Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere appears ready to return to the lineup after missing the last six games with a midsection injury against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Gostisbehere worked alongside Alexander Nikishin on the blue line as well as the team’s top power play during morning skate Tuesday before Carolina’s game against the Washington Capitals.
“I feel better,” Gostisbehere said Tuesday morning. “It really sucks to watch it, but I’m glad the boys strung together some wins and faced adversity. The back end, we’re struggling a little bit and these young guys who have stepped up have really taken over. It’s been a smooth transition for them and it’s nice to see the depth we have in the organization.”
“We need him with all the injuries we have,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We’ve got to have guys that can definitely play and play at a high level. Obviously, he’s been out for a long time. He came back for a little while, but not really. So he’s probably going to need a little time to get to where he was, but he was definitely playing at a high level to start the season.”
The veteran defenseman only played in six games for Carolina this season, as he also suffered a lower-body injury for three games before suffering a re-injury after just one period against Vegas.
“I guess it was bad luck,” Gostisbehere said. “It’s never really happened to me before. Obviously it stinks, but hopefully I’ll come back tonight and feel good and have one behind me – hopefully at least more than one period behind me – but I’m just grateful for the opportunity to come back.”
Gostisbehere has one goal and seven points so far this season and before his injury he was playing some of the best hockey of his career.
“We know he’s an offensive player, but he played really well away from the puck and that was the most important part of his game that stood out,” Brind’Amour said. “I hope he picks up where he left off.”
In his place, the Canes had to turn to several rookie defensemen, but the team managed to go 11-4-0 despite injuries.
“They play like they’ve been around for a while,” Gostisbehere said. “So it’s good to see. They’re playing bigger roles that maybe they wouldn’t normally have, but it’s all about opportunity in this league and they’re showing that they’re great players and having fun too. They’re not letting the moment be too big.”
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