Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions November 16th 2024

Hurricanes’ Goalie Plan Unclear Entering Game vs. Senators

The Carolina Hurricanes face uncertainty in net as they prepare to host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night in Raleigh, N.C. Carolina’s goalie situation is a significant concern after their top netminder, Pyotr Kochetkov, was injured during their recent road trip.

The Hurricanes concluded a three-game road swing with a 4-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Wednesday, despite launching a season-high 50 shots on goal. However, a more significant issue emerged when Kochetkov exited midway through the third period due to an apparent injury.

“He got banged up earlier in the game,” coach Rod Brind’Amour explained after the game. Kochetkov did not participate in practice on Friday, with Brind’Amour expressing doubt about the 25-year-old Russian’s availability for Saturday. Despite this, the team has yet to confirm if they will call up another goalie.

Carolina’s Goaltending Depth Tested

Kochetkov has been crucial for the Hurricanes, stepping in as the primary goaltender after Frederik Andersen suffered a lower-body injury last month. Kochetkov boasts an impressive 8-2-0 record with a 2.56 goals-against average (GAA) this season. However, Brind’Amour noted that Andersen’s return is still weeks away, saying, “We were hoping it was going to be week-to-week, but now it’s going to be, I would say, way longer.”

If Kochetkov is indeed sidelined, the Hurricanes will likely turn to backup Spencer Martin. The 29-year-old has limited action this season, having started only one game—a loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 9. In relief appearances, Martin has allowed six goals on 31 shots, raising concerns about Carolina’s depth in net.

Injury Bug Continues to Plague the Hurricanes

Carolina is also dealing with injuries beyond the goaltending position. Forward Seth Jarvis missed the last two games with an upper-body injury and is not expected to return until sometime next week. Jarvis, who scored 33 goals last season, is a key offensive contributor the Hurricanes are sorely missing.

Despite these setbacks, the Hurricanes have been buoyed by the stellar play of Martin Necas. The 25-year-old center leads the team with 16 assists and 25 points and is currently on an 11-game point streak with eight goals and 14 assists during that span. Necas, along with Jack Roslovic, shares the team lead in goals with nine apiece.

Senators Seek to Bounce Back After Tough Overtime Loss

The Ottawa Senators head into Saturday’s matchup after a frustrating 5-4 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Ottawa held a 4-2 lead midway through the third period but allowed two quick goals, eventually losing on a game-winning tally by Matvei Michkov with just 55 seconds remaining in overtime.

Despite the blown lead, Senators coach Travis Green was largely satisfied with his team’s effort. “We’ve been playing well here for three games, and you hate to lose a game like that where you dominated in a lot of areas for most of the night,” Green said.

Power Play Success and Offensive Contributions

Ottawa’s power play has been a bright spot this season, as the Senators rank fourth in the league with 16 power-play goals. They converted 2-of-6 chances with the man advantage against Philadelphia.

Stay Ahead with Today’s NHL Free Picks! Dive into today’s top insights with our free NHL picks.

Forward Tim Stutzle, who leads the Senators with 21 points, continues to produce offensively. The 22-year-old winger has recorded at least one point in five of his last six games and in 13 of Ottawa’s 16 games this season.

Key Matchup to Watch

• Necas vs. Stutzle: Both teams will rely heavily on their star forwards, with Necas looking to extend his hot streak and Stutzle aiming to keep Ottawa’s power play clicking.
• Goaltending Concerns: If Kochetkov is unavailable, how will Martin fare against an Ottawa offense that can capitalize on power-play opportunities? On the flip side, can the Senators take advantage of Carolina’s uncertainty in net?

Saturday’s game offers a critical test for both teams as they navigate injuries and look to solidify their standings. For Carolina, finding consistency in goal will be essential, while Ottawa hopes to bounce back and leverage their potent power play to secure a much-needed road win.