Hurricanes G Mrazek returns to practice

The Carolina Hurricanes could have Petr Mrazek back in goal by the time they open the Eastern Conference final against either the Boston Bruins or Columbus Blue Jackets.

Out since suffering a lower-body injury during the second period of Carolina's 2-1 win against the New York Islanders in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second-round series on April 28, Mrazek, who skated with Carolina goalie coach Mike Bales on Sunday, returned to practice Monday. All signs were positive.

"He was in (the) full practice today with no limitations, so that's a positive," coach Rod Brind'Amour said in an article on nhl.com. "I'm not going to make any decisions today, but getting more guys back is nice."

No date for the next round has been announced, but the Bruins, leading their series 3-2, had a chance to close it Monday night at Columbus.

"I felt very good today, good sign," said Mrazek, who has compiled a 5-3 record with a 2.22 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in nine playoff games. "The injury wasn't that bad. I felt 120 percent today, to be honest."

In Mrazek's absence, goaltender Curtis McElhinney has been unbeatable as the Hurricanes swept the New York Islanders. He replaced Mrazek in the third period of Game 2, making 17 saves while Carolina rallied for a 2-1 victory. Then the 35-year-old made history in Game 3 by becoming the oldest goalie to make his first Stanley Cup playoff start. Carolina completed the sweep with identical 5-2 scores in Games 3 and 4.

"(McElhinney) was outstanding those two games," Mrazek said. "I'm very happy he played like he did and we finished the series in four games."

--Field Level Media