Who's the best replacement for Matt Cullen?

Why, Matt Cullen, of course.

So the Canes finally filled their 3rd line center position. Of course it happened while I was stuck in the wilderness of Pennsylvania without an internet connection. Go figure.

In exchange for Cullen, the Canes gave away a prospect, a 3rd-round draft pick, and Andrew Hutchinson.

A good trade, I guess - but, if Cullen hadn't gone to New York for more money in the first place, we wouldn't have ever had a hole in the third line.

Just thought I'd mention that...

Conference Finals Predictions

Canada advances and the USA was eliminated today in the World Championships. Eric Staal had two assists in Canada's win, and Chad LaRose had an assist and Andrew Hutchinson had a goal in America's loss.

Today also begins the Conference Finals, with Buffalo and Ottawa playing their first game tonight.

Well, with the start of a new series, we all know that means... predictions!

Last ones didn't go so well for me - a 1-for-4, batting .250. If you remember correctly, I used a random number generator to pick the serieses as well - randomizer went 1-for-4 as well.

So... here we go... Remember, if I were putting money on the games - why the heck are you looking here for advice? - I would use the random.
#1 Buffalo Sabres v. #4 Ottawa Senators
I say: Ottawa in 7.
Random says: Buffalo in 5.

#1 Detroit Red Wings v. #2 Anaheim Ducks
I say: Crap... do I really have to pick? Can't they just both lose?... I suppose... Anaheim in 6.
Random says: Detroit in 6.

As for who I want to win, the answer would be none of them. But, the default is Ottawa because:
1) I hate Buffalo.
2) I hate the Red Wings.
3) I hate Buffalo.
4) I hate Chris Pronger.
5) I hate Buffalo.
6) I don't have a real problem with Ottawa.

Did I mention that I hate Buffalo? I think I did...

Boring.

Canada beat Slovakia yesterday. No special Canes news on that front.

USA then beat Slovakia today. Hutchinson got a goal, and John Grahame got the win.

Anaheim can knock Vancouver out of the playoffs today.

Yeah... Sorry for the skeleton posts, but I am officially in the "I'm bored" stage of the off-season. Maybe if things get interesting I'll post some commentary.

But that's an if.

Trophy nominations and the Worlds

Rod Brind'Amour was nominated for the Frank J. Selke Trophy again this year!

Cam Ward and Justin Williams kicked behind in Canada's win over Norway on Monday.

Today, USA lost to the Czech Republic 4-3. Chad LaRose got a goal and Andrew Hutchinson got a goal as well.

Lindy Ruff needs to shut up. Get the gag order out!

Canes scoring at Worlds

The World Championships are in full swing:

On Friday, Erik Cole had a goal and an assist in USA's victory over Austria. Andrew Hutchinson also got an assist, and John Grahame got the win.

On Saturday, Eric Staal had a goal in Canada's win over Germany.

And today, Chad LaRose had a goal in USA's 5-1 victory over Belarus.

Anyways... I just got done watching the Rangers 2OT win over Buffalo. Good game to watch.

A rather blunt post...

The Canes who will be playing in the World Championships are: Mike Commodore, Eric Staal, Cam Ward, Justin Williams (for team Canada) and Chad LaRose, Andrew Hutchinson, John Grahame and the best power forward evah!

A rather blunt way to begin the post, but there's nothing else to really begin with...

Ottawa won last night, thereby winning in the Pittsburgh series 4-1.
Anaheim won last night, thereby winning in the Minnesota series 4-1.
Calgary won last night, tying their series with Detroit 2-2!
And, Dallas won in overtime, bringing that series to only a 3-2 Vancouver lead.

Tonight, Buffalo and San Jose could win, and either New Jersey or Tampa will take the lead in that series. Me hopes my foster team wins.