The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming off a game in which they produced a high shot total. That’s much like how the Carolina Hurricanes operate.
Both teams will be looking for their high-volume opportunities to translate into more production when they meet Tuesday night in Raleigh, N.C.
Despite launching 39 shots Sunday at Washington, Columbus fell 2-0. That was in contrast to the previous game when Columbus lost 7-6 in overtime at Florida.
“I thought we had plenty of opportunities to score, obviously,” Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said. “… We had some quality, quality opportunities. But we certainly liked our compete.”
The Blue Jackets have lost two straight and six of their last eight (2-2-4).
The Hurricanes are finishing a seven-game homestand, hoping to improve on a 3-3-0 mark. They’ve lost two of the past three, including Sunday’s 4-1 setback to San Jose.
“This is the National Hockey League. You have to be prepared every night,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Whether there are four games a week or one of those stretches, but everybody’s got to go through it. We were not sharp. And when the other team is sharp, you’re going to get behind.”
The Hurricanes will have a goaltending decision. With three active goalies, it would be Frederik Andersen’s turn in if they stick with a rotation now that all three netminders are healthy. But Andersen’s recent dip in performance could lead to changes.
Rookie Brandon Bussi is 8-1-0, while Andersen, winless since Nov. 6, is 5-7-2. Pyotr Kochetkov (4-1-0) made his first appearance since Nov. 17 on Sunday, so it’s unlikely he’ll be back in net for the next game.
The Blue Jackets received 36 saves from Jet Greaves on Sunday. But Columbus’ string of collecting at least one point with Greaves in net ended at nine games (4-0-5).
Columbus might turn to Elvis Merzlikins, who won two of three meetings against the Hurricanes last season.
Tuesday’s game also features a reunion gathering of the 2006 Stanley Cup champions. Brind’Amour was captain of that Carolina team.
Many of those former team members gathered over the weekend for the start of the 20th anniversary celebration. Brind’Amour called Sunday’s performance “an embarrassing effort” and he certainly won’t want a repeat with his former teammates watching.
Getting the kinks worked out will be a priority.
“When we get away from our game plan, it’s a tough night of hockey,” Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker said. “(The Sharks) made us defend a lot. That definitely takes away your spark. (We have to) get back to our game plan, and most nights it works for us.”
Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has notched an assist in three consecutive games. Captain Jordan Staal had the Hurricanes’ goal Sunday, giving him 474 points as a member of the team and moving into fifth place — ahead of Brind’Amour — on the franchise’s all-time points list.
This will be the first of three meetings, with the other two matchups coming in March.
–Field Level Media
