The Hurricanes have struggled to find victories with Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes lately, so they will turn to Tokarski for the third time in the past six games. The 35-year-old Tokarski was excellent in his most recent outing, saving all 14 shots he faced for his third career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He has a 2.00 GAA and .907 SV% in five games this season (4-1-0). The Hurricanes enter Wednesday's contest as -197 road favorites against a Buffalo Sabres club coming off a 6-2 los

The Hurricanes have struggled to find victories with Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes lately, so they will likely turn to Tokarski for the third time in the past six games. The 35-year-old Tokarski was excellent in his most recent outing, saving all 14 shots he faced for his third career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He has a 2.00 GAA and .907 SV% in five games this season (4-1-0). The Hurricanes enter Wednesday's contest as -197 road favorites against a Buffalo Sabres club coming off a 6-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken.

Smith is an offensive-minded defenseman that has had trouble solidifying himself in the NHL since being drafted 17th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The 24-year-old has two points (1G / 1A) in eight games with the Hurricanes this season.

Frederik Andersen (knee) returned to the ice last Wednesday, his first time skating since undergoing knee surgery on November 22nd. He’s about seven weeks into an 8-to-12-week timetable, indicating that his recovery is still on schedule.

On the tail end of a back-to-back, the Canucks will turn to Tokarski between the pipes on Friday against the Vancouver Canucks. The 35-year-old Tokarski allowed three goals on 19 shots (.842 SV%) but was strong enough to secure a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has a 2.49 GAA and .894 SV% in four games this season (3-1-0). The Hurricanes enter Friday's contest as -177 home favorites against a Canucks squad that will likely welcome Elias Pettersson (undisclosed) back into the lineup.

The Hurricanes, fresh off a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, will roll with Kochetkov between the pipes again after performing well in the losing effort, saving 31 of 34 shots (.912 SV%). The 25-year-old Kochetkov has been serviceable this season, posting a 2.50 GAA and .902 SV% in 26 appearances (15-9-1). The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as -181 home favorites against a Toronto Maple Leafs squad riding a five-game winning streak.

Frederik Andersen (knee) returned to the ice on Wednesday, his first time skating since undergoing knee surgery on November 22nd. He’s almost seven weeks into an 8-to-12-week timetable, indicating that his recovery is still on schedule.

Kochetkov has lost three of his last four starts (1-2-1), allowing 11 goals and posting a .893 SV%, and will attempt to rebound on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 25-year-old netminder has a 2.48 GAA and .901 SV% in 25 appearances this season (15-8-1). The Hurricanes enter Tuesday's contest as -113 road favorites against a Lightning club outscored 13-5 during a four-game losing skid. Tampa Bay defeated Carolina in their only other meeting this season, 4-1 on opening night.

Kochetkov has lost three of his last four starts (1-2-1), allowing 11 goals and posting a .893 SV%, and will attempt to rebound on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 25-year-old netminder has a 2.48 GAA and .901 SV% in 25 appearances this season (15-8-1). The Hurricanes enter Tuesday's contest as -113 road favorites against a Lightning club outscored 13-5 during a four-game losing skid. Tampa Bay defeated Carolina in their only other meeting this season, 4-1 on opening night.

Jack Drury (hand) has been activated from Injured Reserve, resulting in Jaaska being assigned to the Chicago Wolves (AHL). The 26-year-old Jaaska made his NHL debut last night, playing 8:21 time-on-ice and recording three hits.

Drury has been out of the lineup since suffering an injury on December 10th. The 24-year-old Drury was averaging 13:09 time-on-ice and had nine points (3G / 6A) in 28 games before his injury. In a corresponding move, Juha Jaaska was reassigned to the Chicago Wolves (AHL).