Injured Hurricanes forward Erik Cole has yet to score in 15 playoff games this spring. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Carolina Hurricanes forwards Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole were absent from practice Wednesday afternoon because of injuries, leaving their status for Thursday's Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference final in question.

Ruutu was injured while battling with Penguins defenceman Mark Eaton in front of the net during the first period of the Penguins' 3-2 victory in Game 1 Monday. Cole left the ice on his own following a knee-on-knee hit by Pittsburgh left-winger Matt Cooke.

"They're day-to-day," said Hurricanes head coach Paul Maurice. "We'll make an assessment [Thursday] morning. Then they'll both be game-time decisions. It could have been worse, I guess."

Maurice did not elaborate on what personnel adjustments might be made if either, or both, is unable to play in Game 2.

Ruutu has four points in 15 games in the 2009 post-season while Cole, who collected 15 points in 17 contests following a trade from Edmonton, has yet to find the back of the net in these playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Wednesday that Cooke would not be suspended for the hit on Cole.

The Penguins got another scare at Wednesday's workout when blue-liner Rob Scuderi was felled blocking an Evgeni Malkin shot.

Scuderi, who has earned praise for his work against Philadelphia's Jeff Carter and Washington's Alex Ovechkin in these playoffs, was hobbled and in obvious pain for the rest of the workout but did not leave the ice until the practice was over.

Initial reports indicate he should be available for Thursday's contest.

"You don't like to see anyone go down in practice, but he's a tough kid," said Hal Gill, Scuderi's defence partner. "He plays hockey."

Scuderi has three points in 14 playoff games after topping the Penguins with a plus-23 rating during the regular season.