Approximately five hours after rejoining the Checkers from Carolina along with Riley Nash, Tim Wallace is headed right back to the NHL. Expected to join Charlotte for its trip to Oklahoma City to begin the postseason on Wednesday night, his status for Game 1 on Friday is now in question as his presence is required for the Hurricanes’ game against the New York Rangers on Thursday.
Earlier Wednesday, Checkers coach Jeff Daniels had praised Wallace, 28, as a player who brought experience, leadership and grit to his lineup.
"He’s been around for a while and knows what it takes," said Daniels. "It's like we've talked about with (Brett) Sutter before - in the playoffs you have to pay the price to score goals, and that’s what guys like that do anyway. They don’t have to change their game.”
With 55 Calder Cup Playoff games under his belt, Wallace has more postseason experience than any other player on the Checkers’ roster, thanks in large part to a 2008 run to the finals with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Wallace, back and forth between Charlotte and Raleigh since the NHL season began in January, has 13 points (4g, 9a) in his last 13 regular-season games at the AHL level. He also ranks sixth on the team with 44 penalty minutes despite playing just 47 games.
The veteran forward has played 26 games for Carolina this season, recording two points (1g, 1a) and 17 penalty minutes.
