Cullen back in lineup

According to Rachel Carter over at the N&O, Matt Cullen will be in the lineup tonight against the visiting Panthers.

He has been working with optometrists and other specialists to try to correct the blurred vision that he was experiencing after his "nose" injury in late December. The Hurricanes never said the words "concussion" or "post-concussion", but the prevailing non-professional opinion is that he suffered a concussion.

One of the things they worked with to help Cullen is skating with a smoked glass visor. Like the one Luke Skywalker Jeff Hamilton uses. There's no telling how much we'll see Cullen or whether he'll wear anything other than his normal visor.

Patrick Eaves has not been activated and will continue to pile up the man-games lost to injury by the Hurricanes.

No word on Joe Corvo or Tim Gleason, but the 6'6" defenseman Joey Mormina was reassigned to Albany, which is a good indicator that one or both will be available.

In other key matchups in the tight Southeast division, Tampa will be taking on Washington while Atlanta plays outside the division against the Islanders. Carolina will be rooting for the Bolts and Islanders to both win in regulation. Of course, the Hurricanes need to take care of their own business, but with some help, they could open a small lead.