The Carolina Hurricanes open their season on at home against a familiar foe, the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night (7:30 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).
While the Hurricanes are favored by many to win the Metropolitan Division, the Devils are supposed to be their closest competition. This is not the same decimated Devils team which lost in round one in the playoffs last season.
Look for their line up to be something like this.
The Hurricanes have been dealing with some injuries on the blue line. Jacob Slavin and K’Andre Miller did not play in any preseason game action. It is expected that Slavin will play opening night but Miller may not.
Look for newly acquired Mike Reilly to fill in.
Thinking about attending? If so, the Hurricanes’ promotions team noted their season opening giveaway will be free Stormy hat for those in attendance at PNC Arena.
The forward group should be ready to go as Jesperi Kotkaniemi looked no worse for wear recently after missing a couple of days because of the results of a high stick.
It’s a robust group of returners and players who are looking to improve upon last season’s playoff run, especially with many believing that this is a team that could crack into the Stanley Cup playoffs.
You can look for Frederik Andersen to start in net. As for the rest of the lines, it’s a safe bet to expect the configurations to be mixed, but to look close to the following:
Alexander Nikishin played in all situations during the preseason but there are indications he will start off this season off the powerplay. It will be interesting to see how long Miller will sit out.