RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Freddie Andersen mans the starter’s crease at Thursday’s practice, a pretty good indication that he will start his third straight game in net as the Hurricanes-Devils series shifts to New Jersey for Game 3 on Friday.
“We’ve certainly talked about it, lots of discussions,” Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “I’d say more than likely we’ll keep the lineup the same, but we haven’t finalized anything.”
Andersen has been spectacular in the series’ first two games, giving up just two total goals. But the Canes know their job becomes much tougher now away from the friendly confines of the Lenovo Center. Carolina has lost its last six road games, and it’s been more than a month since the Hurricanes have won away from home.
The Canes hope to end those road woes Friday night.
“As a road team, if you can go in and put your game on them and make them feel nervous at home, then you’re doing your job,” Hurricanes alternate captain Jordan Martinook said. “You just want to play as simple as you can and try and put our game on them as much as we can.”
So far, that’s what the Canes have done, although New Jersey was much better in Game 2. Carolina had 21 more shots than New Jersey in the first game, but only a two-shot advantage Tuesday night.
“You don’t want to give them any life, you don’t want to give them any hope, and obviously we are going to go in there and do the best to win, to play our game,” Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere said. “We know right now if we play our game, it works.”
Home or away.