Carolina Hurricanes (53-20-8) vs New Jersey Devils (27-44-9)
The Carolina Hurricanes have nothing to play for tonight. Zilch. Nada. They’ve already clinched the Metropolitan Division and are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff field. However, the National Hockey League says they still have to play their 82nd game, and play it they shall.
The Hurricanes will get a couple reinforcements back in the lineup tonight, as Jesperi Kotkaniemi will play. Antti Raanta will also make his return between the pipes after cramping in Sunday’s game against the Islanders.
The Canes will take advantage of an opportunity to get some rest for a few players, as Jordan Staal, Andrei Svechnikov and Jaccob Slavin will all sit out tonight’s game.