 47 points in 66 games so far this year, although expectations were higher coming out of the draft for the center.
Outside of Werenski, the Blue Jackets don’t have a lot of star firepower, but nonetheless have been extremely solid as of late. They have recorded a point in nine straight games, meaning this is not a game that Carolina can overlook. After missing the playoffs by just two points a year ago, Columbus is not trying to repeat that again.
Since the Blue Jackets are also coming off a couple days of rest as well, starter Jet Greaves should get the nod in net. Greaves has posted a 2.64 GAA and .908 save percentage in 40 starts this year.
For Carolina, it looks like Brandon Bussi will get the start. After an extremely hot start to the year, Bussi hasn’t looked as strong as of late, losing his last two starts versus the St. Louis Blue and Calgary Flames. On the year, Bussi has a 2.37 GAA and .897 save percentage.
Columbus isn’t dealing with any serious injuries heading into tonight, but the Canes will still be without Shayne Gostisbehere, who will miss his fifth consecutive game according to Walt Ruff.
Andrei Svechnikov, who didn’t practice yesterday, should be in the lineup per Ruff.
Tonight serves as another opportunity for the Canes to increase their lead in the Metropolitan Division as the playoffs quickly approach.
Here’s how to catch the action:
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network App/ESPN+
Odds: Hurricanes -138 Moneyline, Hurricanes -1.5 at +176