The Carolina Hurricanes, who are currently on a three game winning streak match-up against former Hurricane Erik Cole and the Montreal Canadians (who are on a three game winning streak as well) tonight at the Belle Centre.
Everyone knew coming into this compact 48 game season that injuries would be a common happening, however, they have hit hard this week for the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are suffering from five key injuries right now, Jeff Skinner (upper body), Tuomo Ruutu (hip), Tim Gleason (lower body), Joni Pitkanen (lower body), and Tim Brent (lower body). The injuries to key members of the Hurricanes have forced them to call-up a number of players which in turn has left the Charlotte Checkers organization in a bind. The Checkers tried to lighten the mood with all the call-ups and injuries by placing Chubby (the Checker's mascot) as their fourth line center on their depth chart today, due to the call-up's of Welsh and Nash.
The Canadians also have a little injury trouble. Starting goaltender Carey Price (Flu) is out, along with Brendan Gallagher and Petteri Nokelainen. Montreal also lists P.K. Subban, Alexei Emelin, and Max Pacioretty as questionable.
The Hurricanes will attempt to find some of that second and third period magic tonight as the Canadians are 7-0-0 when leading after the first period.
The Hurricanes will roll into tonight's contest with the following depth chat...
Jiri Tlusty - Eric Staal - Alexander Semin
Jussi Jokinen - Jordan Staal - Patrick Dwyer
Andreas Nodl - Riley Nash - Chad LaRose
Drayson Bowman - Jeremy Welsh - Tim Wallace
Jay Harrison - Justin Faulk
Jamie McBain - Joe Corvo
Michal Jordan - Bobby Sanguinetti
Cam Ward
Dan Ellis
News and Notes
- Captain, Eric Staal in on an eleven game point streak, with a point tonight; he will tie his personal record as well as a Hurricanes record.
- The Hurricanes are sixth in the NHL in scoring, averaging 3.15 goals per game.
