The Carolina Hurricanes took to the ice Thursday morning in preparation for their game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
On the one hand, Jesper Fast was absent, but on the positive side, both Teuvo Teravainen — who has missed the last three games due to an upper-body injury — and Jack Drury — who has missed the last six games due to a lower-body injury — joined the group in regular jerseys.
While it looks like both Teravainen and Drury may be nearing a return, it won't be tonight.
"I was hopeful, but I don't think so," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour when asked if either was an option tonight. "Maybe tomorrow, but it doesn't look like they'll draw in."
Both players have been key figures on the team, Teravainen is fourth in scoring this season with 21 goals and 47 points and Drury has taken tremendous strides in his game and has eight goals and 27 points.
However, the additions of Jake Guentzel (2 goals, 8 points) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (2 goals, 5 points) has helped keep Carolina afloat with a 5-1-0 record over their last six.
When Drury and Teravainen do both return, they could see themselves on the fourth line and what a deep, deep team this would be.
In addition to both of them, Fast is also doubtful for tonight as he's nursing an injury according to Brind'Amour.
He's been a defensive stalwart for Carolina, so it's not the easiest loss either.
If all three players are unavailable tonight, the Canes will run 11/7 with defenseman Tony DeAngelo drawing back in for the first time since Feb. 25.