Carolina Hurricanes: What the return of Victor Rask means

For the first time this season, Victor Rask will draw into the lineup for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Toronto Maple Leafs. What kind of performance can we expect from the Canes’ one-time alternate captain?

The only player from the Carolina Hurricanes to be placed on Injury Reserve this season is set to make his debut tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Victor Rask was activated and will draw into the lineup tonight for the first time since cutting his hand during the pre-season. His veteran knowledge and leadership will be critical tonight against a tough Maple Leafs team.

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But how much can the center contribute to tonight’s game? Last season saw him benched a few times by them-Head Coach Bill Peters. He managed to score 14 goals during 72 games, and ended the season with only 31 points, the lowest of his career. Many will argue that Rask wasn’t motivated to play for Peters last season and was constantly punished for it by the now-departed coach. His demeanor going into tonight’s game seems to be very different.

And a long road it has been. Rask has missed a quarter of the season already, a season filled with winning and losing streaks. A season filled with fun and excitement, but also loss and heartbreak. Most importantly, for a player like Rask, a complete change in the atmosphere and identity of the team has taken place. New Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour and new team captain Justin Williams have revamped the way this team operates, and Rask is excited to be part of that.

Rask is projected to be lined up with Warren Foegele and Phil Di Giuseppe. However if he proves himself well enough a few line changes might happen and he may take Lucas Wallmark‘s spot on the third line and center the rookie Andrei Svechnikov and newcomer Jordan Martinook. He also has something to prove to his team and the fan base. He knows it too and is excited to get on the ice and prove he has become better.

“I’ve had a couple not my best years. I’ve just got to get back to my game and just keep working hard. I want to come out strong at the beginning of the season and prove myself.”-Victor Rask

With Curtis McElhinney in net and Rask drawing back into the lineup, perhaps I need to retract my previous prediction of a Leafs win. Rask’s performance may be the make-or-break for Carolina to win tonight’s game. He sure seems eager enough to play his heart out. I expect him to be a wild card Toronto cannot plan for, and get a few points.

Question for CC readers:

Do you believe that Victor Rask is a piece of the solution needed to help get this team back on track for the playoffs? Comment below with your reasons why or why not.