:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69106436/morningW_Slavin_kg.0.jpg)
The Carolina Hurricanes are set to host the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night at PNC Arena. It’ll be game two of the club’s reverse retro series where they where modernized throwback Hartford Whalers jerseys.
Rod Brind’Amour Jesper Fast, and Jaccob Slavin spoke with the media via Zoom after morning skate.
Rod Brind’Amour
On Brock McGinn’s status and the return of Jake Gardiner to the lineup: We didn’t expect Brock back on this homestand, and I still don’t. I saw him today on the bike working out. He’s certainly not day-to-day, but it was a good sign to him that he was in here working. He’s still a little ways away. Gards is gonna go in tonight.
On how important locking down the defensive zone has been over their latest stretch of wins: We have to defend. Any good team in this league, they make it hard to score and get chances. When were doing it well, thats how we play. It takes a lot of work and takes a lot of preparation by the players and execution, but it’s the way we have to do it.
Jesper Fast
On how important the team’s special teams have been and how it’s impacted them at 5-on-5: I think you get momentum from good power plays and good kills. It makes you feel good and gets momentum in 5-on-5. Specials teams is so important these days, so we have to keep it going there.
On how he has fit in Carolina: The guys are so great. They made me part of the group right when I got here so it hasn’t been hard at all. I’m really enjoying my time here.
On what the message is before tonight: We have to be ready tonight. We’ve lost two games against this team, so we have to be prepared and be ready to go when the puck drops.
Jaccob Slavin
On Jordan Staal approaching his 1,000th NHL game on Monday and potentially playing against Marc Staal for it: It’s super special. Jordo has had an unbelievable career. Playing 1000 games is super awesome and were all super proud of him. Having his brother there to share it with him is even more special. Family is everything in this game, so when you can share those moments with a family member, that’s something you cherish for a long time. To have Marc there on Monday would be unbelievable for Jordan.
On what makes Staal so impactful for him and the team: As a person, just who he is. He’s grounded in his faith. As a player, his work ethic. He’s a workhorse. He comes into the game with a mentality that he’s going to give it his all every night. He goes out and does all the little things the right way. He’s the captain for a reason on our team. Those are just little parts of his game that make him a great captain. All-around, on and off the ice, I respect him. I really appreciate having him in my life and on this team