Forslund on: Game 2

With his television duties concluded for the season, Hurricanes broadcaster John Forslund will be sharing his occasional thoughts on the playoffs with Canes Now. Enjoy...

Morning Thoughts for Game 2...

My good friends at The N&O have afforded me a chance to blog some thoughts in this space for the rest of the remarkable run through the playoffs by the Canes. So in the spirit of "concise blogosphere bullets," here we go.

The Canes first real test in terms of the "war of attrition" comes tonight as they deal with injuries to Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole.

It appears Ruutu is definitely out for Game 2. After absorbing what appeared to be a "slew foot" from Mark Eaton, an apparent ankle injury will hold him out. There is a feeling around the team that he could be available for Saturday, but maybe Tuesday is more realistic.

As for Cole, the team kept him off the ice yesterday, but I don't it's too far out of reach to think that he could play tonight.

As for replacements, look for Anton Babchuk (a seventh "D" option) or Pat Dwyer to fill the void.

The Canes don't have many adjustments to make as they reflect on their Game 1 effort. They would like to get more shots through from the points with traffic in front of Fleury. They have looked at some video to upgrade their forecheck as Pittsburgh's breaks out of their zone.

They would like to amp up physical play (mind you they could be without their top two physical forwards) but still have to be mindful to walk that discipline line as to not give the Pens too many PP chances.

Their PK positioning was outstanding. Sure, they allowed the GWG on the power play, but that's a shot Cam Ward would stop given another chance.

For the Canes, their biggest upgrade tonight will have to be in the Pittsburgh zone. They have to continue to "cycle" the Ptittsburgh defense right into the ice. By making them "chase," they will be able to generate plenty of chances. The players are convinced of that.

Then, when those opportunities arise, the team realizes they were too cute in certain sequences. If you hear the players say after this one that "it was kept simple," the Canes will accomplish what they have done throughout the playoffs: win game number two.