Canes forward Erik Cole, who missed Wednesday's game at Washington because of an illness, may be able to play tonight against the Penguins.
Canes coach Paul Maurice said Cole would be a game-time decision. If Cole is unable to go, Oskar Osala will earn another start.
Osala was recalled Wednesday from Albany (AHL) after Cole fell ill with flu-like symptoms and sent back to Raleigh. He was in for just eight shifts and 6:36 of ice time in the 4-3 overtime loss to the Caps.
"I thought he got a little more comfortable -- he had a couple of real good shifts in the third periods," Maurice said of Osala, acquired in the deal with Washington that sent Joe Corvo to the Caps. "The power plays, penalty kills, took him out of any kind of rhythm.
"When he gets going he's got some good speed and I like his size, so we'll get a little better assessment if he plays tonight."
Justin Peters will make his fifth start tonight in what should be his biggest test -- against Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the offensive talent the Pens have.
"It's different kind of shooter," Maurice said. "But he's played awfully well."
Maurice was hoping Cam Ward might begin skating Thursday, but Ward did not take the ice.
"We're going to hold him off until basically (trainer) Pete (Friesen) wants to put him on the ice," Maurice said. "Then it will be a stretch of time until he feels comfortable."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
