The series against the Boston Bruins is rather tough for Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, confined to the center of the fourth line.
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Earning an estimated $6.1 million in 2021-22 under the hostile offer he accepted last summer and signing an eight-year contract extension in March, the Finn isn’t getting the job done. Playing in the same line as another former Montreal Canadiens, Max Domi, he was unable to put his name on the score sheet in the first six games of the confrontation against the Bruins which will end on Saturday at Raleigh. Also, “KK” shows a differential of -4.
In fact, the public took notice of Kotkaniemi more for shaking Charlie McAvoy along the boards during the final matchup on Thursday. Then, Brad Marchand made him pay with a stick late in the third period, setting the stage for an acrimonious game on Saturday.
Still, the “Canes” forward had some offensive success late in the regular season, amassing six points in as many outings to wrap up the schedule. After a five-game absence related to a lower-body injury, he had, among other things, scored a goal and two assists against the New Jersey Devils on April 28.
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