He said it: Brind’Amour on tonight’s rematch with Columbus

The Carolina Hurricanes will face the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday night at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena in the second game of a back-to-back series.

The Canes defeated the Jackets 6-5 in an offensive torrent Sunday afternoon.

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour spoke to the media via Zoom Monday morning.

On increased concerns for keeping Reimer healthy: I don’t know how much more concerned we can get. It’s part of it and it’s on the players as much as it’s on us. We put in what we can and I think they’re all doing the best they can. I think everyone is around the league, it’s just the way it is. It’s tough. Obviously, we’re relying a lot on him. He’s a crucial player.

On the team’s defense: We ate up 21 shots or something last night, so it’s hard to get too flustered. They had some good ones that we want to shore up. I never want to give up a chance, but there’s good players on the other team and they’re going to do their best. The good news is that we’re sitting here crying about scoring six goals. I’m all good with that. However we’ve got to win the game, we’ve got to win the game. We’ll keep trying to limit the chances and working at that, but at the end of the day it’s about trying to win.

On any lineup changes for the game: Necas is out and we’ll be going with [Nedeljkovic] in net. Those are the major changes at this point.

On the back-to-back being on the road: I think when you’re on the road, guys just want to play. They don’t want to sit around and do nothing. There’s the rest factor, that’s great about having a day off and I’d be lying if I didn’t say we could use a little rest. Get some guys that played heavy minutes a little break. But the other team is in the same boat. When you’re on the road, you just want to play them.

On the controversial “offsides” goal from last night: It was definitely bizarre the fact that they took the power play off. Mistakes happen all the time. There’s bad calls in every game. We can go back and look at a penalty, that wasn’t a penalty, that led to a goal, and I can tell you there’s probably one of those a game. It was kind of weird that they would take it off, but I didn’t really get an explanation. I don’t need one. It’s part of the game and we’re moving on.

On the team’s position: I think we’ve had one game with our lineup, and that was the first game. Every other game, we haven’t played with our group. The fact that we’re kind of hanging in there… It doesn’t quite look how it should, but the fact that we’re finding ways to win says a lot about the things we’re doing. I’m not surprised, but I’m pleased with it. That’s for sure.

On Teuvo Teravainen: He was one of those guys that sat around for a long time. He’s played a couple of games here, three now, but it’s almost like those were his preseason. I thought he was better last night. He made some real good plays that probably don’t show up. We were just looking at them, some defensive plays, being in the right place. If we can get him a little better, we’re obviously going to be in better shape.

On if he and the team watched the Super Bowl alone: Yep. In my room. First time I think I’ve ever done that… actually second. I remember another time. It’s just the way with the times we’re living in. The guys came back, there was a meal, and we had this huge banquet room, but I don’t even know if they hung out in there. I went up to my room. That’s kind of how we do things. That’s what we have to do if we want to try to play. Willing to do it.