There were plenty of scenes for sore eyes as everyone from the Carolina Hurricanes, regardless of injury, gathered at Lenovo Center for their annual picture day. However, it was the optimistic developments in practice that attracted the most attention on Friday.
Shayne Gostisbehere returned to full practice, skipping the non-contact gear and going straight to standard. Back in 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 was confident he would participate in Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils, the first of a weekend back-to-back set.
“Hopefully,” he said. “I’ll find out tomorrow. I can’t commit right now, because I don’t know…Nowadays, with injuries, I just wait until they say they’re ready to go.”
Gostisbehere was injured in a March 6 game against the Edmonton Oilers during the Hurricanes’ final Western Conference road trip of the year. After delivering a hit to Colton Dach, the Oilers forward’s skate came up during his fall and struck Gostisbeer in the groin.
While he initially went down the tunnel, Gostisbeer returned for two more shifts – one in which he scored on the power play – then officially left.
Gostisbehere has missed 26 games this season.
#Shayne #Gostisbier #returns #practice #play #Devils
