Who Knows? Islanders-Hurricanes Preview

There was no pregame skate today, so there is no report as to who the starting goalie will be for the Canes. Perhaps it will be a game time decision? Matt Cullen returned to practice yesterday, and his status is also a game time decision. One thing we do know is that Rick DiPietro did not make the trip to Raleigh, so Wade Dubielewicz will be in net for New York.

The Islanders have won 4 of their past 5 games and even though they have scored the fewest goals in the NHL, recently scoring hasn't been a problem. Their top point man with 30 points is Mike Comrie and Miro Satan is next in line with 23. Satan recently scored his 666th career point. (I kid you not.)

Big free agent acquisition Bill Guerin has been a bit of a disappointment with just 20 points so far, but he's been hot lately. After his red hot start, ex-Cane Joe Vasicek's production has fallen off the map. Surprised? Keep an eye out for defenseman Chris Campoli who leads both team's blueliners with 18 points.

For the Canes, Eric Staal has a 8 game point streak going along with 4 goals scored in the past 4 games. Ray Whitney also has a point streak going of 9 games. Will Cam Ward start, or will John Grahame? Will Peter Laviolette draws straws to make that determination? (CH.com thinks it will be Ward). Will Wade Brookbank see any ice time or did he fly up from Albany for a front row seat just to watch all the action?

There is a late start of 8PM tonight due to the holiday. The game will not be broadcast locally on FSN, so it's another night for Center Ice if you can't be at the RBC. Happy New Year's Eve! And let's be careful out there!

Jimi Hendrix