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The Carolina Hurricanes close out their regular-season schedule at home tonight, hosting the barely-still-alive-for-the-playoffs Buffalo Sabres.
For the Hurricanes, it's a chance to pressure Philadelphia for the fourth spot — and home-ice advantage — in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres need everything to go their way to reach the postseason, including winning tonight's game.
Carolina will also be looking for their 10th straight win — which would be a franchise record — and 13 in a row at the RBC Center. Cam Ward will again start in net — for the 28th consecutive time — and Joe Corvo, who missed Tuesday's blowout win against the Islanders with flu symptoms, will also be playing.
The Sabres kept their slim playoff hopes alive Wednesday with a 3-1 at Toronto, but now face a rested Hurricanes team who is waiting for them. Ryan Miller will likely be in net for Buffalo, but he has allowed at least three goals in all six of his starts since returning from injury.
Carolina leads the season series with two wins (one in regulation, one in a shootout) against a loss.
The game will begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast by FS-CR and 99.9 The Fan.
Sabres Game Previews
N&O's Canes Now: Canes, Sabres have different goals
Buffalo News: Sabres stay alive with Toronto victory
NHL.com: Sabres-Hurricanes preview
CarolinaHurricanes.com: Sabres' season on the line • Game notes
Visit Die By The Blade for a Sabres perspective.
Hurricanes News
NHL.com: Hurricanes' Rutherford on Thursday's NHL hour
News & Observer: Canes' LaRose brings quickness, grit
The Hockey News: Goaltending, opponent will ground Flyers in Round 1
Sportsnet: Canes, Pens sizzling
The Bulletin: Are the Pens mightier than the Canes? (Flyers playoff preview)
Albany River Rats
Schenectady Daily Gazette: Rats final weekend • Rats award winners
CHL Playoffs
Spokane Chiefs (series with Vancouver tied 2-2): Win Game 4
Lethbridge Hurricanes (lose series with Calgary 4-0): Lose Game 4 (Zach Boychuk ends postseason with seven goals and five assists in nine games)