The Canes will try to end their 14-game winless streak Sunday against the Minnesota Wild and will do it with Michael Leighton in goal.
Canes coach Paul Maurice said today that Leighton will get his second start of the season. Manny Legace, signed Monday to a one-year contract, has started his first two games with the Canes (2-12-4).
Ray Whitney, Chad LaRose and Aaron Ward did not practice today and there is no word on their availability for the Wild game. Stephane Yelle, who missed the Islanders game Friday with a lower-body injury, returned to practice today.
Maurice said he was pleased with the Canes' physicality — Tuomo Ruutu had nine hits and Erik Cole eight -- especially after falling behind the Isles 3-0. The Hurricanes rallied for a 3-3 tie before losing 4-3 in the final seconds of overtime.
"We had some battling going on, Ruutu leading it," he said. "We had guys who were grinding and fighting."
Legace has allowed eight goals on 55 shots since joining the Canes from the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. Leighton will be making his fourth appearance of the season.
Leighton's only start was Oct. 31 against the Philadelphia Flyers, a day after his wife gave birth to a daughter. The Flyers won 6-1 -- the second of seven consecutive losses in regulation by the Canes, who earned their first point Friday since the Oct. 24 overtime loss at Minnesota.
"You think too many things when you're in a losing streak like this," said Ruutu, who has three goals in the last two games. "When you don't have that confidence, you start doing things and thinking too many things.
"It's not about systems right now. It's not about that you may be skating in the wrong direction. Sometimes it is, but that's not the main reason. We've just got to keep our feet going all the time, skate and play harder."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
MO
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 09:26 — cushingrFirst of all, there's no way Moe's getting fired... I might be wrong but I think the Canes are still paying Laviolette on his contract. Maurice is a great coach who will get this team going. Injuries and lack of passion seem to be the primary problem here in Raleigh. In my opinion, they need to trade a veteran to really shake things up (i.e Brind'Amour who has slipped on the depth chart). Also, Boychuck needs to get a chance. Look what Sutter has done? I really like Rodney and his size. These young guys are bringing a lot of passion and they are playing like they want to be here!
3 more losses...
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 22:13 — whirligig...and we get the record for longest NHL losing streak.
Just sayin.
30 is the longest
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 03:39 — raleighcanesfanI think the longest losing streak in NHL history is a bit longer than that. To quote Chip in his 11/13 article:
"But what about going 30 games without a win? That's what the Winnipeg Jets did in the 1980-81 season, a winless stretch that's the longest in NHL history."
Speaking of ...
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 21:24 — esteban1949shooting...Boychuk scored the winning goal in OT as the Rats beat Northfolk 2-1 !
Now if we can only....hmmmm would be wonderful tomorrow afternoon huh ? Funny thing i think the Rats have a betyer over all record than the Canes do...
stick with hoops
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 18:39 — HockeydogAre you a fair weather fan who knows nothing about hockey or just out of words to describe the Canes losing streak. Maybe you are the fan in the stands who yells "shoot it" all night. Please forgive me if you are an avid Canes fan.
Shoot It
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 22:24 — CaniacGuyUm, well if you're talking about someone up in 332, then that would be me.
We put a lot of shots at the goal, but far far to many of them are either dead center to the man's crest, or weak push shots with nothing on them.
If it were up to me, I'd make a rule: 3rd guy to touch the puck after the last shot, or after the last opposing player has touched it ... *shoot*. 2 passes then shoot, regardless. Oh, and someone please go to the net.
FYI
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 19:05 — WAStoutYou are forgiven...
I am an avid fan and know quite a bit about hockey (for a non-canadian). We are waaaaaaaayyyyyy past fair weather....and there comes a point where you give up and go back in the house for another day, baby.
And what is wrong with "shoot it" ???? Looks like we need to listen to the crowd more!
Oh Well.
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 17:19 — WAStoutThank goodness basketball season has started.
I can't believe Mo even GETS to comment on the games. Why is he STILL here? 14 and counting...
Friends
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 22:16 — trooper95I have seen other posts that Jim Rutherford and Paul Maurice are very good friends, now there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but when you are the GM for NHL franchise that could, key word could, set a franchise record for consecutive losses then maybe hiring a good friend as the head coach is not a good move, especially right now? Again I have no idea if they are good friends, I have seen that on a couple of posts, but if that is the case, I would think the one friend is who is higher in food chain tell his friend, hey get it together or else....
But on a positive note, Leighton gets to start in goal, and gets much needed experience. Well Sunday afternoon could be the turning point for the Canes to get the season turned in the right direction, an increase in the "W" column.
Until then GO CANES !!