Empty the Tank
The Hurricanes play game 50 of 82 on Tuesday before a nine-day break that will include All-Star Weekend and the bye week.
The message heading into the game doesn't change, head coach Rod Brind'Amour said, but the team will empty the tank, both physically and mentally, before the chance to rest and recharge away from the rink.
"We've got a job to do tomorrow," Brind'Amour said after practice on Monday. "We've got to focus on that and put our best foot forward. That's kind of how we've approached every day."
PROJECTED LINEUP
The Canes will have 32 games remaining on the other side of the break, which will undoubtedly be a grind down the stretch of the season in the dogfight that is the Metropolitan Division.
"The good, for me, is the mental break. That's what guys need right now. Really, from day one of training camp, we've been pushing," Brind'Amour said. "Now, they can get away. Then, you come back and push again. The mental side is great. The downside is the physical side of getting away. You kind of get out of rhythm and sync a little bit. You run the risk of that. The good news is that everybody's in the same boat. It's not an advantage one way or the other."
Williams' Thrilling Return
Justin Williams played the first game of his 19th career season when the Hurricanes squared off with the Islanders on Sunday.
And, of course it ended with Williams being the difference-maker in the eighth round of the shootout. Could there have been a more perfect ending?
"Not really," Brind'Amour said after the game. "Only Willy can make that up."
Williams finished career game No. 1,245 with five shot attempts, three shots on goal, a hit and a blocked shot in 13:06 of ice time.
