Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals: Preview, Game Notes, How to Watch

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 - 7:00 pm
PNC Arena - Raleigh, NC
Fox Sports SouthEast - 99.9 The Fan
Rival Blog - Japers’ Rink

Vital Statistics

Game Notes

• After a 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks Thursday night in their first game of a five-game home stand, the Hurricanes players took the day off Friday but the front office was busy making changes to its 23-man roster. Justin Faulk was placed on injured reserve, Jakub Nakladal was placed on waivers, Phil Di Giuseppe was assigned to Charlotte, and the team announced Bryan Bickell would be sidelined for an extended time as he deals with the unfortunate news of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
• Hoping for an infusion of enthusiasm and goal-scoring, forwards Derek Ryan and Brock McGinn were recalled from Charlotte. Both players have recorded five goals for the Checkers to start the season and have been instrumental in the team's six-game win streak, which ties a team record.
• Why not change up the attire while they're at it? The Canes will be back in black for the first time this season. The team posted a 7-2-3 record in their alternate jerseys in 2015-16 and are 57-34-9 all-time.
• Tonight’s game marks the first of four this season against the Metro division rival Washington Capitals. The Canes held a 1-2-1 record last season against the President’s Trophy winners and had a bit of success against them this preseason with an overtime and a shootout win albeit against depleted Caps rosters.
• The Caps come into tonight’s game prevailing in a 3-2 in overtime win against the Blackhawks in Chicago last night. Jay Beagle scored both goals in regulation, and Marcus Johansson scored the overtime winner, tying him with Alex Ovechkin for a team-leading seven goals.
• The Caps didn’t arrive in Raleigh until after 2:00 am, so they won’t hold a practice or media availability this morning. Head coach Barry Trotz has confirmed Philipp Grubauer will be their starter in net for the Caps. He holds a 2-1-1 record with a 2.31 GAA in five career games against Carolina and is undefeated this season in two starts.
• The Canes have already been the rested team twice at home facing an opponent who played on the road the night before, and so far they have two regulation losses to show for it. Against one of the East’s best teams, starting on time and playing a complete game will be key tonight. A partial line change briefly reunited the trio of Victor Rask, Jeff Skinner, and Lee Stempniak for the team’s second goal Thursday, so it will be curious to see if Bill Peters returns to that successful combination. Regardless, changes are definitely coming to the forward lines with the call-ups from Charlotte. How this all shakes out will be revealed after the morning skate (which by the way is closed to the public for a season ticket member event).
• One area where the Canes can hold their own against the Capitals, at least statistically, is on special teams, where they are out-performing them in both areas. The power play has tapered off of late but the Canes are 12-for-12 on the penalty kill over the last five games.
• Jaccob Slavin is riding a two-game point streak.
• Tonight is Veterans Day Appreciation night with special ticket pricing and honors presented to veterans throughout the evening. Also debuting is the ‘True Defenders’ program hosted by Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin. The first 10,000 fans in the building will receive Bojangles gift cards. Arrive early and support a local family at the Section 328 tailgate (check out this impressive list of silent auction and raffle items).
• Program note: tonight’s game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Southeast.