Dan Ellis, who has been stricken by the flu, is feeling better and said he's eating whole foods again. But Justin Peters again will be in net tonight for the Canes.
Canes coach Kirk Muller said Peters would make his second straight start as Carolina faces the Montreal Canadiens. Peters, in his first start since being recalled from the Charlotte Checkers, had 37 saves Tuesday in a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
"He had good energy the other night and had a good strong game," Muller said today. "We thought we'd keep it rolling with him, so he's good to go."
Ellis was to have started Sunday's game in Florida but felt ill before the game. Cam Ward started but suffered a knee sprain in the second period, forcing Ellis into the game in relief.
With Ellis still under the weather Tuesday, Peters got the nod.
Muller said center Riley Nash also is dealing with flu-like symptoms. Nash was not at today's morning skate but Muller said he might be able to play tonight. Center Tim Brent, who practiced Wednesday and was at the skate, remains questionable with a lower-body injury.
Joni Pitkanen (lower-body injury) and Chad LaRose (concussion) were not at the skate.
Muller had Pat Dwyer on Jordan Staal's line with Jeff Skinner at the skate. Jussi Jokinen was back at center, with wingers Tim Wallace and Drayson Bowman. Brent centered Kevin Westgarth and Brett Sutter.
The Canes were beaten 3-0 by the Habs in Montreal on Feb. 18 and managed just 19 shots. That was easily a season-low for a team that has led the NHL in shots per game.
"We didn't get many scoring chances," Muller said. "They like to close in, five guys on you. They're good skaters, so you're not going to get a lot of opportunities if they're on the top of their game. We need to be patient and when we get scoring chances capitalize on them."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at