Projected Lineup: Round 2, Game 1 vs. Philadelphia
NHL.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Nikolaj Ehlers is set to return to the Carolina Hurricanes' lineup for the start of Round 2 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers after recovering from a lower-body injury.
- Alexander Nikishin remains uncertain for tonight's game as he continues to navigate the NHL's concussion protocol, though he has been practicing in full contact and may play if cleared.
- Frederik Andersen is expected to start in goal for the Hurricanes, aiming to continue his strong playoff performance where he led all goaltenders in goals-against average and save percentage.
- The Hurricanes' projected lineup features key forwards Svechnikov, Aho, Jarvis, and Ehlers, with defensemen Slavin, Chatfield, and potentially Nikishin or Mike Reilly, depending on Nikishin's clearance.
- Power play units are strategically arranged with Jordan Staal taking initial faceoffs and Ehlers and Jankowski rotating based on faceoff wins to maximize offensive opportunities.
