Nashville Notes and Other News
Tonight the Hurricanes are on the road to play another exhibition game, this time in Nashville. There will be a few vets in the lineup trying to fine tune their timing, and there will be a few players in the contest still trying to make the team. CH.com is reporting that the lineup will be as follows-
- Staal, Samsonov, Eaves
- Cullen, Helminen, Bayda
- Sutter, LaRose, LaCouture
- Jensen, Gillies
- Pitkanen, Gleason
- Kaberle, Seidenberg
- Melichar, Babchuk
- Rodney
Cam Ward and Michael Leighton are scheduled to share duties between the pipes. It looks like Peter Laviolette is trying out his seven defenseman strategy.
I’m a bit surprised that Cullen is playing again, so soon. Hopefully, he is no worse for the wear from of that nasty hit on Sunday.
Justin Peters and Daniel Manzato were both sent to Albany today, so the goalie situation has been worked out. But one big question remains. If either Ward or Leighton gets injured, who will get called up? Tough decison there. Jeff Daniels might have to make that call up in Albany.
Don’t forget that game time is at 8 PM local time. The Preds are not advertising that the game will be shown via “live-streaming” on their website, so I guess it will be Chuck and the “Letter K” for tonight.
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In other news briefs-
Tim Gleason will have his own weekly spot on XM radio called, “Checking in with Hurricane Tim”. Mike Sundheim has more information about that on his latest blog posting.
FS Carolinas (FSN) announced today that they will be broadcasting 15 games in HD. The Canes list the schedule right here.
Nic Wallin was back on the ice at practice today after recovering from a concussion and claims to be feeling fine. Chip has a nice interview with Wallin on LSB.
Rod Brind’Amour and Ray Whitney have also been skating lately and should be close to game ready. I believe that leaves Tim Conboy, Zach Boychuk, and Tuomo Ruutu as the only ones still technically injured and not practicing with the team.
It seems hard to believe, but it’s just one more week until opening night. Are you ready?
About the Author: Bubba is a hockey fan/citizen journalist who has always wanted to be a sportswriter and is pursuing his dream. He also writes a Hurricanes blog for 
Justin Walther | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
How many games were broadcast in HD last year? 15 seems pretty low considering that FSN-S is supposed to be going to a new all-HD broadcast facility in early 2009.
TylerA | Oct 2, 2008 | Reply
Im expecting Babchuk to be a better than expected player this year. Hes a 21st overall pick in 02. Listening to the game it sounds like his first assist was almost his goal barely skimming Sutter. His second i believe was a pretty skillful pass off the boards to set Staal up. Not bad for a first time out, playin more top 9ers now too. At 6-5 he could turn into a monster.
Mateo | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
At the Red-White game (before he got hurt) he was looking way more skinny than I ever remember him being…. Perhaps he grew an inch or two taller as well….
But he still has that rocket shot!
I wonder if Pavel Brendle is managing his own doughnut shop these days…..
Cory | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
I know you’re just cracking on Brendl, but just for information’s sake — he’s playing in the KHL.
Mateo | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
ha… actually… after I cracked on him I did a google search… I found where one of those teams in Europe who signed him had proclaimed it was one of their biggest signings to date… I guess it’s all good if he is doing well.
Didn’t we get him for Kapanin? Wow…
Cory | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Yep … him and St. Jacques for Kapanen and Ryan Bast.
Mateo | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Oh junk… I forgot about St. Jaques. Wonder what ever happened to him? Was he in Anaheim for a while?
Cory | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
He split time between the AHL with Portland (Ducks affiliate last year) and Syracuse last year. He’s playing in Germany in the DEL this year.