Pitkanen, Conboy to play tonight

Defenseman Joni Pitkanen will play his first game tonight, Canes coach Paul Maurice said, and Tim Conboy will go into the lineup at forward. Pitkanen, who had knee surgery Sept. 10, was held out of the first two games. Conboy was a healthy scratch the first two games. With Erik Cole out 4-6 weeks with a broken bone in his left leg, Maurice considered playing Conboy or going with seven defensemen tonight against the Lightning. He decided on Conboy. "I'm ready," Conboy said. Pitkanen will be paired with Aaron Ward, with Andrew Alberts teamed with Niclas Wallin. "We're pretty excited to have him back," Maurice said.