New York at Carolina 7pm Msg+2

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/20/2009 02:00:00 PM |
Carolina has a seven game home winning streak going into Friday's game.

Updated Player Pos Injury Expected Return
10/01/08 David Tanabe D Concussion Out indefinitely
03/18/09 Scott Walker RW Upper Body Questionable for March 20

03/18/2009 NJD 2 @ CAR 4
03/14/2009 CAR 4 @ WSH 5
03/12/2009 CAR 2 @ DAL 3
03/11/2009 CAR 2 @ CHI 3
03/09/2009 NYR 0 @ CAR 3

Stat Player Total
Points Eric Staal 64
Goals Eric Staal 34
Assists Ray Whitney 40
PIM Tuomo Ruutu 71
Plus/Minus Matt Cullen 10
PP Goals Eric Staal 12
SH Goals Chad LaRose 2

-------------------- GP W L OTL GAA SV%
Cam Ward 59 31 22 5 2.51 .913
Michael Leighton 17 6 6 2 2.94 .900

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Not much to write for this game which will be one of two in Carolina before the end of the season. For the Canes it's desperation time and even though it's three games in four nights I expect Cam Ward to start because these are two points they have to bank after coming off a win against the Devils with Kevin Weekes in goal.

Canes dominated the Isles in one of their rare second half clunkers at the Coliseum last time out. I'm not sure if we will see the rust we saw earlier when more veterans were in the lineup and the Isles came off an extended break but it's an interesting test with another game on Saturday before another shorter break.

Carolina also has Erik Cole back since the trade deadline.

No Islander transactions at this time in terms of callup to fill out a lineup or if McLean is ready to play. More Richard Park, Nate Thompson as the club gets a little more healthy but using less youth with Sutton-Weight expected back this season.

I expect Peter Mannino earned another start whether it be tonight or against Ottawa on Saturday. All depends on whether the coach rolls the hot hand after four days off.



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