After a long layoff, the Carolina Hurricanes continue their homestand on Thursday night, playing the first of three games in four days. The Canes last played on Sunday night, fighting off the Flames to earn a 1-0 victory in overtime. Brandon Bussi made 15 saves to record his first NHL shutout, while Nikolaj Ehlers scored the game-winner from Taylor Hall.
With days off came plenty of practice time for the Hurricanes. It allowed them to heal and work on their power play. Jordan Staal was getting time on the top unit, and while Rod Brind'Amour was quick to shut down some of the noise, he was back on the power play for Wednesday's practice, too. It also allowed Jaccob Slavin to join the group in a non-contact sweater.
On the Other Side: Toronto Maple Leafs
Last meeting: The Hurricanes made the trek across the border a little under a month ago. The Leafs' strong start and finish to the first period had them up 3-2 after 20, and another goal midway through the second pushed them ahead by two. Sean Walker scored late in the second, and the Canes added two more in the third, including the go-ahead tally by Logan Stankoven, to earn a 5-4 comeback win.
November was not a kind month to the Maple Leafs after their loss to the Hurricanes. They stumbled through a five-game losing streak and seven losses in eight games, putting them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They've rebounded during their six-game road trip, winning three of their last four, including a big 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.
Their offense is lethal, led by the usual suspects. William Nylander leads the team with 32 points. John Tavares sits with 29, backed by a team-high 13 goals. Matthew Knies has continued his upward trajectory after breaking out last season. Auston Matthews has points in three straight after missing almost two weeks. Their core up front is as strong as ever from a production standpoint.
While their offense is near the top of the league, their defense is near the bottom. They've allowed 90 goals in 26 games, placing them fifth from the bottom in goals allowed per contest. Joseph Woll has been good since returning from his hiatus, posting a .920 save percentage over seven starts. His team hasn't helped a ton, scoring more than twice just two times in those starts.
Maple Leafs to Watch
John Tavares: During his illustrious career, Tavares has enjoyed playing the Hurricanes the most. His 32 goals and 61 points are the most he has scored against any team. This includes the goal and assist that he notched against the Canes when they visited in November. After a blistering start, Tavares has slowed a little, with just two points over their last five games.
Morgan Rielly: In many Toronto circles, there has been a lot of concern about Rielly's body of work. It feels like a never-ending cycle. He'll go through a rough patch. Rumors will swirl. He'll re-find his game and start producing. The rumors go away. As a staple on the Leafs' blue line, it's unclear whether they'd consider it, but it won't stop the rumor mill from turning.
Hurricanes to Watch
Sebastian Aho: I picked Aho as one of my players to watch when these two met in November. He scored a goal in that game. Why not try for that same magic again? Aho has been a thorn in Toronto's side during recent visits over the last few seasons. He has recorded points in three straight against the Leafs and 12 points in their last eight meetings.
K'Andre Miller: Since his two-goal performance on Opening Night, Miller hasn't found the back of the net. He has nine assists during that time, so it isn't as if he hasn't been producing. He has also been strong on the defensive side of the puck. It would be nice to see him get one to go tonight, snapping his goalless drought.