Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield missed the team's Game 5 matchup against the Washington Capitals due to an undisclosed injury. The Hurricanes still picked up a victory without the right-shot defenseman in the lineup, defeating the Capitals by a 3-1 final score. With this, the Hurricanes knocked out the Capitals and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final.
Now, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour has provided an update on Chatfield. While speaking to reporters, including the Raleigh News & Observer's Chip Alexander, the Hurricanes' bench boss said he is hopeful Chatfield will be to go for the Eastern Conference Final.
It would be great for the Hurricanes if Chatfield is given the green light to return at the start of the next round. The 29-year-old is an important piece of their blueline due to his smart defensive play and overall reliability.
At this juncture, the Hurricanes are still waiting to find out if they will play the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Florida Panthers. The two Atlantic Division clubs play their Game 7 on May 18.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if Chatfield is good to go for Game 1 next round. The five-year veteran appeared in 79 regular-season games this season for the Hurricanes, recording seven goals, 18 points, 64 hits, and a plus-22 rating. In nine games this post-season, he has one goal and a plus-9 rating.
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