The slumping Boston Bruins are in Raleigh to take on the battered and bruised Carolina Hurricanes tonight. While the Hurricanes are hurting, they won't get any sympathy from the Bruins who are fighting the injury demons themselves.
First, let's look to see who won't be playing for Boston. Aaron Ward, Patrice Bergeron, Glen Murray, and Andrew Alberts are all on the shelf. Tim Thomas has been fighting groin issues, but is expected to be in net. The Bruins have had trouble scoring and have lost 4 in a row. Although the Rangers had lost 3 in a row before they played the Canes the other night. Maybe this is information that is best left unsaid! For more Bruins information you can check this link.
The Hurricanes will be without Justin Williams, Matt Cullen, and David Tanabe. The good news is that Cullen did not test positive for a concussion and is listed as day to day. Andrew Ladd is supposed to play, but will be wearing a cage on his helmet to protect his injured face. Chad LaRose and Craig Adams are both expected to rejoin the lineup. Cam Ward will be between the pipes.
According to Lord Stanley's Blog, the lines will start out like this:
- Brind'Amour-Walker-Stillman
- Staal-Whitney-Cole
- Letowski-Ladd-Nolan
- Hamiton-LaRose-Adams
The last 2 lines aren't going to scare anyone, but if they can at least play well in their own end and not allow any easy goals, it would be considered good night.
John Forslund had an interesting blog post this morning where he lists a few names as possible targets for the Canes. For defensemen, he mentions Joe Corvo and Marek Zidlicky. Forward Michael Ryder is on the crap list in Montreal and he might be had cheap.
For possible enforcers, he mentions Brian McGratton and Scott Parker. If the Canes are hellbent on acquiring an enforcer, let me just throw out that Aaron Downey has been healthy scratched recently and might be placed on waivers soon by Detroit. He can be had cheap. If Jim Rutherford is talking to the Avs about Scott Parker, how about they throw in John-Michael Liles as well?
There will be no suspension for Colton Orr for his hit on Matt Cullen the other night. Apparently, Orr lifted his forearms up into Cullen's face to protect himself from the impact. Heaven forbid he veer out of the way or slow down if he was concerned about impact. Anyway, Cullen doesn't seem seriously hurt, so it's time to move on.
Gametime is at 7 tonight with no local TV. Later!
REM