ST. LOUIS – The Carolina Hurricanes will have Brandon Bussi between the pipes on Tuesday when they take on the St. Louis Blues.
Off to a historic 16-2-1 start to his NHL career, the 27-year-old has been a blessing this season, helping the crew navigate the loss of Pyotr Kochetkov and a trying campaign for Frederik Andersen.
In front of Bussi, the Canes are likely to be without William Carrier for a second consecutive game. A surprise absence last night after scoring the game-winning goal on Saturday in Raleigh, Rod Brind’Amour said pre-game that he hopes the forward “isn’t out for too long.”
Jesperi Kotkaniemi took his spot in the lineup, drawing back in for the first time since Jan. 3.
Elsewhere amongst the group of skaters, Mike Reilly will play for the first time since New Year’s Day. Brind’Amour did not specify which blueliner would come out to make room for him.
Tonight’s Projected Lineup…
Forwards
Svechnikov – Aho – Ehlers
Hall – Stankoven – Blake
Martinook – Staal – Jarvis
Kotkaniemi – Jankowski – Robinson
Defense
Slavin – Chatfield
Miller – Walker
Nikishin – Gostisbehere
Reilly
Starting Goaltender
Bussi
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Injuries
William Carrier (Lower-Body Injury | No Timetable For Return)
Pyotr Kochetkov (Hip Surgery | “Likely Out For The Year” as of Dec. 29)
Charles Alexis Legault (Hand Injury | Out 3-4 Months From Nov. 11)
Noah Philp (Concussion Protocol | No Timetable For Return)
Scratches
Mike Reilly
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PP1: Aho, Ehlers (Staal), Jarvis, and Svechnikov with Gostisbehere
PP2: Blake, Hall and Stankoven with Miller and Nikishin
Jordan Staal has been taking the faceoffs with the first power play unit. If he wins it, he’ll stay on the ice. When the puck comes out of the zone, he jumps off, and Nikolaj Ehlers jumps on.
