The Canes' Jussi Jokinen was ready for a change, not that he was outspoken about it or went to coach Kirk Muller asking for a move.
But Jokinen is happy to be back on the wing, happy to be on a line with Eric Staal and Tuomo Ruutu. He's happy to be away from what he has called his "least-favorite position" at center.
"Obviously you play 40 games (at center) and you start to feel comfortable, but I think one of my strengths is I can play anywhere," Jokinen said after today's morning skate. "I think we have always had good chemistry with Staalsy and I really like playing with Ruuty, too.
"On paper, that line looks really good. Now we need to execute it and play hard and produce and be good defensively."
Muller said Thursday the "onus" was on the line to be the Canes' top line, starting with tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres. It's a responsibility that Jokinen readily accepts.
"For sure," Jokinen said. "We've got three veteran guys and we have to lead by example. We need to produce for this team to win. We need to be consistent every night and hopefully we will start that tonight."
Jokinen has just four goals this season and has not scored in the past 20 games. His last goal came Nov. 20 against Toronto.
But Jokinen did see the puck go in the net Tuesday against the New York Islanders. He was the lone Canes player to score in the shootout as Carolina lost.
"That's always a good thing but five-on-five I know I can score. Lots of time when I play center I feel I'm more like a setup man and look to pass more," said Jokinen, whose 22 assists are tied for second on the team. "On the wing I need to be ready to shoot more.
"When I was in Dallas I had a really fast skating center in Mike Modano. Eric is the same type of player which is one of the reasons I've always liked to play with him. You have more chances to score."
At today's skate, forward Pat Dwyer was back in a red jersey, having been cleared for contact. Muller said he might be able to play Saturday against Nashville in the second half of the back-to-back (Jeff Skinner still was in a yellow, no-contact jersey).
Brett Sutter, recalled Thursday from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL), will play tonight and center the fourth line with Andreas Nodl and Anthony Stewart.
Cam Ward will start in goal and will face off against Ryan Miller of the Sabres.
Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers, out the past 19 games with a broken wrist, will return tonight.
But Jokinen is happy to be back on the wing, happy to be on a line with Eric Staal and Tuomo Ruutu. He's happy to be away from what he has called his "least-favorite position" at center.
"Obviously you play 40 games (at center) and you start to feel comfortable, but I think one of my strengths is I can play anywhere," Jokinen said after today's morning skate. "I think we have always had good chemistry with Staalsy and I really like playing with Ruuty, too.
"On paper, that line looks really good. Now we need to execute it and play hard and produce and be good defensively."
Muller said Thursday the "onus" was on the line to be the Canes' top line, starting with tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres. It's a responsibility that Jokinen readily accepts.
"For sure," Jokinen said. "We've got three veteran guys and we have to lead by example. We need to produce for this team to win. We need to be consistent every night and hopefully we will start that tonight."
Jokinen has just four goals this season and has not scored in the past 20 games. His last goal came Nov. 20 against Toronto.
But Jokinen did see the puck go in the net Tuesday against the New York Islanders. He was the lone Canes player to score in the shootout as Carolina lost.
"That's always a good thing but five-on-five I know I can score. Lots of time when I play center I feel I'm more like a setup man and look to pass more," said Jokinen, whose 22 assists are tied for second on the team. "On the wing I need to be ready to shoot more.
"When I was in Dallas I had a really fast skating center in Mike Modano. Eric is the same type of player which is one of the reasons I've always liked to play with him. You have more chances to score."
At today's skate, forward Pat Dwyer was back in a red jersey, having been cleared for contact. Muller said he might be able to play Saturday against Nashville in the second half of the back-to-back (Jeff Skinner still was in a yellow, no-contact jersey).
Brett Sutter, recalled Thursday from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL), will play tonight and center the fourth line with Andreas Nodl and Anthony Stewart.
Cam Ward will start in goal and will face off against Ryan Miller of the Sabres.
Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers, out the past 19 games with a broken wrist, will return tonight.
