Panthers at Hurricanes
THE STORY: The Florida Panthers attempt to extend their winning streak to six games and their lead in the Southeast Division to seven points when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. Florida is on its longest winning stretch since capturing a franchise-record seven straight in March 2008. The Panthers, who lead Washington in the Southeast, have won all four meetings with Carolina this season. The Hurricanes trail the eighth-place Capitals by seven points in the Eastern Conference.
TV: 7 p.m. ET
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (36-23-13): Florida's win at Philadelphia on Tuesday ended its three-game road losing streak during which it was outscored 13-1. All four of the Panthers' victories over Carolina this campaign have been close affairs. Two were two-goal triumphs, one came in overtime and the other was decided in a shootout. Florida, which has not made the playoffs since 1999-2000, is just two points behind defending Stanley Cup champion Boston for second in the East.
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (29-29-15): Jeff Skinner is expected back in the lineup after serving his two-game suspension for a kicking incident in the victory over St. Louis on Thursday. The reigning Calder Trophy winner has collected 10 points over his last 10 contests. Andreas Nodl is likely to miss several games with an apparent head injury suffered in Sunday's triumph in Winnipeg. Nodl was hit by Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian, who received a five-minute charging penalty. "There are symptoms (of a concussion)," coach Kirk Muller said. "We'll go through the same procedure - get him in there and get him
tested." Defenseman Joni Pitkanen could return after missing 44 games. Pitkanen, who had a concussion and underwent knee surgery, has not played since Dec. 6.
OVERTIME:
1. Florida is 5-21-1 in its last 27 visits to Carolina.
2. The Hurricanes, who have won three straight overall, have lost five of their last six games played on a Wednesday.
3. Florida has registered just 30 shots over its last two contests.