Few guys in the Canes' locker room are more eager to get into a preseason game than Matt Cullen, and with good reason.
Cullen battled vision problems most of last season after that big hit from the New York Rangers' Colton Orr the day after Christmas. Another concussion later in the season at Chicago was another setback for the veteran center, who missed 23 games in all.
But Cullen reported for preseason training camp saying all that was behind him, that he was healthy and completely recovered. Practice sessions in training camp, he said, have only reinforced that belief.
"Everything has been good," said Cullen, who will play tonight against Washington. "It has been a good camp. I'm feeling good. Everything is good.
"I've been doing a little bumping and a lot of skating and things have been fine. I'm definitely excited to play a game. Get out there in a real game, with real-game speed, real hits. It will be fun to play.
"Seems like it's been a long time since we've had a game."
Canes coach Peter Laviolette said he likes what he has seen of Cullen.
"He looks real good out there, real sharp," Laviolette said. "His skating looks strong, he's shooting the puck well, he passing the puck well.
"To get Matt back and healthy and feeling good is a plus for this team. He fills a lot of roles for this team."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Brain Injuries & Cullen
Wed, 09/24/2008 - 14:12 — esteban1949It is good never the less to read & hear that matt is back...and the Coach is happy at what he sees out there on the ice...I just finished reading an article on another sports website that had an article where several former NFL players who have had several cuncussions and several of them have agreed to donate their brains for study after they pass away...so the sports community as well as the medical communities can see what problems there can and often are associated with cuncussions & brain injuries for players...but all that said...am happy as a loon the Matt is back !
Go Canes !!!
Its good to see Matt Cullen
Wed, 09/24/2008 - 13:06 — KenG (not verified)Its good to see Matt Cullen will be back. He always seems to have fun on the ice like Chad Larose. I think that is why I like them so much, they always find a way to have fun in a game. Not so that it hurts the team but a way to energize the team. Can't wait till the season starts.