Rachel Barkley
For the third time in twelve days, the Carolina Hurricanes will face the Pittsburgh Penguins, but this time, in PPG Paints Arena for a matinee match at 3:00 PM EDT.
The two latest games between them have been some of the most entertaining games this season.
In those recent matchups, victory was claimed by Carolina in overtime, but Pittsburgh still held on for a pair of key points late in the regular season against the Metropolitan Division leader.
You can read all about their March 10th game here, and their March 18th game here – it’s worth it!
As an enjoyer of both teams, I can’t deny that I’m loving this – and I know several fans from both fanbases who are, too. This rivalry sparking up so close to the postseason, bringing that playoff energy, has been incredible.
Interestingly, in each of their games since their last meeting, both the Hurricanes and Penguins had to fight for the two points in overtime, with Carolina defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs thanks to a wrister from Alexander Nikishin, and Pittsburgh getting through the shootout with the winning shot coming from the stick of Sidney Crosby.
In the Crease
Sunday, we will likely see the same goaltender matchup as we have in all three of their games with each other this season.
If the alternating tandem continues as expected for the Hurricanes, Frederik Andersen will get the start for Carolina. This season, he has a save percentage of .872, with a goals against average of 3.19 across a 12-11-5 record.
Meanwhile, Stuart Skinner is expected to take the crease for the Penguins. His save percentage this season is .890, with a goals against average of 2.85 across a 20-13-9 record.
Expected Carolina Hurricanes Lines
Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis
Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake
Nikolaj Ehlers – Jordan Staal – Jordan Martinook
William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Eric Robinson
Defense
Jaccob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield
K’Andre Miller – Sean Walker
Mike Reilly – Alexander Nikishin
Goaltenders
Brandon Bussi / Frederik Andersen
Expected Pittsburgh Penguins Lines
Rickard Rakell – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust
Egor Chinakhov – Tommy Novak – Evgeni Malkin
Anthony Mantha – Ben Kindel – Justin Brazeau
Elmer Soderblom – Connor Dewar – Noel Acciari
Defense
Parker Wotherspoon – Erik Karlsson
Samuel Girard – Kris Letang
Ryan Shea – Connor Clifton
Goaltenders
Stuart Skinner / Arturs Silovs
Special Teams
Carolina Hurricanes power play: 22.1% (12th)
Carolina Hurricanes penalty kill: 79.5% (16th, moved down one spot from previous game)
Pittsburgh Penguins power play: 24.9% (3rd)
Pittsburgh Penguins penalty kill: 84.2% (1st)
Hurricanes Game Notes
The game against the Penguins is sandwiched in between their three-game road trip. After the game, they will jet back over the border for a game with the Montreal Canadiens. It is their final three-plus game road trip of the regular season.
There have not been any updates surrounding Shayne Gostisbehere, who was injured on March 6th, and as such, is anticipated to remain out for the eighth game straight.
Carolina’s fourth line has been noticeably impressive in the recent stretch. It is unknown if any roster alterations will occur, such as adding Jesperi Kotkaniemi or Nicolas Deslauriers to the mix.
How To Watch
TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: 99.9 The Fan
