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(Sports Network) - The Carolina Hurricanes will try to end a costly three- game losing streak today, when they head to BankAtlantic Center to battle the Florida Panthers.

The Hurricanes recent slide has hurt the defending Stanley Cup champion's chances of even making the postseason this year. Carolina has 84 points and is four points behind Montreal for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes are tied for 10th in the conference with the Islanders.

Carolina had an important home test against Tampa Bay on Friday and was handed a 4-2 loss by the Lightning. Vincent Lecavalier scored his 50th goal of the season and added a pair of assists, as Tampa Bay earned two big points at the RBC Center.

Erik Cole and Mike Commodore both lit the lamp for Carolina, and Cam Ward surrendered four goals on 29 shots to take the loss.

Tonight's test is the first of two straight on the road for the Hurricanes, who are 18-17-4 as the visiting team this year and have dropped five of their last seven away from Raleigh. Carolina will also visit the Lightning on Tuesday evening before ending the regular season on a two-game homestand.

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