Hurricanes’ Rod Brind’Amour ‘hopeful’ William Carrier can play in Game 4

The Carolina Hurricanes are facing a pivotal Game 4 after falling into a 2-1 series deficit against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.

In another wild chapter between the two clubs, Carolina erased a four-goal deficit in Game 3 and forced overtime before ultimately falling 5-4 in double overtime at T-Mobile Arena.

The Hurricanes were without William Carrier for most of the contest; the veteran winger played just 6:51 before exiting with an apparent upper-body injury.

Head coach Rod Brind’Amour didn’t offer many details afterward, but said he was “hopeful” Carrier would be available moving forward, according to the Raleigh News & Observer’s Chip Alexander.

Carrier has averaged just over 10 minutes of ice time during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs while contributing four assists in 16 games.

He’s been a regular fixture on Carolina’s fourth line alongside Mark Jankowski and Eric Robinson, making his availability an important storyline heading into Tuesday night’s Game 4.

The 30-year-old spent seven seasons with the Golden Knights before signing with Carolina in free agency during the summer of 2024. He helped Vegas capture its first Stanley Cup championship in 2023 and remains a valuable depth piece because of his physicality, forechecking ability and defensive reliability.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, Carrier recorded 18 points in 70 regular-season games during the 2025-26 campaign.

If Carrier is unable to play, Brind’Amour will have several options to consider. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has yet to appear in a playoff game this spring after recording nine points in 42 regular-season contests, while Nicolas Deslauriers would offer a much different look with his physical style of play.

Carolina would obviously prefer to keep its fourth line intact as it attempts to even the series before returning home for Game 5.

Brind’Amour also declined to name a starting goaltender for Game 4 after Brandon Bussi relieved Frederik Andersen in Game 3. The Hurricanes coach said a decision between the two netminders would be made following Monday’s practice.

More clarity on Carrier’s status should arrive before puck drop on Tuesday night.

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