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GDT: Canes @ Blue Jackets 4/16 7:00

A

andyt

Canes Moderator
Staff member
The reguar season ends in Columbus.

The Rangers win last night locked up the division and President’s Trophy but the Canes still have something to play for. They’ve already clinched 2nd in the East with the Bruins loss in Washington last night but a win gives them the 2nd overall seed, which would give them home ice for if they make it to the Cup Final. Does RBA continue the rotation and give Blake and Nadeau a game? Expect Andersen in goal but does Martin get a start where his season began?

The Jackets season started in chaos, firing Mike Babcock before the season started. They also fired GM Jarmo Kekalainen mid-season. They long ago clinched last in the East and will have the 4th most balls in the hopper in the draft lottery. They’re 3-7 in their last 10, losers of 4 straight. Kirill Marchenko leads with 23 goals, Boone Jenner is right behind with 22. Jenner practiced yesterday and could return for his first game since 3/28. Johnny Gadreau leads with 48 assists. The Jackets signed 2023 2nd round pick Gavin Brindley yesterday and he’ll play tonight. He a 5’9” center and led Michigan in scoring. In goal, Elvis Merzlikens returned to practice and could play for the first time since 3/30. He’s at 3.45/.897 in 41 games. If he doesn’t play, it will be Jet Greaves. He's at 3.55/.906 in 8 games.

Bally Sports South for TV.
 
Maybe the median approach ... give anybody who even vaguely needs it the night off, but don't go whole hog. And yeah, I'd give Martin the start in net. The other two are on a pretty good roll, but based on Carolina's last 3-4 playoff runs there's a real chance they'll need Martin at some point before they're done ... and he'll be fired up to face the Jackets even if he's rusty. Also, with any luck we can all celebrate DeAngelo's last game as a Hurricane tonight. Fingers crossed.
 
FWIW, I don't think Coghlan can get there in time to play unless they're willing to throw him in straight off the plane or something. Not clear why you'd do that, but hey ... this is a wildcard game so who really cares?
 
I don't think the Canes will care if Coghlan just skates in circles in his own end. If he can can get dressed in time he is playing just to allow us to play one less of our regulars.
 
jeffbear said:
FWIW, I don't think Coghlan can get there in time to play unless they're willing to throw him in straight off the plane or something. Not clear why you'd do that, but hey ... this is a wildcard game so who really cares?
Click to expand...
He arrived in Columbus after practice started. Who knew you could get there from Springfield so quickly? But it doesn’t look like he’s playing. Per Walt Ruff, it’s

Skjei/Burns
Orlov/Morrow
Chatfield/TDA

Per Aaron Portzline, Jenner is out tonight but there will be another NHL debut. Luca Del Bel Belluz was recalled from Cleveland. He’s a 6’1” center, drafted 44th overall in 2022. He’s in his first professional season. He had 9 goals/21 assists in 55 games for Cleveland.
 
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