The Hurricanes are leaving today for a three-game road trip, with the first game Wednesday against the winless New York Islanders (0-3-3).
Which, in turn, makes Canes coach Paul Maurice more than a little edgy.
"Especially when you go back and watch the games that they've played," he said today. "They've worked their butts off and they have some high-end young talent there."
That includes forward John Tavares, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NHL Draft. Tavares has done his part with three goals and four assists andis tied for the team lead in points.
"They deserved to win two, maybe three of the games they've played and just got some strange breaks and bounces," Maurice said. "That happens to young teams until they catch fire, and then watch out.
"It's not like we're 12 or 15 points ahead of them. So I think you're going to see two teams come out with a snarl. If we play our butts off, we have a chance to win, and that's it."
The Canes had a full complement of players at today's practice. Returning were Eric Staal, Matt Cullen, Ray Whitney, Sergei Samsonov, Joni Pitkanen and Cam Ward, who all missed Monday's workout.
"I think the rest was real important for those guys because they all skated well," Maurice said. "We were looking for some sharpness and some pace in our practice ... and sme mental focus and not waiting for the game to get ready."
Maurice made a few tweaks to the lines. Cullen was centering Scott Walker and Chad LaRose, with Samsonov on a wing on Rod Brind'Amour's line with Jussi Jokinen.
"We're working towards getting some guys comfortable together," he said. "We need to get LaRose and Walker going a little bit. Just in terms of their ability to get out on the ice more, I think their energy level is something we need and we're going to see them a little more on the ice."
General manager Jim Rutherford said today that Erik Cole, who was expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a leg fracture, should be close to returning in the four-week range.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Erik Cole, 4 weeks
Tue, 10/20/2009 - 13:39 — wxray1JR says: "General manager Jim Rutherford said today that Erik Cole, who was expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a leg fracture, should be close to returning in the four-week range. "
My translation: Erick will be back for the San Jose game, will play 2 tentative periods, and then mysteriously be benched. He won't return for another 2 weeks after that first game.
Couldn't have said it any
Tue, 10/20/2009 - 19:13 — drewkCouldn't have said it any better.
By the way, Justin Williams is on fire in LA - 3-6-9, +4.
I can understand
Tue, 10/20/2009 - 13:27 — esteban1949Mo's concerns. But we must all remember that the Islanders aint last years detroit lions. They will come out hard and fast, and if the canes aint ready...it can and will be a long night...I hope & pray not. After all The Canes do have all the missing pieces there in place...right ? After all If the Rats can win...The Canes can too !
Go Canes !!