Canes forward Jussi Jokinen will not be sidelined as long as first feared, coach Paul Maurice said today.
Jokinen injured his left leg early in the third period of Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay, and general manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday Jokinen would be out at least three to four weeks.
But Maurice said Jokinen, the team's second-leading scorer, had two MRI exams and the results Wednesday night revealed he was not seriously injured. Maurice said Jokinen's status was closer to "day to day" than "week to week" and that Jokinen might be able to skate some on his own as soon as Friday.
"It was really good news," Maurice said. "He's feeling a lot better today. We caught a break there because when you look at it on video, boy, it looks like it's a season-ender. We dodged a bullet there."
Jokinen fell backward over Tampa Bay's Ryan Shannon, pinning his leg under Shannon's body as he fall.
"He wasn't just dealing with one thing. He was sore in a couple of spots," Maurice said of Jokinen. "Either one of them if it was very significant could have been long-term.
"He came in this morning and there wasn't nearly the swelling they expected. He was in great spirits."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
wooo hooo
Fri, 11/04/2011 - 07:30 — esteban1949that is very very good news !! but still slow and easy goes the pace...as some severe sprains in knees and ankles do take longewr than some folks think..especially if one is not 15 and full of vineager !! but still happy as a clam on the beach !!
Go Canes & Checkers !!
Juice
Thu, 11/03/2011 - 17:13 — ammy144He has long been my favorite player and I am so very glad his injury is not as severe as first expected. Will be watching tomorrow night.....good luck guys!!!!
Just Thinking.......
Thu, 11/03/2011 - 14:02 — superfanHearing he is day to day is outstanding news...however I would like to see Boychuck on Staals line to add quickness ......and I am not talking about top end speed.....Boychucks first couple steps are very quick and i think that could open up some room down low for Eric.( where he loves to work )
Great news!
Thu, 11/03/2011 - 13:02 — floydm11Great news!