Pitkanen, Walker will miss Canes' road trip

MONTREAL -- Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen and forward Scott Walker did not make the trip Monday and will not play tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.

Pitkanen suffered a lower-body injury and Walker an upper-body injury Sunday in the Canes' 5-4 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild.

Stephane Yelle, who left the game in the third period after blocking a shot, is expected to play. Defenseman Aaron Ward, who missed the Minnesota game with a lower-body injury, also should return to the lineup.

Canes coach Paul Maurice said Monday that center Eric Staal could return next week. Staal has missed the past six games with an upper-body injury.

Goaltender Michael Leighton, the winner in Sunday's game, will start again tonight, Maurice said.