Is this the day, the time, the game, that Canes forward Justin Williams finally returns?
"You betcha," a smiling Williams said today.
Williams tore an Achilles tendon before preseason training camp and was expected to be out until late-January or early February. That came after he missed much of last season with a knee injury.
But tonight's the night. Williams said he expected to have limited minutes and may play on Brandon Sutter's line.
"I'm looking forward to it. It's been 11 months now, give or take a day or two," Williams said.
Turns out, Williams' first game this season will be with a new coach, Paul Maurice. So the attention tonight against the Penguins will be shared.
"Regardless (of the coaching change), I'm still going to have the same energy I would have," Williams said. "I'll be the happiest one out there. I'll be ready to go.
"I'll just try to work my way in and see how it goes, how the game goes. See how I feel and go from there."
Forward Ryan Bayda said having a new coach behind the bench obviously would be an impetus for the team. But maybe more so, he said, woud be having a teammate back on the ice.
"We're all thrilled that he's back," Bayda said. "He brings a lot -- just his presence in the locker room, his leadership. At a time we need a boost, we need a positive outlook, he's there for us.
"There aren't too many teams in the league right now who are getting an All-Star player coming back. It's perfect timing for us."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
I like everyone
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 18:07 — esteban1949I am happy to see him back and going to be part of the "effort" once again. And as GoShelf points out there will be some "rust' to shake out and get rid of. But that is going to take effort each and everyday until he is 100% or awfuly darn close to it. I too would like to be able to go, but will be more than happy to hear the game and the Fan's responce if and when he was to get any ice time tonight. Well tonites game is the first day in the rest of the Cane's season. It would apprea to the fans that " Now is The Appointed" time for the Canes as a TEAM to step up and play like they know they can.
Go Canes !
Lines
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 16:07 — SkooteriAny hint as to how the lines will shake out after this shakeup?
I hope Maurice starts that
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 14:44 — CanenutI hope Maurice starts that line just to have him introduced for the first time in 11 months. Seeing #11 on the ice would be the only reason to go tonight. Can not wait to see him in person.
Thrilled
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 14:36 — GoShelfPleased to have him back in the lineup. He's got about 11 months worth of rust to shake out, so I am not sure where his or the teams expectations are for point productivity. I think all he and team can ask for is hard-work every shift and to stay healthy - if that happens the results will come, he's a gifted player.