Nikolaj Ehlers will rejoin the Carolina Hurricanes lineup as they start Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, according to a May 2 announcement from the team.
Ehlers had missed the previous game due to a lower-body injury but used the break between playoff rounds to recover. The team’s lineup for tonight also remains uncertain regarding Alexander Nikishin, who is still in concussion protocol after being diagnosed last Sunday. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said, “I think Niki’s still got to clear a test today, so we’ll see on that. He’s been practicing with us, so we’ll see.” If Nikishin is not cleared to play, Mike Reilly is expected to fill his spot after working alongside Shayne Gostisbehere during morning practice.
Goaltender Frederik Andersen continued in his role as starter during morning skate and is expected to start tonight. Andersen led all goaltenders in goals-against average and save percentage during the first round of playoffs and has a strong record against Philadelphia in regular-season games.
The projected forward lines include Svechnikov, Aho, Jarvis; Hall, Stankoven, Blake; Ehlers, Staal, Martinook; Carrier, Jankowski, Robinson. Defensive pairings are Slavin-Chatfield; Miller-Walker; Gostisbehere-Nikishin or Reilly. According to the official website, Lenovo Center—where tonight’s game will take place—can accommodate up to 20,000 people and hosts more than 150 events each year.
The Carolina Hurricanes have recognized players like Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour in their Hall of Fame for significant contributions according to their official website. The team achieved a major milestone by winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 according to their official website. Additionally, they contribute over $200 million annually to the local economy through events and community engagement according to venue information.
Looking ahead in this playoff series at Lenovo Center—a facility featuring over 700,000 square feet with multiple seating levels and amenities such as suites and concession stands according to its official site—the Hurricanes aim for another successful postseason run.
