Canes back in first -- four to play

When the slumping Senators lost to the surging Habs last night, it pushed Carolina into the top spot in the East. Carolina and Ottawa both have 108 points, but Carolina has won 51 games while Ottawa has won 50. That breaks the tie.

Both teams will be in action tonight, giving Carolina a chance to broaden their lead or Ottawa a chance to regain it. Carolina will be facing New Jersey at the RBC Center, while Ottawa will be hosting Boston.

Carolina has had a couple of days to rest the most recent wave of injured players. Cory Stillman has an undisclosed injury, Frantisek Kaberle sat out the last game nursing a bad cut, Ray Whitney had another lower body issue. There is no word on their return.

Here are some interesting numbers fitting tonight's home game following two days off and a road loss. Carolina is:

• 14-4-2 after a loss
  
• 12-4-1 in first game back at home
  
• 39-9-5 on weekdays
  
• 11-3-2 after having two days off

I don't actually think that these numbers mean anything, but sometimes it's fun to look at things like that.

Carolina has gone 2-1 versus the Devils this season. The loss came in the Meadowlands on Scott Stevens night. Like Scott Stevens night, the Devils have a lot to play for tonight. Although it is an inevitable conclusion, they haven't clinched a playoff spot yet. They still need to win. We might see an emotionally charged Devils team and a bit of a ho-hum Carolina team. I hope not, but that's what I fear.

Puck drop at 7:00.