Staff photo by Chris Seward
PITTSBURGH — Erik Cole joined his teammates on the Mellon Arena ice for the Carolina Hurricanes' morning skate today, suggesting the injured forward may be healthy enough to play in tonight's Game 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But fellow Carolina forward Tuomo Ruutu, who also was listed by the team as "day-to-day" after his Game 1 was cut short by a lower-body injury, did not skate with the team this morning.
Ruutu was standing in front of the Pittsburgh net Monday night when Penguins defenseman Mark Eaton hit him from behind. No penalty was assessed on Eaton.
Cole's injury stemmed from a knee-to-knee hit he took from the Pens' Matt Cooke in the third period of Pittsburgh's 3-2 win Monday.
With either — or both — forward sidelined tonight, the Hurricanes could turn to Dwight Helminen, Patrick Dwyer or Michael Ryan as a replacement.
UPDATE, 12:31 p.m.: Cole and Dwyer will be in the lineup tonight, the N&O has learned. Ruutu is out but could return Saturday. Check back for more updates.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Good news
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 14:15 — HockeydogHaving at least one of the two players back is good news. Also read that Ruutu's ankle is not thought to be the dreaded high ankle sprain and he could be back for game 3.
Dwyer is an interesting addition. Anyone have an idea on his selection? I guess we'll find out during the 3PM live chat!
I hope Cole is a wrecking ball tonight, and his list of targets is obvious! I have a good feeling about tonight's game. Affectionately speaking, the Canes are like cockroaches. Just can't kill them!!
Great news. Any word on who
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 12:47 — Otag1Great news. Any word on who will be officiating tonight's game? Not that we need the whistles blowing constant interrupting the flow of the game, but a crew that can keep control of the game would be nice! It sure seems like we do not get the most experienced crew most games. With just the one game tonight I hope we do not get Watson or Jackson.
Referees: Kevin Pollock,
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 13:21 — atrioneReferees: Kevin Pollock, Marc Joanette
Linesmen: Brad Lazarowich, Jay Sharrars
Morning skate
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 12:24 — hckseyI just left the morning skate and I got tell you the boys were flying. Cole looked good he just has a bruise no interior damage to his knee. I sat with Chuck Kaiton, John Forsland and Glenn Wesley what a treat. The canes looked great they were very loose everytime someone scored during a drill the famous Rick Flare OOH OOH COULD BE HEARD throughout Mellon arena. Everyone had a lot of jump especially Rosie look for a solid effort from the boys tonight. GO CANES!!!
Great news, however
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 12:02 — Otag1Great news, however just because Cole skates this AM does not necessarily mean he will play tonight. His knee could act up after the skate, thus I am sure he will be a game time decision. That said, Eric will want to play if he is even close to 100%, yet I believe we will be better served if his knee is not 100% to wait until Saturday.
Playoffs
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 12:24 — GoShelfGranted, but because of the time of year if he's well enough to skate in the morning he's probably good enough to play. if you're not playing hurt you're not playing hard enough. I'd rather have Cole playing on one leg than any of our extras.
Cole Tonight
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 11:57 — abramsdougHow about two goals and a thundering hit on Orpik. That would be very sweet. As for the "hit" on Ruutu by Eaton, Eaton came up behind Ruutu and gave him what is often called a slew foot and knocked Ruutu's legs out from underneath him.
Great News
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 11:49 — GoShelfI guess it's gonna take a little more than a cheap shot from M.Cooke to keep Colsie out of the lineup. I hope he scores 2 geno's tonight.