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Justin Peters to start for Canes against Sabres

Mar 5, 2013

RALEIGH, N.C. — Justin Peters, called up Monday from the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, will get the start in goal Tuesday when the Carolina Hurricanes host the Buffalo Sabres.

The Canes are two goalies down after Cam Ward left Sunday's game with a sprained knee ligament. Ward is expected to miss six to eight weeks to rehab his medial collateral ligament (MCL).

Meanwhile, backup Dan Ellis has been under the weather.

While Ellis nurses a cold, Peters will step in. Peters is 11-11-3 with a 3.23 GAA in 28 career NHL games during the previous three seasons.

A season ago, Peters, 26, went 2-3 in six starts with a 2.48 GAA.

"Petey's played games here so it's not that crazy for him," said Hurricanes captain Eric Staal. "We know what he brings to the table."

"Now is his chance," said head coach Kirk Muller. "He's had a great first half down in Charlotte. He's been playing really well, so he should have confidence."

The Canes will stick with the same lines as they played in Sunday's victory over Florida. Center Tim Brent and defenseman Joni Pitkanen, both recently returned from injury have re-aggravated their lower body issues and will sit out Tuesday.

Chad LaRose also remains out of the lineup.

• Reporter: Mike Maniscalco