The Hurricanes are a team in transition in several ways. That includes the lineup.
"We're not a team right now that has 12 guys in place," coach Kirk Muller said, explaining regular changes to line combinations. "You have to earn your ice time."
The Hurricanes had more of their primary players in place than at any time in the past month for Tuesday night's 4-3 overtime victory at Washington. The Hurricanes overcame a 2-0 second-period deficit to win.
Right wing Patrick Dwyer returned to the lineup from an injury. Still, more changes and more adjustments among the forwards could be in the works.
"We've got some different personnel on different nights," Muller said. "We've had to tweak it with injuries. Because of it, guys are being very versatile. I'd love to have 12 guys right now, but that's not what we're about right now."
Still, there shouldn't be an overhaul regarding the lineup for Wednesday night's game at Buffalo.
NOTES, QUOTES
-With games on back-to-back nights, there's a chance that goalie Brian Boucher could make his return to action after serving as goalie Cam Ward's backup during the weekend. The Hurricanes play Wednesday night at Buffalo after Tuesday night's game at Washington.
"As soon as we can, we'd love to get him in there," coach Kirk Muller said. "We will need him this stretch."
There was the possibility that Boucher, who has been sidelined since early December, could be sent to Charlotte of the AHL because he needs game action to get back in the groove. That possibility, at least for now, seems to have been put aside.
Ward stopped 46 shots Tuesday night at Washington.
-The Hurricanes had lost their last eight games that extended beyond regulation before winning Tuesday night in overtime at Washington. The winning goal came from rookie defenseman Justin Faulk and it certainly should have sent a feeling of relief through the Hurricanes, who have been denied two-point nights far too often for their liking in recent weeks.
"We can't feel sorry for ourselves," right wing Anthony Stewart said. "We're picking up points. You want to get wins."
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think we have to be creative every night and see which ways teams kill penalties." -- Coach Kirk Muller, on the team's approach on power plays.
