Canes are looking great against bad teams

It looks like the Canes are looking a little streaky at this point in the season. A four game win streak, followed by a three game losing streak, and now we're in the midst of stringing three wins together.

Win #1 came Tuesday against the Maple Leafs. The Canes really didn't look that spectacular in this one, trading goals with the Leafs in the first period. Which wouldn't be too bad except, come on, it's the Leafs. The News and Observer had an interesting article about Rutherford actually going down to talk to the team during the second intermission - somehow I suspect that "come on, it's the Leafs" was an extremely tame version of what was being said.

Perhaps the talk from the GM will have lasting impressions on the season - a convincing win came in the next game, 4-0 over the Ottawa Senators. This is the second blowout this season against the Sens, however, this time the opposing team was not coming off of an emotional day. No, I'm not entirely sure why Ottawa was so lame this time around - although Brian Elliott in goal looked absolutely horrendous. Or perhaps the Canes just looked really good? Either way, Cam Ward earned his second shutout of the season.

Win #3 came as a 6-3 win against the lowly New Jersey Devils. The Canes came out on fire in the first period, opening up with a quick 4-0 lead. Zac Dalpe earned his first NHL goal in the period, although Martin Brodeur had already been pulled by that point. Let's just say that Brodeur looked nothing like he used to in net.

After the marvelous first period, the Canes came out slow and sloppy in the second, only notching five shots on net. Their play probably would have been an issue in any other game - but it's pretty hard to play worse than the Devils this year, and the Canes recovered well in the third period.

So the Canes have fixed themselves a nice three game win streak... against teams that are 10th, 13th, and 15th in the Eastern Conference. Which is good, as it signals that the Canes are beating the teams that they should - and besides the Toronto game, they're beating the teams quite handily. Their upcoming schedule for this week isn't quite as easy - two games against the Panthers, who aren't that great but seem to give the Canes trouble, and one against the Rangers who are currently 6th in the East. Hopefully the Canes can continue their win streak and gain the four points that would put them tentatively in the playoffs.

Erik Cole stats (29th): 1 goal
On the season: 8 goals, 8 assists

Chad LaRose stats (1st): 2 assists
On the season: 6 goals, 8 assists

Today is a good day for Caniacs

Some BIG news at the end of this post... but for now, let's get caught up on the past games that the Canes have played.

The Canes laid a big fat egg on Saturday, losing 4-0 to the New Jersey Devils. It was Martin Brodeur's 109th career shutout. This loss also eliminated the Canes from the playoffs - yes, it truly did take that long for this team to be mathematically eliminated, which I suppose is an accomplishment in itself.

On Tuesday the Canes won in a flurry of offense, defeating the Lightning 8-5. Drayson Bowman, Rod Brind'Amour and Eric Staal all had two goals apiece in that game.

And now on to the main event for today:

The Canes held a super-special press conference at their "Caniac Cookout" today. Special guests Gary Bettman, Jim Rutherford, and Peter Karmanos were there.

And so Gary Bettman said the best words to ever come out of his mouth:

The Carolina Hurricanes will be hosting the 2011 All-Star Game!

If you're like me, your response most likely is "Finally!". Bettman had promised the area the game a while ago - well, he has finally followed through on his promise.

And then, if you're me, your follow-up response to the satisfaction of this market finally getting something it has deserved was a girlish scream of delight - THE ALL STAR GAME IS COMING TO RALEIGH!!!!

I'm already excited for it - only 9 months away! At least this will make the doldrums of this non-playoff year a little more satisfactory!

Canes play tonight against Montreal, then finish up the season in Boston on Saturday. If there's any more cool All Star Game news I will definitely post it!

Erik Cole stats (Tuesday): 1 assist
On the season: 10 goals, 5 assists

Chad LaRose stats (Tuesday): 1 goal, 2 assists
On the season: 9 goals, 14 assists

Team USA is awesome!

The USA-Canada game on Sunday was some of the best and most entertaining hockey that I have seen in a very long time.

Yes, that might be because I'm a Canes fan, but nevertheless, this game was excellent.

The USA managed to pull it off, winning 5-3 over the heavily favored Canadians. Martin Brodeur was the factor in this game, although not for the normal reasons. Brodeur played an absolutely horrific game, his puck-playing blunders leading directly to 3 USA goals.

USA scored the first goal in the game :41 seconds in, which set the tone for the remainder of the game - nothing like a quick goal to take the home crowd out of it.

With the win the USA earned a first-round bye into the quarterfinals, where they will have the benefit of a day off before playing Switzerland, a team they already beat 3-1 earlier in the Olympics.

Interestingly enough, Eric Staal actually played a very good game against the USA, scoring 1 goal and having one of the few positive plus/minuses on the team. Staal also had 3 assists in today's game against Germany to advance Canada into the quarters.

In bad news on the Canes front, Joni Pitkanen was suspended for one game after checking Patric Hornqvist in the head in his game against Sweden.

The Americans play the Swiss tomorrow! U-S-A! U-S-A!

Canes won two in a row : Baby Steps

Well, how about this?

The Canes won their first game on the road on Monday, beating none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2.

The Canes got out to a 3-0 lead in the game, letting the Pens score two in 49 seconds to make the game close again. But, really, we all should be used to that by now, and it's a sign of the Canes' improving play that they didn't actually relinquish their lead completely.

Notably, Andrew Alberts scored his first Canes goal in that one as well.

The Canes followed up that road win with a 4-2 road loss against New Jersey tonight, which can be considered a victory from the perspective that we did not allow Martin Brodeur to overtake Terry Sawchuck's shutout record. Not that I dislike Brodeur or that I don't want him to get the record - I'm just glad it didn't happen against us.

The scoring was almost opposite of the Penguins game; they allowed the Devils to score three, then the Canes came back to score two but were finally put away by an empty netter at the end.

This game also marked the return of Cam Ward from that nasty laceration injury. No word on what's going to happen with our two backup goaltenders - Michael Leighton was put on waivers earlier this week, so I assume that he'll be going down.

Finals week for me starting Friday, so expect either no posts or spacey random rambling thoughts about the upcoming games. In other words: business as normal. Which apparently people are attracted to, as this blog was able to advance to the second round in the Canes Blog-Off. Currently I'm tied for second (or last, but I'm feeling optimistic tonight), so maybe go over there and vote for me? Because, as we all know, "If you ain't first, you're last".

(And, yes, I just mentioned that quote so I could post a clip of that movie.)

Speaking of video clips, I plan on entering this contest, as soon as I get a mind-bogglingly awesome idea for it. So be prepared.

Canes are on the road again Friday in Washington. I think it's on Comcast, so I should be able to watch it once I get out of my Calculus exam.

So long New Jersey...

...and hello Boston!

Last night the Canes defeated the Devils in a thrilling 4-3 Game 7 win that they totally pulled out of their butt at the last minute.

Seriously, there was less than a minute and a half remaining and the Canes were down 3-2. Then BAM!, Jussi Jokinen and Eric Staal strike and the Canes are advancing to the second round.

The game started out on an excellent note, with Tuomo Ruutu notching his first point of the postseason at the 1:02 mark of the first period. Of course, I was enthralled by this goal because that meant the Canes were coming out fast and taking the Jersey fans out of the game early.

Then, of course, the Devils score a minute and a half later, thereby getting the crowd back into it.

Throughout the game I didn't think the Canes were playing well enough for them to win. Like so many other games in this series, they weren't playing bad, they just weren't playing hard enough to win a elimination game. Cam Ward kept them in the game in the third period, preventing Jersey from going up two goals instead of just one.

Then came the last rush, and Jussi Jokinen cemented his status as my bestest friend evah by scoring yet another needed goal in regulation:

Jokinen is like the Secret Weapon of Regulation - how he somehow is scoring these goals at just the right time is unknown to me - but whatever he's doing, he needs to keep it up!

So the game was tied. Then less than a minute later Eric Staal just gains the zone and shoots - flat out beating Martin Brodeur. I don't think Brodeur looked that bad on a goal the entire season. Granted, it was tipped or something, but still.

I just can't believe we won the game. Seriously, just thinking about it now just blows my mind. Why the heck wasn't scoring goals as easy as that the entire series?

And I must commend the New Jersey Devils. They played the toughest first round I've ever seen. These teams were so even, the series came down to a couple of bounces and tips here and there.

But now we must say goodbye to Jersey and face the upcoming second round opponent - The Boston Bruins. I'll leave the preview for another post (maybe? hopefully?) - just know that Game 1 starts this Friday.

Chad LaRose stats: 2 assists
Playoffs: 2 goals, 5 assists

Stupid one goal games...

Canes lost 1-0 in Game 3.

This game frustrates me as a fan because there was nothing that the Canes did wrong, necessarily. Okay, the Jersey goal was scored on a power play, so they shouldn't have taken the penalty, but other than that there was nothing wrong with their play. They played well offensively and defensively, had a total of 44 shots on goal, but still lost the game. Martin Brodeur is looking pretty much unstoppable now, although Cam Ward looked exactly the same way. It's not a coincidence that the game was so low scoring with those shot totals. Both goalies are on fire, and it will take a tip or a stupid bounce to beat either one. Which is how Cam was beat last night, on a David Clarkson tip in front of the net.

If Brodeur wasn't playing so well, I think Chad LaRose would've had at least three goals. LaRose is making our first line look like our fourth line with the plays he's had. I can't believe how he's blossomed in this series.

Speaking of blossoming, or rather anti-blossoming, Erik Cole, I am officially calling you out. What have you done this entire playoff series? Diddly squat, that's what. And I find that unacceptable for the player I call my favorite. So wake up and score one on Sunday!

Canes have to win on Sunday to force a Game 7 and then, of course, win that one to advance in the postseason. The good news? Game 6 is back at the RBC Center!

Jussi Jokinen is my new best friend

I don't think there are any words to describe the exhiliration felt after that goal.

Jussi Jokinen tips it in with 00.2 left on the clock.

Wow.

I think everyone in the RBC Center had that game going into overtime. I certainly did. Then - the puck goes in, but 00.0 is what the clock reads. After a brief conference, the referees deem it a goal - Martin Brodeur flips out about it, but whatever, he can just deal.

This sets an NHL record for the latest goal scored in regulation. I mean, it doesn't get much closer than that, does it?

Although, despite the AMAZING ending, the Canes really should have never been in that position anyway. They came out skating and got out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period. It was 3-0 for most of the second, but then Jersey scored three consecutive goals to tie it up.

Three consecutive goals. Certainly not cool, and certainly something the Canes don't want to let happen again in the series. But as lame as the Canes performance late in the game was, the end was just too awesome for me to complain too much.

Momentum for Game 5, anyone?

(As an aside, props go to Chad LaRose and Ryan Bayda - both are making the most of their playoff minutes, both notching another goal in last night's game.)

(And as another aside, I just found the NHL Situation Room blog, and I think it is excellent - a perfect way to get the exact ruling on any certain reviewed play.)

Chad LaRose stats: 1 goal
Playoffs: 2 goals, 1 assist

And so it begins...

It just ain't the playoffs until the Canes play the Devils.

Series starts Wednesday and is every other day after that, meaning the first game at the RBC Center is on Sunday (tailgating weather as of right now is 72 and "chance showers").

I feel pretty confident about this series, actually. The Canes have been playing very well recently, and have played New Jersey well all season (Bonus stat: Anton Babchuk has four goals and an assist in four games against the Devils). As long as Cam Ward outplays Martin Brodeur (certainly possible - just check 2006) I think the Canes will win.

Although, nothing is certain, especially with this team's ability to tank at inappropriate times...

As for the rest of the playoff series... meh, whatever. Predicting these things is so overrated (read: I suck at predicting playoff series). Pretty much any other non-Canes hockey we will see is going to involve Ovechkin or Crosby thanks to the national media man-crushes on them.

But, I guess that's good, as I won't have to deal with the stupid in-game reporters reporting stupidly during Canes games. I can handle John and Tripp for a playoff series.

Anyways, my "Hockey Orphan" post is up at Cycle Like the Sedins. And I even have a cool little icon too! See:Huh. Well, it's not that "little" when I upload it, but whatever... Anyways, check it out - the post actually has an endgame/conclusion, unlike most of the posts around here (including this one).

Anton Babchuk Strikes!

Canes were victorious over the Devils last night, winning 4-2.

Really, I think they were somewhat lucky in the win, with Martin Brodeur having gotten the all-time wins record the night before, and Kevin Weekes getting the spot in goal.

Not that the Canes wouldn't have won againt Brodeur - I just think it would have been a lot harder (for example, I don't think Brodeur would have gone in on the crappy pokecheck on Samsonov's goal).

The powerplay looked absolutely spectactular, going 3-for-5 on the night, two of the goals coming from Anton Babchuk.

The good news is that the Canes are still in eighth spot - tied for seventh with Montreal at 81 points. Most of the teams around them still have games in hand, though.

Canes play twice this weekend - back to back at home, first against the Islanders (which I won't see) and then against the C[r]apitals (which I might see). Hopefully they can get four points out of them, which would put the Canes in an even better spot for the playoffs.

Erik Cole stats: 1 assist
With the Canes: 2 goals, 7 assists
On the season: 18 goals, 18 assists

Recaps and stuff

I have some overdue game recaps for you, my loyal readers.

First: Canes won 1-0 over Blues on last Thursday. The goal in that one was scored in Tuomo Ruutu, which I didn't see because I went to bed in the middle of the second period. I did realize in this game that, if you happen to be in a bad mood, John & Tripp on FSN South will absolutely cheer you up with their (sometimes useful, sometimes not) blabbering and random factoids.

Second: Canes lost 3-1 to the Oilers Saturday. I was receiving text messages about the score under a dinner table, so I can't really say how the Canes played in this one. I think Matt Cullen got injured, but I can't find an article easily to back that up, so whatever.

Third: The Canes picked up their first third jersey win 6-3 against Toronto. I watched this game, but can't really remember much except that the Canes started out looking like crap, but then they did a massive scoring flurry in the last four minutes of the second period to take the lead. Very good.

Then last night, the Canes won again against Toronto, this time in overtime 5-4. They should have won it in regulation, having gotten out to a 3-0 lead so quickly in the first, looking like they had completely demoralized the Leafs.

But nooooooooo, the Canes decided to mail it in, so the game had to be won by The Secret Weapon, Nic Wallin. Which was incredibly lucky.

So the next game is Thursday at Washington.

In random news: Brind'Amour, Staal, and Whitney made it onto the All-Star ballot.

And Marty Brodeur will be out 3-4 months after elbow surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon. And the description of what happened completely makes me cringe:

Brodeur extended his arm trying to make a save and ended up tearing the tendon that connects the bicep to the elbow off the bone.

Owie! And that completely sinks the Devils chances this season, a bummer for them - because Brodeur is one heckuva goalie.

Chad LaRose stats (Sunday): 1 goal, 1 assist
(Tuesday): 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 4 goals, 2 assists

Hey, how bout some defense?

Wow. That was lame.

Canes lost 6-1 to the Devils last night.

The lone goal for the Canes was scored by Keith Aucoin, who I think can be called the Brodeur-Sniper (or some other creative name) because he has scored both his first and second career goals on the guy. Which is pretty amazing, cause Brodeur's one of the best ever...

That's pretty much the highlight of the night. Defensive lapses abound.

I did notice that the Canes did not come out with as near as much of a physical presence as they did in the Washington game. I think that cost them a lot - allowing the Devils to set the tone.

Next game is against the Bruins. Hopefully the Canes'll remember to play defense.

Awesome beatdown of New Jersey

Canes routed New Jersey 7-2 yesterday.

Absolutely awsome game. Canes dominated the entire game, causing Martin Brodeur to be pulled in the second period.

The best part about this game was that Chad LaRose had two goals. That's more goals than he had in 49 games with the Canes last year! Seriously, it just makes me so happy to see him score when he constantly puts 100% on the ice.

Truly, this game was played extremely well by the Canes. The only negative thing I can think of in this game was the elbow thrown by Cam Janssen on Chad LaRose in the third. Such a cheap shot artist, that Janssen... remember, he was just suspended three games for that horrible hit on Tomas Kaberle - it appears some people never learn.

Anyways... to cap off the awesome game played by the Canes - two of their goals were scored on the power play! Amazing - I can't remember when that last happened.

Also, Glen Wesley obtained his 400th career assist on LaRose's first goal, and he had his first two-point game since 2003.

The Canes lead into another gameless stretch; they'll be playing their next game on Thursday. Luckily, the Canes are in a better position than their last stretch like this - they're currently in 7th place in the East with 80 points.

Totally awesome.

Erik Cole stats: 1 assist
On the season: 25 goals, 28 assists