(Raleigh) Teuvo Teravainen’s absence of about a month seems to be coming to an end.
The Carolina Hurricanes forward took part in a full practice Monday, stripping off his non-contact jersey ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Florida Panthers.
Teravainen hasn’t played since injuring his hand in Game 2 of the first-round series against the New York Islanders.
It is still uncertain when he will return, but it would be an important addition for the team, which has continued to progress despite the absence of several injured players.
“I think I’m pretty ready to come back,” Teravainen said after practice Monday. When the coach places me in training, I will be ready. »
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour wouldn’t reveal when that time will be, but he said the rest between the two series could be beneficial.
“He’s pretty ready,” Brind’Amour said. It’s just a matter of whether he can play or not. I’m not going to play him if he can’t take shots. »
Wednesday will mark four weeks since his April 19 injury, followed by surgery the following day.
“It’s pretty crazy,” Teravainen said. I really thought my streaks were over. The doctors did a very good job and I look like I can get back to playing soon. The team played solid hockey. It’s hard to watch all of this from outside the rink. »
The Hurricanes started the playoffs with some offensive doubts, as forwards Max Pacioretty and Andrei Svechnikov were already missing with season-ending injuries.
The Hurricanes acquired Pacioretty from the Vegas Golden Knights during the offseason to improve their top two lines. On Svechnikov’s side, he’s been a key part of his team’s five straight playoff appearances.
Teravainen’s injury has only added to those concerns, as he is one of the team’s key forwards and an excellent playmaker. His presence on the power play is also an asset to the Hurricanes.
So far, the Hurricanes have still managed to perform, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2019.
The Hurricanes’ shorthandedness is ranked first of all teams in the playoffs (90%). The team also scored more shorthanded goals (four) than it allowed shorthanded (three).
As for the offense, the Hurricanes have seen an increase in their offensive production in the playoffs with an average of 3.64 goals per game, compared to 3.20 during the season. A dozen different players scored, including four with three goals, in the second-round series against the New Jersey Devils, won in five games.