Drayson Bowman's first opportunity with the Canes this season wasn't so much a callup as a cameo.
Recalled from Albany (AHL) for the Jan. 16 game against the Atlanta Thrashers, the forward had 10:23 in ice time in his NHL debut. After the 5-3 loss at the RBC Center, he was promptly reassigned to the River Rats.
But his second recall has been more lasting. He has played the last five games, with a high of 12:25 in ice time against the Thrashers on March 27.
"I'm just having fun," Bowman said after today's morning skate. "They called me up here, I feel like I'm playing pretty well and I feel like I'm getting better every game.
"I didn't have a whole lot of time last time to get comfortable. This time they've given me a stretch of games to get comfortable out there."
When recalled March 24, the Canes' third-round pick in 2007 was third among the Rats with 17 goals in 56 AHL games. He had 32 points in his first professional season.
"It was interesting to see the change between the junior game and the pro game," said Bowman, who won the Memorial Cup with Spokane in 2008. "There are differences. You have to go harder every shift, stuff like that.
"I learned a lot. I was hurt there for a little bit, which obviously didn't help, and that took me a while to come back from. Overall, it went good."
Bowman, 21, watched as the Canes called up forwards -- Pat Dwyer, Jiri Tlusty, Jerome Samson, Zach Boychuk -- and wondered if his turn would come again.
"Obviously there were a lot of guys deserving of the opportunity, as well," he said. "But, yeah, I definitely wanted my shot. I'm happy to be here and getting this stretch of games."
Bowman, who will play with Dwyer and Boychuk on the third line tonight against the Devils, has yet to notch an NHL point and is minus-2 in six games. He did have four hits Thursday in the Canes' 4-3 shootout loss at Ottawa.
Bowman said being with the Canes, traveling with the Canes this week, has been a big benefit.
"You learn just the commitment it takes to be a pro here on the NHL level," he said. "You see these guys show up an hour and half before their skates and working out and taking care of their bodies. You can learn so much."
Bowman said regardless of how long this run is, he will be better prepared for training camp next season because of the experience.
"For sure," he said. "It helps with being more comfortable with everybody in the room, having been around them for a bit. All that will help come next training camp."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
