Game Day Canes vs. Devils

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
March 28, 2015 - 7:00 pm ET
PNC Arena - Raleigh, NC
TV - Fox Sports Carolinas
Radio - 99.9 FM The Fan
SB Nation Rival Blog - In Lou We Trust

Fancy Stats

	Hurricanes	Devils
Record	27-36-10	31-31-12
Points	64	74
Division Rank	8th Metro	6th Metro
Conference Rank	14th EC	12th EC
Streak	Won 1	OT 1
Power Play %	19.7%	18.9%
Penalty Kill %	85.5%	80.8%
Goals/Game	2.27	2.19
Goals Against/Game	2.66	2.46
Shots/Game	30.6	24.3
Shots Against/Game	27.4	30.6
ES Goals For %	43.6%	49.8%
ES Corsi For %	52.1%	46.9%
ES PDO	97.3	101.1
PIM/Game	7.0	8.8
Goaltender	Ward	Schneider
Record	19-21-5	26-27-8
ES Save Percentage	.914	.935
GAA	2.43	2.19
Goaltender	Khudobin	Kinkaid
Record	8-15-5	5-4-3
ES Save Percentage	.904	.934
GAA	2.62	2.42

Stats via NHL.com and War on Ice

Game Notes

• After five straight games against playoff contenders, tonight the Canes get a bit of a break, taking on a Metro division rival that has been all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. That said, the Devils have a 2-0-1 record against the Canes season-to-date as the teams face each other for the fourth and final time tonight.
• It's not easy to find a team that scores fewer goals than the Canes this season, but the Devils are one of those teams. In fact, they rank low in most categories related to generating offense; 28th in goals per game (2.19), 29th in shots per game (24.3), 27th in face-off wins (47.5%), and 25th in even strength Corsi (46.9%). On the flip side, they have out-scored the Canes 6-4 and have limited them to only one regulation goal in each of the three games this season.
• As a fan, it might be a little difficult to manufacture a lot of enthusiasm for this one. For the Canes, perhaps the momentum of Thursday's 5-2 whooping of the Penguins, a game where eleven different players found the score sheet, can carry forward into tonight. Head coach Bill Peters didn't announce any line-up changes after yesterday's practice, but Alexander Semin did not practice and is questionable for tonight. If Semin is out of the line-up, expect Andrej Nestrasil to take his spot and for Patrick Dwyer to draw back in on the fourth line. More information should be known after the morning skate. Peters did confirm Cam Ward will get the start in net.
• Congratulations to Nathan Gerbe, who has been nominated as the team candidate for the 2015 Masterton Trophy.
• Tonight's game marks the front end of a back-to-back home series for the Canes, as they'll turn around and take on the Bruins tomorrow evening at 5:00 pm.
• The Devils are in the midst of a two-game road swing through the mid-Atlantic. They came back to tie the Capitals late in Thursday night's game in Washington but were defeated in overtime for the 3-2 loss. Steve Bernier scored the tying goal Thursday and has three goals in his past four games. Scott Gomez has four points (1g, 3a) in his past four games.
• Keith Kinkaid was perfect through half of the game against the Canes on February 21st before leaving with an injury. He may get the call in net again tonight, since the Devils play back-to-back games this weekend (they face the Ducks tomorrow).
• The Devils were supposed to practice at RCI yesterday but called it off, so stay tuned for any line-up changes after the morning skate.
• It's Go Green Night at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes will be wearing commemorative green jerseys at warmups, and fans can drop off hazardous household items in the North lot prior to the game and register to win a player-worn jersey from Nathan Gerbe or Ron Hainsey. There's also a South Plaza party before the game. For more details, visit the Hurricanes Promotions page.

Projected line-ups

Hurricanes (from Thursday's game)

Injuries and Scratches: Jack Hillen (concussion), Rasmus Rissanen (MCL), Patrick Dwyer, Brett Bellemore

Devils (from Thursday's game):

Injuries and Scratches: Bryce Salvador (IR back), Ryane Clowe (IR concussion), Stefan Matteau, Martin Havlat, Peter Harrold, Michael Ryder