![[capitals vs hurricanes]: Capitals vs Hurricanes Preview: Starting Goalie, Staal Injury, and Line Changes](https://trendingissue.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/pexels-6847469.jpg)
Who was expected to start in goal for the Hurricanes against the Capitals on October 13, 2026?
Carolina’s preview pointed to Pyotr Kochetkov as the expected starter against Washington on October 13, 2026.
The expected Hurricanes starter
Pyotr Kochetkov was expected to start in goal for the Hurricanes against the Capitals.
The preview noted that he had improved to 3-0-0 after an 18-save outing on Sunday.
Game context
Carolina was hosting Washington at Lenovo Center. The Hurricanes were also trying to extend their winning streak to six games.
Projected starters can change before puck drop, so the official team preview is the place to recheck if you need the latest lineup confirmation.
How did Jordan Staal’s calf tear change the Hurricanes lines against Washington?
Jordan Staal was unavailable for the Hurricanes because of a calf tear, and Carolina’s preview showed the lineup adjusting around that absence.
The main line change
Mark Jankowski had moved into a line with Jordan Martinook and Nikolaj Ehlers after Staal missed the Philadelphia game.
That is the clearest confirmed change tied to Staal’s absence in the preview.
Other listed forward placement
The preview also listed Jesperi Kotkaniemi between Nicolas Deslauriers and Eric Robinson.
That gives a practical snapshot of how Carolina was arranging its forwards for the Washington matchup, based on the preview information available at the time.
What to check next
Line combinations can shift close to game time, especially when an injury is involved. For the final version, check Carolina’s official updates before the game.
How long could Jordan Staal be out for the Hurricanes?
Jordan Staal’s absence was not described as a short day-to-day situation in Carolina’s preview.
The reported timeline
Rod Brind’Amour said Staal’s absence because of a calf tear could last one to two months.
That is the confirmed timeline from the preview. The context does not provide a specific return date.
What changed while he was out
With Staal unavailable, Mark Jankowski had moved into a line with Jordan Martinook and Nikolaj Ehlers. Jesperi Kotkaniemi was listed between Nicolas Deslauriers and Eric Robinson.
What remains uncertain
A one-to-two-month range is still a range, not a fixed return plan. For the most current status, check the Hurricanes’ official updates as the injury timeline develops.
Sources / Learn more
Related reading
- How can viewers stream UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev in 2026?; What changed about UFC broadcast access starting in 2026?; Where does UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev fit in UFC’s 2026 timeline?
- How can fans watch UFC events on Paramount+ starting in 2026?; What changes under UFC’s $7.7 billion Paramount Skydance media agreement?; What UFC 2026 schedule information is confirmed, and what remains TBD?
- What changed with the officiating for DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea after CAF reversed its earlier decision?
- What changed for Germany and the Netherlands going into this Nations League opener under their new managers?