Cole’s return isn’t enough

EDMONTON, Alberta – Erik Cole’s return wasn’t even supposed to be an option for Carolina.

The Hurricanes weren’t supposed to look this desperate – or be forced into a Game 7 – either.

Cole, who had 30 goals and 29 assists during the season, made a surprise return Saturday but did nothing to help Carolina tighten its grip on what had been a huge advantage in the Stanley Cup finals.

Cole suited up for the first time since March 4, when he broke a vertebra in his neck. With star center Doug Weight out because of an injured right shoulder, coach Peter Laviolette pulled out the trump card he repeatedly said he didn’t have.

Cole was driven headfirst into the boards by Pittsburgh’s Brooks Orpik more than three months ago, and was said then to be out for the season.