Things haven't quite gone the Canes way the past two games.
Back before the Christmas break the Hurricanes lost 3-2 to Montreal, and last night they lost by the same score to the C[r]apitals. Both were games that the Canes could have won, and both featured questionable calls by the referees.
For the Montreal game, things were looking up when Erik Cole scored the second Canes goal of the night to put the team ahead by one. Then, nine seconds later, he hit Jaroslav Spacek from behind which earned a five-minute major boarding penalty - the Canadiens scored two goals on that powerplay and never looked back. I'm not entirely sure that the hit deserved a major penalty, but certainly the hit and the call cost the Canes the game.
For the Washington game, the questionable call came in the first period. Tim Gleason received a five minute major for charging and a game misconduct after a clean hit on Mathieu Perreault. It looked pretty rough in real time, but the replay obviously shows Gleason hitting with the shoulder pad, not the elbow... and definitely not charging across the ice for the hit. Looks like the refs were penalizing the amount of blood on the ice from Perreault's broken nose, not the actual play.
The penalty didn't have quite the obvious effect on the game that Cole's did, although I'm sure the Canes would have loved to have Gleason's services later in the game. My peeve for the game was the lackluster effort given in the last few minutes of the game - the Canes were only down by one and had ample opportunity to try for a goal, but it just didn't seem like they had the necessary jump in their step.
So, for those of you keeping track, yep, these two losses do mean that the Canes are back at .500 on the season, 10th in the East and 4th in the Southeast with 34 points. This three game losing streak essentially negates whatever had been gained by the four game winning streak, and the Canes are back where they started.
For me this is frustrating, because the past few games are the first good look I've had at the Canes this season - actually viewing them in action - and I have to say that they're not that bad of a team. They do have the talent to score, but apparently just can't get it done. They're light years ahead of how they looked last season... but if that only means a .500 record, how much better is that? It certainly isn't enough to gain them a playoffs spot, and if they can't make the playoffs, how different is that from last season?
Upcoming this week are back-to-back games in Toronto and Ottawa, then home against the Devils New Year's Day. Hopefully these are all easily beatable teams - if they're not, I will be doubting how serious a playoffs berth can be. However, beating the other bottom dwellers could signify the beginnings of a nice win streak - but hopefully my optimistic side isn't betraying me too much.
Erik Cole stats (23rd): 1 goal
On the season: 7 goals, 8 assists
Chad LaRose stats (23rd): 1 goal
On the season: 7 goals, 6 assists
Showing posts with label bad refs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bad refs. Show all posts
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Shootouts galore!
I think I must be some sort of shootout magnet. Three out of four of the games I have managed to watch this season have gone to a shootout - I suppose I must apologize to those who dislike the practice, expect December and January to have a lot of shootouts if current trends continue.
But let's rewind to Wednesday, when the Canes made a trade. They acquired Ian White and Brett Sutter from Calgary for Tom Kostopoulos and Anton Babchuk, Sutter being waived the next day to be sent to Albany. (For those wondering, Sutter is current Cane Brandon Sutter's cousin). Having seen him in action, I can say that White is a smallish defenseman who looks to be pretty solid in the defensive zone - he stepped in pretty well in a pairing with Joni Pitkanen both Friday and Saturday.
I'd say, from this early vantage point, that it's a good trade for the Canes. White seems like a good defenseman, who would certainly be an upgrade from Anton Babchuk's flightiness (I'm not too sad to see him and his seasons in Russia go, although his slapshot might be missed.) Kostopoulos is a good character guy, but not a core part of the Canes team. And I won't miss struggling to spell his name while blogging.
Also on Wednesday the Canes won 7-1 over the Ottawa Senators. Generally a win of this goal differential would be something I'd celebrate, but it doesn't seem right to be cheerful, as the Senators had attended the funeral of the assistant coach's daughter earlier that day.
So let's move on to the two games I was able to view, one on the television, and one in person. The former was a 5-4 shootout loss to the Penguins. I thought the Canes played extremely well in this game, constantly battling back from being down a goal. They really played up to the Penguins level, which I was certainly not expecting, having seen the boxscores from the previous week. They also got a point in the standings, in spite of the refs (and the War Room in Toronto), who showed that they could use a new contact and hearing aid prescription. A goal in the third period was allowed for the Pens where the whistle was clearly blown before the puck crossed the goal line. Luckily, the Canes were able to come back once again so that the call didn't cost them the entire game.
The next shootout loss was last night against the Predators. Where the Pittsburgh game was offensively powered and fun to watch, the Nashville one was defensively driven and kind of a snoozefest.
Interestingly, the same three shooters were chosen for both shootouts - Jeff Skinner, Jussi Jokinen, and Patrick O'Sullivan. Skinner and Jokinen I understand, but I just do not understand the choice of O'Sullivan. Granted, he didn't get to show his stuff in the shootout against Pittsburgh, but I wasn't impressed last night. I somehow get the feeling that Paul Maurice keeps writing down "8" thinking Matt Cullen's on the bench, and then is somewhat disappointed when he realizes it's a different guy in the jersey.
Anyways... a more successful week for the Canes than the previous, I'd say. I was very impressed with the play against Pittsburgh - definitely gives me hope for playing well in other close games this season. Currently the Canes are 9th in the East and 4th in the Southeast with 20 points - movin' on up. Up next for the Canes are the C[r]aptials on Wednesday and the Bruins on Friday - not easy matchups in any sense. Hopefully they can play like they did this past Friday and maybe get a win out of one of them.
And my final thought for this post: Make sure you're voting for the All-Star Game! I'm officially on the Paul Bissonnette bandwagon!
Erik Cole stats (Wednesday): 1 assist
On the season: 4 goals, 6 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Wednesday): 2 goals, 2 assists
On the season: 6 goals, 6 assists
But let's rewind to Wednesday, when the Canes made a trade. They acquired Ian White and Brett Sutter from Calgary for Tom Kostopoulos and Anton Babchuk, Sutter being waived the next day to be sent to Albany. (For those wondering, Sutter is current Cane Brandon Sutter's cousin). Having seen him in action, I can say that White is a smallish defenseman who looks to be pretty solid in the defensive zone - he stepped in pretty well in a pairing with Joni Pitkanen both Friday and Saturday.
I'd say, from this early vantage point, that it's a good trade for the Canes. White seems like a good defenseman, who would certainly be an upgrade from Anton Babchuk's flightiness (I'm not too sad to see him and his seasons in Russia go, although his slapshot might be missed.) Kostopoulos is a good character guy, but not a core part of the Canes team. And I won't miss struggling to spell his name while blogging.
Also on Wednesday the Canes won 7-1 over the Ottawa Senators. Generally a win of this goal differential would be something I'd celebrate, but it doesn't seem right to be cheerful, as the Senators had attended the funeral of the assistant coach's daughter earlier that day.
So let's move on to the two games I was able to view, one on the television, and one in person. The former was a 5-4 shootout loss to the Penguins. I thought the Canes played extremely well in this game, constantly battling back from being down a goal. They really played up to the Penguins level, which I was certainly not expecting, having seen the boxscores from the previous week. They also got a point in the standings, in spite of the refs (and the War Room in Toronto), who showed that they could use a new contact and hearing aid prescription. A goal in the third period was allowed for the Pens where the whistle was clearly blown before the puck crossed the goal line. Luckily, the Canes were able to come back once again so that the call didn't cost them the entire game.
The next shootout loss was last night against the Predators. Where the Pittsburgh game was offensively powered and fun to watch, the Nashville one was defensively driven and kind of a snoozefest.
Interestingly, the same three shooters were chosen for both shootouts - Jeff Skinner, Jussi Jokinen, and Patrick O'Sullivan. Skinner and Jokinen I understand, but I just do not understand the choice of O'Sullivan. Granted, he didn't get to show his stuff in the shootout against Pittsburgh, but I wasn't impressed last night. I somehow get the feeling that Paul Maurice keeps writing down "8" thinking Matt Cullen's on the bench, and then is somewhat disappointed when he realizes it's a different guy in the jersey.
Anyways... a more successful week for the Canes than the previous, I'd say. I was very impressed with the play against Pittsburgh - definitely gives me hope for playing well in other close games this season. Currently the Canes are 9th in the East and 4th in the Southeast with 20 points - movin' on up. Up next for the Canes are the C[r]aptials on Wednesday and the Bruins on Friday - not easy matchups in any sense. Hopefully they can play like they did this past Friday and maybe get a win out of one of them.
And my final thought for this post: Make sure you're voting for the All-Star Game! I'm officially on the Paul Bissonnette bandwagon!
Erik Cole stats (Wednesday): 1 assist
On the season: 4 goals, 6 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Wednesday): 2 goals, 2 assists
On the season: 6 goals, 6 assists
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Jussi Jokinen, I think I love you
Canes win Game 3 in overtime 3-2.
Jussi Jokinen is proving that he is the clutch-est player around. Yes, of course he got the key OT winner - with the way his playoffs are going, who else would it be?
And I'm trying to think of what to say for the rest of this post, but my mind just keeps turning back to Jokinen and how completely awesome he's been. A game-winner in .2 left in regulation, a game-tie-er in Game 7, and now another game-winner in OT. Dang, this guy is clutch.
As for the rest of the team, they played pretty well last night. The first period and some of the second was a little sloppy - they let Boston get out to a 1-0 lead. But the Canes came on in the late second, scoring two goals in less than a minute to get the lead. (Sergei Samsonov got his first playoff goal on a nice shot).
Oh, and by the way, the refs were absolutely horrible in this game. Couldn't call an obstruction penalty if their life depended on it. Look, I understand that you don't want to slow the game down unnecessarily with marginal penalties - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't call the blatant stuff!
The Canes then played pretty good in the third, but still let in a Bruin goal for them to tie it up. The game went to overtime, but luckily the Canes were able to stick to the overtime-is-only-for-winning rule.
Jussi Jokinen - just wow. Rutherford is looking like a genius for picking this guy up.
Game 4 is tomorrow at the RBC Center. Hopefully the Canes can win it - it would be nice to go back to Boston with a 3-1 series lead!
Jussi Jokinen is proving that he is the clutch-est player around. Yes, of course he got the key OT winner - with the way his playoffs are going, who else would it be?
And I'm trying to think of what to say for the rest of this post, but my mind just keeps turning back to Jokinen and how completely awesome he's been. A game-winner in .2 left in regulation, a game-tie-er in Game 7, and now another game-winner in OT. Dang, this guy is clutch.
As for the rest of the team, they played pretty well last night. The first period and some of the second was a little sloppy - they let Boston get out to a 1-0 lead. But the Canes came on in the late second, scoring two goals in less than a minute to get the lead. (Sergei Samsonov got his first playoff goal on a nice shot).
Oh, and by the way, the refs were absolutely horrible in this game. Couldn't call an obstruction penalty if their life depended on it. Look, I understand that you don't want to slow the game down unnecessarily with marginal penalties - but that doesn't mean you shouldn't call the blatant stuff!
The Canes then played pretty good in the third, but still let in a Bruin goal for them to tie it up. The game went to overtime, but luckily the Canes were able to stick to the overtime-is-only-for-winning rule.
Jussi Jokinen - just wow. Rutherford is looking like a genius for picking this guy up.
Game 4 is tomorrow at the RBC Center. Hopefully the Canes can win it - it would be nice to go back to Boston with a 3-1 series lead!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs?
The Canes can clinch a playoff spot by winning tonight against the Penguins! This is so excellent, because that means the Canes can bomb the rest of their games and still make it into the playoffs! (Think bombing all of the final games is impossible? Please refer back to last year.)
And the game is against Pittsburgh, which pretty much guarantees a fun game to watch. And the weather is beautiful, so it's perfect for tailgating! YaY! April with playoffs in sight is so exciting!
But let's go back to the 4-2 win against the Rangers, hm? I must, of course, begin this recap with the obligatory: Sean Avery is a punk! Seriously, that dude has issues. It was a good thing that most of the Canes didn't put up with his crap and didn't shy away from hitting the punk. Joe Corvo I especially remember giving Avery some of his own medicine.
That being said, there were so many uncalled penalties! Don Koharski is pretty much the worst ref in the league - clutching, grabbing, blatant interference - and none of it was called! (Or, rather, the marginal stuff was called against the Canes, but the obvious stuff was never called.)
Although, I guess it did contribute to the playoff atmosphere - not very many calls are made in playoff games (or has that changed? It's been so long since we played in the postseason...). Also, the fans at the RBC Center certainly made it a playoff atmosphere - after Rod Brind'Amour scored, the building seemed about to burst it was so loud. Definitely decibel levels that hadn't been seen since the spring of '06.
Speaking of goals, Chad LaRose was absolutely electric in the game, notching two goals and seeming to always be in the right place at the right time. So awesome to see him score two!
Oh, and in reference to the post title - that is one of my favorite football ads, believe it or not. I think it's because of the quotability of it.
Chad LaRose stats: 2 goals
On the season: 18 goals, 12 assists
And the game is against Pittsburgh, which pretty much guarantees a fun game to watch. And the weather is beautiful, so it's perfect for tailgating! YaY! April with playoffs in sight is so exciting!
But let's go back to the 4-2 win against the Rangers, hm? I must, of course, begin this recap with the obligatory: Sean Avery is a punk! Seriously, that dude has issues. It was a good thing that most of the Canes didn't put up with his crap and didn't shy away from hitting the punk. Joe Corvo I especially remember giving Avery some of his own medicine.
That being said, there were so many uncalled penalties! Don Koharski is pretty much the worst ref in the league - clutching, grabbing, blatant interference - and none of it was called! (Or, rather, the marginal stuff was called against the Canes, but the obvious stuff was never called.)
Although, I guess it did contribute to the playoff atmosphere - not very many calls are made in playoff games (or has that changed? It's been so long since we played in the postseason...). Also, the fans at the RBC Center certainly made it a playoff atmosphere - after Rod Brind'Amour scored, the building seemed about to burst it was so loud. Definitely decibel levels that hadn't been seen since the spring of '06.
Speaking of goals, Chad LaRose was absolutely electric in the game, notching two goals and seeming to always be in the right place at the right time. So awesome to see him score two!
Oh, and in reference to the post title - that is one of my favorite football ads, believe it or not. I think it's because of the quotability of it.
Chad LaRose stats: 2 goals
On the season: 18 goals, 12 assists
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Regulation Win!
Canes won 2-1 against Montreal on Tuesday.
I thought they played a lot better since the last time I had actually watched them. They got a total of 48 shots on goal, although I've noticed that a lot of their shots are coming from the perimeter and not from the slot. (I think "the slot" is what its called... If it was college basketball, it would be called "the paint" and ESPN would put up a cool graphic with "Points in the Paint" showing all the missed and made shots... Anyways... I was trying to clarify so I didn't sound like a moron, but somehow I think I missed the point...)
Power play looked good in spots - Ray Whitney got a goal on one. The refs were absolutely horrible, obviously forgetting their contacts throughout the second period...
Yeah, I'd say more but I'm incredibly tired for absolutely no reason at all... oh well...
Next game is tomorrow against Phoenix.
I thought they played a lot better since the last time I had actually watched them. They got a total of 48 shots on goal, although I've noticed that a lot of their shots are coming from the perimeter and not from the slot. (I think "the slot" is what its called... If it was college basketball, it would be called "the paint" and ESPN would put up a cool graphic with "Points in the Paint" showing all the missed and made shots... Anyways... I was trying to clarify so I didn't sound like a moron, but somehow I think I missed the point...)
Power play looked good in spots - Ray Whitney got a goal on one. The refs were absolutely horrible, obviously forgetting their contacts throughout the second period...
Yeah, I'd say more but I'm incredibly tired for absolutely no reason at all... oh well...
Next game is tomorrow against Phoenix.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Laviolette is awesome. That was my point. I think.
Well, the Canes lost their "must-win" last night 4-1.
So, now the C[r]apitals are tied for the division lead with the Canes. With two games left.
Is anyone else hyperventilating?
Now, granted, all the Canes have to do is win their next two, starting tonight against Tampa. But, I'm slightly worried because they did not impress me at all last night.
Well, actually, y'know who impressed me? Coach Laviolette. He wasn't taking none of that no-call crap from the referees last night (Are these guys blind? AO crosschecks Staal in the stomach a good five seconds after the play is called - I think there's some star-preference going on...). Seriously, if this had been a baseball game, second base would've been thrown across the field, and the rosin bag woulda been tossed like a hand grenade. Good for Lavi! He showed he's a man after my own heart screaming at the refs like that - because that's exactly what I was doing through the TV.
Anyways... I just lost my train of thought. Probably because I was looking for the clip of the aforementioned baseball manager... here's the post I posted it on (waaaay back in '06), but the clip's dead...
Hm... and I don't even think that was the one I was thinking of... maybe i didn't post it... oh well, here's a link.
Right. Train of thought left at station. Choo choo!
Hopefully the Canes will be better than this post tonight!
Choo choo!
So, now the C[r]apitals are tied for the division lead with the Canes. With two games left.
Is anyone else hyperventilating?
Now, granted, all the Canes have to do is win their next two, starting tonight against Tampa. But, I'm slightly worried because they did not impress me at all last night.
Well, actually, y'know who impressed me? Coach Laviolette. He wasn't taking none of that no-call crap from the referees last night (Are these guys blind? AO crosschecks Staal in the stomach a good five seconds after the play is called - I think there's some star-preference going on...). Seriously, if this had been a baseball game, second base would've been thrown across the field, and the rosin bag woulda been tossed like a hand grenade. Good for Lavi! He showed he's a man after my own heart screaming at the refs like that - because that's exactly what I was doing through the TV.
Anyways... I just lost my train of thought. Probably because I was looking for the clip of the aforementioned baseball manager... here's the post I posted it on (waaaay back in '06), but the clip's dead...
Hm... and I don't even think that was the one I was thinking of... maybe i didn't post it... oh well, here's a link.
Right. Train of thought left at station. Choo choo!
Hopefully the Canes will be better than this post tonight!
Choo choo!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Erik Cole will fight you, punk!
Canes won 3-2 over the Wild yesterday.
And, pretty much everything that happened in this game was eclipsed by what occurred in the third period.
Yeah, so Staal gets shoved head-first from behind into the boards by Minnesota's Aaron Voros. Erik Cole sheds all unnecessary equipment and tackles/begins to fight Voros, as my main man Cole both knows what it feels like to be seriously injured like that and knows how to defend one's teammate.
So, there's some other skirmishes, and they're gradually broken up. Scott Walker gets kicked out of the game for no apparent reason (is this guy blacklisted or something?). Then Erik Cole gets kicked out.
So, Voros, who did the initial dirty play, only gets 5 for fighting and 5 for boarding. Cole gets 5 for fighting, 2 for instigating, 2 for unsportsmanlike (yeah, like sticking up for your teammate is really unsportsmanlike compared to shoving someone face first into the boards), and a game misconduct. Walker gets a game misconduct for... um, talking?
Something doesn't seem to add up here. Stupid refs.
Anyways... on Wednesday, in the Canes win over the Thrashers there were some psycho referees too. Not only was a clear-in knocked off a ref into the goal, but then, later in the game, the ref refused to stop play for Johan Hedberg even though there were, like, five guys crowded around the crease - so he had to play it, which led to a Canes goal. Which I wasn't complaining about, but it was the first time in about 5 years that I actually felt some sympathy for Atlanta.
Why is it that refs get worse and worse as the season goes on, and then almost seem to refuse to call anything in the playoffs? It's just not right.
Canes play tomorrow against Buffalo.
Erik Cole stats (Wednesday): 1 goal, 1 assist
Thursday: 1 goal
On the season: 19 goals, 25 assists
And, pretty much everything that happened in this game was eclipsed by what occurred in the third period.
Yeah, so Staal gets shoved head-first from behind into the boards by Minnesota's Aaron Voros. Erik Cole sheds all unnecessary equipment and tackles/begins to fight Voros, as my main man Cole both knows what it feels like to be seriously injured like that and knows how to defend one's teammate.
So, there's some other skirmishes, and they're gradually broken up. Scott Walker gets kicked out of the game for no apparent reason (is this guy blacklisted or something?). Then Erik Cole gets kicked out.
So, Voros, who did the initial dirty play, only gets 5 for fighting and 5 for boarding. Cole gets 5 for fighting, 2 for instigating, 2 for unsportsmanlike (yeah, like sticking up for your teammate is really unsportsmanlike compared to shoving someone face first into the boards), and a game misconduct. Walker gets a game misconduct for... um, talking?
Something doesn't seem to add up here. Stupid refs.
Anyways... on Wednesday, in the Canes win over the Thrashers there were some psycho referees too. Not only was a clear-in knocked off a ref into the goal, but then, later in the game, the ref refused to stop play for Johan Hedberg even though there were, like, five guys crowded around the crease - so he had to play it, which led to a Canes goal. Which I wasn't complaining about, but it was the first time in about 5 years that I actually felt some sympathy for Atlanta.
Why is it that refs get worse and worse as the season goes on, and then almost seem to refuse to call anything in the playoffs? It's just not right.
Canes play tomorrow against Buffalo.
Erik Cole stats (Wednesday): 1 goal, 1 assist
Thursday: 1 goal
On the season: 19 goals, 25 assists
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wow, is that blood? Nah, must be red paint on the ice.
Well, Mick McGeough proved once again why he is the worst ref in the NHL in last night's 2-1 OT win over Jersey.
Tuomo Ruutu (who missed warmups, but still made the game) got stabbed in the face by Patrick Elias, and left a trail of blood leading back to the bench that could be blatantly seen from the third level. He needed 40 stitches to sew up the laceration.
McGeough - GET SOME CONTACTS!
Grr...
Anyways, game was great for the Canes. They had some really good cycles against the Devils - and didn't really let them score, as Bret Hedican (I think it was him) inadvertantly knocked the puck in the net.
However, the game was not great for Tim Gleason, who got hit head first into the boards by Jersey's Mike Rupp. Scary looking when he tried to get up - almost had none of his own support skating off the ice. Only update on him I can get is that it's a head injury (duh), probably a concussion.
At least Wade Brookbank got Rupp back, totally kicking his arse later in the period.
Sergei Samsonov looked awesome, scoring both of the goals for the Canes.
Jeff Hamilton was sent down to Albany before the game.
I thought Ruutu played really well. He came out and had a huge hit on some Jersey dude, and looked to be a tough player - maybe a touch of scoring? He did get an assist on Samsonov's first goal.
As for Eaves (who also made his debut) - meh. Granted, he only had 6-ish minutes, but he did nothing spectactular.
Canes are looking great (Better than Ottawa, who fired their coach today). Tomorrow's game is against the Rangers.
Tuomo Ruutu (who missed warmups, but still made the game) got stabbed in the face by Patrick Elias, and left a trail of blood leading back to the bench that could be blatantly seen from the third level. He needed 40 stitches to sew up the laceration.
McGeough - GET SOME CONTACTS!
Grr...
Anyways, game was great for the Canes. They had some really good cycles against the Devils - and didn't really let them score, as Bret Hedican (I think it was him) inadvertantly knocked the puck in the net.
However, the game was not great for Tim Gleason, who got hit head first into the boards by Jersey's Mike Rupp. Scary looking when he tried to get up - almost had none of his own support skating off the ice. Only update on him I can get is that it's a head injury (duh), probably a concussion.
At least Wade Brookbank got Rupp back, totally kicking his arse later in the period.
Sergei Samsonov looked awesome, scoring both of the goals for the Canes.
Jeff Hamilton was sent down to Albany before the game.
I thought Ruutu played really well. He came out and had a huge hit on some Jersey dude, and looked to be a tough player - maybe a touch of scoring? He did get an assist on Samsonov's first goal.
As for Eaves (who also made his debut) - meh. Granted, he only had 6-ish minutes, but he did nothing spectactular.
Canes are looking great (Better than Ottawa, who fired their coach today). Tomorrow's game is against the Rangers.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Canes play like crap
Wow, that game was crap.
Canes lost to the Islanders 4-1 yesterday. Here are my notes from the game:
- Refs were absolutely horrible. I swear the Islanders must've paid them off, because all the calls certainly seemed to go in one direction.
- The penalty kill was horrible. Which did not bode well, considering all the penalties the Canes took.
- Ice looked pretty bad in the second, Canes and Islanders slipping everywhere.
- Cullen started the game, but left early because he was "feeling ill".
- Cole needs to drink more coffee or something - it looks like he's missing a little of the jump in his step.
- Grahame didn't look good in goal, but I blame the guys in front of him. A little defense would help your goaltender, guys...
- Seidenberg needs a different hockey stick. I think I counted three sticks broken last night.
Hopefully the Canes got all of their lameness out of their system in 2007...
And in 2008, the first hockey game I watched was the "Winter Classic", which actually sort of lived up to the billing that the NHL gave it. The game was a close game (won in a SO by Sid Crosby) and actually had some offense to it, despite the steady amount of snow falling in Buffalo. I did not envy the players playing in that weather...
First Canes game of '08 is tomorrow against the Thrashers. Hoping for a win in the new year!
Canes lost to the Islanders 4-1 yesterday. Here are my notes from the game:
- Refs were absolutely horrible. I swear the Islanders must've paid them off, because all the calls certainly seemed to go in one direction.
- The penalty kill was horrible. Which did not bode well, considering all the penalties the Canes took.
- Ice looked pretty bad in the second, Canes and Islanders slipping everywhere.
- Cullen started the game, but left early because he was "feeling ill".
- Cole needs to drink more coffee or something - it looks like he's missing a little of the jump in his step.
- Grahame didn't look good in goal, but I blame the guys in front of him. A little defense would help your goaltender, guys...
- Seidenberg needs a different hockey stick. I think I counted three sticks broken last night.
Hopefully the Canes got all of their lameness out of their system in 2007...
And in 2008, the first hockey game I watched was the "Winter Classic", which actually sort of lived up to the billing that the NHL gave it. The game was a close game (won in a SO by Sid Crosby) and actually had some offense to it, despite the steady amount of snow falling in Buffalo. I did not envy the players playing in that weather...
First Canes game of '08 is tomorrow against the Thrashers. Hoping for a win in the new year!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
SUGAR RUSH!
Man, I am sooooo hyper right now. Not only did I just get done with my last day of school until 2008 (YaY!) but I also had a pile of chocolate and Pixie Stix. Make me so psyched up for tonight's game against...
...Florida? Scratch that last part.
Actually, add that both Tanabe and LaRose somehow got concussed in the Toronto game, and suddenly the Florida game is impossible to get psyched for. (Frequent games + Injuries/sickness = LAME!)
Although, the team's Florida, and as long as we don't have Brad Watson to call diving penalties, it might not be too bad... (read: Canes win)
Then again, with the way the Canes are playing, who knows how the game will go?
So here's my sugar-induced prediction: Either the Canes or the Panthers will score more goals and win.
Trust me, it's guaranteed to happen.
...Florida? Scratch that last part.
Actually, add that both Tanabe and LaRose somehow got concussed in the Toronto game, and suddenly the Florida game is impossible to get psyched for. (Frequent games + Injuries/sickness = LAME!)
Although, the team's Florida, and as long as we don't have Brad Watson to call diving penalties, it might not be too bad... (read: Canes win)
Then again, with the way the Canes are playing, who knows how the game will go?
So here's my sugar-induced prediction: Either the Canes or the Panthers will score more goals and win.
Trust me, it's guaranteed to happen.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
What You Should Know About Drinking Water and Lead
Yes, the title has nothing to do with the post. But I like it.
Sadly, I would rather be talking about water and lead rather than discussing the 5-1 loss to the Flyers the Hurricanes suffered last night.
Painful to watch, the game was. Ray Whitney scored the only goal for the Canes at the end of the second period. That was probably the only bright spot for the Canes.
Some of the bad:
- Justin Williams missing the penalty shot. Why do we even bother? A Canes player hasn't connected on a penalty shot/shootout attempt since what, November?
- The Canes going 0-5 on the power play. Seriously, Canes, take a page from the NFL and just decline the penalty. Not that going 5-on-5 would've helped them in this game...
- Craig Adams' hit on Denis Gauthier. It looked like a shot from behind, which is horrible...
- The refs. Instead of calling a boarding penalty on Adams in the above bullet point, they give a double minor to the Flyer that went to defend Gauthier. Granted, I'm glad the call went in the Canes favor (not that it did them a lot of good)... but what the heck? (Refs were Tim Peel and Wes McCauley, both are previous owners of a spot on the "Bad Refs List".)
Anyways... this deplorable loss by the Canes keeps them tied for ninth place in the standings, but with the tiebreakers they're 11th. Honestly, with this loss went some of my hope for a playoff spot. I think the Canes can still make it, but the road gets a lot harder from here. So hard, that I think they have to win out to get in. I think they can do it... just as long as they don't play like they did these past two games.
Next game is tomorrow against Tampa. Every game is a must win from here on out.
Sadly, I would rather be talking about water and lead rather than discussing the 5-1 loss to the Flyers the Hurricanes suffered last night.
Painful to watch, the game was. Ray Whitney scored the only goal for the Canes at the end of the second period. That was probably the only bright spot for the Canes.
Some of the bad:
- Justin Williams missing the penalty shot. Why do we even bother? A Canes player hasn't connected on a penalty shot/shootout attempt since what, November?
- The Canes going 0-5 on the power play. Seriously, Canes, take a page from the NFL and just decline the penalty. Not that going 5-on-5 would've helped them in this game...
- Craig Adams' hit on Denis Gauthier. It looked like a shot from behind, which is horrible...
- The refs. Instead of calling a boarding penalty on Adams in the above bullet point, they give a double minor to the Flyer that went to defend Gauthier. Granted, I'm glad the call went in the Canes favor (not that it did them a lot of good)... but what the heck? (Refs were Tim Peel and Wes McCauley, both are previous owners of a spot on the "Bad Refs List".)
Anyways... this deplorable loss by the Canes keeps them tied for ninth place in the standings, but with the tiebreakers they're 11th. Honestly, with this loss went some of my hope for a playoff spot. I think the Canes can still make it, but the road gets a lot harder from here. So hard, that I think they have to win out to get in. I think they can do it... just as long as they don't play like they did these past two games.
Next game is tomorrow against Tampa. Every game is a must win from here on out.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Hurricane strikes; Sharks found dead on beach
Canes won 6-4 over the San Jose Sharks last night.
Game was a pretty good showing for the Canes. The came out blazing, scoring three goals in the first period, causing the Sharks goalie, Nabokov, to be pulled at the start of the second. They maintained the three-goal goal lead throughout the second, and weathered the Sharks attempt at a comeback.
I feel really good about the Canes play. Not only did they gain a quick lead, but they were able to hold off the Sharks, who were 8-0-2 coming into the game. And, they achieved another power play goal!
I don't feel really good about the Sharks. They were extremely cheap and left a bad taste in my mouth throughout the whole game. Especially when that Clowe guy rammed Erik Cole into the boards. I pretty much lost respect for them after this game. I can't really remember specific incidents, but it was all of this stuff that was behind the play or when the Canes player was looking the other way.
Actually, I'm getting pretty incensed with the refs in general recently. They let the most obvious infractions go uncalled, but they call the stuff that is barely a penalty. Pretty pathetic really.
Canes are still in 8th, tied with Montreal, but we have the tie-breaker.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal
On the season: 27 goals, 29 assists
Game was a pretty good showing for the Canes. The came out blazing, scoring three goals in the first period, causing the Sharks goalie, Nabokov, to be pulled at the start of the second. They maintained the three-goal goal lead throughout the second, and weathered the Sharks attempt at a comeback.
I feel really good about the Canes play. Not only did they gain a quick lead, but they were able to hold off the Sharks, who were 8-0-2 coming into the game. And, they achieved another power play goal!
I don't feel really good about the Sharks. They were extremely cheap and left a bad taste in my mouth throughout the whole game. Especially when that Clowe guy rammed Erik Cole into the boards. I pretty much lost respect for them after this game. I can't really remember specific incidents, but it was all of this stuff that was behind the play or when the Canes player was looking the other way.
Actually, I'm getting pretty incensed with the refs in general recently. They let the most obvious infractions go uncalled, but they call the stuff that is barely a penalty. Pretty pathetic really.
Canes are still in 8th, tied with Montreal, but we have the tie-breaker.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal
On the season: 27 goals, 29 assists
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Canes win in OT
Canes won in overtime against Florida 3-2.
The Canes didn't need that game to go into overtime. They had a 1-0 lead going into the third (off of a Scott Walker goal), and they only capitalized on one of six regulation-time Florida penalties.
Florida's second goal was completely wrong. Rather than the ref (I believe it was Don Koharski) pointing to the goal in the understood way of signaling a goal, he made a high sticking motion and what appeared to be waving off the goal, only to really mean that he was signaling that there was no high stick. (That's how I understand it - and this is after listening to John Forslund and Tripp Tracy on FSN trying to make sense of the signals for the fifteen minutes that it took to review the play and explain the call to an incensed Peter Laviolette.)
*UPDATE 4:07PM* If you want a better explanation (i.e. something that quotes the actual NHL rulebook, and the person who wrote it actually understands what happened) go to Red and Black Hockey's post about the goal. It cleared some things up for me.
Anyways... Erik Cole tied it up at two and the Canes went into ovetime.
Much to the Caniac Nation's pleasure, Justin Williams scored in overtime, so the Canes were not forced to go into a shootout.
I will add that John Grahame played a very good game, after getting his first start in 8 games, and that I also like the line of LaRose-Walker-Belanger.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 20 goals, 24 assists
The Canes didn't need that game to go into overtime. They had a 1-0 lead going into the third (off of a Scott Walker goal), and they only capitalized on one of six regulation-time Florida penalties.
Florida's second goal was completely wrong. Rather than the ref (I believe it was Don Koharski) pointing to the goal in the understood way of signaling a goal, he made a high sticking motion and what appeared to be waving off the goal, only to really mean that he was signaling that there was no high stick. (That's how I understand it - and this is after listening to John Forslund and Tripp Tracy on FSN trying to make sense of the signals for the fifteen minutes that it took to review the play and explain the call to an incensed Peter Laviolette.)
*UPDATE 4:07PM* If you want a better explanation (i.e. something that quotes the actual NHL rulebook, and the person who wrote it actually understands what happened) go to Red and Black Hockey's post about the goal. It cleared some things up for me.
Anyways... Erik Cole tied it up at two and the Canes went into ovetime.
Much to the Caniac Nation's pleasure, Justin Williams scored in overtime, so the Canes were not forced to go into a shootout.
I will add that John Grahame played a very good game, after getting his first start in 8 games, and that I also like the line of LaRose-Walker-Belanger.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 20 goals, 24 assists
Friday, January 12, 2007
Canes have ultimate third period
[As stated below, I conjured up this post during my Spanish exam earlier today. Factual corrections or later additions are in brackets.]
Ugh. I'm currently writing this during my Spanish exam. I have thirty minuted to burn, so I decided to write the post now, so I'll actually put some thought into what I'm writing an have an actual game recap - not the ramblings that I normally have. (Although there will be ramblings - sitting in a trailer taking an exam for 3 and 1/2 hours will do that to you).
Anyways... the game last night. Wow. Just wow. I don't know whether to be angry or happy, but I am kind of stunned.
The Canes came out in the first doing okay. There should have been a goal, but Mick McGeough proved once again why he is one of the most infamous refs in the NHL. Apparently he stopped play to call a penalty before the puck went in. But that's a bunch of crap. He needs to get contacts because he sees things that aren't there, that's for sure. Él es ciego y gordo.
So the game was 0-0 at the end of the first.
Then came the second period where the Canes went downhill fast and let Florida score 3 goals (2 in 30 seconds, I believe [Actually 2 in 50 seconds. But what does it matter? Just letting two goals in is crap.]). The Canes just didn't do anything good at all. At the end of the second, I hadn't given up hope, but, considering their play, I wasn't too optimistic.
Third period Chad LaRose nets one.
Now, I believe, if someone else on the Canes squad had gotten the goal, it wouldn't have been the same. The excitement in the arena after the goal was insane. I mean, how can you not be overjoyed when a guy like Chad, who gives 110% on every shift in every game, gets his second goal of the season?
After that, the goals just came in waves. Cole got the second, Walker stuffed one in behind Florida goalie Alex Auld to tie it, Stillman put the Canes ahead off of a nice Hutchinson pass, someone who I can't remember scored [Craig Adams], and somebody else got the empty net [Ray Whitney]. 6 goals in one period, a franchise record, I would think. [Nope, record is 7.]
Amazing, just amazing to come back from being down 0-3 in one period. It's just a feat to do that.
But then, I refrain from being too happy because the Canes dug themselves that hole to begin with, with their crappy defensive play [New guy, Seidenberg looked pretty good, though], and no offense whatsoever in the second.
And, because I still have 15 minutes to burn, I'll tell you why I think the Canes were able to pull it off: They played Led Zeppelin at the RBC Center.
Stop laughing.
No, I'm serious. Stop laughing.
I had noticed, in the last Pittsburgh game, when I was watching it on FSN, that "When the Levee Breaks" was playing. I thought to myself: They're playing that at the Igloo! How will we ever win?
End result: Pittsburgh wins 3-0.
In the first period, I heard "Rock and Roll", something that is never heard at the arena - Canes have a miraculous comeback to win the game.
Coincidence? I think not.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 19 goals, 21 assists
Ugh. I'm currently writing this during my Spanish exam. I have thirty minuted to burn, so I decided to write the post now, so I'll actually put some thought into what I'm writing an have an actual game recap - not the ramblings that I normally have. (Although there will be ramblings - sitting in a trailer taking an exam for 3 and 1/2 hours will do that to you).
Anyways... the game last night. Wow. Just wow. I don't know whether to be angry or happy, but I am kind of stunned.
The Canes came out in the first doing okay. There should have been a goal, but Mick McGeough proved once again why he is one of the most infamous refs in the NHL. Apparently he stopped play to call a penalty before the puck went in. But that's a bunch of crap. He needs to get contacts because he sees things that aren't there, that's for sure. Él es ciego y gordo.
So the game was 0-0 at the end of the first.
Then came the second period where the Canes went downhill fast and let Florida score 3 goals (2 in 30 seconds, I believe [Actually 2 in 50 seconds. But what does it matter? Just letting two goals in is crap.]). The Canes just didn't do anything good at all. At the end of the second, I hadn't given up hope, but, considering their play, I wasn't too optimistic.
Third period Chad LaRose nets one.
Now, I believe, if someone else on the Canes squad had gotten the goal, it wouldn't have been the same. The excitement in the arena after the goal was insane. I mean, how can you not be overjoyed when a guy like Chad, who gives 110% on every shift in every game, gets his second goal of the season?
After that, the goals just came in waves. Cole got the second, Walker stuffed one in behind Florida goalie Alex Auld to tie it, Stillman put the Canes ahead off of a nice Hutchinson pass, someone who I can't remember scored [Craig Adams], and somebody else got the empty net [Ray Whitney]. 6 goals in one period, a franchise record, I would think. [Nope, record is 7.]
Amazing, just amazing to come back from being down 0-3 in one period. It's just a feat to do that.
But then, I refrain from being too happy because the Canes dug themselves that hole to begin with, with their crappy defensive play [New guy, Seidenberg looked pretty good, though], and no offense whatsoever in the second.
And, because I still have 15 minutes to burn, I'll tell you why I think the Canes were able to pull it off: They played Led Zeppelin at the RBC Center.
Stop laughing.
No, I'm serious. Stop laughing.
I had noticed, in the last Pittsburgh game, when I was watching it on FSN, that "When the Levee Breaks" was playing. I thought to myself: They're playing that at the Igloo! How will we ever win?
End result: Pittsburgh wins 3-0.
In the first period, I heard "Rock and Roll", something that is never heard at the arena - Canes have a miraculous comeback to win the game.
Coincidence? I think not.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 19 goals, 21 assists
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