The Hurricanes, (9-9-1) had an optional skate this morning after arriving back from Pittsburgh during the wee hours of the night. They have little time to prepare for their second game of a back-to-back set which will be against the Nashville Predators, (8-6-3) at the RBC tonight. The Preds arrived in Raleigh the day before and will be the rested team.
Chip Alexander tweeted that the only lineup change for the Hurricanes will be Jiri Tlusty for Troy Bodie. That must mean that Tuomo Ruutu is healthy enough to compete and will be in the lineup. The lines should be the same as they were last night, other than that change.
Cam Ward will be in net.
The Preds have gotten the best of the Canes in recent years and have won three in a row, while earning points in the last five meetings. They are coming off a recent 3-0 win in Montreal.
For the latest and greatest about the Predators, check out what Dirk has to say at On The Forecheck and Ryan's work at The Red Light District . Ryan made the trip for this game and is in Raleigh.
HM's game day guide is at the following link. Feel free to print it out and take it to the rink.
Canes Country's Game Guide: Hurricanes vs Predaators
There will be no local television for this one. As always, 99.9 The Fan will have the radio broadcast and I will be reporting from press row here on the open thread. Happy Saturday!