News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 2008 NCAA Men's Bracket

PHILADELPHIA — Canes defenseman Casey Borer now has made the ESPN highlights. Also a place on hockeyfights.com.

Borer tangled with the Philadelphia Flyers' Scott Hartnell on Thursday night, trading a few blows with the bruising forward during the Canes' 6-5 shootout loss.

The winner? Let's say Borer took more than he landed. He left the ice bleeding, a nasty cut over his left eye.

"That's definitely my first NHL fight," Borer said today. "I wasn't really out there looking to fight, but sometimes you have to do that."

With called-up defensemen Tim Conboy and Casey Borer set to join the line-up tonight in their season debut, Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice praised what both players accomplished with the AHL's Albany River Rats this year, and spoke about the physical game Conboy brings.

"Timmy obviously brings a physical component, and that's part of what he offers our team," said Maurice. "We want to see that from him tonight, but we also want to see him control it. ... I don't need to see him try to impress the new coach three minutes into the game, if it's not the right time."

One game into the Paul Maurice regime, assessments are being made. Two of them will come as no surprise to fans: Josef Melichar wasn't getting the job done and the team needs more toughness.

So exit Melichar, who was sent to Albany (AHL) along with Pat Dwyer on Friday, and enter Tim Conboy and Casey Borer, who were called up in their place.

The Canes' Rod Brind'Amour has had a houseguest the past few weeks and gave him a few basic house rules for his stay.