Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason was back practicing with the team at the RecZone on Thursday after missing practice earlier this week and Wednesday’s game.
In Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss, Gleason was temporarily knocked out when he took a puck to the face on a shot from Washington Capitals’ forward Alex Ovechkin.
It’s the second time this season that Ovechkin has sidelined Gleason, but just like the kneeing incident that got Ovechkin suspended for a pair of games last month, Gleason returned to the game. Wearing 30 stitches to the right of his eye and an oversized visor, Gleason tied Friday's game in his return with a short-handed goal that led to the Hurricanes earning a point.
“I don’t know, but strike three he’s out,” Gleason joked, asked what it was with him and Ovechkin. “I’ll have to find a way whether I shoot the puck at him or, no, I’m sure he felt a little bit bad I would think or hope.”
Gleason didn’t miss Saturday’s contest at the Ottawa Senators, either, but it all caught up with him on Sunday, when he had the day off.
“I probably should have taken it lightly on Saturday,” Gleason said. “I just kind of went with it. I didn’t feel like I was all there on Saturday, but I thought I was good enough. … I think Sunday it did hit me.”
Gleason missed Wednesday’s 5-3 win over the Dallas Stars, and Carolina coach Paul Maurice said Gleason and defenseman Niclas Wallin will miss Friday’s game at the Florida Panthers but should both be ready for Saturday’s game in Raleigh, also against Florida.
“This was a good skate,” Gleason said. “I feel all right. We’ll see how tomorrow goes.”
Javier Serna has covered sports for The News & Observer since 2007. He previously covered growth for the North Raleigh News, and sports at The Truth in Elkhart, Ind. E-mail 
Comments
Our (new) Great Defense
Sat, 12/19/2009 - 12:47 — mumsyb13Well, we lost Friday night 6-3...another loss, another road loss, even with the call up saviors and Cam Ward back in net. We get 1 win the game before and immediately the conversations about the team begin with "now if we can win both of these games against Florida" or "we won a game without these players-so we don't need them, not with these call ups" and then proceed to lose the very next game with the same line up. Carson is not a full-fledged NHL d-man yet. Pitkanen is not consistent when he is healthy. We have actually won a game without Cam Ward this season-does this mean he should be traded or written off? The entire team, whoever is playing, needs to be better every night-don't lay the blame on a couple of players and think that getting rid of them will solve anything.
A. Ward problem
Sat, 12/19/2009 - 12:13 — ynotagainToo bad Harrison was matched with Aaron Ward so much last night.
Aaron is making everybody on the ice with him look BAD except the opposing team.
Wallin on Saturday vs. Panthers
Fri, 12/18/2009 - 12:15 — abramsdougWe've seen how the defense plays without Wallin; and I thought the Albany Rats looked quite good. We will get a chance on Saturday to see how the defense plays with Wallin in the lineup.
With respect to trade, I doubt Wallin will waive his NTC; and I doubt as well that Jim Rutherford will re-sign Wallin for next season given Wallin's salary. I wonder if Wallin would agree to playing for another team if he were to be traded at the trade deadline.
I have been impressed with Carson's physicality and hockey intelligence. He is doing a good job around the net clearing pucks and keeping good positioning in front of the net. Harrison also has been doing a much better job, I think, after returning from Albany. Rodney had some great passes against Dallas and held his own physically.
AD, surely You Jest!
Fri, 12/18/2009 - 13:51 — SkylinerCertainly no one wants to see any player injured, but you must know how Wallin plays by now....badly...as does most of our "defensemen."
I agree, the Albany boys are making a compelling case to remain in Raleigh and I too like both Rodney and Carson's efforts. Re our regulars: Pitkanen is a set-up man, he sets the table and gets things in motion, he is a skilled and precise passer; Corvo has the cannon from the point and is an opportunist when one is presented, but as for our regular lineup of defensemen, that's about it.
However, I would make a point about Gleason. Truthfully, I've never been impressed with Gleason's play, but the guy does have his strong points. He has grit, he stands up for his fellow teammates, he takes no personal guff from an opposing bully such as Bruce Orpik, Sean Avery, or Colton Orr and I do appreciate the fact the man is willing to play hurt, with a busted beak and 30 facial stitches.
That, to me, is raw courage! Never meant to speak unkindly of Tim, but as Beans Reardon said "I call 'em as I see 'em." And while others who post here think more highly of Gleason's skills than I, I'll rise and speak positively of his demonstrated efforts on the ice...for which we should all be appreciative!
If Gleason can overcome taking so many emotional penalties (when he should have kept his face closed) he can add a lot to the team. But my wife keeps reminding me that "you can't put a 50-year-old head on a 26-year-old body." Hopefully he'll matrure quickly.
Go team... sick Panthers!
Wallin
Sat, 12/19/2009 - 10:56 — abramsdougI realize others disagree, but I have seen all of Wallin I ever need to see. I've seen him since he first came to the Hurricanes. If I were King of the Hurricanes, I would sit Wallin for the rest of the season. I don't see how playing Wallin, Aaron Ward, Brind'Amour, or Walker helps build next year's team.
The dreams of a playoff run this season are long gone. I think the remainder of the season is useful only as a season of building cohension for the Hurricanes team that will be playing in 2010-2011. Playing 35+ year old veterans who likely will not be on the team in 2010-2011 seems unwise and counter-productive to me.
+1
Sat, 12/19/2009 - 12:38 — HockeydogTotally agree. It's almost Christamas and they ar 15 points out of the last playoff spot, currently held by the Cats. You know if there were serious signs of life maybe I'd say take a run at it at least through January, but there are no signs of life. Just the occasional game that reminds us of what this team was.
Wallin on waivers?
Fri, 12/18/2009 - 11:29 — hellfishWith Harrison ,Carson and Rodney playing so well and contibuting on the scoring Wallin could and or needs to be traded. oh yeah! he's got a no-trade clause. It may be time for him to go on waivers before Santa "Clause" gets here!
Gee Chip
Thu, 12/17/2009 - 13:54 — esteban1949must have been busy as Javier has had to fill in a few times as of late...hmmm hope it aint none of the McClatchy's progressive labor practices of "spreading - the- Wealth around" mentality that all of sees coming from Washington & the state house in Raleigh...i'd have to go hang out @ the Cane's Corner...if it was...
But i will say thank you sir...for the information. Manners is important you know !
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !!
Go Canes !!
Harrison played 19 minutes
Thu, 12/17/2009 - 13:05 — ctillHarrison played 19 minutes last night, Carson 18 minutes with 1 assist, Rodney 12 minutes with 2 assists. Good showing by the young D's.