Carolina Hurricanes Look to Keep Preseason Streaks Alive in DC

The undefeated Carolina Hurricanes hit the ice for their third preseason game tonight at 7:00PM EST, at Capital One Arena, against the undefeated Washington Capitals.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Carolina Hurricanes had back-to-back games in their only preseason games against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In Game 1, the Hurricanes put out essentially the main roster’s fourth line and prospects. In Game 2, the Hurricanes put out mostly roster-caliber players, like Jaccob Slavin, Petr Mrazek, and Sebastian Aho. They won both games by shutout, outscoring the Lightning 5-0 in both games combined.

While the Hurricanes won their preseason games in dominant fashion, the Washington Capitals were in two thrilling close games against the Chicago Blackhawks and the St Louis. Blues. On Monday, Tom Wilson won the Capitals the game in overtime with a score of 4-3. On Wednesday, they win with a goal from center-ice with 6.9 seconds left to win 3-2 against the Blues.

However, the Washington Capitals plan to put mostly prospects on the ice for tonight, unlike their last two preseason games. The lineup for the Hurricanes at Capital One Arena is similar as the first preseason game, with Jordan Martinook, Brock McGinn, Lucas Wallmark, and James Reimer leading the way.

This game is the perfect opportunity for roster-hopefuls to make their big performance to really punch the statement to coaching that they deserve to stay in Raleigh. With the Capitals putting mostly prospects, they’re playing with equal or inferior opposition.

Martin Necas hasn’t look bad so far in training camp and the preseason, but he hasn’t looked flashy either. Necas is something to look for tonight, as he should show more value. If he doesn’t, Erik Haula is out with a lower-body injury and Julien Gauthier has his third preseason game in a row, three out of three.

With his physical play and an assist in two preseason games, Gauthier could make a good case to make the roster. Although his competition is tough, Haula’s injury doesn’t seem to be serious, and Necas is still a favorite, Gauthier could still seek make himself undeniable, an impossible-to-say-no to player if he continues his performance.

With the loss of Michael Ferland and no extension for Saku Maenalanen, coaching could opt for Gauthier to take such a missing physical role.

Ryan Suzuki, who has looked stable in training camp and the preseason and earned an entry-level contract a few days ago, is most likely heading back to the Barrie Colts some time soon, unless management thinks it’s best to give him the full NHL preseason experience for him to bring back to Barrie to develop off of.

Shutout streaks always come to an end, it could be tonight, it might not be. So far, Alex Nedeljkovic, James Reimer, Anton Forsberg, and Petr Mrazek haven’t really been able to give a large sample in the preseason, as the crease has been shared through multiple periods.

Tonight, it’s Reimer and Forsberg, Reimer has proved to be a favorite to be backup. Forsberg needs this game, a lackluster performance may establish a foundation for a trip to Charlotte.

Question for Cardiac Cane Readers: Will Martin Necas score a goal tonight?