Rachel Barkley
Just when it seems like the Carolina Hurricanes nearly have their roster back in top shape, another injury rolls in.
Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere was the victim of what appeared to have been a skate blade mishap, which resulted in his departure from the game against the Edmonton Oilers with a lower-body injury.
With 12:55 remaining in the first period, Gostisbehere landed a hit on debuting Oilers Colton Dach. As Dach fought gravity in an attempt to remain on his feet, his skate came up and hit Gostisbehere between the legs.
Gostisbehere proceeded toward the bench in discomfort and soon went down the tunnel to the dressing rooms.
With 12:06 left in the first, he returned to join the power play K’Andre Miller drew, and even scored at 11:20. However, soon after he returned to the shadows of the visitors’ tunnel from whence he came and did not touch the ice again.
He only logged five shifts and just 4:01 of time on ice.
Following the game, Rod Brind’Amour was asked for an update on Ghostisbehere.
“I don’t really have one,” he told the media. “I mean, it’s obviously not good. You know, he’s kind of been dealing with stuff, I feel like all year, and just when he kind of gets rolling, he keeps getting nicked up. So I don’t really have an update at this time.”
Throughout the season, Ghostisbehere has missed a total of 17 games with the Hurricanes due to a recurring groin injury. Despite this, he has still managed 11 goals and 32 assists for 43 points, leading all Hurricanes defensemen in offensive generation.
