Rod Brind’Amour makes major Hurricanes lineup decision involving Deslauriers and Kotkaniemi
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The two players will ultimately not be in uniform against the Canadiens tonight.
And that is precisely the opposite of what several Carolina analysts had anticipated.
Hurricanes reporter Walt Ruff shared the full lineup on social media.
Everything looks the same at morning skate ahead of tonight’s Game 2.
Svechnikov – Aho – Jarvis
Hall – Stankoven – Blake
Ehlers – Staal – Martinook
Carrier – Jankowski – Robinson
Deslauriers – Kotkaniemi
Slavin – Chatfield
Miller – Walker
Gostisbehere – Nikishin
Reilly
Andersen | Bussi
Deslauriers and Kotkaniemi will therefore be among the Hurricanes’ extras for tonight’s game.
Rod Brind’Amour keeps the same lineup despite the crushing 6-2 loss in Game 1
Several journalists and observers had nevertheless suggested the possibility of Deslauriers or Kotkaniemi returning to the lineup.
Or perhaps even both players, as a way to inject a spark into the lineup.
A decision that may come as a surprise under the circumstances.
For Nicolas Deslauriers, it is another disappointment.
The Quebec veteran perhaps could have brought more physicality against the Canadiens. And that is precisely the type of player profile one might expect in a conference final.
For Jesperi Kotkaniemi, it is also a clear signal from the organization, and yes, his place with the Hurricanes is compromised long term.
It remains to be seen whether Rod Brind’Amour will indeed get a better response from his lineup tonight. Or whether the Canadiens will capitalize on the confidence built Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in this conference final.
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Rod Brind’Amour makes major Hurricanes lineup decision involving Deslauriers and Kotkaniemi
Do you think Rod Brind’Amour is making a mistake by keeping the exact same Hurricanes lineup for Game 2?