They Might Need More...

Tonight , the Hurricanes will continue their heroic drive through this six game home stand. A resilient lot, the Hurricanes somehow found a way to manage a point out of the Bruins affair on Tuesday and now have two divisional "must haves" against the likes of Atlanta and Washington. You have to admire the way the Hurricanes have not caved as a team under the constant duress of illness and injury. To a man they have remained true to that "I will survive" mindset.

For three players tonight's game may be a proving ground to help the Canes continue down a positive road. Keith Aucoin, Ryan Bayda and Andrew Ladd all need to deliver big games. They have made strong contributions to get the team to this poing, but in the last game they may have taken a little bit of a step back.

With the way the line up is currently constructed, there is really no time for set backs. Management has patiently waited to see how these players would perform in a line-up that needed a boost. Each, in their own way, have contributed, and each have a different individual story. Unfortunately for the Canes, this is "bottom line" time.

The Staal line will be counted on every night to carry the team. Matt Cullen,  Scott Walker and Sergei Samsonov have proven that they have what it takes to get the support scoring in order. It's this trio that has to be consistent. The Hurricanes appear to be waiting until the Tuesday trading deadline to add a support player to the mix. Ladd needs to jump into a solid every night NHL role. Aucoin has to make people believe that he can do it at this level instead of being a bubble-type player. Finally, Bayda has been there before and now has a chance to get himself "over the hump" to solidify a spot. They need to elevate their games over the next 72 hours. If so, the Canes might have what they need.

Borer out, Conboy remains...

Casey Borer was sent back to Albany this afternoon. Every minute he gets here is of course good, but the "real" minutes he can attain at the AHL level will help him continue the solid developmental curve he is enjoying. Tim Conboy will be a game time decision with Jeff Hamilton. My guess is that he could play - his energy might be well suited for what should be a game with playoff intensity.

Eaves...

Patrick Eaves has an outside chance of playing on Saturday. My guess is they will give him a good push in practice on Friday and make the call Saturday. You have to wonder about how much Ottawa divulged about his status at the time of the deal. Interesting...

See ya !