Carolina Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall is expected to play in his 100th game with the team when they face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night. The milestone comes as the Hurricanes look to continue their strong push toward the NHL playoffs, currently holding a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Hall’s presence has been a key component of a potent offensive line alongside Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake, a trio that combined for seven points in Wednesday’s 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. This projected lineup for March 20 at Toronto reflects a team largely unchanged from that winning effort, with a focus on maintaining momentum as the regular season winds down.
Hall, a former first-overall NHL draft pick, has found a consistent role in Carolina after joining the team in 2021. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute offensively has been particularly valuable. The Hurricanes’ win against Pittsburgh showcased this, with Hall scoring his 15th goal of the season, making him the seventh Carolina player to reach that mark. The team previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-4 in Toronto on November 9, a game where Hall too contributed to the scoring. The Hurricanes’ season has been marked by strong team play and depth scoring, and Hall’s contributions are a significant part of that success.
Lineup Adjustments and Goaltending Rotation
Aside from the anticipated milestone for Hall, the Hurricanes’ lineup remains largely consistent from Wednesday’s game. However, there is a change in net, with Brandon Bussi slated to start. Bussi is operating on an every-other-game rotation with his goaltending partner, and is looking to regain his early-season form. He has struggled in his last three starts, but the coaching staff is maintaining confidence in his ability to contribute. The team’s consistent rotation aims to keep both goaltenders sharp as they navigate the remainder of the schedule and prepare for a potential playoff run.
The forward lines are expected to remain intact, featuring a balanced attack across all four lines. The top line of Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Jack Jarvis provides a consistent scoring threat, while Hall, Stankoven, and Blake offer a dynamic and creative presence. The third line of Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jordan Staal, and Teuvo Teräväinen brings a mix of skill and physicality, and the fourth line of Jordan Carrier, Paul Jankowski, and Steven Robinson provides depth and energy.
Projected Lineup – March 20 vs. Toronto
Here’s a look at the Hurricanes’ projected lineup for their game against the Maple Leafs:
Forwards
- Svechnikov – Aho – Jarvis
- Hall – Stankoven – Blake
- Ehlers – Staal – Martinook
- Carrier – Jankowski – Robinson
Defense
- Slavin – Chatfield
- Miller – Walker
- Reilly – Nikishin
Starting Goaltender
Bussi
Injury and Scratch Report
The Hurricanes are currently dealing with a couple of key injuries. Shayne Gostisbehere is sidelined with a lower-body injury and is expected to be out for a “couple of games” as of March 10, according to team reports. More significantly, goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is likely out for the remainder of the year following hip surgery, as initially reported in December. This places increased importance on the performance of Bussi and his goaltending partner.
Nicolas Deslauriers and Jesperi Kotkaniemi are listed as healthy scratches for Friday’s game, meaning they will not be in the lineup despite being available to play. These decisions are often based on coaching strategy and lineup optimization.
Power Play Units
The Hurricanes’ power play units are structured to maximize their offensive potential. The first unit features Aho, Ehlers (with Staal), Jarvis, and Svechnikov, supported by Nikishin from the point. Jordan Staal is responsible for taking the initial faceoff, and the unit’s strategy involves a quick transition from the faceoff win to offensive zone possession. If Staal wins the draw, he remains on the ice; if the puck is cleared, he is replaced by Nikolaj Ehlers.
The second power play unit consists of Blake, Hall, Jankowski, and Stankoven, with Miller providing support from the point. This unit offers a different look and provides additional scoring options for the Hurricanes. The flexibility of these power play formations allows the team to adapt to different opponents and game situations.
The Hurricanes will look to build on their recent success as they travel to Toronto. The team’s focus will be on maintaining their strong offensive play and solid defensive structure. The game against the Maple Leafs represents an critical opportunity for the Hurricanes to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings and continue their pursuit of a playoff berth. The next update on the team’s status will come following Friday’s game, with details on injuries and lineup adjustments to be released as they become available.
What are your thoughts on the Hurricanes’ chances against Toronto? Share your predictions and comments below.
