NEW YORK — For the Canes' Justin Williams, tonight will mark the fifth game of the comeback. Or maybe it should be called the comeback after the comeback.
In his first three games after returning from the Achilles tendon tear, the forward averaged 13:30 of ice time. He played 10:13 Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers in the 6-5 shootout loss at the Wachovia Center but picked up his first point of the season by assisting on Matt Cullen's second-period goal.
"It's been going all right. I'm expecting a lot out of myself," Williams said today. "I'd like to start to try to do more for the team but I understand it is a process and things aren't going to be exactly as they were before I got hurt.
"But I'm getting better every game. I feel better every game and more comfortable. That's a real positive for me to get back to where I was."
Williams missed much of last season after a knee injury that required reconstructive surgery. He returned late in the season but could make only a cameo appearance before suffering a back injury.
Williams was in peak condition and ready for preseason training camp when he tore the Achilles tendon in his right foot in an off-ice workout. He had surgery Sept. 18, with an expected recovery and rehab time of four to six months, but was able to return Dec. 4 -- far ahead of schedule -- for the Pittsburgh Penguins game.
"You can't just go out there guns blazing every time," Williams said. "You've got to conserve your energy when you can out there and then go as hard as you can other times.
"I've been managing that pretty well and feel more comfortable and in good shape."
Williams said he has experienced no soreness or problems with the injured foot.
"It's not even in the back of my mind — it's totally gone for me," he said of the injury. "I feel strong. I still might be about a quarter-step behind, but I'm going to get that back soon."
Williams said he hoped the assist against the Flyers would be a "stepping stone to better things."
"It won't be long before I score a goal," he said.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
