In Net:Frederik Andersen suffered his first career loss to Detroit on Thursday, allowing three goals on 22 shots. With
Pyotr Kochetkov being reassigned earlier in the week
, signs point to Antti Raanta being ready to go for the team, making his way back into the lineup after suffering a lower-body injury on March 7 in Montreal. Given that this contest starts a back-to-back for the club, it is expected that he will start either tonight or tomorrow against the New York Islanders at home.
Finishing Strong:Forward Martin Necas had 16 points in 16 games during the month of March. Already with the best season of his career under his belt, #88 has set new career-highs in goals (27), assists (41), and points (68), among others.
Get The First One:Carolina is now 36-5-4 when scoring the first goal of the game. Only the Bruins (38) have more wins when earning the contest's first tally.
Shooting For Three:Rod Brind'Amour's club is 42-4-5 when scoring three goals or more this season.
On The Other Side:Montreal has already been eliminated from playoff contention, but their influx of young and hungry talent with a desire to prove they belong in the NHL still makes them a threat. The group possesses the ability to score at a strong clip, registering 52 tallies in 14 games during the month of March, tied for seventh in the NHL. However, they allowed the second-most goals during the stretch of 31 days, allowing an average of four goals per night.
