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

Erik Cole is much further ahead than Carolina Hurricanes teammate Tuomo Ruutu in his recovery from injury.

Cole, who is battling a sore left knee, participated in Thursday's skate and is expected to suit up for Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference final against Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The 30-year-old left-winger skipped Wednesday's workout following a knee-on-knee collision with Penguins forward Matt Cooke in a series-opening 3-2 loss on Monday.

Cole collected 15 points in 17 contests with the Hurricanes following an in-season trade from Edmonton but has yet to find the back of the net in these Stanley Cup playoffs.

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

Ruutu, whose right ankle was injured during a hit by Pittsburgh defenceman Mark Eaton in the first period, was held out of Thursday's practice and is doubtful for Game 2.

The more likely scenario would see Ruutu returning for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series on Saturday in Raleigh, N.C. The 26-year-old left-winger has four points in 15 games in the 2009 post-season.

If Cole and/or Ruutu don't play Thursday, Dwight Helminen and Patrick Dwyer appear to be the front-runners to go into the lineup.