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For the Carolina Hurricanes, tonight’s 7:00 puck drop marks new beginnings. A new owner and front office, a new captain and a new coach — a new era of Hurricanes hockey. I couldn’t be happier to deliver the first game preview of that era.
Game Notes
- The Hurricanes franchise holds a 72-50-9-10 record all time against the Islanders. Since relocation, the Canes are a dominant 49-22-0-10 against the club.
- The teams split the season series in 2017-18.
- Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen both led the team with six points (2g, 4a) last season against the Islanders.
- The Islanders received much media attention last summer as former captain and franchise center John Tavares hit free agency.
- Speaking of free agency, the Islanders lost long time blue liner Calvin de Haan to the Hurricanes this summer. de Haan played 304 games for the Islanders between 2011 and 2018, logging 81 points in that span.
- After a big shake up last summer, only 11 players on this season’s 23 man roster were drafted by the Hurricanes. (Can you name them all?)
- Tonight’s festivities include a party on the PNC Arena south plaza beginning at 5:00, free rally towels to all in attendance, the introduction of the 2018-19 roster, and the incomparable Petey Pablo sounding the warning siren. Make sure to get there early!
Storm Advisory
- Don Waddell sat down with Sara Civian, Hurricanes beat writer at the Athletic, to talk about his first season as General Manager of the club.
Sat down with Canes GM Don Waddell today for @theathleticcar. We talked offseason moves and all that fun stuff, but my favorite part is this Petr Mzarek story: https://t.co/HVqKXJc8zm pic.twitter.com/Vh98QbIdap
— Sara Civ (@SaraCivian) October 3, 2018
- ICYMI, the NHL threw the book at Capitals forward Tom Wilson for this brutal preseason hit.
- ...And Wilson will be leaving a lot of money on the table as a result of it.
Washington #Capitals forward Tom Wilson, who is considered a repeat offender per the CBA, will forfeit a total of $1,260,162.44 as a result of his 20 game suspension.
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) October 3, 2018
- T.J. Oshie was surprised by the lengthy suspension doled out by the league.
T.J. Oshie said he was “surprised” by Wilson suspension news. He texted Wilson that he loves him when he heard. Gave him a hug when he got to the rink. Called it unfortunate that the league wanted to make an example out of Wilson.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) October 4, 2018
- The Sabres have announced their new captain — franchise centerpiece Jack Eichel.
Jack Eichel. Buffalo Sabres captain.#LetsGoBuffalo #Sabres pic.twitter.com/6N6ujWHhGb
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 3, 2018
- Patrik Laine, an outspoken gamer, had something to say regarding the Canucks decision to ban video games on the road this season.
Patrik Laine on Vancouver’s decision to ban video games on the road: “They need something to blame after last year.” #NHLJets
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) October 3, 2018
Laine went on to say that the players amongst the #NHLJets have agreed that if they start playing like that (Vancouver) they will stop taking their Playstations on the road.
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) October 3, 2018
- Philadelphia loved Rod Brind’Amour, and many surrounding the Flyers organization are happy to see him at the helm in Carolina. [Philly.com]
- The Canes are emphasizing new marketing initiatives. [Front Office Sports]
- Some very exciting news: an outdoor game featuring the Hurricanes could be on its way in the future! [News & Observer]