Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 14, 2024 6:09 am GMT
The excitement surrounding the return of hockey is palpable as the Carolina Hurricanes gear up to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in their preseason opener. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing new talent and familiar faces on the ice at Amalie Arena tonight. For both teams, this matchup represents the beginning of a fresh chapter in their quest for victory this season.
Hurricanes Kick Off Preseason with New Faces
The Carolina Hurricanes will play their first of six preseason games on September 24, 2024, opening the series against their longtime rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game live on the team’s official site, Hurricanes.com.
Having started their training camp just a few days ago on September 19, the Canes are eager to show off their roster’s new additions. “The ability to explore our lineup is vital, especially with the prospects and new players showcasing their skills,” said head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Fans can look forward to a mix of experienced players and newcomers vying for key roles.
Player Lineup Highlights
In tonight’s game, the Hurricanes’ expected forward lines include:
- Robinson – Drury – Lemieux
- Jost – Kotkaniemi – Gagner
- Nadeau - Unger Sorum – Blake
- Jaaska – Brind’Amour – other combinations
Goalies Pyotr Kochetkov and Yaniv Perets will share duties in net for the Canes. This preseason matchup offers players a chance to earn their place in the final roster for the upcoming NHL season.
Lightning’s Roster Revealed for Preseason Opener
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning unveil a roster full of promising talent. Notable players to watch tonight include Cam Atkinson, who recently joined the Lightning as a free agent and is looking to secure a spot in the team’s top six. His performance could significantly influence his placement heading into the regular season.
Zemgus Girgensons is another key player, making his preseason debut with the Lightning after a decade spent with the Buffalo Sabres. His experience is expected to bring valuable insight and skill to the team.
Other Players to Watch
- Gage Goncalves: The 23-year-old prospect, fresh off a strong season with the Syracuse Crunch, will look to make a solid impression.
- Logan Brown: A 2016 first-round pick, Brown returns to action after being sidelined last season due to injury. He will be fighting to prove he deserves a spot on the Lightning’s roster.
The Lightning’s roster for tonight includes:
- Cam Atkinson
- Logan Brown
- Mitchell Chaffee
- Anthony Cirelli
- Lucas Edmonds
- Zemgus Girgensons
- Gage Goncalves
- Ethan Hay
- Nick Paul
- Kaden Pitre
- Conor Sheary
- Lukas Svejkovsky
Defense and Goalies
The defense lineup for the Lightning includes:
- Declan Carlile
- Max Crozier
- Dyllan Gill
- Emil Lilleberg
- Darren Raddysh
- Roman Schmidt
Goaltenders Brandon Halverson and Matt Tomkins will both be in net, ready to face the Hurricanes’ offense.
Preparing for a Competitive Season
As the Hurricanes and Lightning prepare for their preseason matchup, anticipation builds for what both teams can achieve in the upcoming NHL season. With each game providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills, fans are eager to see how the new additions mesh with existing talent. The return of hockey signifies not just a game, but the event that fans and players have been waiting for.
Listen live at 99.9 The Fan, or through the Hurricanes App, to catch all the action. As the excitement for tonight’s game grows, one thing remains clear: hockey is back, and both teams are ready to leave it all on the ice.
Conclusion
The first preseason game is going to be really exciting as we get a sneak peek at the Carolina Hurricanes and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Players will be trying their best to stand out, and fans will be cheering loud from the stands. This game isn’t just about winning; it’s a big celebration of hockey! After the game, there will be plenty of updates and highlights, as this marks the start of the journey to the regular season.
