In The Crease: Pyotr Kochetkov's start yesterday was his fourth in a row, making 38 stops en route to another unfortunate defeat. Through six starts this season he has allowed a total of just 14 goals, although his record now sits at 2-1-3. Kochetkov was not scheduled to start Wednesday night against Arizona but Antti Raanta was "nicked up" at morning skate ahead of the team's meeting against the Coyotes, thus prompting Kochetkov to become the first Canes netminder to start three games in a row this season. Prior to yesterday's game Rod Brind'Amour said that Raanta was healthy enough to back up, but the team wasn't going to start him if he was less than 100%. During the Brind'Amour era in Raleigh it has been extremely uncommon for a goaltender to start games on back-to-back days, so the question of whether Raanta is healthy enough to start today's contest is a big one.
Good On The Back Half:Through three back-to-back sets so far this campaign, the Canes are 3-0-0 in the second game.
Be In Your Seats On Time:The Flames arrive at PNC Arena with 23 first period goals this season, third most in the NHL. Conversely, they've also allowed 23 first period goals, tied for the second most league-wide. When it comes to the third period, they've scored just 13 goals, the fewest in the final stanza by any time thus far this season.
Injury Report: Forward Ondrej Kase has been in concussion protocol since October 13. Goaltender Frederik Andersen (lower-body injury) was placed on injured reserve November 10, retroactive to November 6. Forward Teuvo Teravainen (upper-body injury) was placed on injured reserve November 11, retroactive to November 10. Teravainen and Max Pacioretty, who tore his Achilles in August, have been skating together recently though.
On The Other Side:Calgary comes to town for their final bout of a six-game road trip out east. They are 2-2-1 on the venture thus far, taking wins from both Florida and Philadelphia. Former Hurricane Elias Lindholm leads the way for the team with 16 points in 20 games this season. A key component to their game, like Carolina, is getting pucks on net. They have averaged 35.6 shots per contest this season, third most in the NHL.
