Fractured bone sidelines Williams

Justin Williams would be the first to say that injuries are a part of hockey. He accepts that.

But the Canes' forward is probably questioning why so many seem to happen to him — the latest a fractured bone in his hand that will sideline him a month or more.

Williams had a knee injury last year that required major reconstructive surgery. He then tore an Achilles tendon in September, just days before the start of preseason training camp. Now, this.

Williams was hit on the hand by a first-period shot from teammate Anton Babchuk in Sunday's game at Buffalo. Canes coach Paul Maurice said a decision on surgery would be made in the next 24 to 48 hours.

"Tough break," Maurice said. "He walked on that bus last night about as low as a man can. I think especially the painful part of it is that in his last three or four games his speed was coming back. He was skating last night, really moving.

"I think he felt it — finally, something positive. To have that happen is very difficult for him."

Maurice said a decision would be made to today on whom to bring up from the Albany River Rats. He said Patrick Eaves would move into Williams' wing slot on Matt Cullen's line opposite Ray Whitney.

Recently, Williams talked about how frustrating the season had been in trying to recapture the form that helped him score more than 30 goals in the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

"I'm not there yet," Williams said. "It's tough to say when it will happen. It can all of a sudden pop, where you've got it back again. I'm looking forward to it happening any day."

For Williams, the wait will have to continue.

"This comes at a time when he was getting his timing back and his game was coming along," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "Justin has gone from the thrill of winning the (Stanley) Cup to having nothing but bad luck."