When: Wednesday, October 12
Puck Drop:7 p.m. EST
Watch:Bally Sports South,
Bally Sports+
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
THE QUICK HITS:
Preseason Recap:The Canes went 4-1 in five exhibition games leading up to tonight, outscoring their opposition 24-11. Martin Necas led the way with six points in his three outings.
Fifth Season of Rod:As the organization begins their 25th season, the team begins their fifth year with Rod Brind'Amour at the helm. Through 288 regular season games, the 2021 Jack Adams Award winner has guided the team to a record of 174-86-28. The Hurricanes Hall of Fame member has guided the club to division championships in back-to-back seasons, including a franchise record 54 wins and 116 points during the 2021-22 regular season.
Debut Day:As many as four players will play their first regular season game with the team tonight. Brent Burns, Dylan Coghlan, Ondrej Kase and Paul Stastny were all brought in this offseason to attempt to assist the team in getting over their mid-playoff round hump.
Nerves Are Good:Although Burns, Coghlan, Kase and Stastny are veterans of a combined 2,668 games in the NHL, their new head coach is expecting them to still have some nervous energy as they approach their first game with their new club. "It's tough going to a new team. You always want to do well and get to a good start with your new group. You want the fans to get a good taste of you and all that. It's all a part of it. I think it can actually help an older player to have those nerves, because they're good."
Preseason Power Play Hope:After the man advantage was a factor that led to the team's demise in the playoffs last year, the new combos burst onto the scene by going 7/17 in preseason play. Burns is expected to quarterback the team's first unit, while one of either Coghlan, Ethan Bear, Brett Pesce or Jaccob Slavin will head the second group.
Back At Full Strength:Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta will be the Canes one-two punch in net for a second consecutive year. The duo brought home the William Jennings Trophy for their part in allowing a league-low 202 goals over 82 games last season. Should he start, Andersen will be playing in his first regular season game since suffering an MCL injury on April 16 against the Avalanche that ended his campaign. Raanta is also bouncing back from an MCL injury of his own, which was suffered in Round 2, Game 7 versus New York.
Follow-Up Act:A key component to the Canes success last year was a 9-0 start to the season. The team's loss did not come until November 6.
Hey, We're Good At This:Carolina has won their last three season openers and are 4-0-2 in the last six years.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
What Are We Wearing?:The Canes will be wearing their new vintage-inspired red sweaters for the first time.
AFTER TODAY:
The Canes will practice Thursday before taking off for San Jose and a five-game, 13-day trip out west.
Worth A Click:
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Canes Announce Home Uniform Schedule
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Companions In The Crease: Andersen, Raanta Explain Masks
Hurricanes Hall of Fame Established
Canes Offseason Player Tracker
