puck head thoughts

Saturday stinker - thoughts on Canes

2007-10-09T10:14:00.000-04:00

What’s that smell? For fans of the Carolina Hurricanes, it was a smell that they hope not to smell the rest of the season. The Canes played probably the worst game they have in the past few years – then again I think there were some of the games like this past Saturday played last season. I don’t understand (as there are probably a lot of fans that don’t) how a team can be dominate one night and then lack luster the next.
I can already here some homers stating that Corey Stillman, Bret Hedican and Mike Commodore were all out of the lineup and that David Tanabe hadn’t skated in more than a week nor been in a game since a couple of preseason tilts when in St. Louis. Face it, this is not a time for excuses – it is a time for execution! It doesn’t matter who is in the line up and who isn’t. I mean these guys get paid to play! If the Canes fans want to fall back on the same excuses for this past Saturday’s thrashin’ like most did last season, then why even bother playing the season? Just put the Canes a few games out of the playoffs and let the better teams go after the cup.
Face it! The Canes did little in the offseason. Is this something that is going to catch up with Carolina? Only time will tell. The thing that at the moment gets me is that Rutherford signed David Tanabe to a two year contract and now the N&O is reporting that he is battling Dennis Seidenberg for the seventh defenseman spot. Why should this be? I mean why not carry 8 defensemen? And to sign David Tanabe? No offense, but couldn’t Carolina used there money more wisely?
Now off my soap box and onto tonight’s game:
Both teams currently have a mirror image of each others record standing at 1-1-1. Toronto finally hit the win column with a Saturday overtime victory against the Montreal club that beat Carolina in overtime beginning the season. Both teams come into the game with question marks at some positions. For the Maple Leafs, it is in net. Vesa Toskala – who Toronto picked up in the offseason – so far has taken the reigns of being the number 1 netminder but for how long? As for the Canes, well their questions are going to be who is available. It appears that Mike Commodore might be out for the contest as well as Andrew Ladd. Corey Stillman might be able to finally suit up for a game this season. All in all, Carolina has to simply play like they did against Pittsburgh. If Carolina comes out flat, it will be a long game to watch for Hurricane fans.

Deja vu? Please dear God no!

2007-10-05T08:45:00.001-04:00

First and foremost – please no deja vu as in last season with the first two openers at home and raising/unveiling a banner twice. The result of Fright Night 1 and 2 from last season was a shootout lose and a taken out behind the woodshed but whippin’! For the love of God, please Carolina do not attempt to make the fans that come out to tonight’s game feel like it is the home opener because this might be news to you –IT ISN’T!

Now, before we can look ahead to tonight’s game, lets take a look back at Wednesday’s overtime lose to Montreal. All in all the issue with the home opener was that Carolina could not hit the broad side of a barn! If memory serves me right – and I have had a few adult beverages since then so it might not – the Hurricanes missed something like four open nets. That in my mind is what turned the tide. Well that and zebra nation. And can anyone tell me what in the world the Hurricanes did to offend zebra nation? I mean Justin Williams aka Willy was crushed to the ice by a cross check after the whistle had blown and nothing was called. Fast forward to overtime where Nic “the secret weapon” Wallin gets called for a cross check in front of the net. I admit it might have been a cross check and a penalty but if you didn’t call it in the 3rd period, how for the love that is holy, can you call it in overtime? Would that have been called if this were a playoff game and in overtime? I ask the zebra nation to focus and call the game and not the players!

Now, on to tonight! I am stoked and ready to go. The cooler is in the truck, the flags flying when I drive, the jersey (number 11 Williams is you must know) is hung and ready to we worn! The power play from Wednesday night might have been a concern for most persons watching the game. Carolina went something like 1-7, but out of those seven chances with the man advantage, Montreal was called for “delay of game” three or four times. Delay of game – player in own defensive zone firing puck over glass without it being deflected by another player or glass itself!

The thing that concerns me is the defense or lack there of for some of the game as well as the way that Montreal took the play to Carolina in the second and third periods of Wednesday night’s game. If – and I know that if a frog had wings he wouldn’t bump his arse when he hopped – Carolina can tighten that defense up and take the play to the Pens for a full 60, I don’t see how Pittsburgh can get a win. The only other concern – and this is because I am no fan of the guy – Johnny Grahame “Cracker” in net. I presume that he plays tonight and Ward goes tomorrow when the Canes play the Caps in DC.

No hangover! No excuses!

2007-10-02T08:36:00.001-04:00

For the Carolina Hurricanes, there can’t be any time sitting in ‘idle’. This season, the Canes need to get off to a fast start. There can’t be any excuses. Last season was lost before it ever started. Carolina was not mentally nor physically ready for the start of the 06-07 season. This season must be different.
With the pickup of Matt Cullen and Jeff Hamilton, many are stating that the Canes power play should be better than last season. Also, many are believing that since Cullen is back in the fold, Carolina should win more shootouts if the games come down to that. I personally hope that Carolina has limited overtime games and that the Canes can get the check in the left column before it ever goes to a shootout.
The defense to me is still a big question mark. Carolina did not make any moves on the defensive side other than letting Anton Babchuk head back across the Atlantic and back to his home country of Russia. Dennis Seidenberg should get some more playing time on the 3rd line and I believe that if he can improve from a season ago, he can be the defensive stop that the Carolina Hurricanes are looking for and the reasoning they traded away Kevyn Adams .
Enough about my opinion of what the Canes need to do, lets just drop the puck on this 2007-2008 season. Something that Carolina does tomorrow night as they host the Montreal Canadians for the first of two home games before hitting the road for a six game road trip while the state fair is in town. After the Pens visit, Carolina’s next home game is October 22 against the Canucks of Vancouver.

Preseason Wrap Up

2007-09-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

For the Carolina Hurricanes, the last preseason game seemed more like a minor league contest instead of a NHL game. A half dozen fights, more then 40 penalties and a shoot out that went nine rounds. The best thing out of the contest might have been the performance of goalie Cam Ward who stopped 38 of 39 shots in regulation and another four in overtime. He then stepped it up even more with stoning all nine of the Blue Jackets shooters in the shootout. Or the best thing could have been how the Canes stood up for each other from Ryan Bayda who is all of 5’10” standing up to Columbus enforcer Tommy Sestito who stands a mere 6’4” to Ray Whitney who took exception on a hit suffered by team captain Rod Brind'Amour.
For this preseason, the Canes went 4-1-1. The bright spots for Carolina in the preseason in my opinion:
Two of the four wins were in either overtime or a shootout
Two of the Canes wins were shutouts
Cam Ward against Nashville Predators
John Grahame against Columbus Blue Jackets

Canes go 4-1-1 in six games
Defensive prospects – Carolina’s defense should be a lot better with the prospects that are now working out in Albany of the AHL
Carolina went roughly 98% on the Penalty Kill during the preseason

With all the positives, there are still a few concerns for me with this 2007-08 Hurricane team:
Carolina out shooting opponents and coming up on the wrong side of the win column
Hurricanes out shoot Nashville 40-30, only get one goal and lose 4-1
Carolina out shoots Washington and loses in overtime to divisional foes from up North

Power play is still a major concern for me. In the Nashville game from point 1, the only Carolina was with the man advantage, but they also gave up a shorty as well. Carolina went 0-3 in the first period of their final preseason game and something like 6 for 35.

Other than those two concerns, I cannot see how the “hockey experts” and “hockey bloggers” are picking Carolina to miss the playoffs for the second straight year. I can see that Carolina might not win the Southeast divisional title, but I do see this squad making the playoffs and going deep this season. Here is my prediction for the Southeast:
Florida Panthers – goaltending should be greatly improved
Carolina Hurricanes – shoot performance will be better; Cam Ward will be better between the pipes
Tampa Bay – with Richards, St. Louis and Lecavalier this team is always in the hunt
Washington Capitals – time for Ovechkin and Semin to step up
Atlanta Thrashers – the whoring out of GM Don Waddell for Keith Tkachuk for a playoff run then not resigning him I see the team really lacking the umph. I would not be surprised if Waddell does not make it through the 07-08 season as Atlanta GM

Canes out shoot - can't out score

2007-09-26T08:40:00.000-04:00

For the second straight preseason game, Carolina out shot their opponent but could not outscore them. This time it was divisional foe Washington. Carolina put the puck on net 31 time but was able to get it past Capitals starting goaltender Olaf Kolzig two times in the second period. Meanwhile, the Canes crease was split between number one goaltender Cam Ward and Michael Leighton who is attempting to push John Grahame out of the number two position.
Scoring for the Canes was again number 11 Justin Williams 36 seconds into the third period to prevent Carolina from being shutout (something that hasn’t happened this preseason). Erik Cole tipped in a shot from team captain Rod Brind'Amour to even the score. The Caps put the game away on the only power play goal scored in the game.
Speaking of the power play, the Canes were zero for six in the fourth preseason game. This is a trend that seems to stem from a squad that was horrible with the man advantage last season.
Next up for Carolina is a road game against Columbus and then Carolina hosts the Blue Jackets to finish up the Canes preseason schedule.
One thing that Carolina is having an issue with when attempting to trim their roster to the final 22 players, is placing goaltender Michael Leighton and forward Ryan Bayda on waivers to be sent down to AHL Albany. With the way these two players have played, I would not be surprised if a team picked up Leighton since it seems that goaltending could be an issue this season. Bayda not clearing waivers either is not something that is far fetched. Last season, he spent time with the big club and if sent to Albany, he probably (again in my opinion) won’t clear waivers.

Canes Weekend Wrap-up

2007-09-24T07:46:00.001-04:00

For the Carolina Hurricanes, the weekend started off stellar with an 18 save shutout performance from goaltender Cam Ward against the visiting Nashville Predators. 2004 draftee Casey Borer had a goal and an assist as well as former Predator and current Cane Scott “bulldog” Walker. After the game, Carolina assigned Jakub Petruzalek to Albany of the AHL.
The second part of the home and home with Nashville did not go well. Nashville jumped on top one to nothing. Hurricane Justin Williams scored the loan goal for the Canes. On a good note, it was a powerplay goal; however, the Canes went downhill from there giving up a short handed goal and falling to Nashville 4-1. Johnny Grahame “cracker” stopped 26 of 30 shots while Chris Mason stoned the Canes on 39 of 40 shots.
Carolina has sent four more players from their training camp roster to Albany:

Forwards:
Keith Aucoin
Patrick Dwyer

Defencemen:
J.D. Forrest
Noah Babin

With the newly trimmed roster (down to 28 players), Carolina travels to take on the Washington Capitals tomorrow night at the Verizon Center and then it is off the Ohio and a preseason match-up against the Bluejackets of Columbus on Thursday. Columbus and Carolina wrap up the Hurricanes preseason schedule on Friday 9/28 at the RBC Center.

Canes Cut 15 - ready for second preseason game

2007-09-21T08:59:00.000-04:00

After two days of cuts, the Carolina Hurricanes have trimmed their roster to 33 players before heading into their second preseason game tonight. Yesterday, the Canes sent 15 players to Albany of the AHL. The players are listed below:

Goaltenders:
Kevin Nastiuk
Justin Peters
Daniel Manzato

Defensemen:
Wade Brookbank
Tim Conboy
Mark Flood
Joey Mormina
Steve Ward

Forwards:
Mike Angelidis
Nicolas Blanchard
David Gove
Bobby Hughes
Kirk MacDonald
Brandon Nolan
Jerome Samson

The players will report to River Rats training camp on September 26.

On Wednesday, the Hurricanes sent four players back to their respective junior hockey teams. The players and weblink to their respective junior teams are below:

Drayson Bowman – http://www.spokanechiefs.com/
Justin McCrae – http://www.saskatoonblades.com/
Harrison Reed – http://www.sarniasting.com/
Chris Terry - http://www.plymouthwhalers.com/

The Hurricanes play host to Nashville tonight then travel to Tennessee to take on the Preds to complete a home and home series.

Random Notes and thoughts

2007-09-19T13:04:00.000-04:00

If you haven't read or heard already, one of the old time Whalers is gone to retirement. Sean Burke announced his retirement yesterday. He is the only goalie that I remember wearing the old Green, Blue and White of the Whalers - this because I didn't get into hockey until late into my teen years, some 13 or 14 years ago. While it is always sad to see a player hang'em up, if the player can go out on their own terms then there is nothing that fans can or should do other than appluade their careers and I do that of Burke. He hangs'em up after twenty years of backstopping in the NHL.

It looks like the NHL is starting to listen to its fans even if they state that "it is just time to look at changing the way scheduling is done". I for one am not a fan of being able to see teams like Dallas, Chicago, Detroit or even the "Used" Oil just once every two years or so. There are numerous ways that a schedule can be done. If I had it my way, I would schedule 30 games against the West - 15 games on the road and 15 of those games at your respective teams venue. I know that sounds like a long road trip, but that:

a.) can be split up into 3 trips
b.) can accompany the road trips that are already scheduled for teams in your respective teams division
c.) can be scheduled for when there are other events - circus, college basketball, fair - are scheduled at your respective teams venue. (note: some teams don't have to worry about this kind of venue sharing)

Not being at the scrimmage yesterday, I am not going to be able to comment on it. I have read the notes/story from the News and Observer and if there were only 5 penalites called in a scrimmage, one would think that the Canes should stay out of the penalty box. Again, this comes off the heals of the Canes having to kill off a couple of 5 on 3 penalties this past Sunday. So either the coaches/refs at the scimmage aren't calling it tight or the refs from Sunday's exhibition were calling it a little to close to the vest. We shall have to see!

First impression - not impressed

2007-09-18T08:54:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I have been as dormant as the Carolina power play was last season. Let’s hope that both are corrected now that a new season has started. I was able to get to the arena this past Sunday to check out the action on the ice for the first time since the Canes played there earlier in 2007. Truly I was not impressed.

Johnny Grahame “Cracker” – who I did cheer for and support for the half a period that I was able to see him play – was still himself. He gave up two goals on 11 shots. Maybe this season that he has some competition against him his game will rise, if not send him down to Albany – technically Albany is up geographically but I am talking about in terms of the ranking of the leagues .

I am like most persons I presume in the fact that I was impressed with Noah Babin. I am not sure if I would bring him to the big club yet as I only saw the 2nd and 3rd periods on Sunday. Some more seasoning down in Albany and the big defenseman should do fine.

I was more impressed with the Caps on Sunday. Their big guns weren’t out there; however, their two goaltenders held the Canes at bay. Only in the 3rd period, when coach P put the Staal – Stillman – Cole line together did Carolina flip a switch and they played like the should. The line shuffling didn’t stop there as coach P put Bayda and Aucion together. These two have chemistry as they were 2/3rds of the top line in Albany last season.

I presume we must wait until Friday to see what happens. Now according to the News and Observer – the Canes are working on the PP tonight before the scrimmage that is scheduled for 6PM at the RBC.

Canes talk big but do little

2007-07-06T10:05:00.000-04:00

So much for the Carolina Hurricanes to make a block buster deal at or before the trade deadline, instead they signed what hopefully is a 3rd line center that can fit in the system. Unfortunately, Hamilton did not do all that well playing for a struggling Chicago Blackhawk team last year. Could Hamilton be another Scott Walker? A player that came into his own playing for Carolina this past season, Walker was a must sign for JR this off-season.
And what is up with the defense? Rumor, rumor, rumor – Niclas Wallin on the trading block! He is such a “secret weapon” that most teams didn’t even know who he is. Come on JR. Get Peter Karmanos to spend a little money to sure up that defense. We sure can’t count on good ole Johnny Grahame “Cracker” this season (even though I have a feeling that Grahame will play even more games this season then he did last.) Goaltending by committee! Not a good idea!
At least this off-season was not a total lose. Ryan Bayda was resigned and probably will play a handful of games again for Carolina this season. Last season, he played in approx. nine games and the rest of the season he was the captain for the AHL Albany River Rats.
And speaking of the River Rats, this will be the first season that Carolina is fully responsible for the players. The Colorado Avalanche has moved their AHL affiliation to the new Lake Erie Monsters based out of Cleveland, Ohio. The last time Cleveland had a hockey team; it was the AHL Cleveland Barons which had an affiliation with San Jose. They packed up and moved to Worcester, Mass when the IceCats moved the Peoria, IL when the River men jumped from the now defunct United Hockey League (now called the International Hockey League.)

On the outside lookin' in

2007-02-28T08:31:00.001-05:00

What is it with third periods and Tuesday nights? For the second time in as many weeks, the Carolina Hurricanes blew a lead and lost a game when they were leading after two periods. Now they are 22-2-0 but what hurts is Carolina is on the outside looking in.

If the playoffs started tonight, both the Stanley Cup Final teams would be golfing or doing something other than playing for the Holy Grail of hockey. I applaud gm JR for not making a trade that probably would not get this team any better than they are. It just seems that this team has lost its drive, its third period dominance, its willingness to win.

So on to tonight against the same Ottawa team that put two goals in on Grahame “Cracker” in the third period. Grahame did make some keen saves last night and timely ones as well, but in the end, he also gave up the game winning one. Lets see if Cam Ward can do a bit better and get back on his winning track and lets see if the Canes can again start a win streak – even though it will probably be just a two game streak – that’s better than having a two game streak in the other direction.

Trade deadline 3PM EST

2007-02-27T08:41:00.000-05:00

With the deadline less than six hours away and the Canes having a plethora of defencemen, look for good ole JR to try and swing a deal. I for one think that Carolina needs to stand pat and let the season roll. For other trades, TSN will have news all day long on their site (http://www.tsn.ca/)

Trades that have already taken place and one that I think were not a good one is the Keith Tkachuk going to the Atlanta Thrashers. I believe that Don Waddell mortgaged the team and that nothing really will come of it. Tkachuk did not do anything impressive last night and I do not see Atlanta making the playoffs this season.

Phil-Detroit-Chicago – Calder to Detroit, Jason Williams to Chicago and Lasse Kukkonen to the Flyers

Canucks get two – Sopel from LA for draft pick; Smolinski from Chicago for draft pick

Update 11:45 AM EST:

Gary Roberts to Pens for Noah Welch

Martin Biron to Flyers for draft pick

Buffalo picks up Ty Conklin to Buffalo and Blue Jackets get TBA

Update 12:40 PM EST:

Bill Guerin to San Jose Blues get 2007 1st round dp and futures

Pens send Dan Carcillo and 8th rdp to Phoenix for George Laraque

Update 4:53 PM EST:

Isles get Ryan Smyth from Oilers

Carolina Hurricanes make no trades

I will try and keep this updated, but it depends on how work goes.

First of two against Ottawa

2007-02-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

The Canes host the Ottawa Senators tonight and don’t look for a circus like what took place between the Banana peel Sabers and the Senators like this past Thursday/Saturday. Let’s see if the Canes can get another win and extend their streak to three games. They have only done that twice this season.
This is the first of a home and home with the Senators. I know that Johnny Grahame “Cracker” has played well in his last two games and I actually look for him to get the start tonight in net. As for the Sens, let’s see if Martin “zeee” Gerber “baby” is in net or if Ottawa stays with “Sugar Ray” Emery, who is probably one of the only net minders that ever took on a team’s tough guy and his team watched.
This game could sustain the bubble or burst the playoff bubble of the Canes who have let games slip away recently. If Carolina can stay out of penalty trouble and cash in on a power play chance, I believe that the winning streak stretches to three games. And with this being his second game in Carolina, I am anxious to see what Anson Carter can do both with the puck and with his physical play.

Help on the way?

2007-02-23T20:09:00.001-05:00

What a steal? Could the deal that sent Anson Carter to the Hurricanes be just what the doctor ordered? At least it gives an NHL regular to the Canes for nothing more than a 5th round draft pick. One would wonder what in the world Doug McClean was thinking when he made the deal. Yeah, the Blue Jackets are not going to make the playoffs again, but to lose Carter who I can see the Canes resigning in the offseason for a fifth rounder, man what a joke.

For more in site to the story, click the link below which will take you to the NHL.com web site.

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=289482&page=NewsPage&service=page

Bad Mojo at the RBC for Canes this season

2007-02-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

I think the problem with the Canes and the struggles on home ice go back to game 5 of the SCF. You know, when Ryan Smyth dug up the coin at center ice. Maybe what the Canes need to do is bury something else at center ice to get their mojo back. Maybe they can bury last season’s memories so they can focus on the rest of the season. Maybe they need to bury the Stanley Cup itself at center ice so when they hang their heads after blowing a game, they can see what they played for last season and see what is slipping away this season. They could bury me there if they wanted to. I don’t think that I would bring them any luck, but man what a view I would have before I froze to death.

To trade or not to trade, that is the question. Jim Rutherford according to the N&O is that he is not going to trade because the cost is too high. Again, thank you Nashville for getting Peter “the not so great and most times injured” Forsberg from the Flyers. If the Canes were to trade, I would say why not with Philadelphia and get Kyle Calder. Now that would be a great pickup if Carolina could get him on the cheap, something like David “Wasabe” Tanabe. A defense man that I think the Canes can do without.

No Stillman, no Cole, big problem? I am not so sure. Yes Cole when he plays his style he is a bull seeing red on the other team. But he has not done that most or at least not half this season. Stillman – well he has only played a quarter to a third of the season – and other than the initial oomph for the pp, nothing special.

Lets just ride this thing out and see if the playoffs are in the cards this season.

NHL GM's do something smart

2007-02-21T18:15:00.000-05:00

No new point structure for the NHL come 07-08. News from Naples Florida is that all 30 GM’s voted against the 3-2-1 point scheme that was being talked about. More here:

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=289373&page=NewsPage&service=page

Two and a half periods in the books and then.........

2007-02-21T14:01:00.000-05:00

The wheels fall off. Or more like throwing a rod through the engine block! Through two and a half periods of play, the Canes were doing what they needed and wanted to do. After a fluky goal, they fell apart. What’s worse is Atlanta was a team that had lost four straight until last night. What is it with Carolina! Boston was on a losing streak and came to the RBC center and put a W in the column. Now Atlanta.

I am a fan and I would really love to see this team do what they did last season but I am also a realist and maybe the better thing for this team is to not make the playoffs so that they can have a nice long summer to rest. This would at least get rid of the “Stanley Cup Hang Over” excuse that was used way to often in the beginning of the season. What will the excuses be if/when Carolina misses the playoffs?

Hey……lets see what they can do against the Forsbergless Flyers tomorrow night. Maybe Tripp Tracey can actually do color instead of pulling a John Madden and spewing his love for Forsberg since he is not longer there!

News, Notes and Opinions

2007-02-20T16:22:00.000-05:00

Al righty, no posting in a week or so and I know that I need to find a way to post once a day. Sorry I didn’t mean for the rhyme. Well the Canes have a chance to make the playoffs if they can win two out of every three. Like I said earlier this season, can we play Atlanta again? Carolina has a good record against the Thrash and that goes for this season as well. The last time I remember these two teams playing was back in December when Atlanta scored late in the third to take the game to overtime and then a shootout. And no surprise to anyone, they won. The Canes are not good in a shootout. If memory serves me correct they are 0-4, but then again I have drank through most those games so my mind might be a bit fuzzy.

Now on to other NHL news:

Forsberg to Nashville: There is a God. The Canes did not need to rape the farm for him. I my opinion, I think he is one of the dirtiest players around. At least players like Scott Stevens would stand up after he cheap shotted you Forsberg will not. I have seen this when he was with the Avs and Flyers. I don’t like the guy.

The Big Condor: At the moment, I still think it is more like the big teddy bear. I watched him at the Rangers game (and yes most of the team stunk it up) but Joe seems to just duck the hits. Man if I were as big as he was and could skate, I would be a Mac truck and be hitting anything in site – including the zebras when they get between me and the puck – can you say my home away from home would be the sin bin!

Babchuk: Too much drama. Send his ass back to Russia and let’s get on with hockey. If he refused to go to Albany, NJ (yes now he has finally reported) they should have sent his butt to their ECHL team!

Non-NHL news:

SPHL’s Fayetteville Fire Antz is making a playoff push in their fifth season. The club sits currently fifth in the standings. Their schedule for the rest of February goes something like this:

Thursday 2/22 – Fayetteville @ Pee Dee Cyclones 7:10 start
Friday 2/23 – Fayetteville hosts Columbus Cottonmouths 7:30 start
Saturday 2/24 – Fayetteville hosts Knoxville Ice Bears 7:30 start

Head scratchin' Canes

2007-01-30T12:11:00.000-05:00

Time to see which team shows up tonight at the RBC Center. Will it be the hungry Canes that came out after the all-star break and put it to the Washington Capitols or will it be the on again/off again Hollywood love story Canes that have struggled for consistency all season long. At the moment there isn’t much that I can say about the team that most already haven’t.
Will a trade do the team good? Will not making a splash in the trade market do the team well? Will the Canes falter if no changes are made? Will this team make the playoffs? Can this team catch up and bypass Atlanta for the Southeast divisional title?
All will be answered in a shot time as Carolina has 30 games left in the season.

Caps Canes - Part Deux

2007-01-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

A chance tonight for the Canes to pick up ground tonight as the head into Washington to battle the Caps for the second night in a row, as the Atlanta Thrashers have the night off. In a since, they pick up ground, but with the Thrash having a game in hand, it could be bad news if the Canes were to lose tonight.
And what was up with the Canes last night? That is probably the best game they have played all season, if you closed your eyes on the second half of the first period. Cam Ward made some big saves and the captian Rod Brind’amour had moves that we haven’t seen from him since the 80’s. Lets hope that the Canes keep the peddle to the metal tonight and not let up.
The place that Carolina needs to improve on which is no big secret – the power play! Carolina went something like 0 for 7 last night. I enjoyed the hitting going on and what a Scott “let me get my nose dirty” Walker? Man that guy has everything that the Canes were last year and maybe they can become again this season.
Now to tonight’s game, look for the Capitals to start Kolzig in net tonight who has always been a Canes killer while I presume that Johnny Grahame “Cracker” gets the start tonight for Carolina between the pipes. Lets just hope that the Canes can bring the same fire power they did last night and that they can again shut down the Russian tandem of AO and AS.
For more info on tonight's game, click on title of entry- it takes you to dellow blogger Eric Mcerlain's page.

Canes - Caps battle at RBC

2007-01-26T10:37:00.000-05:00

From fourth liner all-stars back to top line forwards for the Canes, Eric Staal and Justin Williams a.k.a. Willie are back in the line up tonight against Alexander “Can’t get just one bag of Lay’s” Ovechkin tonight at the RBC Center. And might I ask, where is the love? I have read numerous blogs and most of them think that Williams nor Staal belonged in Dallas earlier this week. Others say that Whitney or Cole should have made it.
Let me get on my soap box if I may when it comes to Willie boy. Justin is an all-star. Just look at his point totals from last season to now, and you can see that he is becoming a star in this league just based on his play. If he were still in Philly, he would have been their all-star rep instead of Simon Gagne (a player that I like). Just watch Willie boy tonight and see that he did deserve to be in Dallas.
Now on to the game! The Canes are in 6th place and if the playoffs started tonight they would go against the Atlanta Thrashers, a team that Carolina has had their number this season with the only lose a shoot out lose about two weeks ago. The deal is, the playoffs don’t start tonight and the Canes need to shift from neutral or granny gear to high and like quick, fast and in a hurry mode. Tampa Bay is only two points behind Carolina.
The thing that concerns me the most is goaltending. Cam Ward has been damn good in net, but of late, those rocket blast from the blue line seem to scorch by him. No, I can’t save those, but if the last two blasts had been save – that is two wins for the Canes in their last three instead of two shoot out losses.
Words of advise – a month away from the trade deadline – watch for the Canes to ship a defence man or two for a proven forward that can be added to probably the Scott Walker line or the second line.

Blog Musings -01/22/07

2007-01-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

One would think that an NHL team could hold on to a two goal lead in a game and win it before it ever gets to the stage of a shoot out, but alas the Carolina Hurricanes coughed up not one but two – two goal leads to Tampa on Saturday night and then failed to get the biscuit in the basket on any of the shots in the shoot out and alas, the Canes are again six points behind the Atlanta Thrashers – a team that is not all that great but is winning when they need to. Don’t look in the rear view mirror either as the Lightening are just two points behind Carolina in the standings.
I have been very amused this season at the lack of hustle and toughness that has left the Canes since June of 06. No, it’s not the injuries, not the schedule, not the players lost to free agency – it’s a lack of aggression, lack of want and it seems as if it is a lack of everything. Scott Walker seems to be the one with the most drive from any of the players on the team. He works hard night in and night out, he plays whatever line he is assigned to and he will scrap if he needs to when a cheap shot is taken on one of the big 3 (Staal, Cole, Brind’amour).
Let’s bow our heads and pray for the hunger to get back into this team, from Jim Rutherford to shake things up with a big trade before February 27th –trade deadline – and for the shoot out to be more productive or else lets have a few mighty mites on the bench for just that case of each game.
I digress – Just my opinion.

Opportunity Lost—

2007-01-19T08:10:00.000-05:00

While the Canadians were doing the Canes dirty work of beating up on the Thrash, the Canes sputtered like an engine that lost a cylinder last night against the Washington Capitals. Johnny Grahame “Cracker” made some good saves and kept the team in the game through a first period that saw Washington outshoot Carolina 17 to 11 and the only damage on the scoreboard was the fluke goal scored off a highstick of David Tanabe. Two games and two fluky goals – one for and one against.
Take that goal away and this game could have possibly gone into overtime. Alexander Semin scored the power play goal in the second – Erik Cole gets the equalizer. Semin scores again – Eric Staal gets the game tying talley. John Grahame stays in net and Chris Clark does not get the empty net goal. But hey, win some and lose some – lets just hope that this team can get it together for the stretch run that in my mind begins Saturday night at the RBC Center at half past eight.
Look for Cam Ward in net, lines to be changed, and weird bounces since NC State hosts Duke in a basketball game earlier in the afternoon. No television (or at least not locally) – thank goodness for Center Ice!

Entry to post an entry

2007-01-18T15:59:00.000-05:00

For what it is worth, I am still alive and kicking, but I do apologize for not blogging in quite some time. I have been so behind that I missed the news of Kevyn Adams getting traded to the Yotes for Dennis Sedinberg. I was on the road for the last two weeks and the last thing that I really wanted to do was get on a computer after working with them onsite for the last few weeks. It’s nice to get back to the hotel and just relax. Now that I have been back in Raleigh for a week, I need to get going on my blogging. So I should have entires forth coming.

Now lets talk about the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitols. The Alex’s have been on a roll for Washington, but the rest of the team hasn’t. Meanwhile, Carolina is getting healthy and hopefully on a roll to catch Southeast leading Atlanta. The Canes are five points back and can wittle that down tonight with a win and of course some kind of lose by Atlanta. The Canes play their next two at home against Southeast teams Washington and Tampa Bay. The Thrash are home against Montreal. I will have more after the results of tonight’s games.

Buffaloed again........

2006-12-29T09:11:00.000-05:00

And this time around it was from the play of Johnny “ I’m rubber, your good, the puck bounces off me and I don’t know where it goes until it ends up behind me” Grahame. What a pathetic performance from a goaltender that does not belong at the NHL level. Last year, you would think that it was because of the team he played on why he sucked so much, but you can’t say that this season. Yeah I know that at the AHL level a few years ago (before the league changed rules) Grahame won a title with the P Bruins, but that was the A and this is the N. And yes, I am not a fan of Grahame, I will state that anytime I post about him and yes this is just my own opinion.
And keeping with my own opinion, what a cheap player Maxim Afinogenov is. He tries to give Willie a facial wash with his glove, something of which Justin Williams was not down with and when the two went at it Willie was taking care of business. What does Afinogenov do? He throws Willie to the ice and then when the linesmen come in to separate the players, he starts to throw punches of which Williams can’t do anything about because the linesmen are holding him down trying to get the two players separated.
But that was last night and tonight it’s the Canes vs. the Ducks in what should be an interesting contest. If J.S. Giguere and Ilja Bryzgalov are still on the mend and not able to play, it looks like Anaheim will turn to Michael Wall whom took over for Giguere in San Jose on Tuesday. Meanwhile, it would seem as the Canes would turn to Cam Ward between the pipes for a few good reasons. One, he can control rebounds or get them far away from the net. Two, why start Grahame in Buffalo if you were gong to play him tonight against Anaheim in a back-to-back. And three, Carolina is at home for Rod Brind’amour night. Until the puck is dropped and I have my first big beer at the RBC!

Five in a row and

2006-12-27T08:26:00.000-05:00

Now it’s off to Buffalo, a team that the Hurricanes haven’t beat since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals a year ago. But if you look at it this way, at least this is the last time that Carolina goes against the banana peels unless they meet in the playoffs.
No television last night even if you had Center Ice, so it was listening to the “Hall of Famer” on the computer last night while watching said Buffalo put up six goals on Washington and then seemingly coast to a victory. This is a tough stretch for the Canes to continue their five game winning streak as Thursday they play the best in the East on the road then come home to host the best in the West—that being the Anaheim Ducks (bad year to take mighty from their name in my opinion as they are the mightiest in the league so far). Until tomorrow – let’s feast on Buffalo wings!

Four in a row

2006-12-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

But can they make it five? The Carolina Hurricanes have their longest winning streak of the season which is four games. Last season, the Canes had two different winning streaks of nine games, this season just one lowly streak of four.
The Canes again are a man down as Tim Gleason is now out for at least four weeks with a broken foot he suffered on the penalty kill. So now with still no Frank, no Wallin, and now no Gleason and Carolina’s defense is looking like Swiss cheese. The Canes have just starting playing good defense. No offence to the defenders like Commodore, Babchuck or Wesley, but missing the others sure will take some toll on the team.
Offensively, Willie sure is making a mark on the official scorers sheet every game. I just wonder what happened to Staal and Cole from one night to the next. Friday night when the Canes took the Islanders by storm, Staal and Cole were on fire with their speed and all around play, Saturday night was an entirely different story with Cole getting the garbage goal to give the Canes a much needed win.
And then there is the goaltending. Why do you start Johnny Grahmme “Cracker” after Wardo has won three straight and the last two of the wins has been a brick wall just allowing two goals both of which were from the defense chasing the same guy around using two defenders. Yes I know that one of the wins came against the lowly Flyer and another was against the Panthers, but the other two wins came against teams that are in the playoff chase at the moment.
Lets just see if they can stretch it to five.

Meaningless post just so that I posted

2006-12-13T18:20:00.000-05:00

No, I have not died or gone anywhere, well actually last week I was like the Canes and out west. I have just been trying to figure out something positive to write about the Canes and so I have tried not to write anything at all if it weren’t nice. You know like when you were growing up and your parents’ always told you, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” That’s been me with the Canes.

I really wanted to come on and bitch, bitch, bitch about the officiating when the Canes played the Canucks and it seemed that every last call was against Carolina. And, I even wanted to come on here and talk about how it seems the Edmonton Oilers stole one when Steve Staios goal should have been disallowed because Justin “Willy” Williams was tripped trying to cover him, but if that is all one does is bitch, bitch, bitch then I should say nothing at all.

Lets just hope that some home cookin’ will help Carolina as they welcome and I hope not to friendly like Paul Maruice and the Maple Leafs Friday as what I see an odd start 7:30 in the PM. Hopefully by Friday I can get my mind wrapped around stats and things and have a real entry.

Thank God for Bowling Nights

2006-11-29T08:56:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately for me I was not able to catch last night’s game because I am a moron and I did not double check that I had the game scheduled for record, then again that could be a fortunate thing for me as I didn’t have to stay up past my bedtime (11 pm for us 30 something’s) and watch the Canes get skated out of their own building. From listening to the hall of famer this morning on the radio, this game was a lot like the Islanders game, again a game I missed.

Johnny Grahamme “Cracker” was in net for the third straight time and for two of those times has taken the lose. Again, I didn’t see the game so I can’t say if Wardo would have fared any better. All I know is, three games and three starts for Grahamme who now has a GAA in those last three games of 3.00 if my math is correct (broadcast major – no math major so I could be wrong) Wednesday against the Islanders gave up 4 goals, against the Bruins 1 goal, and last night against Ottawa 4 goals – 9 goals/3 games= GAA 3.00.

Now it is on to game two of the home stand against Le Habitants or the Montreal Canadians for us person that don’t speak French or for us who did not know what the “H” stands/stood for on their sweaters. The last time these two teams hooked up, Montreal was all over Carolina like white on rice. The Canadians scored two short handed goals and Christobal Huet shutout the Canes (Carolina’s second shutout lose of the season). All I can say is, at least I will be able to see a Canes game since it has been more than a week since I have seen one. I am drooling like a dog looking at the bone-in-rib eye steak sitting all alone on the table but the master is at the cabinet so I drool. Will tomorrow ever come? Until Thursday!

Back to the Future?

2006-11-28T09:39:00.000-05:00

For the Carolina Hurricanes, the beginning of last week sure did remind one of “Back to the Future”. The Canes were outscored 8-2 and shut out in one of those games. Now Cam Ward can’t get blamed for the 4-0 lose to the Rangers and from what I have heard and read, Johnny Grahamme “Cracker” can’t be blamed for the other (I was on a plane at the time of the Islanders game. I was able to go back to Texas for turkey day). So now, we look to the future/present.

The Canes are 3 points back of the Thrash and head into tonight’s game against the Ottawa Senators, a team that the Canes let two early goals in before defeating the Canadian Capitol team 3-2 back in October/early November. At that time, it was the Hurricanes going against one of their own in Martin “zee” Gerber “baby” (yeah I know it is still a stretch of a nickname but I like it.) This time, who knows who will be in goal.

That is a good question for P L as well. Grahamme has not played poorly in his last two starts while Wardo was hung out to dry, so to speak, against the Rangers. Grahamme is 2-1 in his last three starts and has come around (even though I still can’t stand the guy). Wardo should do well, if he gets the start, after taking two games off. Speaking souly for myself, I am a little worried about Wardo and the number one position between the pipes. Since PL and Grahamme have a history together and Grahamme backstopped the Providence Bruins to the Calder Cup a few seasons ago with PL as the bench boss, I wonder were the loyalty will rest. That just me starting to play “devil's advocate” (something I love doing).

Remember no television tonight (thank GOD I purchased Center Ice again this season). So if you want to see it, go out to you favorite local sports bar or any place that has Center Ice. As for me, well I have bowling first and then race home to the Labatt Blue and the game. Enjoy!

Still Streakin' -- And streakin' is good!

2006-11-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

Rod Brind’amour registered four points last night in the Canes 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals. With the points, Brind’amour has registered a point in every Carolina win and he is still the only Cane player that has done that this season. Erik Cole keeps the official scorer busy when Carolina faces the Caps. In the last two games, Cole has six points (3G, 3A, 6P).

Now its back home with a date against the Dallas Stars team, a team that chased starting netminder Kari Lehtonen after only seven shots in a victory over the Canes Southeast divisional foe Atlanta Thrashers. The Stars come packing a punch with all-star players Mike Madano and Sergi Zubov (two of my favorite players and Dallas is my favorite team from the Western division) and the Big “E”, Eric Lindros is out west this season (one signing I think the Stars could do without but then again that goes back to the whole who had the draft rights thing of Lindros back in the early 90’s when I lost my favorite team the Quebec Nordiques who went to Colorado). Dallas is in third place behind the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks in the Pacific division trailing the Ducks by only five points.

Wanting to talk about points and standings? Don’t look now, but the Carolina Hurricanes only trail the first place Atlanta Thrashers by two points after such a woeful start for Carolina they have won two of their last three games and are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.

Surprise of the night: Johnny Grahame “Cracker” getting the start in net last night. I thought that with Washington being a divisional game that Wardo would get the start and that Grahame would possibly get the start tonight against Dallas. Not the case.

Tonight’s game could be a battle of two all-star netminders as both Cam Ward (who I presume will start between the pipes) and Marty Turco are on the ballot for this season’s all star game hosted by the Dallas Stars. If rookie netminder Mike Smith starts for the Stars tonight, don’t be surprised by how well this kid can play. In his first NHL regular season start/game, he shut out the Phoenix Coyotes and he currently has a 2-1-0 record and a GAA of 1.92 which turns into a save percentage of .951. The kid is no slouch.

Interesting info for tonight's Canes/Caps game

2006-11-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

Coming into the game tonight, both the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals have won three of their last five games. Carolina has won three of four with one of those wins coming against the Capitals back in Raleigh earlier this month. The leading scorers for both teams are no surprise or at least no one should be surprised that Eric Stall and Alexander Ovechkin are leading their respected teams. Ovechkin has 22 points in this early season while Stall has 20.
A big question mark on tonight’s game can again be the power play or the penalty kill. Last time these two teams met, Washington was 0-4 with the man advantage and Carolina was 1-7. It seems when the Canes have to kill a penalty early on in the opening period and they do kill it, then they seem to win the game. It just seems to jump start their engines. Maybe that is just me that sees that.
In between the pipes tonight could be a big clue as to who will win and who will lose. Cam Ward has cut his GAA in half against Washington just giving up an average now of three goals per contest (6-3 lose in the first game, 5-0 shut out of the Capitals this last game). For Glen Hanlon, the Caps have used both Olaf Kolzig and Brent Johnson. "Olie the goalie" picked up the “W” and Johnson gave up 5 and earned the “L”.

Other interesting tidbits to note for tonight’s game:

Erik Cole has registered a point in three of the last four games
Rod Brind’amour has at least one point in each of the last six games. He is the only Cane that has a point in each win this season
If this game goes to a shootout, then one time will finally win – Carolina is 0-2 this season while Washington is 0-4 in the penalty shot contest.

Heavy Metal Canes

2006-11-16T18:12:00.000-05:00

Just a few weeks ago they couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn and last night they were so dialed in they hit the goal post on four different occasions. One of those occasions the puck actually went in which was the game winning goal. The scary thing about last night is that Carolina let the Rangers get their legs and get in to the game after New York played New Jersey the night before. I do not believe that the goal from Jagr should have counted as Michael Nylander ran in to Cam Ward and should have been called for goaltender interference, but alas he wasn’t and New York kept the puck in the zone and put one past Wardo. Carolina did shut down the Rangers on the power play last night except for that one goal. New York is 4th in the league with the man advantage.

Now it is on to the nation’s capital and the Washington Capitals. This is also fathers weekend with the team, as many of the dads to the players traveled with the team to Washington and they will be back in attendance on Saturday back in Raleigh when the Canes take on the Dallas Stars. But first, we must focus on the Caps and AO as I shall call him since I can’t spell his last name. This is the third meeting out of eight this season with both teams having won one, with both teams winning on their home ice. This time the Caps should be rested and not coming off a back-to-back like the did when here in Raleigh. Erik Cole scored a hat trick last these teams met and I can see Carolina winning in Washington as long as they keep out of the sin bin. We shall see.

Six of Eight Points?

2006-11-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

The last game of a four game homestand for the Carolina Hurricanes and if it were not for a hot Buffalo team coming into the RBC on Monday night (Sabres are 10-0 on the road a new NHL record), the Canes might already have six of the possible eight points from this home stand, but then again, if a frog had wings he wouldn’t bump his butt when he hopped. Now time to get down to business. The Canes are rested after not playing last night while the N.Y. Rangers had to play last night in MSG against the Devils and that defence.
If (again another if statement) but if the Canes can be like the Sabres (someone shoot me for saying that) and be opportunistic with any lose puck, they can blow the Rangers right out of the frozen ATM. But, if the Canes play like they did in the first period against Buffalo and Carolina allows New York to get their legs, then this game will be closer than it should be. Look for Carolina to come out physical and to use their speed against the Rangers.
Going back to last season, the Canes have won the last two games and three of four from last season. The only lose was a Saturday afternoon contest at MSG with former Carolina netminder Kevin Weekes in net. The Rangers are currently tied for the lead in the Atlantic Conference with the New Jersey Devils, New Jersey has a game in hand. New York boasts a record of 10-7-1 and are 7-3 on the road this season. Carolina is second in the Southeast behind Atlanta. The Canes record currently sits at 9-7-3 (tied in points with the Rangers and Devils, New Jersey has two games in hand while New York has one). Carolina is 4-3-1 at the RBC and they have scored and been scored upon 65 times ( third worst in the NHL - only Phoenix and Philadelphia have allowed more goals).
We shall see what tonight brings and lets hope its not a happy home coming for Matt Cullen and Aaron Ward.

Buffaloed Again

2006-11-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

For the Carolina Hurricanes, those Buffalo Saber uniforms must be a nightmare to see. After beating the Sabers in all four contests in the regular season last year and then four out of seven in the Eastern Conference Finals, it seems as if Buffalo has the Canes number. Scoring with 21 seconds left in the opening period, it seemed as if Carolina had the “deer in the headlight” look. And for the Canes to come into the second period, which is their worst period, and score two goals and make the contest an actual game was something I thought was impossible. Then there was that in-field-fly-rule puck that everyone on the Canes side lost site of and before you knew it, it was in the back of the net. So for the Canes, Buffaloed again at least they have 4 out of 6 points and lets hope that when the Rangers come to town the Hurricanes can close out this home stand gaining two more points. More on the Rangers/Canes matchup later.

Wardo still Grasshopper

2006-11-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

For this season anyway, as Cam Ward could not out duel Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. Carolina gave it a valiant effort but they could not get the biscuit in the basket during the crucial last two minutes of overtime – try as they might. Wardo did his best as well and did well. Both goals given up last night by Ward went five hole and it seemed as if they went in when he was sliding back to his right.
The Canes went 1-5 on the power play and they are not in the bottom tier of the league in power play percentage, but they are no where near the top either. Eric Staal’s rocket of a goal last night was Prongeresk like. Brodeur never saw it.
I just wonder what has happened to the Canes and the shootout. No worries yet as they have only been in two, but if the season and the playoffs are missed by two points, then the Canes would have had two chances at the moment to pick up those points.

Unbalanced is the way we shall be

2006-11-07T17:03:00.000-05:00

The consensus of all the 30 team general managers is there is no consensus. The gm’s failed to come up with an agreement on the schedule for next season, so at the moment the unbalanced scheduled that is laden with conference games and not much of the other division is still intact. There are some gm’s that would like to see other cities come to town and who blames them. I am from Texas and I get to see the Dallas Stars once every other year here in Raleigh. The Stars and Canes played to a shootout last season being won by Dallas. But come on, I would like to see the Stars on a yearly bases here playing a home and home and maybe not so many of the Islanders or Devils. Then again, last season Dallas had more points in shootouts then they probably did with regulation wins.
On another note, the St. Louis Blues have announced today that Al MacInnis is their new vice president of hockey operations. It’s good to see players joining the front office so that hopefully they can make the game even more fan friendly. Late last week, the Carolina Hurricanes announced Ron Francis as director of player development. Moves like these I think are great for the game.

"Henry the VIII I am" -- Second verse same as the first

2006-11-07T09:22:00.000-05:00

For the Carolina Hurricanes we hope this time unlike the “Henry the VIII” song – were the second verse same as the first – since the first verse this season was a 4-0 shutout from the New Jersey Devils. Carolina, coming off a 3-2 win in Ottawa, the guys stayed in the Northeast instead of flying home. With a few days between games, let’s see if the rest will be a benefit to Carolina and let’s see if staying from Raleigh and the home cooking was a good idea (no jet lag from flying hither and yon).
The task for Carolina tonight is to stay off the power play. Not to be mean, but the Canes seem to do better when they are a man or even two down. Their last victory, the win in Ottawa Saturday night, the Senators had two different 5 on 3 power plays and yet could not cash in. When Carolina was in Atlanta last Wednesday, the Thrash went 1-10 in that game and the Hurricanes earned the “w”. Carolina’s last loss, the 4-0 shutout to Montreal on Thursday, the Canes actually gave up two 3 on 5 goals when Carolina had the man advantage.
Trevor Letowsky could be back on the ice for the Canes tonight in Jersey. The last time Letowsky saw the ice was the 5-1 win at Pittsburgh when he was knocked unconscious by Colby Armstrong. Letowsky was out before he hit the ice. Tim Gleason is still out nursing an upper body injury. He is still day to day from the last reports heard.

Monday Minor's Memo 11/06/2006

2006-11-06T16:54:00.000-05:00

ECHL Charlotte, NC – The Checkers were an inhospitable host this past Sunday as they defeated the Texas Wildcatters, dropping them in overtime 5-4 in front of 4,313 checkerheads. Kenton Smith notched the game winner a little over a minute into overtime. Charlotte came into Sunday’s contest after a home loss to the Gwinnette Gladitors (the ECHL affiliate of the Southeast leading Atlanta Thrashers). The Hartford WolfPack (AHL affiliate to the New York Rangers) recalled Jakub Petruzalek earlier in the week. For Charlotte, Petruzalek scored a goal and registered seven helpers for eight points before being recalled by the Pack. For the week of 10/30, the Checkers went 2-1-0 and went 1-1-0 at home. With the week completed, Charlotte stands in second in their division with a 5-2-0 record good for 10 points.

The week ahead for Charlotte:

Friday, November 10th – Charlotte @ Johnston Chiefs 7:30 PM ET
Saturday, November 11th – Augusta Lynx @ Charlotte 7:30 PM ET

SPHL Fayetteville, NC – Fayetteville was stung in overtime by the PeeDee Cyclones to end the FireAntz modest two game winning streak. The Antz had been on a scoring tear until they encountered the Cyclones in Florence. The Antz took care of the Ice Bears on Friday in front of their home fans at the AntHill 11-3, but their first trek on the road was a 4-3 over time lose. With the lose, the Antz fall to 2-1-1 on the early season.

The week ahead for Fayetteville:

Friday November 10th Fayetteville @ Huntsville Havoc 8:30 PM ET
Saturday November 11th Fayetteville @ Knoxville IceBears 7:30 PM ET

Power Outage at the RBC

2006-11-03T16:15:00.000-05:00

For the Carolina Hurricanes these are some trying times. Going 1 for 13 on the powerplay in two games and giving up two shorties in the same game can make anyone go mad. The problem last night seems to be that the net is just too darn small. The Canes could not hit “the broad side of a barn”. They registered 15 shots on goal last night in the first period, but how many more went wide right and wide left. Their shooting last night was like Scott Norwood’s kicking for the Buffalo Bills back in the super bowl.
The blue line last night looked old and maybe age is catching up to the d-men with all these back-to-back games that they have played so far this season. Ten games to be exact in just about five weeks. Rest or no rest now they travel to meet the Ottawa Senators and their number one net minder from last season Martin “zeee” Gerber “baby”. Okay so a little of a stretch on that one but that is my nickname for the once backup in Anaheim. The Sens are a struggling team as well. Maybe with the “D” man gone (that being Zdeno Chara) that is showing how important he actually was. Ray “I’m gonna knock you out” Emery is back to the back-up roll even though both netminders have played almost as equal time thus far this season.
The bottom line for the Canes (in my honest opinion and yes I am a blogger and no hockey player) consistencey. At the moment, the Canes are like my bowling games. They are consistent at being inconsistent. Maybe, Carolina needs to just “get back to the basics”. I know, I know another clique but what is a simple puckhead to do? The good thing is, at least there is still another game to watch, analyze and have an adult beverage or two.

Lets play Atlanta again

2006-11-01T23:22:00.000-05:00

Wow, the Canes own the Thrash and no matter how many cheap shots they throw at Cam Ward, Wardo is steady as a rock in net against this team. This is the second game in a row that the opossing team has pulled their starting goaltender (their number 1 netminder) and put in the back-up.

The Canes are on a roll. Saturday they scored three goals in 43 seconds. Tonight two goals in 40 seconds. And hats off to Scott Walker, the man that would drop the gloves to take up for the hit on Eric Staal that happened in the first period. Yes, Walker was assesed a two minute minor penalty, but at least he stood up for one of the play makers on the team.

And speaking of play makers, how about "Sugar" Ray Whitney? Yes, I know that most call him "The Wizard", but from the two goals he scored tonight and the goal he scored last time in Atlanta back on Friday, October 13th, man those goals have been pretty sweet. Maybe not in how they went in, but in there timing.

Time to focus on Thursday and the Montreal team that will be awaiting the Canes at the RBC Center tomorrow night. This is the first time that these two teams meet since the game 6 winner again by "Sugar" Ray Whitney back at what used to be the "Centre de Molson" the home of the Canadanes. This is the fifth consesctive back-to-back that Carolina has played in five weeks. They are finally over the mendoza line and look to stay that way.

The key to Thursday night's game is the physicality that the Canes present to Montreal. Let's just hope that Wardo is in net and not Johnny Grahamme "Cracker". Again, I am not a huge fan and Cam played staller in net tonight.

Georgia on my Mind - Canes Thrash tangle in Atlanta

2006-10-31T13:50:00.000-05:00

Atlanta is the place to be Wednesday night as the Carolina Hurricanes battle the Thrashers for the third time this season and second time at Phillips Arena in downtown Atlanta. These two teams have teamed up for some exciting hockey in their previous two games this season both won by the Canes.

First off, hats off to the Thrash as they are the only team this season to put a mark on the Buffalo Sabers record. This past Saturday night, Atlanta beat Buffalo in a shoot out in front of a sold out arena in Buffalo. The Sabers were not able to set the NHL record for best start in a season. They tied the record with the 1994-1995 Toronto Maple Leafs.

Now on to the business at hand, the Carolina Hurricanes put the pedal to the metal when they meet Atlanta and the first two games of the season series has been no exception. In the first game the Canes took a commanding 3-0 first period lead, only to see it evaporate in the second and third periods. Ray Whitney scored the game winner with .5 second left in the third. The second game of this epic battle saw Atlanta dent the score board first, but the Canes rallied back and at the end of one period the Canes lead 3-1. The problem however is that when it comes to the Thrash, the Canes can’t seem to hold the lead and “Adam Ant”on Babcuk scored the game winning goal early in the over time period from a feed from Justin Williams aka "Willy".

Now its time to see if the Canes can get the lead and keep it or if the game is another blistering one that sees the pendulum swing early for Carolina and late for Atlanta. We shall see.

Monday Minors Memo - 10/31

2006-10-31T13:23:00.000-05:00

ECHL-Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte Checkers moved their record to 3-1 pm the early ECHL season and are tied with the Texas Wildcatters for second. The Checkers split a pair of games with the Carolina Hurricanes ECHL affiliate Florida Everblades. Up next for the Checkers is a Halloween tilt with the Pensacola Ice Pilots.

Here’s a look ahead at the rest of the games for the Checkers in the week ahead:

October 31 – Charlotte Checkers @ Pensacola Ice Pilots 8:05 P.M.
November 4th – Gwinnett Gladiators @ Charlotte 7:30 P.M.
November 5th – Texas Wildcatters @ Charlotte 4:00 P.M.

SPHL-Fayetteville, NC – The Fayetteville FireAntz opened their 2006-2007 Southern Professional Hockey League season at the “AntHill” Cumberland County Crown Coliseum. Friday night’s game saw the expansion Richmond Renegades defeat the Antz 5-3. The second night (Saturday October 28) the Antz got their scoring going and securing an 8-3 victory over the visiting Columbus Cottonmouths. The Antz have one more game at home before hitting the road for the first time this season.

Here’s a look ahead at the rest of the games for the FireAntz in the week ahead:

November 3rd – Knoxville IceBears @ Fayetteville 7:30 P.M.
November 4th – Fayetteville @ PeeDee Cyclones 7:10 P.M.

Take Three - Canes/Lightening

2006-10-28T18:36:00.000-04:00

Storm warnings are in effect tonight for Raleigh, North Carolina as the Tampa Bay Lightening travel to battle the Carolina Hurricanes. Now what kind of storm is to hit is still a mystery. In my eyes, I am hoping for a Hurricane to hit and hit hard, often and to be relentless. Those lightening storms are the ones that I like not to have. You have to shut down the pc, TV and just about everything else. Okay to the game at hand.

If anyone saw the game from Thursday night, then they know that Carolina was just plain beat. There are no excuses that can/could/should be made. They were just simply beat. That is one of those game films (in my mind) that you burn without every watching. Carolina has scored five goals in the last two games but has given up nine in that same span.

Each team coming into tonight’s tilt has won convincingly in one of the two games played. Both teams took control of the contest early and had 5-0 leads heading into the third period. Tampa pulled Denis prior to the start of the third period in the season’s first match up. Carolina pulled Ward in their last meeting.

I believe that this game comes down to who wants it most. I know that is nothing more than a clique but it is true. Who ever wants it the most will come out of the gates fast and I am here hoping that is the Canes!

What does one say after a game like last night’s?

2006-10-27T18:37:00.000-04:00

More than words can say? Isn’t it ironic don’t you think? A little less talk and a lot more action? Okay, okay, I am done with the song titles but just about all three of those fit.

Thank goodness I was not able to log on last night to blog or I might have said something that I would regret later. You know where you speak first before thinking. That good ol’ shoe leather in the mouth from sticking your foot in.

After a long day at work and everyone asking if I saw the game, I have finally just decided to purge the whole entire thing out of my system and focus on the positive. Abysmal as it was, at least the Canes were not shut out. As more and more I wanted to put skates on and check a ref, there will be those games where the ref swallows the whistle (just hope he used some kind of dippin’ sauce – I like the buffalo sauce from Burger King). And even when you look at how the Canes didn’t go in and take control early, there is always one thought in mind – there is always tomorrow – or you hope there is.

Again, no power play to speak of, no passes connecting and strange bounces off the dasher boards coast Carolina the game. Since it is the end of October, can we please quit using the “Stanley Cup hangover” phrase? Can we quit talking about having to play back-to-back games one on the road and the next at home or vice versa? Can we please get over the injury talk? And can we please get away from the “we lost Matt Cullen, Aaron Ward and so we are having to get the new guys accustomed to the system” talk? Every team is going to go through what the Canes are going through now. Even the “well they only had 80 days off” excuse is exactly what it is – an excuse! Adam Gold from 850 the Buzz stated to a caller yesterday 10/26 that Buffalo had only two more weeks off than Carolina. And just think, Buffalo also has lost players such as defenseman Jay McKee to St. Louis and others to other teams and they are 10-0. So please, just get rid of the excuses and just play hockey!

More than words can say – abysmal, horrid, fast passed and hat trick (2 in 2 games of this 8 game season series)
Isn’t it ironic don’t you think – both final scores from Tampa 5-1. both teams had shut outs until late in the third period. and both teams pulled the starting net minders in the third.
A little less talk and a lot more action – please see third paragraph

Minors Moment

2006-10-25T14:47:00.000-04:00

SPHL, Fayetteville FireAntz - Even before the season begins, the Fayetteville FireAntz find themselves behind the eight ball. Veteran forward Tyler Perry hung up his skates today. Due to an injury from last season, the veteran decided to call it quits. He leaves the organization as the 5th leading scorer in Antz history and has played professional for five season after being drafted by the Detroit Redwings back in the summer of 1995. With the retirement of Perry, the Antz have an opening that needs to be filled before they drop the puck this upcoming weekend. For Tyler’s career stats check out:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=28881

Home Sweet Home?

2006-10-25T08:48:00.000-04:00

Eh.....we shall see as the Carolina Hurricanes play on home ice for the first time in more than two weeks and after an abysmal performance against the New Jersey Devils and Wardo’s childhood idol Martin Broduer. It’s a Southeast battle between the Atlanta Thrashers (division leading I might add) and the Carolina Hurricanes at the frozen ATM tonight. There is one difference in these two teams…..the Power Play. The Canes power play is like that of the city of Buffalo after the surprise October snow. They have no power in their power play. Like the city of northern rednecks, lets all hope that power is restored soon to the pp for the Canes. The Thrashers come into tonight’s game after coming from behind against the Florida Panthers. You know that cat team that put 6 goals up on good ole Johnny G and the boys during the road trip. Ilja Kovalchuk has found his scoring touch with five goals in two games including a hat trick against the Panthers. Lets hope that the “d” can clear the zone and that Wardo is on his game like he has been since these two teams first matched up on Friday the 13th. On a side note, since there are no northeast teams playing in this game, the game should be called a little more evenly from the “men in strips”.

(As a side note: I am not a fan of John Grahame. Yes, he and PL have one a championship back in the "A" with the baby B's. I did think that JG bailed out on some of the saves back in Florida against the Panthers. He did do better against the Islanders but still I think there are better net minders out there and I would have liked for Carolina to have picked one up or better yet, send up Peters from Albany. He is another Wardo in the making.)

Ladd back-Gove back to Albany

2006-10-23T22:37:00.000-04:00

The Carolina Hurricanes have activated forward Andrew Ladd from the IR. Ladd was placed on IR shortly after the victory over the Atlanta Thrashers back on Friday October 13th. With the move, David Gove has been sent back to the Albany RiverRats, the new American Hockey League affilate for the Carolina Hurricanes. Gove played 3:16 Saturday night against the host New York Islanders.

Monday Minors Memo

2006-10-23T22:31:00.000-04:00

Every Monday I plan to write about the minor league teams here in North Carolina and hope to branch out to both South Carolina and Virginia. I strongly believe in the minor league system as I became accustomed to watching minor league hockey back in West Texas. Here is this weeks Monday Minors Memo.

ECHL, Charlotte Checkers – Well after an off season that saw the Charlotte Checkers purchased by local owner Michael Kahn, they are off to an early unbeaten record. Charlotte opened the season hosting the Wheeling Nailers and lit the lamp ten times in a route of the ECHL affiliate to the Pittsburgh Penguins 10-3 in front of an announces crowd of 9,245. The first hat trick of the season and leading the goal scoring was Dusty Jamison.

Saturday night saw the production of the Checkers cut in half, but the lose of five goals did not hurt Charlotte as they again allowed only three goals to the visiting Wheeling Nailers. With the 5-3 win, the Checkers stand at 2-0-0 in the early ECHL season.

The week ahead for Charlotte:

Thursday October 26th – Charlotte @ Florida Everblades 7:30 P.M.
Saturday October 28th – Charlotte @ Florida Everblades 7:30 PM

SPHL, Fayetteville Fireantz – The lose of head coach Derek Booth came as an unexpected blow in the off season for the Fireantz who entered their 5th season in the lower level minor leagues. Booth directed the Fireantz for two seasons before bolting to the United Hockey League. With a new coach and a new season, the FireAntz are hoping that success comes quickly. Fayetteville closed out its preseason schedule with a lose to the Richmond Renegades.

The week ahead for Fayetteville:

Friday October 27th – Richmond Renegades @ Fayetteville 7:35 PM
Saturday October 28th – Columbus Cottonmouths @ Fayetteville 7:35 PM

Random Thoughts regarding the Canes road trip

2006-10-22T20:44:00.000-04:00

For what it is worth, the Carolina Hurricanes roadtrip could be considered a success as they went basically .500 on the road. For what it is worth, some of the officiating (especially in the Saturday night game against the lowly NY Islanders) was a little suspect to say the least. And for what it is worth, the Hurricanes seem to have come together for the most part as a team. Their best game without question was the 5-1 shellacking of the Tampa Bay Lighting.

The line changes that coach Lavolette has come up with seem to be working as well. The ABC line seems to have clicked. And for all the persons complaining regarding the Jack Johnson rights trade to the LA Kings (a team that I do not much care for being from Texas originally; and yes I was one stating that the Canes went to soon for now instead of later) has seemed to turn out not to bad. Belanger and Gleason have carried their own and with all the injuries they are some good pickups instead of having to wait for a player that was NEVER coming to Carolina.