When: Thursday, December 30, 7 p.m. EST
Watch:Bally Sports South, Bally Sports App
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:21-7-1 (43 Points, 2nd - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:5-1 Win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, December 18.
Canadiens Record:7-21-4 (18 Points, 8th - Atlantic Division)
Canadiens Last Game:5-4 Overtime Loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, December 28.
TRACKING THE STORYLINES:
Shake Off The Rust:It's been just under two weeks since the Canes have last played a game. Mind you they've been had thorough practices every day since Sunday, but as the team will tell you, there's nothing that can replicate participating in a game. Since December 18 the team has had six players come off of COVID Protocol, however, they've had four more enter. Tonight's action will be the first since December 11 for Sebastian Aho and December 12 for Seth Jarvis, Ian Cole, Steven Lorentz, Andrei Svechnikov and Jordan Staal.
Maybe More?:Of the four that entered protocol since the team's last game, at least one of them is already out. Stefan Noesen, who was
assigned to the team's Taxi Squad yesterday
, completed his ten days of isolation and now could be recalled ahead of the 5 p.m. deadline in order to play in tonight's game. The same recall procedure could be utilized for goaltender Alex Lyon, who was
recalled to the Taxi Squad from Chicago earlier this week
after Frederik Andersen tested positive on December 23. The big question mark regarding all of this is how the NHL's adjustments to their protocols from yesterday will impact the team. Moving to the five-day isolation from ten days, that leaves the door open for a potential return for some of the players with Andersen on the team list at the moment. More information will follow morning skate if this is indeed the case.
Strike First:The Canes are 14-2-1 when scoring first this season. Along the same lines, Montreal is 2-17-1 when their opponent scores first.
Additional Notes:
Milestone Watch: Tony DeAngelo needs two more assists to reach 100 in his NHL career.
What Color Are We Wearing?:The team will be wearing their red sweaters tonight.
Arrive Early:Please be advised another big crowd is expected at PNC Arena tonight. Allow yourself a few extra minutes for your commute this evening!
In The Arena:Due to staffing limitations there will be some concession stands and retail stores closed tonight.
Worth A Click:
Day Before: Canes Set To Get Back To Game Action
All-Star Fan Voting Open Now
