Sick Things - Penguins at Hurricanes

by Bob Wage on Feb 14, 2008 2:18 PM EST

Seemingly in a case of whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, the Carolina Hurricanes had to recall 3 defensemen from the Albany River Rats for the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Tim Gleason and newcomer, Joe Corvo are ill and reportedly will not be able to play. Bret Hedican has a lower body concern and will also watch the game from the pressbox.

Casey Borer, Tim Conboy, and Joey Mormina will be the replacements. While Conboy and especially Borer have filled in nicely before, Mormina is a surprise. Perhaps he's being brought up to introduce himself to Georges Laraque or Brooks Orpik? Why should Erik Cole hurt his hand pounding away on Orpik's face if there is someone else willing to do it? While Mormina is 6'6 and 240 plus and can probably handle himself well, I doubt that he's very mobile. Could he be the new "puck-moving" defenseman Caniacs have been craving for?

I haven't heard if any of the forwards are ill as well, so we will have to see who suits up right before game time. Hopefully, the lines will be as follows...

Staal-Whitney-Cole

Brind'Amour-Samsonov-Ladd

Aucoin-Walker-Bayda

Letowski-Brookbank-Hamilton

Kaberle-Mormina

Wallin-Conboy

Wesley-Borer

The Penguins are coming off of a loss to the Bruins last night, but have played very well lately and have a respectable 69 points while leading the Atlantic Division. The Canes are currently in a 3 way tie with Washington and Atlanta, but the Caps have the advantage with a game in hand.

Cam Ward better be ready for anything tonight. Game time is at 7 and it will be on local TV. Happy Valentine's Day!

Alice Cooper

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Sutter is expected to join the team next year, We are dumping the UFA’s. We have a revolving door with Albany….. anyone want to argue that we are NOT sellers and we are planning next years roster now? Hey, at least we are getting a decent look at what we may look like next year, and I say, we will be better off, younger and fresher, and hungry to regain our status. I like our prospects for next year, and at least JR is starting the rebuilding now, instead of waiting for the circus of the summer!

Sean

by CaniacSean on Feb 14, 2008 4:53 PM EST reply actions

Geez, that looks like a preseason lineup!

I’m really coming around on the trade. Corvo did some stuff with the puck in the offensive zone that I’m not used to seeing from a Canes defenseman. And if Eaves can develop like Justin Williams, as Tripper mentioned the other night, Carolina’s future is looking a little better—especially if Ladd continues to score with Brind’Amour and Samsonov.

During the last game, Forslund or Tripp mentioned that Samsonov really likes it in Raleigh, that he likes the Hurricanes’ organization. Do you think he’ll be back next season?

by John on Feb 14, 2008 4:58 PM EST reply actions