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Hurricanes eyeing division lead, visit Predators

Feb 5, 2008 - 2:21 PM Carolina (26-25-4) at Nashville (27-21-5) 8:00 pm EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) - A critical five-game road trip did not get off to the start the Carolina Hurricanes hoped for.

In their first trip to Nashville in six years, the Hurricanes will look to bounce back from a disappointing setback Tuesday when they visit the Predators.

Carolina surrendered four goals in the third period Saturday en route to a 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sergei Samsonov scored his second goal in three games and fourth since being claimed off waivers on January 8.

Cam Ward, who will most likely be making his first career start against the Predators, is 21-18-3 with a 2.91 goals-against average and three shutouts this season.

Dan Ellis is coming off his second straight impressive outing, making 35 saves in Saturday's 3-2 triumph over the Phoenix Coyotes. He had a 38-save shutout on January 22 against the Colorado Avalanche in his previous start.

Ellis, who is 12-5-1 with a 2.23 GAA and four shutouts on the season, is making a serious bid to overtake Chris Mason as the team's starting goaltender. Mason has posted a 15-16-4 record with a 2.77 GAA and three shutouts this campaign.

Jason Arnott, who leads Nashville with 28 assists and 46 points this season, is expected to be back in the lineup after missing Saturday's contest with a leg injury.