Raleigh, N.C. – The last time these two teams met, the Colorado Avalanche laid a five-goal second period onto the tired-from-travel Carolina Hurricanes in Ball Arena. Now, they face off at Lenovo Center for the second and final matchup of their regular season series.
The Avalanche travel to the Tar Heel State after securing a wild 5-4 comeback win against the Buffalo Sabres. Alexandar Georgiev was pulled in the first period after allowing four goals on eight shots. Scott Wedgewood, the newest addition to the Avalanche, made his team debut, stopping all 22 shots faced.
Not only did Wedgewood have a night, but so did the skaters in front of him following the goaltending change. They slammed five unanswered goals home on a startled Sabres team in the last 40 minutes of play. Nathan MacKinnon got the scoring started, his first goal since, ironically enough, the last time the Avalanche played Carolina. He also had the game-tying goal and an assist on the game-winning goal, scored by Artturi Lehkonen, totaling three points in the game.
Related: Avalanche Win Wild Game Against Sabres; Wedgewood Earns Crazy First Win
The Hurricanes are on a tough stretch, dropping their last three games in a back-to-back against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers and most recently to the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday. Martin Necas and the rest of the crew are looking to get back into the win column at home tonight.
Take A Look at the Points
Both Colorado’s MacKinnon and Carolina’s Necas are in a three-way tie for first in the league in points at 39, the third being Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov. Tonight will be a race to see who can reach 40 points first.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Necas has four goals on MacKinnon, but the Colorado forward makes up for that point deficit in assists. With this battle, Colorado Head Coach Jared Bednar had a lot of great things to say about Necas’ play this year, saying he loves his growth from year to year:
“I think it’s his skill set, his ability to escape and hang onto the puck and then make the right play, whether it’s a shot, taking the opportunity to score for himself, or using his linemates. I think he’s a really well-rounded offensive guy, but it’s the skating and being able to hang onto the puck and transport the puck from zone to zone, hang on in the offensive zone, and get himself off the walls to create offensive chances.
Colorado is also the only team in the NHL with three players in the top 15 in points. MacKinnon is joined by Mikko Rantanen, tied for sixth with 35 points, and Cale Makar, tied for 12th with 32.
Tonight’s Matchup
The Colorado Avalanche held an optional morning skate before tonight’s game at Lenovo Center. Scott Wedgewood occupied the starter’s crease and confirmed afterward that he will start for the Avalanche tonight. Alexandar Georgiev will back up. Head Coach Jared Bednar confirmed that there will be no changes to the starting lineup from Tuesday’s game.
The Hurricanes did not hold a morning skate, so their starting goaltender is unconfirmed, but Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour will be available to the media around 4:45 pm Eastern. With the new call-up of goaltender Devin Tokarski from the Chicago Wolves (AHL), expect Pyotr Kochetkov to get the start.
Where/How to Watch
Local broadcasts will host the game for both teams tonight. Coloradans can find the broadcast on Altitude+ with Marc Moser and Mark Rycroft holding the fort down. Conor McGahey will bring you the play-by-play on Altitude Sports Radio.
Hurricanes fans can find the game on FanDuel Sports Network or on the radio at 99.9 The Fan.
