For the third time in twelve days, the Carolina Hurricanes will face the Pittsburgh Penguins, but this time, at 3:00 PM EDT at PPG Paints Arena for a matinee match.
The two latest games between them have been some of the most entertaining games of the season.
In those recent contests, the victory was claimed by Carolina in overtime, but Pittsburgh still held on for some crucial points at the end of the regular season against the Metropolitan Division leader.
You can read all about their March 10th game here, and about their March 18th game here - it's worth it!
As someone who enjoys both teams, I can't deny that I like it - and I know many fans of both fans who like it too. This rivalry coming so close to the postseason, bringing playoff energy, has been incredible.
Interestingly, in each of their games since their last meeting, both the Hurricanes and Penguins had to fight for two points in overtime, with Carolina defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs thanks to Alexander Nikishin's wrist shot, and Pittsburgh advancing to the shootout with the winning shot coming off the stick of Sidney Crosby.
in the crease
On Sunday, we'll likely see a similar goaltender matchup as we've seen in all three of their games with each other this season.
If the alternating tandem continues as expected for the Hurricanes, Frederik Andersen will get the start for Carolina. This season, he has a save percentage of .872 with a goals-against average of 3.19 in a 12-11-5 record.
Meanwhile, Stuart Skinner is expected to be at the crease for the Penguins. His save percentage this season is .890, including a goals-against average of 2.85 in a 20-13-9 record.
Expected Carolina Hurricane Lines
Andrei Svechnikov - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
Taylor Hall - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
Nikolaj Ehlers - Jordan Staal - Jordan Martinook
William Carrier - Mark Jankowski - Eric Robinson
protect
Jacob Slavin - Jalen Chatfield
K'Andre Miller - Shawn Walker
Mike Reilly - Alexander Nikishin
goaltender
Brandon Bussey/Frederick Anderson
Expected Pittsburgh Penguins Lines
Ricard Raquel - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Igor Chinakhov - Tommy Novak - Evgeni Malkin
Anthony Mantha - Ben Kindel - Justin Brazeau
Elmer Soderblom - Connor Dewar - Noel Acciari
protect
Parker Wotherspoon - Eric Carlson
Samuel Girard - Kris Letang
Ryan Shea - Connor Clifton
goaltender
Stuart Skinner / Artur Silo
special teams
Carolina Hurricanes Power Play: 22.1% (12th)
Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: 79.5% (16th, down one spot from last game)
Pittsburgh Penguins Power Play: 24.9% (3rd)
Pittsburgh Penguins Penalty Kill: 84.2% (1st)
storm game notes
The game against the Penguins is placed in the middle of their three-game road trip. After the game, they will head back across the border for a game with the Montreal Canadiens. This is their final three-plus game road trip of the regular season.
There has been no update on Shayne Gostisbeer, who was injured on March 6, and is expected to miss his eighth consecutive game.
Carolina's fourth line has been quite impressive as of late. It is unknown if there will be any roster changes, such as adding Jesperi Kotkaniemi or Nicolas Deslauriers into the mix.
how to see
TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: 99.9 The Fan
