When defenseman Tim Gleason missed today's morning skate and the Canes recalled Jamie McBain from Albany (AHL), it seemed to be an indication Gleason would not play against the Bruins tonight.
Not so, coach Paul Maurice said.
"He's probably going to play tonight," Maurice said. "We expect him to play but we are going to call up McBain, just in case -- an insurance policy. And then there's also the chance we may play him.
"He's a puck-moving defenseman and we'd like to see him. It's a big game but at the same time he does some things that the other D don't do naturally.
"It's a game-time decision based a lot on how Timmy is feeling but I expect him to be in the lineup tonight."
If McBain plays, it will be his NHL debut. McBain, 22, is playing his first full professional season and leads the River Rats defensemen in scoring with 7 goals and 33 assists in 68 games. He was a second-round selection in the 2006 draft and played college hockey at Wisconsin.
With eight points and five teams separating the Canes and eighth-place Bruins, no one has to say how important tonight's game will be. Not with 14 games left in the season.
"It's pretty similar to the last couple of years," winger Sergei Samsonov said. "But this time around we dug ourselves a pretty big hole at the beginning that we've been trying to climb out of. We're playing one of the teams we're chasing, so it definitely feels like a playoff game."
Even with Brandon Sutter back, Maurice will keep Erik Cole on Eric Staal's line with Ray Whitney. Jussi Jokinen will be on the wing on Sutter's line opposite Tuomo Ruutu, with Chad LaRose moving to Pat Dwyer's line opposite Samsonov.
"We felt Cole with Staal against the Bruins has been a good match," Maurice said. "We like Jokinen on the wings and we also feel he has good chemistry with Ruutu. And Sutter's back, so there's a little defnsive component with two guys who can put the puck in the net.
"We'll move players around. I like Chad LaRose anywhere you play him. His offensive production come more when he's on the right side."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Yippie !!
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 14:13 — esteban1949got my fingers crossed !! seeing how Boston lost last night, if the canes come out hard...the canes can win tonight...
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !!
Go Canes !!
Lines for Tonight
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 13:25 — abramsdougI am really pleased McBain was called up. The organization is very, very excited about McBain's play; and what better chance to see how he handles pressure than to put him in against Boston. I'd like to see him get a chance to play against Boston. My guess is that Harrison will be a healthy scratch. I think Gleason would play tonight even if he had been put in a full body cast.
I am not all surprised that Cole is being put with Whitney and Staal. The players and coaches really like having Cole on the first line to bang and to add speed and hitting. Cole seems to have worked on his lateral acceleration and moves and isn't going back to his traditional, if not cliche, move. Cole could well have had a hat-trick against the Coyotes if he had been able to top shelf the open chances he had.
Cole
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 13:39 — sittler27When he gets the legs moving, drops his shoulder and drives to the net, I really like his game. And he should be the one digging the pucks out for Staal.
You did bring a smile when you said he would have had a hat trick if he could just go top shelf. If only we could clone the Wizards hands and put them on Erik.
Lineup
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 12:48 — sittler27The coaches get paid the big bucks to make the decisions but I've yet to see Cole and Staal rekindle the chemistry they once had. But I'd be happy for both if this was a breakout game.
The key step for any young player as they make the leap from juniors or college to the next level is reacting to the tempo of the game at that higher level and then imposing your will. Some never do and become career minor leaguers. Reports from AHL observers say that not only has McBain made that progrression but that over the last 6 weeks he has often been the best player on the ice. Apparently his defensive game has not suffered as he has picked up his offence. Hate to see the Canes waste a plane ticket. Gleason is one tough customer and if he is 90% he will likely play, so maybe a night off for Picard or Harrison?