Last Time Out:The Canes snapped a three-game skid on Tuesday, responding after striking out on a road trip to Nashville, Buffalo, and Ottawa. A fast start, including two goals in the first eight minutes of play, the pair of goals set the tone for what would have been a successful night for the team. Antti Raanta would allow just one goal and the Canes would go on to add two more over the course of the evening,
taking a 4-1 win from Detroit
.
Potential Playoff Matchups:Entering Thursday's play, the Canes still could play one of three different opponents in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The below lays out if the team will start against the Islanders, Panthers, or Rangers. Regardless of who they play, the Canes will start the series at home, having earned home-ice advantage with Tuesday's win over Detroit.
Further Playoff Info:The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Monday, meaning that Carolina will likely open their postseason schedule at PNC Arena on either Monday or Tuesday. A full schedule for Round One could be revealed by the NHL either following tonight's final horn or on Friday.
Matching Which Team?:A victory tonight would give Carolina their 52nd of the season, tying the second-most in franchise history. The only other club to do so? The 2005-06 Canes.
In Net:Rod Brind'Amour and staff have rotated every other game between Antti Raanta and Frederik Andersen in net as of late. With Raanta having started Tuesday against Ottawa, Andersen would be in line to have the net tonight. While he hasn't faced Florida this season, he is 10-4-3 in 19 career appearances against them.
From The Blue Line:Defensemen have combined to score 56 goals this season, setting a new franchise record. Brady Skjei leads the way with 18 and is just one goal shy of setting a new Canes single-season record by a blueliner.
