Preview: Canes at Devils
Carolina begins final road trip of the season in Newark Saturday
When: Saturday, April 23, 12:30 p.m. EST
Watch:Bally Sports South, Bally Sports App
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:50-20-8 (108 Points, 1st - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:4-2 Win over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, April 21.
Devils Record:27-43-7 (61 Points, 7th - Metropolitan Division)
Devils Last Game:5-2 Loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, April 21.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
THE QUICK HITS:
Last Time Out:Eric Comrie did everything he could for the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, including making several crucial stops early to allow his team to take a 2-0 first period lead, but eventually the Canes were able to break through him with 30 seconds to go in the second period. From there Carolina continued their momentum into the third, scoring three times there to complete the 4-2 comeback. When all was said and done, the final shots total reflected 46-22 in favor of the Canes, giving them a critical pair of points amid their Metropolitan Division race with the New York Rangers.
Cap's Back:After a hit from Cale Makar forced him out of last Saturday's game in Denver and then subsequently caused him to miss Monday's matchup with Arizona, Jordan Staal was back in the Carolina lineup Thursday. He's been the team's most dominant force on offense this month, with now nine goals in his last seven games, including the empty netter over Winnipeg. After having just two goals before the All-Star break this year, #11 is up to 17 for the season now, his most in a single season since 2017-18.
Runnin' With Rants:Antti Raanta earned a second consecutive win against the Jets, stopping 20 out of 22. With Frederik Andersen out of the lineup until at least next week with a lower-body injury, "Rants" has been and will continue to be relied upon by Rod Brind'Amour and staff as the regular season winds down. Thus far this year he is 14-5-4 with a .912 save percentage (SV%), including one win over New Jersey.
Tony's Helpers:Tony DeAngelo recorded his 39th assist of the season on Saturday, now leaving him just one shy of matching Joni Pitkanen (2009-10) for the most in a single season by any Canes defenseman.
Power Play Priority:The Canes now have a power play goal in two of their last three games, which is something to be celebrated after starting the month 0-for-17. Thursday's goal on the man advantage came during four-on-three play, but Carolina will take them any way they can get them on special teams. Players and coaches alike have said that the power play is a point of emphasis to improve upon as they get closer and closer to postseason play.
A Look At The Other Side:New Jersey earned a big win over Vegas earlier this week, reminding all that while they may be out of postseason contention, they still pose a threat. Young superstar Jack Hughes is done for the season, but Jesper Bratt has emerged as another budding superstar on the team, now with 70 points in 72 games this season. Defense has been a big struggle for New Jersey this season, allowing 3.64 goals against per game, which ranks in the bottom five of the league. Lastly, Carolina will see former defenseman Dougie Hamilton for the first time this season tonight. The 28-year-old missed both of the meetings between the two sides in January as he was out with a broken jaw.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Milestones Within Reach: Martin Necas will play in his 200th NHL game today. Teuvo Teravainen is one goal shy of 100 as a member of the team. Sebastian Aho is two points shy of 400 for his NHL career. Jesper Fast is two points shy of 200 for his career.
What Are We Wearing?:The Canes will be wearing their white sweaters today.
Worth A Click:
Mailbag #25: The Final Week
Canes Complete Comeback, Ground Jets
Burnside: Slavin's Story
CanesCast Episode 209: Us? Worried?
Hurricanes April Schedule
NHL Standings
