RALEIGH, N.C., April 19 (UPI) -- Defenseman David Tanabe, who left Game 1 of the Carolina Hurricanes' Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against New Jersey Wednesday night, has a broken bone in his right wrist and will be out three weeks.
Fortunately for Carolina coach Paul Maurice, his decision on finding a replacement for Tanabe in the lineup was made easier when it was announced that veteran defenseman Glen Wesley, who has been sidelined with a separated right shoulder, could return for Game 2.
Tanabe played the first 20 minutes Wednesday and assisted on Carolina's first goal, but was injured when checked by New Jersey left wing Jay Pandolfo and did not return after the intermission. The 21-year-old native of Minnesota appeared in 78 games this season, scoring one goal and adding 15 assists.
Tanabe has two goals and one assist in seven career postseason games.
A veteran of 117 playoff contests, Wesley recorded five goals and 13 assists in 77 games during the regular season. The 33-year old defenseman has been with the Carolina franchise for eight seasons after being acquired from Boston in 1994.
