RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov was unable to participate in the game against the Boston Bruins on Thursday evening due to an unexpected injury sustained before the match began.
Orlov was pulled from the lineup at the last minute before the Hurricanes’ narrow 3-2 victory over the Bruins. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour explained the situation by stating, “He had a little tweak and didn’t feel great. He went to warm up and just felt he couldn’t go. I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
This marks the first time this season the 33-year-old defenseman missed a game. Orlov has been a consistent presence for the team, playing every game during the 2023-24 regular season after joining the Hurricanes in July 2023.
The game also saw another incident in the opening period when Hurricanes defenseman Riley Stillman was struck in the face by the skate of Bruins center John Beecher. Stillman’s time on the ice was cut short as he logged just 18 seconds before the mishap, and he did not return to the game.
“We’re one shift in,” Brind’Amour commented. “It’s the whole game. You’re putting a little more stress on certain guys who aren’t used to it. Pairs get all mixed up. It’s not ideal, that’s for sure.”
Amidst these injuries, the team was also dealing with trade discussions related to winger Mikko Rantanen, who joined the Hurricanes via a trade with Colorado on January 24. With the trade deadline looming on Friday afternoon, Brind’Amour noted the strain of the situation on Rantanen, who recorded three shots on goal and three turnovers during the game.
“It’d be nice to just put it behind us here in a few hours,” Brind’Amour said.
