Last Time Out:The Canes had their 11-game win streak and 17-game point streak snapped on Tuesday night in New York City, falling to the Rangers in a close contest. Carolina led 3-2 going into the third period but a three-goal frame for the Rangers ultimately pulled them out on top. Pyotr Kochetkov made his first start since December 20 and while Rod Brind'Amour said post-game that he'd likely want a few of the goals back, it was just the second regulation loss of his NHL career through 18 games.
New Career-High Necas:One of Carolina's three goals on Tuesday came from Martin Necas, who set a new career-high with his 17th of the season. #88 had previously had 16 in two prior seasons, but now in just his 38th game of the year, he's already moved on to brighter pastures. The goal also now gives him points in six consecutive games.
Burns Is Buzzin':Since December 1 Brent Burns leads the Canes with 14 points in 15 games. Entering the contest on a four-game point streak of his own, Burns' 28 points pace all team defenders through 38 games.
Noesen Questionable:Forward Stefan Noesen left Tuesday's game during the first period after suffering a lower-body injury. He attempted to return for the start of the second period but was ultimately ruled out. He was the only absentee from Wednesday's practice and following Rod Brind'Amour said that he thinks the forward will be all right, but they wouldn't know more about his availability for Thursday until the day of.
Pacioretty A Possibility:With Noesen not on the ice at Tuesday's practice, Max Pacioretty skated alongside Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Derek Stepan. Pacioretty has been working his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in August and last week Rod Brind'Amour said that his return could be possible within the next ten games. The Head Coach was also quick to say that Stefan Noesen's availability wouldn't dictate whether or not Pacioretty's debut and that the team wouldn't just put #67 in if Noesen can't go.
Father Finn The Star:The NHL
revealed its Stars of the Week Monday afternoon
, naming Antti Raanta one of them. The netminder went 3-0-0 with a 1.30 goals against average and a .944 save percentage last week. The 33-year-old veteran has now won his last seven decisions, dating back to November 25, and has improved to 10-2-2 on the season.
Kochetkov's Great December:Antti Raanta's honors on Monday came fewer than 24 hours after his current goaltending partner, Pyotr Kochetkov, was
named the league's Rookie of the Month
for the month of December. The 23-year-old went 7-0-1 in December with a 1.63 goals against average and a .939 save percentage.
On The Other Side:Nino Niederreiter and the Nashville Predators come to town 4-3-3 in their last ten contests. A relatively accurate description of their entire season, the Preds have struggled to score goals this season. Their 98 goals for are the fourth-fewest among all 32 NHL clubs, but their saving grace is that they are just outside the top ten for the fewest goals allowed (109). Niederreiter has 21 points in 35 games this season, most recently producing three assists in the team's win over Montreal earlier this week.
