The Carolina Hurricanes took the first game of this set Saturday in a close shootout win. The Canes’ goalie situation is getting more muddled with Petr Mrazek returning to practice with full use of his goalie stick. Being able to use his injured hand means that he is nearing a return. There has not been a starter named but it could be Alex Nedeljkovic in net with James Reimer getting the last two starts.
With the Panthers using Sergei Bobrovsky in their last two games, they will likely return to Chris Driedger in net. Driedger has taken the starting gig from Bobrovsky as of late and has been a strong performer all season.
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 Carolina Hurricanes are just 2-4-0 this season when finishing out the second halves of these two-game series. The Panthers have been much better in their final games with a 6-1-0 record.
- With the overtime game between the Canes and Panthers and the Blackhawks ‘7-2 win over the Red Wings yesterday, the top four teams in the central division are all within two points.
- The gap from the top four is six points so the top four are really starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
- Jonathan Huberdeau ranks eighth in the league in assists (16) and 10th in points (24).
Reading Assignments:
- Rookie Seth Jarvis has been on an absolute tear in the AHL, his first season as a pro. It has taken him no time to adjust to professional hockey. [The Hockey Writers]
“My daughter Riley Johnson-Stevens is a resident of Fuquay-Varina and I am writing to tell you how proud we are of her. ...
Posted by Today in the Quay on Sunday, February 28, 2021
- San Jose Sharks goalie Devan Dubnyk had some choice words for Jordan Binnington who threw quite a tantrum after getting pulled mid-game. [Sportsnet]
CHALK IT UP
— NHL (@NHL) March 1, 2021
Patrick Kane (@88PKane) reaches the 400-goal milestone! pic.twitter.com/lof84jLZOw
- The Columbus Blue Jackets have now lost five straight. Head coach John Tortorella is not concerned about his job security. [NHL]
- Mika Zibanejad has regressed from his great performance last season. What has gone wrong for the Swede in 2021? [NBC Sports]
Let's all pause for a moment to give the uniform matchup tonight in Minnesota the respect it deserves #LAKings #MNWild #NHL ( @mnwild) pic.twitter.com/v3xe3C5MzY
— Chris Creamer (@sportslogosnet) February 28, 2021
- Rookie Illya Sorokin has recorded his second-straight shutout. This time against the Pittsburgh Penguins. [CBS New York]
A night to remember forever.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) March 1, 2021
The first professional women’s hockey game ever played @TheGarden and the first to be broadcast live on national television.
Congratulations to the @PWHPA and all involved in this historic night. pic.twitter.com/jOY7rWpFxK
- Vladimir Tarasenko is nearing a return from injury. He could make his return on this road trip. [STL Today]