Gameday: Hurricanes at Lightning

TAMPA BAY - Sun and warmth! I could get used to this.
This is the gameday hub, where you can find all the latest news and information you need to know for tonight's match-up featuring the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning. Make Hurricanes.com a regular stop throughout the day, as we update this hub with notes, photos and more as puck drop draws near.
The Hurricanes will be on the ice at Amalie Arena for an 11:30 a.m. morning skate, and that's where we'll be posted up to bring you the latest.
Last updated: 4:20 p.m.

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA TOOLS TO VICTORY
4:20 p.m.
TV's Mike Maniscalco details tonight's Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina three Tools to Victory.
1. Start on Time
It's said a lot, but after the lopsided loss in Boston, it's important to get the jump on Tampa and eliminate bad thoughts.
2. Play at the Other End
Keep the puck in Tampa Bay's own end because the best way to not worry about the Lightning's attack is to have them chase the Hurricanes.
3. Be a Plus
Special teams has to be a plus in Tampa Bay tonight in order for the Canes to be victorious.
IN THE ROOM: ELIAS LINDHOLM & JUSTIN FAULK
3:35 p.m.
Hear from forward Elias Lindholm and defenseman Justin Faulk ahead of tonight's match-up with the top team in the Eastern Conference.

IN THE ROOM: BILL PETERS
2:15 p.m.
Head coach Bill Peters spoke with the media in Tampa Bay after his team's morning skate. Here are some highlights, and video of the full availability can be found below.
On tonight's game: "We've got to come out and play. We've got to get our identity established and make sure we're skating. We're a good team when we're skating and the work ethic is in play, so that's what I expect to see tonight."
On the status of Sebastian Aho: "Should be [ready to go]. Skated today, and I think he felt better. ... I think he's going to be good to go, but I'll warm up some extra forwards in case."
On Lee Stempniak's return: "He's going to play one of the games against Washington. ... It's a back-to-back, so I don't see him getting two [games]. We'll try to get him in against Washington, for sure."

CANES LINES: MORNING SKATE
11:30 a.m.
The Hurricanes will juggle up their defensive pairs heading into tonight's game, and Cam Ward looks to be the starter in net.
Aho-Staal-Teravainen
McGinn-Rask-Williams
Skinner-Ryan-Lindholm
Nordstrom-Kruger-Jooris
Slavin-van Riemsdyk
Dahlbeck-Faulk
Hanifin-Pesce
Ward
Darling
We'll go inside the room after the skate.

CANES LOOK FOR RESPONSE IN TAMPA BAY
12:00 a.m.
The Carolina Hurricanes have suffered two lopsided losses in the last three weeks. The first came on Dec. 19 in Toronto, an 8-1 afternoon kerplunking. The Canes responded with a 4-1 win in Nashville, their first of four straight victories.
The second lopsided loss happened Saturday in Boston, a 7-1 dud that even an early goaltending swap couldn't save.
"I was hoping to get a spark. It didn't obviously work. We looked a little bit flat, and it was a little quiet," head coach Bill Peters said of his decision to pull Cam Ward, who gave up two early goals. "We just weren't sharp. When we're not sharp, you know what it looks like."
So, what will the response be like on Tuesday night in Tampa Bay?
"I expect the same response tomorrow," Peters said after a Monday practice in Raleigh. "A real good effort from everybody."
Just like heading into Nashville, facing the Lightning in their own building is not an easy task. Tampa Bay boasts an Eastern Conference-best 63 points and a staggering 16-3-1 record at Amalie Arena.
"They're real deep," Peters said. "They're a good team defensively, and you can't feed their transition game."
The old Southeast Division foes have met once already this season, but that was all the way back in just the third week of the season. The Hurricanes were within a goal in the third period, 2-1, until the Lightning scored three late goals to claim a 5-1 victory.
"We watched a lot of the game - it was a long time ago now, early in the year," Peters said. "Lots of good chances in the third. We just have to get back to playing to our identity and playing fast."
Sebastian Aho suffered a lower-body injury on Saturday night in Boston, but he skated with the team in practice on Monday. His status for Tuesday night's game in Tampa Bay remains uncertain.
"I'm getting mixed reviews on that. I don't know. He's getting looked at again right now," Peters said. "That'll be a game-time decision. He'll skate again tomorrow and see how it reacts. That'll be game-time, I think."
Lee Stempniak was activated from injured reserve on Monday. The veteran forward has yet to play a game this season due to two upper-body injuries.
CANESPR NOTES: Josh Jooris is one game shy of 200 career games in the NHL. … The Canes are 7-4-0 against the Atlantic Division this season and 4-2-0 in their last six games against the Atlantic.
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