TORONTO — Ian Cole was up to some of his old tricks Thursday.
Not only did Cole skate on a third defense pairing with longtime partner Justin Schultz — an indication Cole will be in the lineup Friday after three consecutive healthy scratches — but he sustained a gruesome, albeit minor, injury.
One he incurred — of course — by having a puck hit him in an unenviable spot.
While trying to box out Riley Sheahan, a shot hit Cole on the top of his thumb. Blood gushed. His nail cracked in half. Cole missed a few minutes of practice and then laughed about it afterward.