The Condor Comes In From The Cold

According to a story in this morning's N&O, Josef Vasicek is skating hard in practice and working to get the rust off in preparation for a return to the ice after missing almost the entire season with a blown ACL.

It'll be interesting to see how Joe, Lord of Evil will fit into the Hurricanes' lineup when he's ready to return to the ice. I've a feeling that he'll wind up being a spare part in the Hurricanes' playoff run, but is that really so bad? I can see him pulling fourth-line minutes with occasional duty on the third line, unless he really clicks with somebody.

In other injury news, Andrew Hutchinson is almost ready to start practicing again, after surgery back in December to repair torn tendons in his left wrist. Aaron Ward is questionable for tonight's game after a hit from Travis Green in Saturday's tilt v. Boston that apparently did more than just ring his bell--Nicky Wallin is expected to take his spot in the lineup if Wardo's unable to play.

Puck drops in Hogtown at 7:30 tonight. Go Canes.