The Carolina Hurricanes currently have two important defensemen injured in Sean Walker and Jalen Chatfield. Due to this, Hurricanes rookie defenders Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow have gotten into post-season action. This includes both players suiting up in Game 3 against the Florida Panthers.

While speaking to reporters, including NHL.com's Walt Ruff, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour had some kind words to say about Nikishin and Morrow.

"They've done a great job," Brind'Amour said. "Nikishin, the other night, I was really proud of how, from one game to the next, the change was something. We've got a good one there. Morrow hung in there, too. It's good on those guys."

Nikishin and Morrow are considered among the Hurricanes' most promising prospects, and clearly Brind'Amour has been encouraged by what he has seen from them this post-season, even with the natural growing pains. 

Nikishin, 23, appeared in 61 regular-season games this season with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, posting 17 goals, 46 points, and a plus-19 rating. In two playoff games for the Canes so far this post-season, he has zero points and two penalty minutes. 

Morrow, 22, played in 14 regular-season games this campaign with the Hurricanes, recording one goal and six points. Down in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves this regular-season, he had 13 goals, 26 assists, and 39 points. 

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