The Carolina Hurricanes are less concerned with the results of the preseason than they are with making sure their veteran core is ready when the games start to count.

That approach will be on display Tuesday night when the Hurricanes host their first preseason game of the year.

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After Carolina used an inexperienced lineup in its preseason opener, head coach Rod Brind’Amour is still deciding how much — if any — action his veterans need this week.

“It's really trying to figure out for them what they need," Brind’Amour said about deploying veterans Tuesday night. "Like I know what they're about. This isn't like me trying to figure out what these guys' games are, we know what it is.”

For Brind’Amour, the decision is less about evaluating established players and more about getting them physically prepared for the regular season while minimizing unnecessary risk.

“Every time you lace them up, there's a risk involved,” he said. “So that's the part we're trying to figure out right now as we're going along. We probably err on less is more type of thing for these guys. They played a lot of hockey over the last many years, so ... they know what they need.”

That could mean another opportunity for younger players and those competing for roster spots to make an impression.

Brind’Amour said the Canes are still “trying to push our way to the start line here and get guys ramped up and get up to game speed.”

Taylor Hall, who is not expecting to play Tuesday, understands the preseason is ultimately about preparing for the regular season.

“I don't think I'll be playing, so I don't know how many guys are going to be playing here tomorrow,” Hall said. “But I think everyone's focused, no matter what's going on in the exhibition games, is ... to be ready for September 29th.”

For Hall and the Canes, that preparation comes with a different mindset this season. Carolina is coming off a championship season, and Hall said the goal is to repeat despite the added pressure that comes with being the defending champion.

“Everyone's gunning for you the whole season, and you know you're the hunted a bit,” Hall said. “So that's the goal.”

Brind’Amour said the mentality inside the locker room has remained largely unchanged.

“It’s been real positive,” he said. “I feel pretty much like business as usual, and we're gearing up for a new journey.”

The Canes will play the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center Tuesday night. They also play Nashville Thursday in Greensboro before opening the regular season up at home on September 29th versus The Panthers