The Carolina Hurricanes (47-21-6) are back home tonight to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (38-25-12) at 7 PM, with a chance to clinch a playoff berth.
Tonight’s matchup is the second straight between the two teams, with the Canes winning the first 5-2 on Tuesday.
Nikolaj Ehlers led the way for Carolina on Tuesday with three points, giving him 64 on the year and matching his career high from the 2016-17 season with the Winnipeg Jets.
The story of the night was the powerplay for the Canes, though. Carolina scored three power play goals on five opportunities and are now ranked fifth in the league in power play percentage at 24.6 percent.
Heading into a playoffs where it feels like the Canes have a great shot to make it out of the Eastern Conference, the power play is surging at the perfect time. After struggling on it last season, where they ranked 25th in the league, Carolina has returned to its 2023-24 form, where they were second in the NHL at 26.9 percent.
Columbus has a lot to play for as the season comes down to an end, though. With seven games left in the season, the Blue Jackets currently hold a two point lead over the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. If Columbus can hold off and earn a playoff berth this season, it will mark their first since the 2019-2020 season.
The Blue Jackets are led by Norris Trophy favorite Zach Werenski, who has 78 points in 68 games this season.
Up front, winger Kirill Marchenko is second on Columbus in scoring with 63 points on the year. Marchenko has three points in three games this season against the Canes.
In net for Columbus will be Elvis Merzlikins, who has served as the second goalie for the majority of the season behind Jet Greaves. In 28 starts this year, Merzlikins has posted a 3.34 GAA and .886 save percentage.
Getting the nod for the Canes should be Frederik Andersen, who has put up a 3.16 GAA and .871 save percentage in 31 starts this season.
Carolina goes into this game without any new additions to the injury report.
If the Canes are able to come out with a win tonight, it will be the eighth straight year of playoff hockey in Raleigh.
Here’s how to catch the action:
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network App/ESPN+
Odds: Hurricanes -188 Moneyline, Hurricanes -1.5 at +126
