Dan Ellis will be in goal for the Canes against Tampa Bay on Saturday, coach Kirk Muller said today. As for the back end ...
Defenseman Tim Gleason returned to practice today, his first since suffering a lower-body injury that kept him out of the lineup the past three games. Joni Pitkanen, also out three games with a lower-body injury, put in a second practice and was paired with Gleason at times.
Muller said both remain "day to day" and that a decision would be made on their availability after tomorrow's morning skate. If Muller decides to hold them out another game, rookie defenseman Ryan Murphy -- an emergency callup from the Kitchener Rangers (OHL) -- would get his second NHL game.
"We have a lot of confidence in his game," Muller said. "We were really pleased with him. To come in and play 23 minutes, at his age or any age, first game, he did a lot of things really well. But we're missing some key veteran guys that obviously we would like to have back."
Why Ellis? Cam Ward allowed a few soft goals Thursday in the 4-3 loss to Winnipeg, but Muller said the decision to start Ellis was more "he's done well against Tampa."
Ellis also played for the Lightning in the 2010-2011 season before being dealt to the Anaheim Ducks.
Ellis' numbers are impressive -- he has a 3-1-0 record with a 1.75 GAA and .943 save percentage. He was the winner against Toronto in the Feb. 14 game at PNC Arena.
Forwards Jeff Skinner (concussion) and Tim Brent (lower-body), and defenseman Jamie McBain (upper-body) did not practice today.
The lines were not changed from the Winnipeg game. Drayson Bowman remained on Jordan Staal's left wing opposite Pat Dwyer.
"I think Jordan having guys who are workers, guys who can skate on the wings, open up things for him," Muller said.
Muller said he thought the Canes played pretty well against the Jets, noting they gave up just six or seven scoring chances.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Cam is not an Iron Man
Sat, 02/23/2013 - 10:49 — JohnHolderWard is a great goalie, but they can't rely on him to play 80% of the games. I've seen Ellis play in Charlotte for most of this season, and he's the best backup the Canes have had in years. I don't think Cam deserves to lose #1, but Dan deserves to play more, and it's best for the team. I'm glad we'll get to see #31 tonight.
Good Call on Starting Ellis
Fri, 02/22/2013 - 15:23 — abramsdougCam Ward is struggling at the moment. It will do him good to have time to reflect, refocus, and re-energize. He's shown himself to be a good NHL goalie. Perhaps the pressure he puts on himself to be an elite, lights out, goalie every game is not helpful. All he needs to be is above average. The rest of the team is now strong enough to carry him. He doesn't have to carry the team on his shoulders.
Cam's inconsistency is not a
Fri, 02/22/2013 - 19:03 — ScottIrishCam's inconsistency is not a new issue. No argument when he's on he's spectacular & we'll always owe him for being such a critical part winning the cup in 2006. But it's time to make him #2 & see if he shows he can become #1. Hopefully his focus/attention will improve sitting.