Carolina Hurricanes' Frederik Andersen Returns to the Ice, Jack Drury and Jake Guentzel Out of Sunday's Game

RALEIGH, NC - The Carolina Hurricanes will be counting on goaltender Frederik Andersen as they face the Calgary Flames at PNC Arena on Sunday. Andersen, who recently made his comeback after a five-month absence due to a blood-clotting issue, delivered an impressive win against the Montreal Canadiens last Thursday.

Andersen's solid performance, stopping 24 out of 25 shots, demonstrated his readiness to get back in action. With only 19 regular-season games remaining, the Hurricanes are banking on him to play a crucial role in the team's success, both in the final stretch and the upcoming playoffs.

Unfortunately, forward Jack Drury will be absent from today's game due to a lower-body injury. Despite returning to the ice after taking a heavy hit in yesterday's game against the New Jersey Devils, Drury will sit out for the first time this season. Stepping into Drury's spot will be Brendan Lemieux, who will be celebrating his 300th NHL game as a first-year Hurricane.

In another blow to the Hurricanes' lineup, trade deadline acquisition Jake Guentzel will also be unable to make his team debut due to an upper-body injury. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour mentioned that Guentzel is nearing a return, but it won't be happening within the next couple of days.

As the Hurricanes aim to secure a victory against the Flames, they will rely on Andersen's stellar goaltending performance and the contributions of their lineup reshuffle with Lemieux filling in for Drury. The team remains optimistic about Guentzel's imminent return, which will bolster their offensive capabilities for the remainder of the season and beyond.

The game promises to be an intense battle as the Hurricanes look to showcase their strength and determination in their pursuit of success in the regular season and a deep playoff run.