Cole practices Thursday, Ruutu does not
May 21, 2009
Tags: Hockey, Carolina Hurricanes
PITTSBURGH, Pa. _ It appears Erik Cole is healthy enough to play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Carolina Hurricanes forward participated in Thursday morning's practice at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.
Not on the ice, however, was Tuomo Ruutu. Both Cole and Ruutu suffered lower body injuries in Game 1 on Monday night. Neither player practiced on Wednesday.
After Thursday's morning skate, Canes head coach Paul Maurice was asked how Cole fared in practice.
"Erik looked like he does in most of our morning skates," Maurice answered. "And, we'll see how he feels when he comes to the rink tonight."
According to Maurice, Cole will be a game-time decision for Game 2. When asked about the status of Ruutu, the Canes' coach had a coy reply.
"The same. He wasn't quite as noticeable in the morning skate," Maurice joked.
Hurricanes' general manager Jim Rutherford has told NHL.com that Ruutu would not play. It now seems the Canes only need to replace one forward in their Game 2 line up, instead of two.
