Erik Cole said there are no pregame butterflies.
"I'm not too much of a butterfly guy," Cole said after the morning skate. "I try to stay as calm as possible before the game and then let it all hang out on the ice."
But tonight will be different for Cole. It's his first game back with the Canes, his first game back in No. 26 after the Wednesday trade with the Edmonton Oilers.
So many eyes will be on the forward tonight as the Canes face the Calgary Flames at the RBC Center.
"It will be an emotional game tonight, for sure," Cole said. "Lots of excitement. I'm just hoping I can come out and play well and do the right things that will help us win hockey games here, because we're in a dogfight here down the stretch trying to make it into the playoffs."
Cole said he has yet to have a moment where he can sit back, fully exhale and take in all that has occurred over the last 48 hours.
"I think it will be better when my family gets into town, for sure. They'll get in tonight in time for the game," he said. "But my parents came in last night and I was able to go over to my sister's house and see her and her family, who I haven't seen since November.
"It's starting to sink in. Obviously it's an enormous opportunity for me and one I hope to make the most of."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Yes hockeyhick
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 14:57 — esteban1949if they don't come out smoking and with fire in their eyes and hunger in their hearts...it could be iffy...but like you i have confidence...should be all but a sell out crowd tonight ...possibly??
Go Canes !!
Good test tonight...
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 14:16 — hockeyhickFlames could easily be the west representative in the finals this year, and their 2 new players both made instant impacts last night. Should be a great atmosphere at the RBC for a very tough and important game. GO CANES!!!!!
I agree
Fri, 03/06/2009 - 16:26 — HockeydogI though the Flames actually had a chance to come out of the west before the trades. With the new additions it's a dead heat between the Sharks, Wings, and Flames out west.
I hope the Canes come out hard, and there will be a lot of emotion on the ice and in the stands. Real test will be after the emotion subsides. We have 17 games left, coming out hard for 10 min won't get the job done if they don't find the Flame ( excuse the pun!) for 60 min x17.