The Carolina Hurricanes will be without shutdown defenseman Brett Pesce tonight's game against the Colorado Avalanche due to illness.
Pesce, who has three goals and seven points this season, was a last-minute scratch as Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour had stated he didn't expect any lineups during his pre-game interview.
It's a tough break for the Canes who will have to face Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL's second leading scorer without him.
Pesce has a 59.55 CF%, 54.28 xGF% and a 54.69 HDCF% this season while having faced 'elite' competition in 41.9% of his minutes according to PuckIQ.com.
He's been the Canes' go-to guy for top-end matchups and so his loss is a big blow.
In his place, Tony DeAngelo will draw back into the lineup for the first time since Jan. 5.
DeAngelo has two goals and nine points in 21 games this season.
Recent Articles
A Game of Bounces: Canes Drop First Match Back from Break
Carolina Hurricanes Netminder Frederik Andersen to Resume On-Ice Activities