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