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Centers Matt Cullen and Brandon Sutter, and defenseman Joni Pitkanen all will play tonight against the Washington Capitals, coach Peter Laviolette said today.
"They're back, they're cleared to play," he said. "They've been off for a while, all of them. When you get guys back from injury there's always a process, too, to get back in game shape and be ready to contribute.
"It'll be good to get a full lineup back in there, especially up front. It gives us more depth at center and it's more depth for the forwards."
Forward Patrick Eaves, injured in last week's game with the Caps, continues to be tested, Laviolette said.
Sutter (concussion) and Pitkanen (knee) were injured in the Oct. 25 game against the New York Islanders. Cullen has missed games with a groin injury.
Sutter was activated off injured reserve. Center Dwight Helminen has been reassigned to Albany (AHL).
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Comments
This team NEEDS to stay
Wed, 11/12/2008 - 13:17 — tcirilloThis team NEEDS to stay healthy (what are the trainers doing, sounds like they are not prepared for a long season). As a fan and season ticket holder. These injuries have been frustrating since the Cup win.
Come on guys, start playing physical (your skating game)hockey every night (60 MINUTES). Do not want to hear anymore "we did not play 60 minutes".
GO CANES!
this team NEEDS to stay
Wed, 11/12/2008 - 13:33 — louis12580It is NOT the trainers fault that Sutter sustained a concussion. It is NOT the trainers fault that Pitkannen injured his ankle. Injuries happen during the course of a game and a season. Most are not a fault of the training staff. People need to get that notion out of their knobby little heads. Some of the problems do stem from too much working out, this is true.  Broken bones, concussions, pucks to the face are not the fault of the training staff. As you can guess from my answer to this post I  am sick and tired of the constant blaming of Pete and his staff for what's going on by some of the posters.
Will miss Helminen
Wed, 11/12/2008 - 13:13 — ynotagainI'm going to miss Dwight Helminen. He looked good, scored his first NHL goal and helped provide some very positive energy while he was here. Glad to see Sutter and Cullen back but I still wish Lavi could have found a way to keep Dwight and maybe sit Brookbank for a while. Canes need more offensive spark than roughing challenges right now.
Hopefully we'll see Dwight back up here soon.
Yes !!!
Wed, 11/12/2008 - 13:08 — esteban1949They are back and ready to rock the Caps ! I too am glad that Helminen as did the other rats who were called up,stepped up and did a great job for the Canes. There will be a time when they will not have to go back down...but only time will tell!
Go Canes...& Rats !!
Tonight
Wed, 11/12/2008 - 12:59 — kcljarI think the game is going to be in HD for those who get it.
Sounds like Eaves has a concussion from skating into Ruutu.
Hope we get some revenge on the Caps tonight and retake 1st place.
Glad to see the wounded
Wed, 11/12/2008 - 12:41 — FuquayCaniacGlad to see the wounded return. Here's hoping they all jump right back into it. Thanks to Helminen for the great play and filling in splendidly.
Anything else on Eaves?
eaves
Wed, 11/12/2008 - 14:47 — guppyman45eaves is a wimp.