Hurricanes at Flyers
THE STORY:
Jeff Skinner rode an impressive rookie campaign en route to being named
the Calder Trophy winner last season. On Monday, the Carolina
Hurricanes star may get a good look at this year's possible recipient
when he faces rookie Matt Read and the Philadelphia Flyers. Read has
collected five goals in his last four contests - including two in
Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The four-game stretch is the
best for a Flyers' rookie since former Legion of Doom member Mikael
Renberg netted five in three games from Feb. 15-18, 1994. "As of late,
even moreso, I think he is getting comfortable. Understanding how we try
and do things," Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said of Read, who has
eight goals this season. "Offensively, he’s been real good for us. Plays
a lot of different positions, a lot of different roles right now."
Speaking of streaks, let's consider the lengthy one that Philadelphia
possesses against Carolina. The Flyers won both contests this season
with the Hurricanes and own a lopsided 16-1-2 edge in their last 19
meetings. Carolina has slightly lowered the volume on calls for Paul
Maurice's head by playing well in its last two games.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Carolina, CS Philadelphia
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (7-11-3): With Cam Ward turning aside 23 shots
Sunday, Brian Boucher may receive his second start this season against
his former team. He hasn't fared so well against Philadelphia - losing
all three career starts and yielding all five goals in a 5-1 loss on
Oct. 29. Skinner collected a goal and an assist Sunday, but has
struggled versus physical Philadelphia. The 19-year-old has three points
in six games.
ABOUT THE FLYERS (11-5-3): After sitting out Saturday with a lower
body injury, Jaromir Jagr skated by himself Sunday and is questionable
to face the Hurricanes. The 39-year-old is expected to participate in
the morning skate Monday before the Flyers make a decision on his
availability. Ilya Bryzgalov, who received an earful from the Winnipeg
fans for his off-season comments, is expected to be in net versus
Carolina.
OVERTIME:
1. Carolina captain Eric Staal has picked up five
points in as many contests. Prior to this stretch, he was held off the
scoresheet for seven consecutive games.
2. Philadelphia's Scott
Hartnell collected two goals and an assist Saturday, but declared after
the contest that "points don’t really matter when you lose a game like
this." Hartnell, who had a goal and two assists in a 5-1 win over
Carolina on Oct. 29, has recorded a point per game in 23 career contests
versus the Hurricanes.