It doesn’t look good – disheartening news from the Carolina pilot about the Finnish
Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s long stint in the stands with the Carolina Hurricanes seems to continue ahead of the fourth game of the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Hurricanes’ fourth line winger William Carrier was injured in the third final when he was seen holding his arm after a hit and then headed to the locker room. He did not return to the game.
Carrier’s injury briefly raised hopes that Kotkaniemi might finally get playing time, as the Finn has not played a single playoff game this season.
Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour did not, however, indicate any major changes before the fourth final.
– I haven’t received any information about his situation this morning. I hope he is okay, Brind’Amour said about Carrier’s situation on Sunday.
When asked about possible lineup changes, the stance remained cautious.
– I don’t believe there will be major changes to our lineup, Brind’Amour stated.
The comment did not promise Kotkaniemi an immediate playing spot, as he has been watching the entire playoff spring from the stands.
However, the coach did not completely close the door on final decisions.
– We will discuss those after practice on Monday. I’m not making decisions right now, he said.
If Carrier is unable to play, options include Kotkaniemi and Nicolas Deslauriers. For now, everything points to Kotkaniemi’s wait continuing.
The Vegas Golden Knights lead the finals series 2–1, and the fourth game will be played in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday Finnish time.
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