It feels like only yesterday that the Carolina Hurricanes arrived in Finland. Sadly, their trip ends on Saturday as they wrap up their season series and the Global Series against the Seattle Kraken. We witnessed our first international Storm Surge on Thursday, giving the fans quite a show in their first game abroad in over a decade and a half.
The Hurricanes' Finns were all over the first game of the Global Series. After Nikolaj Ehlers broke the ice, Sebastian Aho scored on the power play in the first period and added a dagger in the third, and Juuso Valimaki snapped one home in the second period, giving them big moments in their home country. Meanwhile, the Canes kept things calm for Brandon Bussi, allowing just 13 shots in a 4-1 win.
Injury Report
Carolina: Good news could be on the horizon for the Canes. Jordan Staal, the only injured player on the active roster, was in the rotation on Friday, signaling that he could be ready to return after a month on the shelf. Rod Brind'Amour didn't give a concrete answer as to whether he'll play, and no subsequent move was made to open a roster spot, so we'll see what happens.
Seattle: I was a tad premature in assuming that Ryan Lindgren would be ready for Thursday's game. He didn't play, and Lane Lambert said that he and Jacob Melanson, who shed his no-contact sweater on Friday, would be game-time decisions. Obviously, the big injury is Jared McCann, whom they could really use after their effort on Thursday.
Players to Watch
Jesperi Kotkaniemi: As the only Finn on the Hurricanes' roster who didn't factor into the scoring on Thursday, Kotkaniemi getting a goal today would be incredibly fitting. If we do see the captain back in the lineup, all indications are that Kotkaniemi will stay in as a winger on the fourth line, where he began the season. I've liked him better at center this season, but he absolutely deserves to stay in.
Jordan Staal: Speaking of the captain, it seems like he might be good to go, if Friday's practice is to be believed. Returning to a line with Jarvis and Martinook could be exactly what is needed to get him his 500th point as a Hurricane. The third line, as it has been, hasn't been as effective, so getting Staal back, especially with this tried-and-true trio, will only make this team stronger.
Frederik Gaudreau: The Kraken managed just 13 shots in Thursday's contest. Gaudreau was one of two Kraken with multiple shots, leading his team with three. He also netted their only goal late in the third period. Gaudreau has eight goals this season, pacing Seattle and already better than his total from last season. At the rate he's playing, he'll be on the ice a lot tonight.
Joey Daccord: After Grubauer and Bussi started the first game, Daccord should battle Kochetkov to close the Global Series. Daccord was stellar last season against the Canes. He stopped 33 shots in Raleigh, suffering a tough-luck loss. In his second start, Daccord stopped 35 shots, his second-most last season, in a 2-1 win. He has struggled, but the Canes could be the perfect opponent for him.
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