Ryan Bayda becomes the flu's latest victim

Carolina Hurricanes third line left winger Ryan Bayda was sent home from practice today because he was sick. Here's the list of players already out of the lineup for tonight's game against the Bruins:

C Rod Brind'Amour (out for the season -- ACL)
LW Justin Williams (out for the season -- ACL, MCL)
C Chad LaRose (out for the season -- broken leg)
D Dennis Seidenberg (ankle)
W Patrick Eaves (shoulder)
D Bret Hedican (lower body)
D David Tanabe (concussion)

From the sounds of the reports this morning, LW Bayda will be unable to go, making the count eight.

In addition, the following players are sick with flu-like symptoms, but will probably play anyway, but will be unable to give 100%:
RW Erik Cole
LW Ray Whitney

There's a reasonable chance that Carolina could only have nine forwards available tonight, and that's counting Wade Brookbank.

Center Joe Jensen was called up from Albany on Monday, only to be hospitalized by illness during the game. He was reassigned to Albany, but sent home to bed.

This will be the first of six straight home games for the Canes, who have won four home games in a row.

Washington and Atlanta, who both trail the Hurricanes by two standings points, are idle tonight. Florida, who is four points back, is at Pittsburgh.

Puck drop is at 7:00. No local TV coverage.