The Carolina Hurricanes announced this morning that winger Erik Cole will miss tonight's road game against the Washington Capitals because of illness.
With Cole sidelined, the Hurricanes have recalled left wing Oskar Osala from Albany (AHL). The promotion marks a speedy return to Washington, D.C. for the former Capital, who was acquired by the Hurricanes just last Wednesday in a trade that sent Joe Corvo to the Caps in exchange for Osala, Brian Pothier and a second-round pick.
Cole fell ill last night after traveling with the Hurricanes up to Washington, D.C. No other details about the nature of his illness were immediately available, but Canes beat writer Chip Alexander reports from Washington, D.C., that it's unlikely that Cole will fly back with the team tonight after the game.
Assistant sports editor Lorenzo Perez has bounced back-and-forth between The News & Observer's news and sports department several times since joining the newspaper in 1999. His latest assignment has him working with The N&O's ACC writers and online news. E-mail
Comments
Osala and an Opportunity to Show the Role of a Power Forward
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 18:05 — abramsdougOsala is the only 6'4" 220lb power forward in either Carolina or Albany. I am excited about seeing Osala and am hoping the Hurricanes organization and coaches will be impressed with how much a big, fast, motivated power forward can transform the dynamics of the Hurricanes team. I look forward to seeing him screening the goalie in front of the net and creating space for the other forwards on his line.
Sound like Cole has the flu
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 16:37 — ctillSound like Cole has the flu and may play tomorrow night. It's certainly true that Cole has not scored like he used to. On the other hand, he is one of the best defensive forwards that the Canes have. I'm not saying that a good checking forward is worth $2.8M, but give the guy credit for having value to the team even if he doesn't score 30 goals a season.
RaisinCane you are dead on
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 14:00 — HockeydogRaisinCane you are dead on correct. I wish Jimmy would have moved him. Heck I wish Jimmy would have never re-signed him last summer. Even when "healthy" Cole has done nothing. I think he's a fine person, but his body is not cut out for physical hockey and he doesn't have the goods to be a skill player. That is one of a number of mistakes JR has made with this roster. In the meantime we get the fun of seeing another prospect for the first time.
Wasted Season
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 14:25 — GoShelfI'm still glad he's Cane, it's definitely been a wasted season for Colesy, fractured leg, upper body injury, flu, etc; it's been tough for him. I think with what's happen this season it sets up nice for him from a motivational standpoint for next season. I'm still convinced that he can come back next year and be a top six forward and be a key contributor. Obviously, the big question mark is can he stay healthy? History has shown that he can't, but I remain cautiously optimistic. There's very few wingers in NHL and can barrel down the wing like he can.
Motivation
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 14:55 — HockeydogI'd love nothing more than to see Cole play the way he did the season the Canes won the Cup. He was on track for a career year and then some before Orpik's cheap shot. However I think there has been ample oppertunity for him to get motivated, and he just hasn't, due to health or whatever. It looked like getting traded back to the team last year would light a fire, but it was a flicker. Getting traded FROM the team should have been motivation to prove his worth, but it didn't. And it seems that although he can still fly down the wing he's not seeing the fruits of his labor at the end. He's a guy that needs to play a physical game to suceed and it just seems that his body can't take much more, and that his self preservation kicks in ( and who could blame him?) and his rushes down the wing aren't as agressive once he reaches the goal- and the trailing defender. It takes a special person to be able to take the rigors of the NHL night after night, year after year. No shame that he can't. He's a ballsy SOB for playing the game at this level knowing what he must endure, but I think he will never be much more than he is now. I hope I'm wrong.
What a china doll !!!
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 13:23 — RaisinCaneCole has missed more games then he has played for Carolina. You can never count on him to be a consistent player due to constant injury. I really wish we had traded him.
#32, last worn in a Canes
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 13:13 — ctill#32, last worn in a Canes regular season game by Stu Grimson in 1997-1998!
Funny thing
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 13:01 — esteban1949i was thinking the very same thing...hope it's nothing too serious for Cole...my wife is trying to pass 2 small kidney stones...oooohhh baby...it be no joke...
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !!
Go Canes !!
Opportunity
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 12:51 — GoShelfWe'll see what he makes of it, it's a great opportunity for him, especially against the team that gave up on him.