Maurice: Legace will start, Rodney adds to power play

The Carolina Hurricanes had 19 skaters at practice at the RBC Center this morning

Adding to the growing ranks over the last three days were forwards Chad LaRose and Jussi Jokinen and defenseman Bryan Rodney, who was recalled (again) from the Albany River  Rats.

Coach Paul Maurice said he wasn’t sure who would be scratched from the lineup for tomorrow's 1:30 p.m. home game against the Vancouver Canucks.

"We're going to wait until tomorrow, because we're not sure how healthy everybody is," Maurice said. "We'll see how they wake up after today’s skate."

Backup goalie Michael Leighton did not practice today. He’s sick and not injured, Maurice said. That means that backup Manny Legace will start tomorrow.

Cam Ward practiced with the team for the second day in a row, but Maurice said nothing has changed regarding the timeline for his return, which is scheduled for Wednesday’s game at the New Jersey Devils.

In recalling Rodney, the Hurricanes were a man short in its defensive ranks after Joe Corvo was injured in Monday’s game against the Washington Capitals. He’s expected to miss two-to-three months.

"When you lose Corvo, you lose power-play minutes, and that’s something that Bryan can do,” Maurice said. "We’ve got a couple of other guys in the minors that just aren't as far along in their development.”

Maurice didn't rule out bringing up other defensemen from the minors, but for now, Rodney provides "another puck-moving defenseman."

Rodney will be paired with Wallin. Maurice said the two have a good relationship, and with Rodney here, expect for defenseman Tim Gleason and Joni Pitkanen to see more ice time.

"If that’s possible," Maurice said. "Joni is already up in the 30s at times, but we're going to have to shut down the other team’s best play against them and still take special team minutes."