Carolina Hurricanes Defenseman Brett Pesce to Miss Weeks with Lower-Body Injury

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained during the team's 5-3 win over the New York Islanders in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round series on Monday. Pesce, 29, suffered the non-contact injury while turning up the ice during the game. He recorded an assist in the series opener and logged 8:47 of ice time on Monday before exiting.

Pesce had 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) and a plus-10 rating in 70 games during the regular season. He is a key shutdown defenseman for the Hurricanes, known for his strong defensive play. "It doesn't look good," Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour said of Pesce's injury status.

Why this matters: Pesce's absence is a significant setback for the Hurricanes' defense as they aim to advance deep into the playoffs. His injury will challenge the team's defensive depth and necessitate other players to elevate their performance in his absence.

With Pesce sidelined, veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo is expected to replace him in the lineup, likely paired with Brady Skjei. While DeAngelo provides offensive upside, his defensive game is not as strong as Pesce's. The Hurricanes also recalled defenseman Dylan Coghlan from the AHL as potential reinforcement.

The Hurricanes currently hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Islanders, with Game 3 scheduled for Thursday in Elmont, New York. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal acknowledged the loss of Pesce but expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt, stating, "Injuries are part of the game, and we have to keep moving forward."

Pesce, a third-round pick by the Hurricanes in the 2013 NHL Draft, has been a mainstay on the team's blueline. He has recorded 39 goals and 198 points in 627 career NHL games, all with Carolina. His steady presence and defensive reliability will be missed as the Hurricanes navigate the challenges of the postseason without one of their top defensemen.

Key Takeaways

• Hurricanes D Brett Pesce out multiple weeks with lower-body injury from Game 2.
• Pesce is a key shutdown defenseman, his absence a significant setback for Hurricanes.
• Tony DeAngelo expected to replace Pesce, paired with Brady Skjei on defense.
• Hurricanes hold 2-0 series lead over Islanders, confident in team's ability to adapt.
• Pesce has been a mainstay on Hurricanes' blueline, his defensive reliability will be missed.