Game 1 against the Flyers sets a viewership record
Across the playoffs, television numbers have been excellent for the NHL. The first round was the most watched in the U.S. ever, averaging 1.2 million viewers per contest. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the Hurricanes-Senators series wasn't a huge draw in the States, finishing sixth of the eight series in average viewership, though Games 1 and 4 brought over 1 million sets of eyes.
With the Canes and the Flyers drawing into the primetime spot on Saturday night to begin their series, they were set up for success. As the only game on the slate that night, they drew 2.5 million viewers, setting a record for the most viewed Game 1 in the second round. It helps that those who tuned in got to see a Hurricanes win. Then again, they didn't have much of a choice.
Top pick stays out of the Metro as the Rangers fall to 5th overall
The draft lottery drawing on Tuesday night provided us with a few shocking results. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who came into the night at risk of losing their pick to Boston if it fell out of the Top 5, won the right to make the first selection after moving up four spots with the perfect combination. Additionally, the Shark swam from ninth to second, making a sizable jump for another high pick.
The results of the lottery drawings were about as good as the Hurricanes could've asked for, in the grand scheme of things. Obviously, you'd like to see it land outside of the Eastern Conference, but at least the Rangers didn't get it. With both Toronto and San Jose moving up, the Rangers fell from third to fifth. They were the only Metro team that could've won the lottery. Everyone else was 12th or lower.
The Hurricanes still don't know where their first-round pick will land, though they know the pick they acquired from the Dallas Stars in the Mikko Rantanen deal will go to the Rangers. This pick was used to bring K'Andre Miller to Raleigh last summer. If they win their series against the Flyers, they'll select somewhere between 28th and 31st, assuming they don't trade it before making their selection.
Nikishin clears concussion protocol, sets stage for a Game 3 return
It felt like an inevitability, but Alexander Nikishin has officially been cleared to play after he sustained his concussion against the Senators. He has been active at practices, shedding his non-contact sweater last week, and, as mentioned on Tuesday, Nikishin was on the ice before Game 2 against the Flyers for warm-ups, though he didn't play.
The Hurricanes will practice on Wednesday morning before making the journey to Philadelphia ahead of Thursday's Game 3. I would expect Nikishin to be right back in his usual spot next to Shayne Gostisbehere. This should also mean that Nikishin will draw back into the lineup for the third game of the series, adding another dangerous weapon to the back end.
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