Gameday: at Carolina, Nov. 4

Wil Mike Neuvirth make his return tonight?

The Washington Capitals are in Raleigh, North Carolina, tonight to take on the Hurricanes as they attempt to gain some momentum following their 5-4 comeback win over the Ducks Tuesday night.  Washington comes into tonight's contest with a 8-2-0 record, good for 16 standings points.  Those 16 points lead the Southeast Division and place the Caps third in the East, though both Pittsburgh and Toronto hold multiple games in hand above them.  Carolina enters the action tonight 5-4-3 for 13 points, following their 4-2 win over the Lightning Tuesday night.  Their 13 points put them in third in the Southeast and seventh in the East.  This is the second of six meetings between these two teams this season; the Caps lead the season series 1-0.

Hurricanes boss Paul Maurice will call on his stalwart, Cam Ward, in goal for the second consecutive game.  After getting off to a poor start, Ward has been tremendous over his last eight outings, and has a 5-2-2 record to go along with a 2.30 GAA, .929 save percentage, and one shutout.  Up front, the Hurricanes will be without top line winger Jussi Jokinen, who suffered a leg injury Tuesday against the Lightning and will be out 3-4 weeks, but otherwise are expected to field their full lineup.

Michal Neuvirth is expected to get the call in goal for his first start in almost a month tonight following Tomas Vokoun's poor showing Tuesday against the Ducks.  On the year, Neuvirth has a 1-1-0 record along with a 4.10 GAA and .877 save percentage; he allowed four goals on 26 shots during a relief appearance in Vancouver last weekend.  On the injury front, Troy Brouwer and Mike Green are both questionable with shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively.  Jeff Halpern is slated to return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in Washington's last game, and that spot would be opened if Brouwer sits.  If Brouwer plays, it remains to be seen who would sit to accommodate Halpern.

Puck drops for this one 7:07-ish.  Check back later.