skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Last night was Glen Wesley Night and the Canes had a really nice ceremony to raise the number two to the rafters. And I was lucky enough to attend!
It was very similar to Ron Francis' ceremony - hosted by John Forslund, there was a video montage of Wesley's career, then some gifts given to Wesley (a ski trip, his first and last game scorecards, a painting (which I took a picture of, but Wesley doesn't show up at all because my camera apparently doesn't like to focus in the dark)). Then Wesley himself spoke, thanking pretty much everyone who had helped him to play hockey (family, friends, coaches, fans, etc.).
Then came the actual raising of the banner, which Wesley and his family attached so it could be lifted:
As you can tell from the above picture, the seats weren't really in the best place for banner photography - my camera also doesn't like to focus on thin floating rectangles, apparently.
Then came the actual game. Which is totally not worth talking about compared to the achievements of Glen Wesley.
I mean, seriously Canes? A 5-1 loss to the Bruins the night you're honoring a teammate? What, was this your way of showing how great Wesley was - by showing what our defense has become without him in the lineup?
The game wasn't that bad in the beginning - the Canes even scored first. But then they just couldn't connect on anything after that (I swear these guys don't know how to lead a pass so someone can keep skating instead of doubling back to get the puck), Cam let in a soft one in the second.
And then the Canes just had a meltdown in the third period. You realize the combined score of the last three home games is 15-2 against? Yeah, I seriously don't think we're going to make it into the playoffs. And guess what? Even if we squeeze in the 8th spot - guess who we'll get to play? Boston, the team which has kicked our butt for four games this year.
Such pessimism... that's definitely not in my nature. But optimism is like a gas tank - every once in a while you have to fill it up with something to keep going. And 5-1 losses at home are like gashes in the fuel line.
Next game is tomorrow against the Islanders. Just win or something, okay?
Well... I'm not sure what to think of this weekend.
On Valentine's Day, the Canes got their butt kicked for the second game in a row, losing 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. This game wasn't much better than the previous shutout, except, of course, that this time the Canes managed to score a goal. And there were some better chances than in the Florida game, but that doesn't change the fact that the Canes handily lost this one.
Then, last night, the Canes had a shutout of their own, beating Buffalo 3-0. Wasn't able to watch this game, as it wasn't on TV, but from what I've gleaned from the highlights and recap, it looks like the Canes got out to an early lead and were able to keep it for the entire game. Watching some of the saves made, the Canes probably could have scored some more goals.
The bad news following this win is that Justin Williams broke a bone in his hand and will be out at least a month. Man, this guy just can't stay healthy! (Although, this development makes the Jussi Jokinen trade look particularly good.)
The next game is tomorrow against the Bruins. Hopefully the Canes will put on a good show, as it's Glen Wesley night, with the number 2 being raised to the rafters.
Chad LaRose stats (Sunday): 1 goal
On the season: 13 goals, 6 assists
Canes announced that they will retire Glen Wesley's #2 before the Feb 17 game against the Bruins.
A fitting tribute to someone who played 13 seasons with the franchise.
Well, if today is any indicator, summer is going to be a real biznitch around here. Right now it is 95ºF, feels like 99º... and it doesn't look like it's going to get any cooler anytime soon. And what is it, June 5th? Wow... better than the cold in my book, though.
So, yesterday, the Canes resigned Patrick Eaves to a three year deal which gets him an average of $1.4 mil a year. Seems like a pretty good deal to me, seeing as he's in the beginning of his career now. And I was totally going to post this yesterday, but I got sidetracked by my new cell phone arriving (It's pink! And shiny!), which also means I missed Game 6, which gave the Red Wings their trillionth Stanley Cup in 10 years, or whatever stat they keep spouting. Just one Cup is too many for them, in my opinion, but... *sigh* I guess there's always next year.
Speaking of next year, Glen Wesley won't be on the team. He announced his retirement today. Which is sort of a shame, because he's been with the Whalers/Canes for what seems to be forever, and I know I will definitely look twice when I don't see him out there. I think it's great, though, that he had such a long career and was finally able to top it off with a Stanley Cup.
That being said - to all you Canes personnel out there - I have one word for you: DEFENSEMAN. We need a good, solid, trustworthy, not old, not small, possibly goal-scoring defenseman. That is my solemn offseason wish. That, and you don't trade anyone I like for said defenseman.
Canes won 5-3 over division rival Atlanta last night.
Canes played really well. They managed to have another shot-tactular night, shooting 21 shots on goal in the first period, and having 46 on the night.
The amazing part about that is that the Canes actually didn't score on any of those 21 shots.
Great game for Bayda and Aucoin, both of them notching a goal. Absolutely good news that with all the injuries, the guys from Albany have stepped it up as well.
Although all he has is an assist to show for it, I thought Glen Wesley played really well last night as well.
And congrats to Erik Cole for playing in his 400th NHL (and Cane) game!
Next game is tomorrow against the C[r]apitals.
Glen Wesley was resigned on whatever day it occured. A one-year contract for 1.4 mil. It will be his 20th season in the NHL.A good signing, I suppose. He is getting up there in years, but he wasn't the worst defenseman on the team last year, let's just put it that way.As for the quest for the best sports trophy evah!, Ottawa did what they needed to and won Game 3 by a score of 5-3.And let me just state that Chris Pronger is a jerk, and deserves to be suspended for Game 4 after the elbow to Ottawa's Dean McAmmond (YouTube footage here).That is all.
I haven't posted in a week.There's nothing to post about.I mean, seriously, when this story is the first thing you see on the Canes website, things are pretty boring.Hopefully, I'll have more to post about this week, as the Stanley Cup Finals begin Monday.Although, I will be going through exams this week, so whether or not I'll find the time to post is a different story.So, without further ado, here's my Stanley Cup Finals Prediction:Ottawa in 6.I would like to remind the reading public that I was 2-0, batting 1.000 in the the conference finals predictions.*EDIT 11:58AM* Well, after skimmming the other Canes blogs and whatnot, I find that I really have been missing a lot. Like the fact that Scott Walker will more than likely test the free agent waters. And that Glen Wesley will likely come back to play for a 20th season. Oops. Sorry for being so slow on the uptake, loyal readers.
Links from around the web:
The Canes site has a summary of where the Canes are in the playoff race.
Currently, they're tied with Toronto and Montreal for the eighth spot with 80 points, but Carolina wins the tiebreakers.
The Canes site also has a nice article on Glen Wesley.
And, finally, the N&O has an article about Chad LaRose and his sucessful move to center.
That's about it for now. Canes play tomorrow against the C[r]apitals at home.
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
