Nikishin was Carolina's third-round pick, 69th overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old Nikishin has spent the previous few seasons in the KHL. He scored 46 points (17G / 29A) in 61 games with St. Peterburgh SKA (KHL) this season.
Ehlers did not play Winnipeg's previous two games but he will draw back into the lineup on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. The 29-year-old Ehlers is averaging 15:56 time-on-ice and has 63 points (24G / 39A) in 67 games this season. He is one point away from the career-high 64 points (25G / 39A) he has in the 2016-17 season.
Miller will draw back into the lineup after sitting out Wednesday's game against the Flyers. Zac Jones will sit in his place.
Gostisbehere was a surprise scratch on Thursday, with the team not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Scott Morrow will draw into the lineup in his place.
The Hurricanes are coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres and will hope for a better result, with Andersen tending the twine against the Washington Capitals. Andersen struggled in his most recent outing, allowing five goals on 27 shots (.815 SV%) in a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. The 35-year-old goalie has a 2.11 GAA and .914 SV% in 19 games this season (13-6-0). The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as -150 road favorites against a Capitals team that has lost five of their last seven games (2-4-1).
The Hurricanes are coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres and will hope for a better result, with Andersen likely tending the twine against the Washington Capitals. Andersen struggled in his most recent outing, allowing five goals on 27 shots (.815 SV%) in a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. The 35-year-old goalie has a 2.11 GAA and .914 SV% in 19 games this season (13-6-0). The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as -150 road favorites against a Capitals team that has lost five of their last seven games (2-4-1).
Miller will not return to the lineup despite taking full part in warmups on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 25-year-old Miller is averaging 21:59 time-on-ice and has 23 points (7G / 16A) in 70 games this season.
Ehlers did not play Winnipeg's previous two games but he could draw back into the lineup on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. The 29-year-old Ehlers is averaging 15:56 time-on-ice and has 63 points (24G / 39A) in 67 games this season. He is one point away from the career-high 64 points (25G / 39A) he has in the 2016-17 season.
Miller was absent from the Rangers' previous two practices but could be ready to play on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 25-year-old Miller is averaging 21:59 time-on-ice and has 23 points (7G / 16A) in 70 games this season.
The Hurricanes have lost two straight and will turn to Kochetkov between the pipes on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. Kochetkov has struggled lately, his worst run of the season, posting an ugly 4.61 GAA and .804 SV% in his last four games (1-3-0). The 25-year-old goalie has a 2.57 GAA and .898 SV% in 44 appearances this season (26-14-3). Still, the Hurricanes enter Tuesday's contest as sizeable -204 road favorites against a Sabres team riding a four-game winning streak.
The Hurricanes have lost two straight and will turn to Kochetkov between the pipes on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. Kochetkov has struggled lately, his worst run of the season, posting an ugly 4.61 GAA and .804 SV% in his last four games (1-3-0). The 25-year-old goalie has a 2.57 GAA and .898 SV% in 44 appearances this season (26-14-3). Still, the Hurricanes enter Tuesday's contest as sizeable -204 road favorites against a Sabres team riding a four-game winning streak.
Staal has not played since March 28th due to a lower-body ailment but returned to practice on Monday, and will return to the lineup on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Staal is averaging 15:26 time-on-ice and has 33 points (12G / 21A) in 71 games this season.
Svechnikov has not played since April 2nd and has only played three games in the last month, but made his return to practice on Monday, and will play on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Svechnikov is averaging 17:12 time-on-ice and has 45 points (19G / 26A) in 66 games this season.
Kotkaniemi is expected to miss at least the remainder of the week but should return to the lineup before the end of the season. The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is averaging 14:00 time-on-ice and has 31 points (11G / 20A) in 76 games this season.
Ehlers is battling a foot injury and did not play on Saturday but was a full participant at the team's morning skate on Monday. The 29-year-old Ehlers is averaging 15:56 time-on-ice and has 63 points (24G / 39A) in 67 games this season. He is one point away from the career-high 64 points (25G / 39A) he has in the 2016-17 season.
Miller was absent from practice on Sunday due to an illness and will be held out of the lineup on Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 25-year-old Miller is averaging 21:59 time-on-ice and has 23 points (7G / 16A) in 70 games this season.
Kotkaniemi did not play Carolina's previous game due to an undisclosed injury but could return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is averaging 14:00 time-on-ice and has 31 points (11G / 20A) in 76 games this season.
Ehlers is battling a foot injury and did not play on Saturday but was a full participant at the team's morning skate on Monday. The 29-year-old Ehlers is averaging 15:56 time-on-ice and has 63 points (24G / 39A) in 67 games this season. He is one point away from the career-high 64 points (25G / 39A) he has in the 2016-17 season.
Svechnikov has not played since April 2nd and has only played three games in the last month, but made his return to practice on Monday. It's unclear if Svechnikov's most recent ailment is related to his injury in early March but his return to practice is an encouraging sign. The 25-year-old Svechnikov is averaging 17:12 time-on-ice and has 45 points (19G / 26A) in 66 games this season.
Staal has not played since March 28th due to a lower-body ailment but returned to practice on Monday. The 36-year-old Staal is averaging 15:26 time-on-ice and has 33 points (12G / 21A) in 71 games this season.
