The Carolina Hurricanes, (24-27-14) are finished with their long six game homestand and will now take their act to the road as they play the first of a back-to-back tonight against the Washington Capitals, (32-28-5).
The Canes are currently in 14th place in the East and have a 4-2-4 record in their last 10 games.
Patrick Dwyer is healthy and will return to the third line tonight. Zach Boychuk was sent back to Charlotte as Kirk Muller made a couple of other changes to the lines. According to CH.com, look for these lines to start out, including Joslin to remain in at forward and Drayson Bowman as the healthy extra out with sinus problem:
- Tlusty, Staal, Stewart
- Skinner, Jokinen, LaRose
- Dwyer, Sutter, Nodl
- Joslin, Brent , Samson
- Harrison, Faulk
- Allen, Gleason
- McBain, Spacek
The expected starter in goal is Cam Ward. He will be facing Michal Neuvirth at the other end of the rink.
The Caps have not scored a goal in their last two games and are looking to get back on track for their playoff push. They currently sit in 9th place in the East and are 4-6-0 in their last 10 games.
According to the Washington Post, Mike Knuble, John Erskine, and Roman Hamrlik will all be healthy scratched. For you capologists out there, that is $7 million sitting up in the press box for the home team. Former Hurricane prospect Keith Aucoin will get the nod tonight.
Again according to the Post, here are the projected forward lines:
Ovechkin-Laich-Johansson
Chimera-Perreault-Semin
Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer
Aucoin-Halpern-Ward
For even more info about the Caps, check out our SBN partners over at Japers' Rink.
Speaking of shutouts, the Caps have not scored a goal against the Hurricanes in the previous two games between the clubs. The Canes won 5-0 and 3-0 with both meetings at the RBC, but tonight's game is at the Verizon Center where the Caps are 4-0-1 in their last five against Carolina.
Eric Staal has now earned points in 11 consecutive games, (7G 13A).
Tonight's game will be televised locally by FS Carolinas. The open game thread will be up and ready at 6:30.