RALEIGH, North Carolina – Teuvo Teravainen’s month-long injury absence appears to be coming to an end.
The Carolina Hurricanes forward took off his no-contact jersey and practiced fully Monday before the Eastern Conference Final against Florida. Teravainen hasn’t played since injuring his hand in Game 2 of the first-round series against the New York Islanders.
It’s unknown when he’ll be able to play again, but his return would be a boost for a club that has continued to advance despite injuries to top-line attackers.
“I think I’m pretty much ready to go,” Teravainen said after practice on Monday. “So whatever coach throws at me, I’ll be fine.”
Rod Brind’Amour wouldn’t indicate when that would be, but he did remark the extra break from the series schedule — which was still undetermined as of Monday’s practice — could assist.
“He’s healthy enough,” stated Brind’Amour. “It’s just a matter of whether he can play.” If he can’t shoot, I won’t put him in.”
Teravainen was injured after New York’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau slashed his hands in an uncalled slicing penalty, with an enraged Brind’Amour later declaring that Pageau “absolutely tomahawk chops him, absolutely.”
Teuvo Teravainen’s month-long injury absence appears to be coming to an end.
Brind’Amour had stated then that Teravainen had a broken hand that would necessitate surgery. Teravainen’s left thumb was injured, as demonstrated by the thick pinkish-brown scar going through the center and along the length of his thumb, which was evident while he spoke to the media in the locker room.
He’d lately returned to skating with a few teammates and was working on his on-ice skills. That meant cycling in on the penalty kill and other practice stretches on Monday.
Wednesday marks four weeks since the April 19 injury, with surgery scheduled for the following day.
“It’s kind of crazy because I thought for sure I was done (for the playoffs),” Teravainen said. “However, the doctors did an excellent job, and it appears I will be able to return soon.” The youngsters have done an outstanding job of playing excellent hockey. It isn’t easy to see games from the stands. You always want to help, but they’ve done an excellent job.”
Teuvo Teravainen’s month-long injury absence appears to be coming to an end.
After season-ending injuries to forwards Max Pacioretty and Andrei Svechnikov, the Hurricanes entered the playoffs with questions about their offense. Carolina acquired Pacioretty from Vegas in an offseason deal to improve its scoring depth among the top six forwards, while Svechnikov is a physical presence who has been a key piece in the team’s current five-year playoff streak.
Teravainen’s injury added to their concerns since he is a top-line forward and great passer who is also useful on the penalty kill. Regardless, the Hurricanes have advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs semifinals for the first time since 2019.
Carolina’s penalty kill is the best in the playoffs (90%), with the Hurricanes scoring more shorthanded goals (four) than power-play goals (three).
Carolina’s offensive productivity for the playoffs (3.64) has increased from the regular season (3.20) due to a collective approach. The five-game series against the New Jersey Devils in Round 2 resulted in a dozen different goal scorers, including four players with three each.
Teravainen can only assist in both areas once Brind’Amour and the team’s medical staff have determined he is ready.
“I saw he switched jerseys today, so obviously a good sign,” said Carolina captain Jordan Staal. “And just in general, he looks great skating around.” I’m sure he’s feeling fantastic and working his way back into the lineup. He’s been a huge part of our team for a long time and is a great player, so we’ll take him when we can.”
SOURCE – (AP)
