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The Carolina Hurricanes media relations department has had a busy day so far today. The team recalled Zach Boychuk and Justin Peters from Albany. Cam Ward was sent back to Raleigh nursing an upper body ailment. (something tightened up, like perhaps a wonky sore back?)
In the meantime, any news about the "pending" trade of Niclas Wallin seems to have reached complete radio silence. Wallin attended the morning skate like usual and there is nothing new on the trade front, at least for now.
Initially, the recall of Peters prompted thoughts that Manny Legace could be traded. But the backup, who has not played in a game since January 23 when he left a contest early with a bout of pick eye, will get the start tonight in Buffalo as the Hurricanes, (19-30-7) meet the Sabres, (32-16-7) for a match that starts tonight at 7:30 at the HSBC arena.
Legace's previous start before his pink eye problem was December 12.
The club hoped that perhaps Erik Cole or Tuomo Ruutu could play for Carolina, but both remain out. Ruutu did make an appreance in the morning skate, but the team now says he won't play before next week.
Cole's situation remains a mystery. He's been "close" for the past several weeks, but never seems to get over whatever hurdle is holding him back. His exact ailment is unknown to the media and the public but it's very odd that the team keeps saying that he could play, almost on a game to game basis, but he ends up not playing.
Carolina's lines tonight should be as follows:
- Staal, Whitney, Jokinen
- Cullen, Kostopoulos, Samsonov
- Sutter, Boychuk, Dwyer
- Yelle, Brind'Amour, Goertzen
Andrew Alberts should be good to go tonight. Apparently the injury which took him out of the Calgary game after just eight seconds of playing time, was not serious.
We will have to wait to see if Wallin will play tonight, depending upon the outcome of any trade. If not, Brett Carson will fill in along with Joe Corvo, Tim Gleason, Aaron Ward, Joni Pitkanen, and Alberts.
Buffalo has had a very good year for the most part, although they have lost six of their past eight games. This should not matter to Carolina though because so far this year, the Hurricanes have been the magic tonic that cures all losing streaks.
If you would like more information about the Sabres, check out our friends at Die By The Blade.
For some reason, the game will not be televised locally by FSN, but will be shown on Center Ice. We will have our open game thread starting up at 7.