Game #13 Preview: Hurricanes vs Blues

 

Hurricanes (10-2-0) vs Blues (8-2-2)

Carolina took a tough loss last night against Carter Hart and the Flyers. A game in which they outplayed Philadelphia for the first two periods, then collapsed in the third period to lose 2-1. A 60-minute effort is needed tonight against a quality Blues team that has started the season well. A win would be a big boost before Carolina goes on a 5-game west-coast road trip.


Previous Meeting

The last game played between Carolina and St. Louis was in February of the 2019-2020 season. St. Louis dominated the game at home to defeat Carolina 6-3. St. Louis’ center depth led by Ryan O’Reilly and Brayden Schenn led the way in that game. Depth down the middle is a strength for both Carolina and St. Louis. This will be the deciding factor once again.


Justin Faulk’s return to PNC

Justin Faulk returns to Raleigh for the first time since he was traded in the 2019 offseason to St. Louis. The former Hurricane played 559 games in the red and black. He was a big part of Carolina’s revival to competitiveness through their years of rebuilding. Since his trade to St. Louis, Faulk has been a productive member of the Blues, producing 46 points in 132 games. While he has logged big minutes for a Blues team looking to get back to the top of the NHL mountain.


A Full 60-Minute Effort is Needed

Coach Rod Brind'Amour was unhappy with the effort from the Canes in the third period last game against Philadelphia. Even if Carter Hart was a brick wall, Carolina did not play as well as they needed to in the third to close out the game. A full 60 minutes of quality play will be needed tonight in the 2nd game of a back-back.


Projected Lines

Svechnikov-Aho-Jarvis

Kotkaniemi-Trocheck-Teravainen

Lorentz-Staal-Fast

Martinook-Stepan-Levio


Slavin-Bear

Skjei-DeAngelo

Smith-Cole


Lyon (expected but not confirmed)

Andersen


Injuries: Raanta (Upper Body), Pesce (Upper Body), Niederreiter (Lower Body, Game-Time Decision), Necas (Non-Covid Illness, Game-Time Decision)


Expect Leivo to be scratched if one of Necas or Niedereitter can play. The 2nd scratched player, if both Necas and Niederreiter can play, would likely be either Kotkaniemi or Jarvis.


What the Analytics Predict

MoneyPuck.com gives Carolina a 57.4% chance of winning tonight

Carolina’s Power Play has struggled to score in their recent games. But their chances have continued to come. They have the 6th highest Expected Goals For on 5 on 4 in the NHL with 9.49 (via MoneyPuck.com). Their power play will likely score once or twice tonight if given the opportunities.


Players to Watch

Sebastian Aho has slowed down since his hot start to the season, the chances have been created, but the production has not come. Expect him to have a big impact on the scoresheet tonight.


Jordan Kyrou has been a dynamic force for St. Louis this season. He has driven play at a high level (56.6 On-Ice Expected Goals percentage via MoneyPuck.com) while adding production (14 points in 12 games). He will be a handful tonight for the Hurricanes.

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