Flu could keep Glencross out of Flames' lineup

CALGARY -- If a bout with the flu has KO'ed Calgary Flames forward Curtis Glencross, Brendan Morrison is ready to step in.

Coach Brent Sutter wasn't willing to rule Glencross out for tonight's game against the Carolina Hurricanes, but couldn't confirm whether he would be available.

"He's not feeling very good, so we kept him away from the rink this morning," Sutter said. "We'll know more as the day goes on whether he's going to be able to participate or not."

The absence of Glencross could open the door for the return of Morrison, who has been a healthy scratch for the previous five games. Morrison would take Glencross' spot on Calgary's top line with Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen.

"It all depends on the situation with Glennie," Morrison said. "I'll be ready to play if that's the case."

Morrison has been in and out of the lineup sporadically this season. He started the year recovering from knee surgery before returning to the lineup for eight games. Having not fully recovered from the injury, Morrison was then placed on injured reserve, missing another six games.

"Nobody wants to sit and watch too many games, but at the same time you want to get back to a level where you can help the team when you're on the ice," Morrison said. "I feel I'm real close, if not there now. If I get the call, I'm ready."

Tonight's projected lineup for the Flames:

Brendan Morrison - Olli Jokinen - Jarome Iginla
Blake Comeau - Mikael Backlund - Lee Stempniak
Alex Tanguay - Roman Horak - Rene Bourque
Tom Kostopoulos - Matt Stajan - Tim Jackman

Chris Butler - Jay Bouwmeester
T.J. Brodie - Scott Hannan
Derek Smith - Joe Piskula

Miikka Kiprusoff
Leland Irving

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