Numminen Might Not Play

The Carolina Hurricanes are trying to find a way to end Buffalo’s five-game road winning streak in the playoffs after the Sabres held on for a 3-2 victory in the Eastern Conference finals opener mostly on the strength of goals from defensemen Henrik Tallinder and Jay McKee.

The two have combined for four goals in the playoffs after scoring only 11 during the regular season, and they did it with fellow defenseman Teppo Numminen out for the last two periods.

There was some question about Numminen’s exact injury, with Coach Lindy Ruff first calling it a “lower-body” ailment before adding “mid to lower.” Either way, his status for Game 2 tonight was questionable.

Doug Janik, who didn’t play this season for Buffalo, would be the replacement. He had five goals and 19 assists with Rochester in the AHL.