Rachel Barkley
There were many sights for sore eyes as all of the Carolina Hurricanes packed into Lenovo Center, regardless of injury, for their annual picture day. However, it was the hopeful development at practice that caught the most attention Friday.
Shayne Gostisbehere had returned for a full practice, skipping non-contact gear and going straight to the standard. Back to business, he claimed his usual spot alongside Alexander Nikishin and ran drills in his typical role on the power play.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour was asked if he believed that he would participate in Saturday’s game versus the New Jersey Devils, which will be the first half of a weekend back-to-back set.
“Hopefully,” he said. “I’ll know tomorrow. I can’t commit yet, because I don’t know…Nowadays, with injuries, I just kind of wait until they say they’re ready to go.”
Gostisbehere was injured in the March 6th game against the Edmonton Oilers during the Hurricanes’ final Western Conference road trip of the year. After he delivered a hit to Colton Dach, the Oilers forward’s skate came up amidst his fall and hit Gostisbehere in the groin.
While he initially went down the tunnel, Gostisbehere returned for two more shifts – one in which he scored on the power play – then officially left.
Gostisbehere has missed 26 games this season.
