Honestly, I'm not sure that the Carolina Hurricanes can top what we saw on Thursday night in Greensboro, and, frankly, I don't want them to try. Another young group took the ice for this fun contest at the home of the Greensboro Gargoyles, and despite trailing 5-1 in the second period, they scored five unanswered goals, including Felix Unger Sorum's winner with 2.6 seconds left, to win 6-5.
Rod Brind'Amour declared on Friday that everyone who hadn't played during the preseason would be in the lineup for the preseason finale. This means that we should see the newly constructed top line get its first look, as well as the always dangerous third line, featuring the Conn Smythe winner. Brandon Bussi should also be in the net after playing in just half of their win on Tuesday.
Like the Canes, the Predators made more cuts to their preseason roster on Friday, leaving them with 28 players left in camp. Head Coach Andrew Brunette said that there will likely be a mix of players tuning up for Opening Night and players making one final pitch to be on Nashville's roster when it needs to be turned in on Monday afternoon.
Hurricanes to Watch
Eric Robinson: With Seth Jarvis out to begin the season, the coaching staff has entrusted Robinson to play on Sebastian Aho's wing. We saw how well he played during his first season when paired with a skilled player like Martin Necas. Now, Robinson has a chance to show us all what he can do next to the team's top center and one of its best wingers. It's quite the opportunity.
Sebastian Aho: Of course, having a new linemate is a two-way street. It's a great opportunity for Robinson, but it matters quite a bit to the guy playing up the middle, too. Aho is used to the revolving door of wingers, but he and Jarvis are magical together. This test run should show us how well Aho and Robinson mesh. I'm also curious whether Aho and Robinson will kill penalties together, too.
Jordan Staal: The reigning Conn Smythe winner has had a pretty good summer. After capturing his second Stanley Cup and being named the postseason MVP, Staal signed a one-year extension for next season, putting some rumors to bed about a potential retirement. This team goes as their captain does, so I'm expecting him to help set the tone this afternoon.
Charles Alexis Legault: After Friday's round of cuts saw Joel Nystrom and Pierre-Olivier Joseph either sent to Chicago or placed on waivers, the path is there for Legault to make the Opening Night roster for the first time. Of course, it's not set in stone until Monday, but this will be a chance to solidify that for him. It's more than deserved after everything he has done over the last few weeks.
Add us as a preferred source on Google