Walker missed Game 3 in Florida and head coach Rod Brind'Amour called him "probably" doubtful for Game 4. With Walker and Jalen Chatfield both not expected to play, Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow should remain in the lineup on Monday.
Kotkaniemi was a healthy scratch for Game 2, but it looks like he'll replace Jack Roslovic in the Hurricanes' lineup for Game 3. Kotkaniemi has no goals and just three assists in 11 playoff games.
Chatfield did not take part in the Hurricanes' morning skate, but remains a game-time decision for Game 3 in Florida. Chatfield has been sidelined by an undisclosed injury since Game 4 vs. the Capitals.
Walker suffered an undisclosed injury in Game 2 and will be a game-time decision for Game 3 in Florida. Walker took part in the Hurricanes' morning skate, a good sign that he will be available tonight. Expect Alexander Nikishin to suit up if Walker is ruled out.
Walker was hurt in Game 2 and was limited to just 9:52 TOI. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour called Walker "iffy" to play in Game 3, so there's a chance Alexander Nikishin gets back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch in Games 1 and 2 vs. the Panthers.
Jarvis left Game 2 with an undisclosed injury but eventually returned to the ice. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Jarvis "should be fine" for Game 3. Jarvis has two assists, four shots and five hits through two games vs. Florida.
Jankowski will make his first appearance since Game 1 of Carolina's second round matchup with the Capitals. Jesperi Kotkaniemi will sit in his place.
Kotkaniemi will take a seat on Thursday as Mark Jankowski returns from an undisclosed injury. Scott Morrow will also draw out in favour of Jalen Chatfield (lower-body).
For the first time this postseason, the Hurricanes are trailing a series, down 1-0 to the Florida Panthers, and will hope to rebound on Thursday in Game 2. Before Game 1, Andersen had a stellar 1.36 GAA and .937 SV% in nine games (7-2). He allowed five goals on 20 shots (.750 SV%) in Tuesday's 5-2 Game 1 loss. Still, the Hurricanes enter a crucial contest on Thursday as -136 home favorites against the Panthers.
Chatfield has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but skated on Wednesday and head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that "he was better. I'd put him at day-to-day now, so that's a good sign." Expect Chatfield to replace Scott Morrow in the lineup if he's able to play in Game 2.
Nikishin made his NHL debut in Game 5 against the Capitals, filling in for Jalen Chatfield (lower-body). Chatfield is still unavailable for the first game of round three, but the Hurricanes are opting to dress Scott Morrow over Nikishin.
Chatfield has been dealing with a lower-body injury since Game 4 vs. the Capitals and was questionable to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Scott Morrow will dress in his place.
The Hurricanes are well-rested heading into Game 1 on Tuesday, having played the fewest games of all teams remaining in the playoffs after eliminating the Washington Capitals on Thursday in five games. Andersen has been terrific this postseason, posting a stellar 1.36 GAA, .937 SV%, and one shutout in nine games (7-2), and will return to the crease for Game 1. The Hurricanes enter the action on Tuesday as -121 home favorites against the Panthers.
Chatfield has been dealing with a lower-body injury since Game 4 vs. the Capitals and is questionable to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He was not on the ice for Monday's practice, and Scott Morrow skated in his spot, so look for Morrow to dress if Chatfield is unavailable.
Rod Brind'Amour announced Saturday that he was hopeful the Hurricanes would have defensemen Jalen Chatfield back for the start of their upcoming Eastern Conference Final. The 29-year-old stay-at-home defenseman missed Game 5 of the Hurricanes' previous series vs. Washington with an undisclosed injury after posting a goal and a +6 plus/minus through nine games in the playoffs so far.
The Hurricanes can advance to the Eastern Conference Finals with a victory on Thursday in Game 5, rolling with Andersen between the pipes. Andersen has been excellent for the Hurricanes through eight games this postseason (6-2), boasting a 1.41 GAA and .935 SV%. The Hurricanes enter Game 5 as -164 road favorites against the Washington Capitals.
Nikishin will slot in for Jalen Chatfield, who is out with an undisclosed injury. Nikishin was Carolina's third-round pick, 69th overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old Nikishin has spent the previous few seasons in the KHL. He scored 46 points (17G / 29A) in 61 games with St. Peterburgh SKA (KHL) this season.
