Heady Times for an Antsy Karpov

It has been 16 games and nearly six weeks since winger Valeri Karpov last played, but he could hardly contain his giddiness Tuesday.

“Tomorrow is an exciting day for me. Finally, I maybe will be in a game,” said a beaming Karpov, who suffered a concussion after a hit by Hartford’s Steven Rice Oct. 24. Karpov hasn’t played since, though he has been healthy for weeks.

“I got hurt when the team was playing not so well. I got better, and the team was playing well so I didn’t have a chance to make the lineup,” Karpov said. He’ll play tonight if Ken Baumgartner’s tender ankle keeps him out of the game.

“I have to play very well because otherwise I’ll go back to the press box,” Karpov said.

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Goalie Guy Hebert has a sore left hand but said he will be able to play. . . . Center Ted Drury is taking a turn on the first line with Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne, replacing Steve Rucchin.