Canes learning to be flexible

PITTSBURGH -- Carolina Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller couldn't help but smile when talking about the power play.

In a 2-1 loss Sunday to the Washington Capitals, the Canes' goal came when Anthony Stewart got the puck in front of the net to Alexei Ponikarovsky, whose attempt hit the post. Jussi Jokinen followed up to score on the rebound as forward Tim Brent and defenseman Jay Harrison worked the points.

That's not quite the way Muller and coaching staff envisioned the power play working, but it did.

"I think that's our team, to be honest with you," Muller said Monday. "I would love it if I could say, 'Here's our lineup tomorrow and here's our lineup for the next game' and then the same and the same. But we've had injuries, we've had (AHL) callups, had some maneuvering.

"Guys have had to take on different responsibilities and take on different roles. That's our group. We ask our players to be flexible."

Stewart might start on the fourth line but then see time on Eric Staal's top line and on the power play during the game. Forward Andreas Nodl has moved from line to line. So has Jiri Tlusty.

"(Stewart) has been bounced around," Muller said. "He might play a power play one night. He might go up (on a line change) if some guy's not playing well. But they all know that. They know their roles and adjust well."

No problems for Skinner

Jokinen has spent much of the season at center. But with Jeff Skinner back in the lineup Sunday, returning after missing 16 games recovering from a concussion, Muller used Skinner at center with Jokinen and Ponikarovsky on the wings.

"We had the two more veteran guys who we thought could take more of the brunt of the hits along the boards," Muller said. "I think being at center you can open up a little bit more, for a first game (back) and all that. I know Jeff's a natural center and I thought it would be better to start him there, rather than have him along the boards."

Muller said Skinner had no physical problems from his first game back and probably would be at center again tonight as the Canes (16-24-7) face the Pittsburgh Penguins (23-17-4) at Consol Energy Center. At least, that was the plan Monday as Muller canceled a scheduled practice.

Muller said Cam Ward would be in goal tonight. Justin Peters started in goal the last game against the Pens, Dec. 27 in Pittsburgh, and faced a barrage of 52 shots.

The Canes have gone 4-4-1 since that loss. They beat the Boston Bruins on Saturday, outshot the Caps 44-24 and might have pushed their winning streak to three had it not been for a strong game in goal by Washington's Tomas Vokoun.

"You look at our last nine, 10 games, I think our effort has been really good," Muller said. "I think we're getting more consistent in what we do. Our special teams are stronger."

Winning the battles

The Canes have been 8-for-22 (36 percent) on the power play the past nine games, moving up to 20th in the NHL. After allowing four power-play goals in a 5-2 road loss to the Nashville Predators, they have not given up a power-play score the past four games.

"I think everyone is understanding who we are and what's expected of them," Muller said. "Puck management affects everything. If you control the neutral zone, you pretty much control the game, I believe."

Forward Tuomo Ruutu said the Canes are winning more of the gritty one-on-one fights, noting, "Everything starts with the battles. You can have different systems, different skill, but you have to win the battles."

Opponents also are noticing differences in the Canes' play, especially in the neutral zone.

"They've changed their system a bit," said Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, who played for the Hurricanes from 2006-09. "They're back to a 1-2-2 instead of a 1-3-1 or left-wing lock. ... And they're working very hard."

The Canes have four games remaining before the All-Star break. Muller would like to make a strong push, hopefully get back injured defenseman Joni Pitkanen after the break, and keep pushing.

"I think we can peck away here and pick up some wins and do something," he said.