So the 2010-2011 season is over. Complete. And not the premature "over" that us Caniacs experienced in April - despite our team's failings, there was at least hockey to be seen. Not anymore - no more hockey games until October.
Congrats, I suppose, to the Boston Bruins and their fans. I was cheering them on throughout the playoffs, and it's nice to see them win. I would make some sort of crack about how I'm glad that Canada doesn't have the Cup for another year... but after seeing the riots in Vancouver, I'm beginning to think war might occur if they don't get one soon.
On the home front, there's actually been some Canes news since I last posted. The biggest news is the shuffling of the front office and who's behind the bench. Ron Francis is back at a desk, Tom Rowe is a scout, Brind'Amour is an assistant and newcomer Dave Lewis is also an assistant. Rather unfortunately, we're still stuck with Paul Maurice as head coach for another year. I'm thrilled, and by thrilled I mean that I really hope they don't re-up his contract. I am also sick of my team doing mediocre, so I would like them to do better this year. Just, maybe better because of Jeff Skinner or something and not because of the coach.
Players-wise, apparently contract negotiations have been going on. Today an article was put out on the Canes site about possibly trading for some people because it's not looking positive for Jokinen or Pitkanen returning. Chad LaRose and Erik Cole might be looking to test the market. If both of them go... man, there goes both of my favorite players.
For which I say to Jim Rutherford: Please Please Please Please Please SIGN ERIK COLE!!!! I honestly don't think I could stand him going to some horridly cold non-North Carolina place again. Hopefully he and the team can work something out.
And that's it for now I guess. I'll keep up with whatever little news trickles in this summer.
Showing posts with label Ron Francis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ron Francis. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, February 04, 2011
ALL-STAR GAME!!!!
I always tell my dad, generally while eating a plate of waffles at 11:30am after staying up to three the previous night, that college kids operate on a different schedule than the rest of the world. This apparently applies to blog posts as well. When other places have wrapped up their All-Star recaps and gone on to that thing called the "regular season", here I am with still the whole weekend to go over.
Well, hopefully the wait will be worth it? Here we go...
First off, it was AWESOME! In fact, I might just stop typing right now and leave it at that. There is seriously not one thing that I can think of that hit a sour note throughout the entire weekend.
One of the biggest reasons for that? The new format. I think the fantasy draft aspect got rid of a lot of the stale hockey aspect of years past. It seemed to give the players something to play for more than just the Conference they happen to play in - they had to prove that they deserved to be taken at the slot they were, or why they should have been taken higher (I laugh at Phil Kessel being taken last - but the dude got a car out of it? Um, can I be picked last?). I mean, they were actually playing defense (or as close to defense as you'll get in an All-Star Game) in the third period - because neither team wanted to be the ones that were picked to lose.
Below I've posted a slideshow thing of all my pictures (well, the good ones at least) from the weekend. And, yes, I did manage to get a picture of Ovechkin's stick shattering from the upper level.
Let's see, what else was awesome about the weekend? The NHL Fan Fair was spectacular - tons of fun going around to each of the booths and trying your hand at various hockey skill games. I believe I registered a 27 mph slapshot - watch yourself Zdeno Chara, I'm gunning for you!
The Skills Competition was great as well. In fact, it might have beat out the actual All-Star game on the awesomeness scale. I mean, how can you compete with seeing Chara beat his own hardest shot record?
It was really cool to see the best of the best compete against each other. It's pretty hard to believe that some of these guys are so talented - Sedin in the accuracy competition, anyone? I mean, the guy was like a sniper, methodically knocking out those targets.
The only thing I disagreed with was Ovechkin winning the breakaway competition. Honestly, it didn't really live up to my expectations - almost none of the guys could actually get the puck in the net while doing all the fancy work. And, I don't care, that's what really matters when it comes down to it.
While the Skills Competition may have been the more exciting part of the weekend, the All-Star Game itself wasn't without it's charms. First, the opening ceremony of sorts featuring Rod Brind'Amour and Ron Francis was amazingly well done. The game was definitely exciting, with Team Staal gaining and losing a four goal lead, and of course I loved the offensive skill that abounded on each side of the ice.
And what about Ovechkin throwing his stick at Duchene for the penalty shot? Ovechkin may be annoying, but you can't deny that at some points he is an entertaining character.
The only annoying point was the amount of passes these guys were taking - it seemed sometimes like they didn't want to take a shot and get a goal.
Wait, did I say the only annoying point? No, it was also annoying that Jeff Skinner didn't score and that Team Staal lost. I find it to be a shame that Staal's team couldn't manage to win in such a friendly venue for them.
Honestly, this was one of my favorite hockey events that I've attended in a while. I thought the atmosphere was great and that the game was entertaining. Now, if only Raleigh could host it every year...
Well, hopefully the wait will be worth it? Here we go...
First off, it was AWESOME! In fact, I might just stop typing right now and leave it at that. There is seriously not one thing that I can think of that hit a sour note throughout the entire weekend.
One of the biggest reasons for that? The new format. I think the fantasy draft aspect got rid of a lot of the stale hockey aspect of years past. It seemed to give the players something to play for more than just the Conference they happen to play in - they had to prove that they deserved to be taken at the slot they were, or why they should have been taken higher (I laugh at Phil Kessel being taken last - but the dude got a car out of it? Um, can I be picked last?). I mean, they were actually playing defense (or as close to defense as you'll get in an All-Star Game) in the third period - because neither team wanted to be the ones that were picked to lose.
Below I've posted a slideshow thing of all my pictures (well, the good ones at least) from the weekend. And, yes, I did manage to get a picture of Ovechkin's stick shattering from the upper level.
Let's see, what else was awesome about the weekend? The NHL Fan Fair was spectacular - tons of fun going around to each of the booths and trying your hand at various hockey skill games. I believe I registered a 27 mph slapshot - watch yourself Zdeno Chara, I'm gunning for you!
The Skills Competition was great as well. In fact, it might have beat out the actual All-Star game on the awesomeness scale. I mean, how can you compete with seeing Chara beat his own hardest shot record?
It was really cool to see the best of the best compete against each other. It's pretty hard to believe that some of these guys are so talented - Sedin in the accuracy competition, anyone? I mean, the guy was like a sniper, methodically knocking out those targets.
The only thing I disagreed with was Ovechkin winning the breakaway competition. Honestly, it didn't really live up to my expectations - almost none of the guys could actually get the puck in the net while doing all the fancy work. And, I don't care, that's what really matters when it comes down to it.
While the Skills Competition may have been the more exciting part of the weekend, the All-Star Game itself wasn't without it's charms. First, the opening ceremony of sorts featuring Rod Brind'Amour and Ron Francis was amazingly well done. The game was definitely exciting, with Team Staal gaining and losing a four goal lead, and of course I loved the offensive skill that abounded on each side of the ice.
And what about Ovechkin throwing his stick at Duchene for the penalty shot? Ovechkin may be annoying, but you can't deny that at some points he is an entertaining character.
The only annoying point was the amount of passes these guys were taking - it seemed sometimes like they didn't want to take a shot and get a goal.
Wait, did I say the only annoying point? No, it was also annoying that Jeff Skinner didn't score and that Team Staal lost. I find it to be a shame that Staal's team couldn't manage to win in such a friendly venue for them.
Honestly, this was one of my favorite hockey events that I've attended in a while. I thought the atmosphere was great and that the game was entertaining. Now, if only Raleigh could host it every year...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Maurice gets 3 year contract
The Canes signed the "interim" coach Paul Maurice to a 3-year contract today. The rest of the coaching staff will remain intact, with an added title of "Director of Player Personnel" for Ron Francis and Tom Barrasso being bumped up to "Assistant Coach".
This is good... I guess. Despite the fact that Maurice didn't crash and burn like I expected him to (actually, he did the opposite of that) I still am not sure about him being the long-term coach. Probably because I can't stop remembering his first stint with the Canes and how that fell to pieces. And because his brand of hockey can be downright boring at times.
Eh, whatever. I suppose if he can continue to get the Canes deep in the playoffs, then there's no reason to complain.
This is good... I guess. Despite the fact that Maurice didn't crash and burn like I expected him to (actually, he did the opposite of that) I still am not sure about him being the long-term coach. Probably because I can't stop remembering his first stint with the Canes and how that fell to pieces. And because his brand of hockey can be downright boring at times.
Eh, whatever. I suppose if he can continue to get the Canes deep in the playoffs, then there's no reason to complain.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Paul Maurice. The name seems oddly familiar...
A surprise move by the Canes today: Coach Peter Laviolette has been fired.
Well, that's actually not the surprising part. Considering the lackluster play the Canes had been putting out recently, and the impatience of, well, a lot of people, primarily the fanbase, I'm not that surprised to see Laviolette relieved of his duties. It's not like his seat was ice-cold or anything.
But, (Surprise! Surprise!) guess who the Canes hired in place of him?
Paul Maurice.
*facepalm*
Yes, the Canes re-hired someone they fired, hm... back in the 03-04 season? Yes, it was the season before the lockout.
Let me state that again: The Canes fired Lavi to re-hire the guy Lavi was hired to replace.†
Not to mention - Maurice was removed from his duties as Maple Leafs coach a year ago. Do we really want to be coached by a Toronto Maple Leafs cast-off?
The only thing about this move that is in anyway redeeming, or, to be honest, that makes any amount of sense is the move of Ron Francis to Associate Head Coach. Having a guy like Ronnie on your side is a plus in any situation where hockey knowledge is required.
The rest of the coaching staff remains the same - which begs the question, why not just promote one of those guys? You can't tell me that we couldn't have just gone in-house for this one. (Although, I realize that this pretty much is "in-house").
I don't get it. I just don't get why we're re-hiring someone who didn't work out for us in the past. If anyone can shed any sort of light on this, please try and help me understand this move.
Maurice's first game is tomorrow against the Pens. Oh dear...
† Doesn't this sentence just blow your mind?
Well, that's actually not the surprising part. Considering the lackluster play the Canes had been putting out recently, and the impatience of, well, a lot of people, primarily the fanbase, I'm not that surprised to see Laviolette relieved of his duties. It's not like his seat was ice-cold or anything.
But, (Surprise! Surprise!) guess who the Canes hired in place of him?
Paul Maurice.
*facepalm*
Yes, the Canes re-hired someone they fired, hm... back in the 03-04 season? Yes, it was the season before the lockout.
Let me state that again: The Canes fired Lavi to re-hire the guy Lavi was hired to replace.†
Not to mention - Maurice was removed from his duties as Maple Leafs coach a year ago. Do we really want to be coached by a Toronto Maple Leafs cast-off?
The only thing about this move that is in anyway redeeming, or, to be honest, that makes any amount of sense is the move of Ron Francis to Associate Head Coach. Having a guy like Ronnie on your side is a plus in any situation where hockey knowledge is required.
The rest of the coaching staff remains the same - which begs the question, why not just promote one of those guys? You can't tell me that we couldn't have just gone in-house for this one. (Although, I realize that this pretty much is "in-house").
I don't get it. I just don't get why we're re-hiring someone who didn't work out for us in the past. If anyone can shed any sort of light on this, please try and help me understand this move.
Maurice's first game is tomorrow against the Pens. Oh dear...
† Doesn't this sentence just blow your mind?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Cole carried off ice on stretcher *sob*
Well, that is the last time I turn a Florida game off early.
Yes, not learning from my previous lesson I turned off the TV when the Canes were tied 3-3. (Hey, I was tired and it was a school night...) I got up this morning and found an email in my inbox that said:
Yes the best power forward evah! was crashing the net when he was knocked from behind into goalie Tomas Vokoun, and it looked like it hit his head pretty roughly. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher with his head and neck stabilized.
*sob*
Luckily, Erik was cleared to fly with the team to Tampa after a CT scan showed nothing.
*breathes sigh of relief*
This is one Caniac who is super-glad that it is not as serious as the last neck injury. Get well soon, Erik! I can't wait for you to be back on the ice!
As for the game, my hysteria caused by my favorite player getting hurt pretty much wiped any useful memory from my mind. Except the Stillman goal from 85ft out. Vokoun thought it was going around the boards - it instead went into the net. 4-3 win Canes.
Next game is tomorrow against Tampa.
Oh yeah, Ron Francis was inducted into the Hall of Fame last night. He certainly deserves it.
(And to think that was going to be the focus of my post today...)
Yes, not learning from my previous lesson I turned off the TV when the Canes were tied 3-3. (Hey, I was tired and it was a school night...) I got up this morning and found an email in my inbox that said:
Well, that just sent the day to hell."Sorry bout Cole."
Yes the best power forward evah! was crashing the net when he was knocked from behind into goalie Tomas Vokoun, and it looked like it hit his head pretty roughly. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher with his head and neck stabilized.
*sob*
Luckily, Erik was cleared to fly with the team to Tampa after a CT scan showed nothing.
*breathes sigh of relief*
This is one Caniac who is super-glad that it is not as serious as the last neck injury. Get well soon, Erik! I can't wait for you to be back on the ice!
As for the game, my hysteria caused by my favorite player getting hurt pretty much wiped any useful memory from my mind. Except the Stillman goal from 85ft out. Vokoun thought it was going around the boards - it instead went into the net. 4-3 win Canes.
Next game is tomorrow against Tampa.
Oh yeah, Ron Francis was inducted into the Hall of Fame last night. He certainly deserves it.
(And to think that was going to be the focus of my post today...)
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Nothing yet on the Free Agency Front
Today is the first day of Free Agency. (YaY?) As of yet, not much has occured, but it's kind of like when you see the line of dark clouds off in the distance in summer - it's only a matter of time before it's gonna storm.
Earlier this week, Ron Francis was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. (I apologize for posting this so late, but we've been having internet/cable problems.) Anyways, Francis certainly deserves the recognition.
Earlier this week, Ron Francis was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. (I apologize for posting this so late, but we've been having internet/cable problems.) Anyways, Francis certainly deserves the recognition.
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