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Now with 100% more Justin Williams included - although he won’t play tonight - the Hurricanes look to build off an exciting win over Philadelphia on Tuesday as they take on Taylor Hall and a hot Coyotes team in Raleigh, beginning a weekend back-to-back at PNC Arena.
Vital Statistics
| Category | Hurricanes | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hurricanes | Blue Jackets |
| Record | 21-7-3 | 13-13-7 |
| Goals/Game | 3.23 | 2.54 |
| Goals Against/Game | 2.48 | 3.12 |
| Shots/Game | 31.52 | 28.70 |
| Face Off Win % | 54.4% | 46.2% |
| Power Play % (Rank) | 30.6% (1st) | 14.8% (26th) |
| Penalty Kill % (Rank) | 82.9% (9th) | 74.0% (26th) |
| ES Corsi For % | 53.04% | 46.16% |
| ES PDO | 100.96 | 99.42 |
| PIM/Game | 07:21 | 06:43 |
Goaltender #1
| Category | James Reimer | Joonas Korpisalo |
|---|---|---|
| Category | James Reimer | Joonas Korpisalo |
| Record | 12-4-1 | 8-10-5 |
| Save % | 0.909 | .900 |
| GAA | 2.68 | 2.98 |
Goaltender #2
| Category | Alex Nedeljkovic | Elvis Merzlikins |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Alex Nedeljkovic | Elvis Merzlikins |
| Record | 7-2-2 | 5-3-2 |
| Save % | .930 | .912 |
| GAA | 1.96 | 2.91 |
Game Notes
- The Hurricanes and Coyotes will meet tonight for the first of two matchups this season. The Canes will travel to Arizona to close out the series on February 6th.
- The Hurricanes won the season series in 2018-19 with three points and a record of 1-0-1.
- If you somehow missed it over the past few days: Justin Williams is back in the fold, signing a one-year deal to finish out the season in Carolina. He’s unlikely to be in the lineup tonight as he continues to get into game shape.
- All-Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton tallied two points (1g, 1a) against Philadelphia on Tuesday, which brought his point tally to 39 through 42 games. That matches the 39 points (18g, 21a) that he put up over 82 games last season. His 39 points are the most put up by a defenseman in team history (since relocation).
- Jordan Martinook recorded his 100th NHL point on Tuesday with an assist. He has earned 35 points (17g, 18a) in 110 games with Carolina, after posting 65 points (26g, 39a) in 247 games with the Coyotes.
Storm Advisory
- Justin Williams enjoyed being a dad for the first half of the year, but the itch to keep playing never left him and eventually he returned to his comfort zone. [Sports Illustrated]
He's signed, so when will he be skating?@JustinWilliams joined @Jackie_Redmond, @EJHradek_NHL and @Rupper17 on #NHLNow to talk about returning to the @Canes. https://t.co/uLtBqfYdyR pic.twitter.com/cdwe18EhmQ
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 9, 2020
Among others, Justin Williams got a text today from former Predators captain Mike Fisher, who made a similar midseason comeback in ‘17-18 (Williams had previously hit him up for advice).
— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) January 9, 2020
“He was like, ‘Go get ‘em buddy! Why not?’” Williams told me. “That’s exactly what I said.” pic.twitter.com/lfl7wue4oK
- Tom Dundon went on the David Glenn Show and talked a bit about the arena experience, as well as the prospects of an outdoor game next season.
Tom Dundon on getting an outdoor game: There's two options, the Winter Classic and the Stadium Series. Minnesota already got the Winter Classic, but there is still hope we can get the Stadium Series and we have lots of people working on it.
— David Glenn Show (@DavidGlennShow) January 9, 2020
- ...And here’s the full interview, beginning at the start of the hour. [Hipcast]
- A few Hurricanes earn recognition in the NHL midseason awards. [The Athletic]
- Pekka Rinne has scored his first NHL goal!
PEKKA RINNE SCORES! @PredsNHL | #NSHvsCHI pic.twitter.com/yDyGbMZY7j
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) January 10, 2020
- And here’s Pekka Rinne 12 weeks ago prophesying his first NHL goal. [The Game Nashville]