The Preds are back in action today after the holiday break. They’ll look to redeem themselves after a late collapse on Saturday with tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
It’s been a rough December for the Canes. They’ve won four games total this month, and only one of the four they’ve played since their OT loss to the Preds that saw goalie Antti Raanta sent to the AHL the next day. He’s back, as Frederik Andersen remains out indefinitely, and if he gets the start tonight he’ll no doubt be out to prove himself. 24-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov is the other option in net, and he’s had a recent string of strong games right up until December 23rd, so he’s also got something to rebound from, and the skill to do it with.
The Hurricanes have put forth an incredible defense, at both even strength and on the penalty kill, that will make it a really easy night for a goalie who’s on his game. Their offense has been weaker but still good, and they’ve had success on special teams. Goaltending and shooting luck remain their most salient weaknesses.
Sebastian Aho leads the team in points with 31 and assists with 18; he’s tied with Teuvo Teräväinen for the lead in goals with 13. Martin Nečas, Michael Bunting, and Seth Jarvis have also been consistent offensive contributors. Jesper Fast and Jordans Martinook and Staal have been particularly great defensively, while Jesperi Kotkaniemi has been driving offense without much reward. Andrei Svechnikov, who missed 15 games with an upper-body injury, has also been an offensive play-driver, and has managed 14 points in the 19 games he has played.
The game airs at 7PM Central on Bally Sports South and 102.5 The Game.