The Carolina Hurricanes, (29-33-8) take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, (42-24-5) in an afternoon game at Mellon Arena beginning at 1 p.m. this afternoon. This is the first of a back-to-back sequence for the Hurricanes as they return home to face the Buffalo Sabres Sunday evening.
The Canes are coming off an emotional overtime win against the Capitals on Thursday night. They are 2-2-1 in their last five games.
The Pens are fresh off of a dominating 3-0 win in Boston, but are also 2-2-1 in their last five games.
The injuries keep mounting for the Hurricanes as Alexandre Picard was injured on Thursday night and is now listed as "week-to-week". Bryan Rodney has been recalled to take his place on the blueline. This is the fifth recall this season for the defenseman, who has earned two assists in eight games five assists in 10 games for Carolina so far this year.
The Carolina blueline is younger than ever and now features: Joni Pitkanen, Jamie McBain, Brett Carson, Brian Pothier, Jay Harrison, and Rodney.
The coaching staff has determined that Manny Legace will start this game and Justin Peters will go against the Sabres. Legace has a career 4-0-0 record against Pittsburgh with a GAA of 1.80.
On March 11th, Carolina beat Pittsburgh, 4-3 in overtime on a blast by Brian Pothier.
The Canes are 3-9-2 in the first half of back-to-backs this year and 7-6-1 in the back half. They have also won two of three games against Pittsburgh so far this season.
The only player who is streaking for the Hurricanes right now is Jamie McBain, who has two points in two consecutive games.
Who else is hot? Eric Staal has 51 points in his last 44 games, (since his return from injury). Jussi Jokinen has points in 20 of Carolina's last 27 games, (16G 15A).
For those of you who are sentimental, this will be Carolina's final game at "The Igloo" as the franchise will open a new arena next season. But the place has been a "House of Horrors" for Carolina regarding injuries. They will be happy to move on.
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FS Carolinas will have the telecast starting at 1. The open game thread will be ready to go at 12:30.