Carolina Hurricanes Vs Predators: Preseason Part Deux
The Carolina Hurricanes fell to the Predators Wednesday, but look to bounce back
After a stinging 3-0 shutout, the Carolina Hurricanes throw down against Smashville yet again tonight. Unlike Wednesday night’s contest, this time the battle lines will be significantly evened out. President and General Manager Don Waddell announced a slew of assignments yesterday, trimming the preseason roster by eleven. Eight players, including Alex “Ned” Nedelijkovic, Morgan Geekie, Jake Bean, and Steven Lorentz, have been assigned to the Charlotte Checkers.
This leaves twenty-nine players on the training camp roster. What this means for tonight’s game is that there will be a far higher number of veteran Hurricanes on the lineup tonight, making for a theoretically closer contest.
I expect the backup goaltender battle between James Reimer and Anton Forsberg to be all but decided tonight. Forsberg, who had a .925 save percentage on 37 saves, is on a bit of a hot streak currently, and in definite contention for the backup role. Reimer, who did not dress for Wednesday’s game, is expected to be tonight’s starting goaltender.
Tonight’s performance could very well decide whether veteran goaltender James Reimer or rookie Anton Forsberg, lands the role.
Other players to watch tonight include Martin Necas, who has so far had a very lackluster camp. The Calder Cup champion is known to have a slow start going into the season, but performs admirably once up and running. He suited up for Carolina in seven games last season, logging a goal and an assist for two points.
Right-winger Julien Gauthier is another hot player to watch out for. He’s had a stellar training camp so far, logging one assist and six hits in the four games he’s played. He also generates a lot of offensive chances with his stellar puck handling and isn’t afraid to put the puck on net. Gauthier is currently averaging 2.25 shots per game.
After Ryan Dzingel‘s lower-body injury, Wednesday night, centermen Clark Bishop and Martin Necas both have a substantial opportunity to make the opening day roster. If Bishop is to make the roster over Necas, however, he will have to step up his game significantly. Clark has registered a goal this preseason; however, his on-ice performance hasn’t been anything to write home about.
Tonight we may also see the first appearance of Joel Edmundson since his acquisition by the Carolina Hurricanes in the trade with St. Louis. Edmundson, a veteran defender, and Stanley Cup champion has 269 NHL games under his belt. In four seasons with the Blues, Joel has registered thirteen goals, thirty-nine assists for fifty-two points.
While tonight’s match is a Friday game, Carolina will not be donning their gorgeous storm warning third jerseys. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM and is available for watch on NHL.tv and radio broadcast courtesy of WRALSportsFan.
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Provided Joel Edmundson dresses tonight, how do you think he’ll do, Caniacs?