The Carolina Hurricanes face the Philadelphia Flyers in a crucial game with playoff implications. The Hurricanes need one point to secure first place in the Eastern Conference, while the Flyers aim for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 14: Brandon Bussi #32 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes a save in the shootout against the Philadelphia Flyers at Lenovo Center on December 14, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 14: Brandon Bussi #32 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes a save in the shootout against the Philadelphia Flyers at Lenovo Center on December 14, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The Carolina Hurricanes (52-22-6) are in the “City of Brotherly Love” to do battle with the Philadelphia Flyers (41-27-12) in a game with playoff implications. The Hurricanes need just one point to wrap up first place in the Eastern Conference.
The Flyers can clinch third place in the Metropolitan Division with a win, which of course would put them in a playoff spot.
Regardless, Carolina will still emphasize the importance of resting some starters as they will have another make-shift roster tonight.
According to our friend Walt Ruff, Aho, Jarvis, Svechnikov, Slavin, and Gostisbehere were not on the ice for the morning skate. (Looks like Jordan Staal was also missing.)
The lines were posted as follows:
Hall – Stankoven – Blake
Ehlers – Kotkaniemi – Nadeau
Carrier – Jankowski – Deslauriers
Robinson – Brind’Amour – Martinook
Miller – Chatfield
Nikishin – Walker
Reilly – Legault
That is correct, Jalen Chatfield has retuned to the ice, at least for the morning skate.
Brandon Bussi was in the starter’s crease and looks to improve upon his current five game winning streak.
The Canes have played well with the mix of their prospects, so they will not be a push-over tonight. They have won three in a row and are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games.
The Flyers have also played well of late to get themselves into this position. They are coming off a win over the Jets and they are also 7-3-0 in their last 10.
Travis Konecny leads the team with 68 points in 76 games. Trevor Zegras is right behind with 66 points.
Trade deadline acquisition, Nicolas Deslauriers, returns home to face his former team. Does he have any scores to settle?
The teams have gone to extra hockey in each of their previous three games facing each other this season. The Canes won all three, twice in overtime, and once in a shootout.
Here is how to catch the action:
**Time:**7 PM
**TV:**FanDuel Sports Network in the Carolinas. Mike Maniscalco will handle play-by-play alongside Tripp Tracy doing color. Hanna Yates and Shane Willis will provide off-ice reports.
Streaming:FanDuel Sports Network App for fans in the Carolinas. Outside the Carolinas, the game will be available on the ESPN app for any ESPN+/ESPN Unlimited subscribers.
**Radio:**The pregame on 99.9 The Fan starts at 6:30. At 5PM the Hurricanes Radio Network (consisting of 99.9, 730 The Game in Charlotte, ESPN New Bern 107.5/1490, and ESPN Greenville 107.5/1570) picks up the FDSN feed. You can also stream the call on the Hurricanes app.
Q&A
What do the Hurricanes need to secure first place in the Eastern Conference?
The Hurricanes need just one point to wrap up first place in the Eastern Conference.
How can the Flyers clinch a playoff spot?
The Flyers can clinch third place in the Metropolitan Division with a win against the Hurricanes.
Will the Hurricanes rest any players during the game?
Yes, the Hurricanes will emphasize resting some starters due to having a makeshift roster for the game.
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