"After playing three games in four days, and with a game Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Canes coach Kirk Muller elected to cancel a scheduled practice today and keep his team off the ice.

"They've given everything we've asked of them these last few games," Muller said.

The Canes (16-24-7) beat the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins before the 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Forward Jeff Skinner returned Sunday after missing 16 games recovering from a concussion, and Muller said Skinner experienced no day-after physical problems following his first game back. Skinner was used at center with Jussi Jokinen and Alexei Ponikarovsky, and Muller said he probably would keep Skinner at center against the Penguins."