Cane Says
04-16-2002, 10:44 AM
RALEIGH (AP) — Don’t be surprised to see Carolina defenseman Glen Wesley back in the lineup for Game 1 of the Hurricanes’ opening-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the New Jersey Devils.
The 15-year NHL veteran separated his right shoulder April 3 against New Jersey when he rammed into the end-boards after getting tangled with Sergei Brylin as the two raced to touch up on an icing call.
Wesley was expected to be out 2-4 weeks and missed Carolina’s final five regular-season games.
But he plans to return to full practice Tuesday and could be ready for the series opener Wednesday night.
“He’s healed quickly. He feels strong,” Carolina coach Paul Maurice said Monday. “We’re not going to put him in the lineup unless we think we have the best chance of keeping him there, but once again he has beaten the odds back to be where he is.”
If Wesley doesn’t play Wednesday, Maurice said he’ll be probable for Game 2 Friday night.
“I’ll see how it feels after Tuesday,” Wesley said.
Wesley is a key part of Carolina’s defense. His 117 career playoff games are second on the team to captain Ron Francis.
The 15-year NHL veteran separated his right shoulder April 3 against New Jersey when he rammed into the end-boards after getting tangled with Sergei Brylin as the two raced to touch up on an icing call.
Wesley was expected to be out 2-4 weeks and missed Carolina’s final five regular-season games.
But he plans to return to full practice Tuesday and could be ready for the series opener Wednesday night.
“He’s healed quickly. He feels strong,” Carolina coach Paul Maurice said Monday. “We’re not going to put him in the lineup unless we think we have the best chance of keeping him there, but once again he has beaten the odds back to be where he is.”
If Wesley doesn’t play Wednesday, Maurice said he’ll be probable for Game 2 Friday night.
“I’ll see how it feels after Tuesday,” Wesley said.
Wesley is a key part of Carolina’s defense. His 117 career playoff games are second on the team to captain Ron Francis.