Michael Leighton will start in goal for Carolina, which is trying to rebound after two straight losses following a five-game winning streak. It's Leighton's first NHL start since Jan. 27, 2013, when he was with the Philadelphia Flyers and lost 5-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. "It is a meaningful start, for sure," coach Bill Peters said. "Our guys have a lot of respect for what he's done in his career. He will come in and play real well for us tonight. He's been real good for us [in Charlotte] at the American Hockey League level. He's had a lot of success in the past at the NHL level. We have no problem putting him in." Leighton, who played 29 games for the Hurricanes between 2007 and 2010, has also played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators. The 35-year-old has played 106 NHL games since his debut in 2002-03. Leighton's most recent NHL victory was Dec. 30, 2010, a 7-4 decision against the Los Angeles Kings. Cam Ward had started the past nine games. Carolina has scored two goals or fewer in eight of 12 games in November; the Hurricanes are 2-4-2 in those games and 4-0-0 when scoring three or more goals.
