Hump Day...

The end of pre-season is fast approaching. The Canes are coming off two arduous days of training leading up to a two game set with Nashville starting tomorrow and ending on  Sunday. Here are a few quick thoughts leading up to tomorrow's game.

Point Presence...

Well, the Canes have afforded us two days to take a look at the power play and how they will align that important facet of the game.  Joni Pitkanen and Joe Corvo  will make things very intriguing. First of all, brining the puck up the ice, the Canes have an authoritative look. Each player can "lug it" but there is no question that Pitkanen will  be the one to carry it. He does so with authority and speed. Speed is a key as the Canes have been working at hitting the neutral zone at full steam in a five man wave. Once in the attacking zone the Canes should have no problem getting the puck to the points for shots. With numbers 77 and 25 back there the opponents will have  tough time keying on  just one guy. Both players possess big shots, look for the Canes to isolate them and get it back there often. The hardest part for now is finding someone that will stand in front of the net in practice. There were not too many takers on Wednesday. The goaltenders ?  Well, they don't have a  choice do they ? Ron Francis was on the ice both days. Look for him to be involved in this area as he was last year.

Boychuk feeling better...

Prospect Zach Boychuk was around the rink today. After having surgery yesterday he was feeling well and in great spirits. The pin was removed from his wrist it will be two weeks with no contact. He will be able to get on the ice for conditioning and limited shooting and stick handling. The Canes do have a contract entry level on the table for the 2008 first round pick. You get the feeling that it won't be long and the Canes will have him signed. You get every indication that they will give him a long look once he is cleared to play.

Goaltending Plan...

Cam Ward and Michael Leighton will both travel to Nashville for tomorrow's 's game and  they both will play. They'll  split the game with Ward getting a chance to play the whole game on Sunday.

Working their way back...

Nic Wallin (head) Wade Brookbank (head) both skated this morning. Wallin, who may have been concussed in the first exhibition game a week ago and Brookbank who was stung on Sunday were  put through some rigorous skating.  It looks like a step in the right direction for both as the team will try and get them back on the weekend.