Ehlers Back in Hurricanes’ Round 2 Opener as Nikishin’s Status Remains Unclear
The Carolina Hurricanes return Nikolaj Ehlers to the lineup for Round 2 vs. the Philadelphia Flyers, while Alexander Nikishin remains in concussion protocol and may not play. Frederik Andersen is expected to start in goal. If Nikishin isn’t cleared, Mike Reilly could slot in. Projected forward lines feature Svechnikov-Aho-Jarvis, Hall-Stankoven-Blake, Ehlers-Staal-Martinook, and Carrier-Jankowski-Robinson, with Slavin-Chatfield and Miller-Walker on defense. Gostisbehere paired with Nikishin or Reilly as the third pairing, depending on Nikishin’s fate. Jordan Staal is handling many power-play faceoffs. Scratches include Deslauriers, Kotkaniemi, Kochetkov, and Reilly. Hurricanes host the Flyers tonight in Raleigh as Round 2 opens.