CANES CLINCH PLAYOFFS!

[x]

I felt like this news definitely deserved its own thread! Now that we've clinched, it doesn't seem right to continue posting in a thread entitled "Poop";)

Much deserved props to Mo & the coaching staff for the adjustments they've made, and to our players- especially for the incredible run they've been on for the past 15 games! Keep it up, boys!

Still a lot to be determined as far as seeding goes, but what does everybody think in terms of possible matchups/our chances to make a run?

Last 6 seasons: FINALS, no playoffs, no playoffs, CUP, no playoffs, no playoffs, ???

(I'm just sayin'...)

[wheels76]

I am going to have to agree.....I have to give the coaching staff A LOT of credit and it starts with Coach Mo. They have the guys playing some inspired hockey.
I will also give credit to JR. We lambasted him for firing Lavi, wanted him fired for trading back for Cole, and met his pick up of Jokinen with general indifference.
Kudos to the team, coaches, and mgmt for bringing playoff hockey back to the loudest house in the NHL!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

We lambasted him for firing Lavi, wanted him fired for trading back for Cole, and met his pick up of Jokinen with general indifference.

Um, you might need to speak for yourself on most of that....

[Mona2006]

I give 110% credit to our players. I think this would have happened no matter who wore the suits behind the bench. I think their want and desire for post-season, took precedence over anything.. injuries, differences, etc. But that is just my opinion. And on JR's side, I do say bringing back Colesy was an excellent decision in many ways.. but that is where my credit for him stops.

Still can't believe WE ARE IN... I told hyena the jumbotorn folks probably had those words programmed in the entire game and couldn't wait to hit the send button.. and we laughed about the premature horn in the OT.

:nanner::nanner::yippee::yippee:

[Dammit100]

fair or not, I'll give Francis a lot of credit, and Mo none. :D

[caneshockeychick]

:yeah:

[puck_it]

fair or not, I'll give Francis a lot of credit, and Mo none. :D
i think with an improved power play, that's all Francis.

I'll give mo credit for being there.

[livinthedream]

Four months ago essentially this same group of players was without confidence and seemed to lack direction and focus. IMO the coaching staff deserves credit for putting the right framework and decision-making in place that got the players performing better and believing in themselves again.

I'll also give the front office credit for then making at least two more very smart moves that allowed our team to get better at a critical stretch in our schedule.

And then at some magical point during these last four months, this group of players realized they really were indeed a great team, started believing in themselves again, started playing for themselves, and created success. For that they all deserve credit as well.

IMO it's a symbiotic relationship. One group's success doesn't necessarily happen without all the others. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Crediting all doesn't diminish any one's individual value in the equation.

ETA: BTW we're still ****ed once the playoffs start.

[KaniacFever]

I was not on the Mo wagon when JR re-hired him, but I gotta give credit where credit is due. And I give the coaching staff major props. Back in December our defense was rated like 22nd, now this defense is rated around 12th. As much as I like and respect Lavi, our defense would not have made this improvement with him. Nor would Babchuk and as much as a blasted Babchuk, his confidence has helped this team get where they are.

I also gotta give the players major props as well. They fought hard, they brought the desire and the whatever it takes attitude back. They are playing like a team again and playing for each other again.

Bringing in Jokinen was a good move by JR as well. His versatility is something that cannot go unnoticed. If we didn't have him, we would be rushing Cullen back and having him play at 50%. Also bringing in Cole has done wonders. And I'll even go back to last deadline when Ruutu was brought in here.

I also will give props to us Caniacs. Cause you know with out us, this 11 game home win streak wouldn't be possible :D

Congrats to Timmay for finally getting a taste of post season play. And also to Walker who has been wanting another chance at the post season since he came here.

[livinthedream]

* facepalm *

ARRRRGH - How could I have forgotten to give us credit too?

:lol:

^ KF, Ruuty's first post-season too. :D

[c-girl]

I'm thrilled that Timmay and Ruu will finally get a chance at post-season. Is there anybody else on the team who has never been?

And of course I'm thrilled that *we* get to go through a post-season again.

[livinthedream]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/Canes/2008-2009%20Season/Misc%20Photos/OurTeamOurTime.jpg

[livinthedream]

I'm thrilled that Timmay and Ruu will finally get a chance at post-season. Is there anybody else on the team who has never been?

Based on a quick spin through ch.com...Leighton, Conboy, Helminen, Micheal Ryan. I don't think Bayda has been to the playoffs either. He wasn't with us in 2006, was he?

Jussi was in with the Stars, Corvo and Eaves with the Sens, Seids and Joni with the Flyers, Scotty with the Preds, Sergei many times with the Bruins and of course against us in 2006 with the Oilers.

[ontheglass]

Holy Crap!!! Holy Crap!!! Holy Crap!!! I haven't had internet or much contact with the outside world since Thursday. My new hotel has good internet and holy crap... F-N awesome. First thing I did was go to LGC and holy crap. I can't wait to get home, I know the next 10 days are going to drag. Playoffs baby!!!!

[hyena]

{playoff graphic}

I hope that's not our playoff slogan. That was the Stars' slogan for this season and you see where that got them. :crazy:

[Dammit100]

this may have been answered elsewhere, but why hasn't Philly clinched a spot as well since they too have 95 pts?

[ontheglass]

this may have been answered elsewhere, but why hasn't Philly clinched a spot as well since they too have 95 pts?

I have been trying to catch up on this after I saw the standings. It is probably a tie-break thing with FLA, but it also seems that their (PHL) magic number is one. If PHL loses its remaining games and PIT, NYR, MTL, exceed 95 points and FLA wins out then FLA might have the tie-break over PHL. They would both have 42 wins, but the head to head would then come in to play... I think.

[nickgregory]

Four months ago essentially this same group of players was without confidence and seemed to lack direction and focus. IMO the coaching staff deserves credit for putting the right framework and decision-making in place that got the players performing better and believing in themselves again.




agree completely with this. too many people are unwilling to give Mo any credit for where this team is. I just dont see how you cant give the coaching staff credit for where this team is. Laviolette was a hell of a coach for this team, but the team that is on the ice now is miles better defensively than it has been since the 2006 season. Was it Laviolette's system? Was it players who quit listening to him? Who knows, but the team is better for the change...

and for what its worth, I hated the change when it happened...still only lukewarn to it, but it is tough to argue with results...

[wheels76]

Um, you might need to speak for yourself on most of that....

Do I? I thought this was called the worst move mgmt could make, refunds for tickets were going to be demanded, only move worse than Mo would have been Francis, and there was general disgust.......I certainly never said those things.

I'm just happy for the team....and yes I do think the coaches (including and specifically MO) deserve a ton of credit. I'm sure every last player would agree.


I agree with what was said about the steady improvement of the D, and Babchuk. Wow, what a nice surprise!
Congrats to the fans, playoff hockey is back and that means LGC will be hopping for weeks to come!

[caniac369]

... it doesn't seem right to continue posting in a thread entitled "Poop";)

Um, thus the whole reason for renaming the thread...

[livinthedream]

Joe Corvo thinks the coaching deserves some credit.

Stormy reception awaits Carolina playoff foe (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_619325.html?source=rss&feed=8)

"There was an attitude change," Carolina defenseman Joe Corvo said of his club's 31-17-3 record before last night since Maurice replaced former coach Peter Laviolette on Dec. 3. "We weren't having morning skates before (Maurice) got here, and that was reflective on our inconsistent play and poor starts.

"It came down to more discipline and responsibility being put on each player by Paul, just kind of telling guys what they needed to do specifically. We're just a different team now."

And the Penguins seem to think the crowd deserves some credit too.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- By no means will the Penguins concede a Stanley Cup playoff series to any opponent simply because they might not hold home-ice advantage.

However, players do concede the Carolina Hurricanes' RBC Center would prove one of the more difficult venues to claim a series-deciding Game 7 victory - and not simply because the Penguins were on a 2-4-1 stretch there before Saturday.

"This is a loud building, and it would be louder in a must-win playoff game," center Max Talbot said. "It's been a tough place for us to win. It's been tough for everybody."

The Hurricanes carried a 10-game home winning streak into last night, though their 24-13-1 record in 38 games at RBC Arena ranked only 14th in the league.

The Penguins are 16-4-1 at Mellon Arena since Jan. 6, but one of those losses was against the Hurricanes - a 2-1 defeat Jan. 20 that Carolina coach Paul Maurice said helped spark his club's second-half surge toward the playoffs.

The Hurricanes' red-clad home fans did their part, too.

"This team wasn't playing well at home, and (fans have) seen a Stanley Cup here, so there was a certain expectation of the excitement level," he said. "It's a little more sophisticated crowd since we moved (from Hartford) in 1997. They've seen a lot of hockey games now and their expectations are a little bit higher.

"I also think they sensed we needed some help."

[nccanes]

I agree with LTD as well - the players AND staff deserve props. A group of guys (players) doesn't start playing a different system a coaching staff makes that decision, but the guys have to BUY IN and make it work and they did. Numerous players have talked about how it simplified things for them including wingers like Larose.

Well done top to bottom!

[livinthedream]

I will also give credit to JR. We lambasted him for firing Lavi, wanted him fired for trading back for Cole, and met his pick up of Jokinen with general indifference.

Um, you might need to speak for yourself on most of that....

Do I? I thought this was called the worst move mgmt could make, refunds for tickets were going to be demanded, only move worse than Mo would have been Francis, and there was general disgust.......I certainly never said those things.

Nor did I. I never said any of the three comments you pointed out in your original post. But you used "WE", implying that I did.

That being said, it does feel GOOOOOOD to be posting in a thread titled "CANES CLINCH PLAYOFFS." :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Do I? I thought this was called the worst move mgmt could make, refunds for tickets were going to be demanded, only move worse than Mo would have been Francis, and there was general disgust.......I certainly never said those things.

Plenty of people were upset about the HIRING OF MO. That wasn't even one of the things you listed when you spoke for us.

We lambasted him for firing Lavi, wanted him fired for trading back for Cole, and met his pick up of Jokinen with general indifference.

So, yeah, speak for yourself.




I thought re-hiring Mo was a terrible decision....and I had a damn good case for believing that. Turns out, he has grown a lot as a coach....even since Toronto. Having Francis and his use of Whitney (watch every time out, Whitney is talking the entire time) has helped a LOT and is a great example of how he has grown. IMO, he didn't want much help his first time around here. I think he has had a complete 360 in the way he views and treats players now. I doubt if he'd come in not wanting to utilize our offensive talent, running them into the ground in practice, and bag skating random players after every crappy loss in the beginning that we'd be where we are now. He has a much different approach this time around and it turned out to be exactly what we needed. Anyone (not named JR) who says they believed that on December 1 is full of it. I don't know who made the assessment that we needed some TLC-ish type treatment with some of the guys to get their confidence up but they deserve a ton of credit.

It's certainly true every single aspect of this organization deserves some credit for where we are now, no doubt about that.

I think the urge to come in with the "I told you so" posts about the coach at this point is pretty much a waste of breath, though.

[MoBigRed]

I have been trying to catch up on this after I saw the standings. It is probably a tie-break thing with FLA, but it also seems that their (PHL) magic number is one. If PHL loses its remaining games and PIT, NYR, MTL, exceed 95 points and FLA wins out then FLA might have the tie-break over PHL. They would both have 42 wins, but the head to head would then come in to play... I think.

Yeah, that. PHI has not yet clinched because both NYR and FLA can finish the season with 95 pts, and both would win the tie-breaker due to more wins. This is only if PHI loses every single game from here on out in regulation, and NYR and FLA win every single game. A single W/OTL for PHI or a single L/OTL for either NYR and FLA, and PHI is in. And NYR and FLA both have to pass PHI for the Flyers not to make it.

Short answer - they're in for all intents and purposes, but they have not yet mathematically 'clinched' due to having only 42 wins (CAR has 44 wins with the same number of points, of course, and neither NYR nor FLA can catch that, which is why they can finish no lower than 7th).

[puck_it]

lump me in with the "we"??? crowd

I was ok with firing Lavi at the time... after seeing the disaster before our turn around, i second guessed. Especially since we hired ****ing maurice.

I was fine with Cole being re-acquired. I liked our trade for pitkanen, and Cole came back with a fresher outlook. He isnt the same player he was last season, plus I thought it would spark Staal, and it did..

Jokinen, i was thrilled about that acquisition. I knew his shoot out prowress, and absolutely hated melichar and brookbank. i think it's turned out better than i imagined, especially with his growing chemistry with Whitney.

i dont think any one person had the same feelings as another person on all three events. there were crowds for both sides and there's many subtexts that create a million different permutations.

[Mona2006]

I will add one more comment on this subject and then hush.. my reasoning about the coaches not being the huge part IMO is because I have watched sports my entire life. College basketball and football for the most part until my first Canes game in 2001 and hockey creeped into my heart. But I have seen brilliant coaches have a team of brilliant and skilled players and come away with absolutely nothing. On the other hand, I have seen mediocre coaches and a so-so team filled with huge hearts and huge dreams win it all. That shows me that the team/players are the ones that control it all.

I agree that there has to be guidance from the coaches, but all the best plays in the world can't be executed without desire, want and will from the players. I didn't see that from our team for several months this season and I don't think the Lavi out/Mo in was the fix. There were nights when it looked to me like they could care less if they ever won again... We may never know what made the difference, but I know we all thankful it happened.

[JohnH]

Yeah, that. PHI has not yet clinched because both NYR and FLA can finish the season with 95 pts, and both would win the tie-breaker due to more wins.

And though I'm not sure when in the tie-breaking formula this factors into it, the Flyers trail their head-to-head series against both NYR and FLA 2 games to 1, with one game remaining against each.

John

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Flyers play the Rangers twice more.

[JohnH]

The Flyers play the Rangers twice more.
You're right..."check that," as Johnny F would correct himself...Season series tied at 2 with 2 games left (Thurs and Sat.) As I went down the list, I managed to overlook two games and the fact that they're in the same division, so they play six and not four. Thanks for the correction.

John, not as good at stats as I thought...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I only knew because I'm so pissed that there is no good choice on who to pull for in those two. I want the Rangers out, but I want us to have home ice. Dammit.:D

[StormWarning]

It was as happy as it's been in years at the RBC during the post OT celebration with "WE'RE IN!" flashing on the Jumbotron :)

[JohnH]

I only knew because I'm so pissed that there is no good choice on who to pull for in those two. I want the Rangers out, but I want us to have home ice. Dammit.:D

If we beat NYI, FLA beats PHI, and MTL beats NYR on Tuesday, then it's (4) CAR, (5) PHI, (8) FLA and (9) NYR. Let's figure out the rest of it then. :D

John

[LuvDaCanes]

Besides winning, the best part of last nights game was seeing how happy the Canes were. I remember last year after the loss to Florida, I was never so heart broken for team I followed. Then they all had to come back and give their sweaters away to the fans. They were in shock! I felt so bad that they had to go through that. So the joy they showed after the win was made even better remembering what they had to go through last year.

[SoCalcaniac]

To the topic: YEAH! The Canes clinched. As one of ya'll who has poured money for season tickets, time and energy caring about this team- I'm personally thrilled. After getting lots of texts and calls from hub's family back in PIT saying "what a great team" the Hurricanes are, and "those are the Canes we remember watching" when they've been down to visit, it's completely thrilling that we are back to where they deserve to be.

as far as Wheels' belief that "We" wanted JR fired for bring back #26 and the assertion that there was indifference on the Jokinen pickup- this person was happy as can be to see Erik back, and while others knew little to nothing about Jussi since he spent most of his time in the West w/Dallas, I personally had seen plenty of him, so I knew what we were getting, and laughing at Tampa for their incompetence for putting him on waivers (twice) and then trading him.

I'll agree with SHC on TNOC - Mo has changed dramatically as a coach since his first go round and even since his tenure in The Centre of the Hockey Universe- he's changed- he's flexed, he's bent; I admire his ability to do so . This coach by committee thing is working and good for all of us.

For me personally, I hated everything about the decision to bring him back. I am a Laviolette supporter and will be to the end, so that is my own bias. My disgust in the return engagement of Mo was the fact that this team quit on PL, and to this day, It makes me ill to think about it. But it's over now, move on (someday I will). So the net of this- I give the players alot of credit for stopping the bleeding, stopping the self induced pity party that they seemed to be having for themselves, and for picking themselves up, dusting themselves off, and turning the mess they created, around. I do give credit to Tom Rowe and the long lost coach Kevin McCarthy exiled to the pressbox or whatever that is, for working hard with the former headcases that are our defensemen. RF has helped turned that once horrid PP around, and the players gained confidence to execute.

It's my personal assertion that JR fired PL for alot of reasons, and one of the top reasons was the owner's distaste for Peter.

Good work Canes org as a whole. But if we're zeroing in on who the credit should go to- The coaches don't play, the GM doesn't play- the credit goes to the guys in that locker room.

I'm glad that even in my anger over all that playoff chatter and invoices coming due, that we paid for our tickets for next season and said yes to the playoff option and opted in. :lol:

Another interesting "sidenote" about clinching last night. It was a year ago to the DAY yesterday that we lost to FLA and saw our hopes dashed. Redemption is a good thing.

[JohnH]

I only knew because I'm so pissed that there is no good choice on who to pull for in those two. I want the Rangers out, but I want us to have home ice. Dammit.:D

I think I figured it out. If Carolina and Florida each win at least two of their remaining games, and PHI, PIT and NYR only win one of theirs, then we finish fourth and the Rangers are ninth. So I think the best-case scenario for what you're describing WRT the Flyers and Rangers is for them to beat each other once. How's that for a solution? :D

John

[Kat]

I think I figured it out. If Carolina and Florida each win at least two of their remaining games, and PHI, PIT and NYR only win one of theirs, then we finish fourth and the Rangers are ninth. So I think the best-case scenario for what you're describing WRT the Flyers and Rangers is for them to beat each other once. How's that for a solution? :D

John

I like it! Thanks for doing the thinking for me... :D

[evan]

For my two cents: I have to say that I think the coaching change did things for this team. It took some time, but special teams got better. The power play is dramatically better. I'd give credit to Francis here. The PK is better too, we always had great PKs under Maurice, so I'll give him some credit there. We've also been way more responsible defensively without sacrificing offense, gone are the days of 5 or more break-aways against per game. That's not a slight on Laviolette, because his system and power play worked brilliantly before, I think other teams just had the book on us by this season.

One thing I like that Maurice has done, is play Ward every game. I always thought he would perform better if he were treated like a Ryan Miller, where he plays just about every night, back to backs and whatever. IMO Ward looks better and more confident than he has at any point in his career and the numbers back it up. I'm not sure if he feels like he doesn't have to play for his job every night and the reduced pressure is allowing him to just worry about making the next save or what. But it seems like since he's known he'll be in net, night in and night out, he's been stellar.

Those have been changes strategically, that I think we can look to and see empirical evidence that the team has improved resulting directly from those changes.

The big turning point in this season however, has to be the reacquisition of Erik Cole. When it was announced he was coming back, I was honestly a little skeptical that the deal would make that much of a difference in getting us to the playoffs and I thought maybe by bringing a fan-favorite back to Raleigh, the organization might just be trying to sell a few more tickets for the remainder of the season. I thought you could immediately see a difference in this team, even at practices. Players like Brind'amour and Staal seemed instantly rejuvenated by having Cole back. Our lines became more balanced and our offense exploded right away. The combination of Staal, Cole, and Ruutu, has given us that first line that is a consistent threat every time they are on the ice.

I couldn't be more thrilled to see our 'Canes back in the playoffs. They've instilled confidence in me concerning this team to be playing as well as they have against teams that are much more desperate for points these last few games. But they just look like that team again, who has the quiet confidence each game that they know they can beat any team in the league.

LETS GO CANES!

[andyt]

The big turning point in this season however, has to be the reacquisition of Erik Cole. When it was announced he was coming back, I was honestly a little skeptical that the deal would make that much of a difference in getting us to the playoffs and I thought maybe by bringing a fan-favorite back to Raleigh, the organization might just be trying to sell a few more tickets for the remainder of the season. I thought you could immediately see a difference in this team, even at practices. Players like Brind'amour and Staal seemed instantly rejuvenated by having Cole back. Our lines became more balanced and our offense exploded right away. The combination of Staal, Cole, and Ruutu, has given us that first line that is a consistent threat every time they are on the ice.

In the 14 games since the trade deadline, Staal has 20 points, Cole has 11 points and Ruutu has 13 points. As you say, that's a pretty fair first line.

[Kat]

One thing I like that Maurice has done, is play Ward every game. I always thought he would perform better if he were treated like a Ryan Miller, where he plays just about every night, back to backs and whatever. IMO Ward looks better and more confident than he has at any point in his career and the numbers back it up. I'm not sure if he feels like he doesn't have to play for his job every night and the reduced pressure is allowing him to just worry about making the next save or what. But it seems like since he's known he'll be in net, night in and night out, he's been stellar.


The big turning point in this season however, has to be the reacquisition of Erik Cole. When it was announced he was coming back, I was honestly a little skeptical that the deal would make that much of a difference in getting us to the playoffs and I thought maybe by bringing a fan-favorite back to Raleigh, the organization might just be trying to sell a few more tickets for the remainder of the season. I thought you could immediately see a difference in this team, even at practices. Players like Brind'amour and Staal seemed instantly rejuvenated by having Cole back. Our lines became more balanced and our offense exploded right away. The combination of Staal, Cole, and Ruutu, has given us that first line that is a consistent threat every time they are on the ice.


I agree completely on both counts.

Ward is young and healthy and can physically withstand it, and I think that it definitely helps him mentally to be relied on like he has been. I also think that having a defensive-minded coach, and having the defense there to back him up, clear out the rebounds, etc. has done WONDERS for him and his confidence. In the old system, imo we relied a bit too much on the offense to outscore the opposition, whereas now it is a more balanced game.

As to Cole, I was with you. Went, well, it can't hurt? Williams, as much as I liked him back in '06, just couldn't stay off the IR long enough to make a difference to the team. I like Cole and had no problem with the trade, but I guess I totally underestimated his effect on Staal.

And one more comment... I don't think that this organization takes one of your points seriously enough. If Cole can sell tickets, then by all means keep him!! :)

[Mona2006]

Just got this email from Karen Prince..

2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Great Playoff Strip Seats Remaining!!

Dear Mona,

Your Carolina Hurricanes stormed into a guaranteed postseason berth by beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in OT at home Saturday night, and having now won a franchise record 11-straight home games, the 'Canes are primed to storm into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With single game first-round playoff tickets set to go on sale to the general public tomorrow at 12 p.m., we want to ensure our Season Ticket Holders have all the playoff strip seats they need for what looks to be another memorable Hurricanes postseason run.

Some outstanding locations remain available for purchase including:

128 A 8,9
110 B 9,10
119 T 7-9
102 M 1,2

126 D 6,7
108 V 11-14
221 A 1-4
224 A 1-4

302 A 7-9
324 H 10-13
334 G 17-20
336 C 4-7


For more information regarding the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, please contact the Hurricanes Ticket Department at 1-866-NHL-CANEs (1-866-645-2263).

There's nothing like Carolina Hurricanes playoff hockey in the RBC Center - be sure you don't miss it!

Go 'Canes!!

[SoCalcaniac]

We got that email too- and it came just in time as it appears a few friends are now kinda scambling for tickets as they didn't opt in for Playoffs so we're going to buy a few for them.

Tommorow should be very interesting times at the box office!

[caniac369]

I looked on various outlets for game 1 or 2 tickets (since we won't know until the earliest tomorrow night what our seed will be) and it is crazy what people are asking.

If I knew I could liquidate the remaining tickets, I would buy a strip through a friend of mine to save the money but I have no guarantees. I know I shouldn't stress since the hockey gods have always looked out for me in this capacity (getting tickets at at or below STH price at the last minute) but I can't help but bite my finger nails... :spin:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

About unloading playoff tickets....I don't know if I'd worry. A friend had 5 seats upstairs for Thursday's game that she wasn't going to be able to use. She posted them at gate-price on Craigslist and had 15 phonecalls within a couple hours. Seriously. And soooo many of the people calling were telling her that they had just been to their first game ever in the past couple weeks and now they were hooked.

If nothing else, they are growing the fanbase with this run.....if the org can manage not to blow it like usual.

[Caniac]

I'm going to have to get someone to pick up some for me.

[livinthedream]

So for anyone who has done this already, can you just call the ticket office before noon tomorrow? Or do you have to go over there?

[caniac369]

So, due to an unexpected circumstance on the part of the aforementioned friends (nobody ya'll would know) I'm back to square 1... ugh.

So I'm at the gym this morning and 'The Rising' comes on my ipod and I started thinking about songs for our current run. Then during lunch I heard 'Time of My Life' by David Cook and thought that might be a nominee.

But now I'm rising from the ashes
Finding my wings
And all that I needed
Was there all along
Within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart

Thoughts?

[livinthedream]

From the Technician (http://www.technicianonline.com/sports/become-a-caniac-1.1645483)

Become a Caniac
Lindsey Hall
Senior Staff Writer<!-- AddThis Button END -->
Published: Monday, April 6, 2009
Updated: Monday, April 6, 2009

The post-season has returned to Raleigh. And no, I don’t mean a Sweet Sixteen run by our mediocre basketball team. Last Saturday, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime, securing their first run for the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.

Last Thursday, when the New York Rangers came to town, Canes fans packed the RBC Center for a sellout crowd. After being tied 2-2 for a good stretch of the game, Chad LaRose snagged a loose puck in front of the net and the Canes took the lead. But things got even better, as 28 seconds later, captain Rod Brind’Amour rocketed a shot past goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to secure a 4-2 lead and the win. The sellout crowd gave the team a raucous standing ovation for well over three minutes. “The last time I heard it that loud was in the playoffs,” LaRose said in a postgame interview.

Now ask yourself – when is the last time that the RBC was rocking during a basketball game? I certainly don’t remember. The only game in recent memory that can compare to this caliber of support and excitement is when the buzzer sounded and the students rushed the court in 2007 as the basketball team sent the Tarheels packing.

If you’ve never been to a hockey game, here’s a word of advice – go. If you’ve carried that anti-hockey, “It’s a boring sport” sentiment around, just give the game a chance. We have a successful, winning team just down the road from campus. They just set a franchise record Saturday with 11 consecutive home wins and have won 8 games in a row.

A whiteboard in the hallway leading to the Canes bench dons the message “Good teams find a way to win.” This team is more than good, and they’ve certainly found a way to win. Good things are happening in the RBC Center.

The ever-growing fan base in North Carolina knows a little bit about Southern hospitality, and the hell of a time that’s called tailgating. A good number of Caniacs fire up the grill for the afternoon before a regular season game. But during the NHL playoffs, you might think there was a game going on in Carter-Finley with the fans coming out in droves in their Wolfpack-red Canes jerseys.

Even if you can’t get a playoff ticket, round up a crew and go tailgate. There’s going to be more people in the parking lots than the arena can hold, and a lot of people without tickets, just watching the game on television outside. And if all else fails, at least you will be getting pumped up for what I’m hoping is an epic football season.

While N.C. State has been experiencing its own athletic letdowns, there is a winning team in town, and students should support them. I for one will be out in the lots, grillin’ and chillin’, giving high fives and doing the Ric Flair “Wooooo” on my way into the RBC Center. I’ve never been big on the idea of bandwagon fans…but if my fellow students want to jump on and cheer for my favorite team, then I hope to see y’all at the game, cheering ‘Let’s go Canes!’ all the way.

[livinthedream]

So for anyone who has done this already, can you just call the ticket office before noon tomorrow? Or do you have to go over there?

Also, does anyone know if STHs can purchase individual games before they go on sale at noon, or is it strips only? Obviously I can call when the office opens but thought if someone had been through some of these questions already....

[SoCalcaniac]

LTD- Question one, I am not sure- you should call your ticket rep and see if he/she will do sell to you before noon; I'd imagine that he/she would(?) but you know this gets all tricky --- it's the Canes. :lol:

On strips vs single games for STHers- you have to commit to a strip- we bought 3 strips for neighbors/friends from our guy yesterdayafter we got the STHer email and hub sent a note to people we know who'd be interested --- so one of the group has friends who are 'hooked' but can't commit to a strip and our guy said they've been instructed to sell strips at the STHer price.

Hope that helps.....

Cool article from the Technician. I really do enjoy seeing the college crowd come to games. Hopefully we'll see more of it....

[livinthedream]

Thanks very much for the help on my ticket questions; I appreciate it! :kiss:

Luke's Talking Points (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/decock/tuesday-top-five-canes-playoff-matchups) today center around potential playoff opponents.

Now that the Hurricanes are in the playoffs, with Saturday's win over Pittsburgh, it's time to start taking a look at potential playoff matchups with three games to go.

According to sportsclubstats.com (http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Eastern.html), here are Carolina's most likely opponents going into Monday night's games, with a 4-5 matchup with Philadelphia (home ice uncertain) looking like a good bet — Tuesday's Top Five:

5. Carolina (4) vs. Montreal (5), 7.3 percent -- Since moving to North Carolina, the Canes are 8-4 against the Canadiens in the playoffs.

4. Carolina (4) vs. Pittsburgh (5), 10.1 percent -- Cam Ward looked pretty good against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on Saturday, but facing the Penguins for seven games would be even tougher.

3. Carolina (6) vs. New Jersey (3), 12.1 percent -- It just wouldn't be spring without a Hurricanes-Devils series (2001, 2002, 2006).

2. Carolina (4) vs. Philadelphia (5), 14.3 percent -- A series that really should have happened before Keith Primeau retired. Looks, though, like the Flyers have the edge for home ice.

1. Carolina (5) vs. Philadelphia (4), 42.3 percent -- Here's why home ice would matter: the Canes' series record since moving to North Carolina is 7-1 with home-ice advantage and 0-3 without.

[aldamon]

With the regular season ending on 4/12, is it safe to assume that the playoffs will start on 4/15 or so? We'll be out of town from 4/13 - 4/17 and we're trying to figure out what game we can attend. I think buying tickets to the third game would be safe since it would either be a Game 5 or 6 but the second game would be guaranteed and a Game 4 during the weekend if we don't have home ice for the series. Good problem to have.

[andyt]

I may be having a brain fart, but what is the other series we lost without home ice? We lost round 1 in 2001 to the Devils and the Finals in 2002. The series we lost with home ice was round 1 in 1999 to the Bruins.

[Shattered]

Just FYI for whoever might be interested - we just released our seats in 326 B in case anyone is interested in extra playoff strips. Decided last minute to get 2 extras and couldn't get 2 within shouting distance of those.

[SoCalcaniac]

With the regular season ending on 4/12, is it safe to assume that the playoffs will start on 4/15 or so?

Clearly you've not been watching Versus. :lol: They've only let us know they start on 4/15 every other commercial! So yes, first day of the playoffs is 4/15.

[aldamon]

Clearly you've not been watching Versus. :lol: They've only let us know they start on 4/15 every other commercial! So yes, first day of the playoffs is 4/15.

Hehe. Thanks! I think I'll go for the second and third games then. There always seems to be a gap between Games 1 and 2 and we'll back in town on Friday afternoon. No home ice, then no problem.

[caveman]

Just FYI for whoever might be interested - we just released our seats in 326 B in case anyone is interested in extra playoff strips. Decided last minute to get 2 extras and couldn't get 2 within shouting distance of those.

Heh, I do not understand the terminology here. Can you explain this to an idiot like myself, using smaller words?

[KaniacFever]

FYI: with the boyfriend now working in Charlotte, we are likely going to have tickets to sell. I know for a fact that one of the first 2 games we won't be able to do. So keep checking back and I'll put them up in the ticket area.

[Shattered]

You are not an idiot...

Anyway - we have 2 season tickets and originally signed up for just the two for the playoffs. No problem. Yesterday, Mr. S decided he wanted to get 2 extras so he can bring customers, but there weren't 2 available that were close enough to ours to work for entertaining. So we gave up our 2 seats and got 4 together in another section.

Make more sense? I just posted b/c I know there are lots of LGC'ers around us who might be interested in calling their reps and picking them up prior to the public today. BTW my rep said there were people milling around waiting for tickets when he arrived at 8:30. :D

[caniac369]

^^ Sent you a PM KF... :)

Since we have a chance of facing the Habs at some point, thought should post this here...

From ESPN.com

Canadiens D M. Schneider to be out rest of season with due to shoulder injury and D A. Markov will be out at least 3 weeks due to knee injury.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Anyone know if we can buy playoff tix through our account today starting at noon or do we have to go through ticketmaster site? thanks.

[Mona2006]

Butters in the past when they are released to the public, your rep nor CAM can help you out.. all in TMs hands now.. so heaven help everyone. :crazy:

I was just on the phone and my voice is still raspy from screaming on Saturday. I guess I had better stock up on tea and lemon for all the screaming and cheering left in the season. :spin:;)

[aldamon]

Got our tickets to Games B and C. Buy buy buy everyone!

[kermelbar]

I had an ordering snafu (due to user error/impatience, I think =.) for tix for Game B, so I had to start all over and decided to go with Game C. I'm crossing my fingers it's a 5-game series and kicking myself for not thinking that through and re-trying Game B!

[ecrane]

all this talk about tickets is making me wonder...my wife and I are 12 packers who "Iced" for three years and elected "pay as we play" for playoff tickets. Any 12 packers out there hear how we are supposed to hear about/receive our tickets? I have memories of in years past we could ask for various sections and they would fill us in once the full STH and 24 packs had picked their seats.

I was a little disconcerted by an e-mail I received a couple of weeks ago asking if we were going to request playoff tickets. I checked the copy of the form I sent to the box office and we had selected playoff tickets. I can't remember who I spoke with when I called but he acknowledged the e-mail was sent in error and that they had sent a number of them out to the wrong people.

Anyway if any 12 packer out there knows the deal I'd love to hear it...

[caniac369]

I was just able to get row A tickets in section 120... but I was to chicken to click 'charge credit card' ($225 x 2 plus $28.30 surcharge x 2). I'm putting my ticket destiny in the hands of the hockey gods...

[ButtersSaysNo]

we bought 2 tix to the first game at rbc. I hate doing it this way, but it is the way SC06 and I decided to go.

Buying tix for 1 game for 1st round and will do the same thing for 2nd & 3rd rounds if we advance.

If we make it to the finals, then we will be paying whatever it takes to attend the games in the rbc, as I have never missed any of the finals games in the rbc. Of course, at that pt, I will also be crying knowing I could have been attending finals games for $50 a seat vs the easily $100+ per seat.

Oh well, whatcha gonna do.

[SoCalcaniac]

Butters- good for you and SC, glad you're going to be able to make a go of it, not your ideal way, but you're in, that's all that matters. ;)

I personally was ASTONISHED as I pulled out the price sheet we got when they sent all the forms out for STHers on the renewal/ice your price/lockin thing- I was looking at the difference between what we'll pay as STHers and what the "gate" will be. :crazy: it's not "too bad" (and that's relative given the number of people going, financial situation etc) the first two rounds, but holy frick & frack, the next two rounds are just off the charts.

Playoff tix are really expensive- I applaud anyone in this economy who is paying the gate price for supporting our team.

[Canesluver]

That's EXACTLY why I'm an STH. Play-off ticket discounts.

[KaniacFever]

I personally was ASTONISHED as I pulled out the price sheet we got when they sent all the forms out for STHers on the renewal/ice your price/lockin thing- I was looking at the difference between what we'll pay as STHers and what the "gate" will be. :crazy: it's not "too bad" (and that's relative given the number of people going, financial situation etc) the first two rounds, but holy frick & frack, the next two rounds are just off the charts.

Playoff tix are really expensive- I applaud anyone in this economy who is paying the gate price for supporting our team.

That's what got us to go ahead and do the "pay as we play" option even with our situation. We knew we wouldn't be able to attend every game, but after seeing the increases for the later rounds :crazy:

Sometimes I question why I'm a STH, but its times like this, I'm glad I suffer through all the other BS of being a STH.

[caniac369]

^ And exactly why I buy my tickets from STH... ;)

[kermelbar]

It's what I'm working toward. I've been an STH for three years now and this is the first year we've had a post-season, but I'm still not in a financial position to commit to that many games, even pay-as-we-play. That's just a big chunk of money for me at one time.

So I wigged myself out, once I realized that Game C could be a Game 5 or a Game 7 -- both potentially not necessary -- depending on how home ice shakes out. I went back in and ordered tix for Game B, which will be guaranteed Game 2 or Game 4.

[SoCalcaniac]

Sometimes I question why I'm a STH, but its times like this, I'm glad I suffer through all the other BS of being a STH.

EXAACTLY.

Forget the litho, vouchers, and that little shopping/Canes catalog thingy- we put up with alot of goofyness to be Caniacs, but when it comes to playoff priority pricing, that's the number one reason why you have to be a STHer. it's helps you avoid major $$$ going out of our bank accounts.

[aldamon]

that's the number one reason why you have to be a STHer.

I thought it was to avoid the GEICO, Rex, and RBC commercials the rest of us plebs have to watch every night on FSN?

[caniac369]

What about the chills and the rush when the pregame starts? Or the horse voice you get shouting back to Mr. Nature Boy? Good lord, I'm getting giddy at the thought of being in the building next week!! :nanner:

[Mona2006]

Glad you will be here E.. I know I will hear you BEFORE seeing you. :lol:

[KaniacFever]

Well just got the email. Our cards are being hit up the morning of April 8th. So when you all hear that sucking sound, its money being sucked out of my account. :lol:

[puck_it]

If nothing else, they are growing the fanbase with this run.....if the org can manage not to blow it like usual.
Our Team. Our Tradition.

[StormChaserBH]

Well just got the email. Our cards are being hit up the morning of April 8th. So when you all hear that sucking sound, its money being sucked out of my account. :lol:


Hmmm, I wonder how long they wait before delivering the actual tickets.... If we grab home ice, our first home game could be in 8 days.

[Mona2006]

Hmmm, I wonder how long they wait before delivering the actual tickets.... If we grab home ice, our first home game could be in 8 days.

Lord help us depending on what delivery company they use. :crazy:

[andyt]

Well just got the email. Our cards are being hit up the morning of April 8th. So when you all hear that sucking sound, its money being sucked out of my account. :lol:

OK kids, pay attention.

I just got my email from the Canes too. There is a playoff pricing chart attached to the email. Based on my recently concluded phone call with Karen Prince, IT IS WRONG. If you did the 30% down for the 3 year freeze, your tickets will cost what was reflected in the brochure that went out with the mailing, not what was attached to the email.

In my case, the email says my tickets (mezzanine) are $55 each for the first round, going up to $70 then $95 then $120 for subsequent rounds. The renewal brochure has my tickets at $45 for the first round and $50 for each subsequent round.

So check your bank account tomorrow and make sure they took out the correct amount. And for those who have Brooke Baragona as a rep, she's out of the office this week.

This is the chart in the renwal brochure. The playoff ticket prices are on page 3. (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/ext/forms/pricefreeze021709.pdf)

This is the chart that is attached to the email. (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/ext/Playoff_Pricing_Chart-WEB.pdf)

[kermelbar]

So I wigged myself out, once I realized that Game C could be a Game 5 or a Game 7 -- both potentially not necessary -- depending on how home ice shakes out.

Crap, I just need to make myself a freakin' chart. Game C could be Game 5 or Game 6, if my updated math is correct. :o

[Alicia]

I hope that's not our playoff slogan. That was the Stars' slogan for this season and you see where that got them. :crazy:
Judging from a pre-game commercial, I believe your fears have been realized (AND it featured EC). *groan*

[alison]

Question: are they charging EVERYONE for parking automatically? Or just those who indicated that they want to pre-purchase parking? The email confused me (and it doesn't help that I'm out of town all week and checking my email on the phone).

[KaniacFever]

Question: are they charging EVERYONE for parking automatically? Or just those who indicated that they want to pre-purchase parking? The email confused me (and it doesn't help that I'm out of town all week and checking my email on the phone).

I would assume the parking charge are only for those who purchased parking during the regular season.

[Solracer]

I think our playoff slogan should be...


"We Need more Cowbell" !!!


Since I'm sure Were so f*cked would not pass the pc people. :)

[alison]

I would assume the parking charge are only for those who purchased parking during the regular season. i think that there was an additional form in the renewal package for playoff parking. The email made it sound like everyone was getting charged regardless. I want to make sure I didn't miss some sort of you-must-prebuy-parking catch.

[LostTexan]

I dont remember a parking option in the playoff ticket request so I assume it might be a carry over from the regular season.

[caniac369]

Since I'm sure Were so f*cked would not pass the pc people. :)

But it would make a nifty tshirt...

[Mona2006]

I think our playoff slogan should be...


"We Need more Cowbell" !!!




I agree.. my favorite Jumbotron moment.. and Will Farrell should be here to bare his belly for all to see. :lol:

[c-girl]

I just talked to my ticket rep because I noticed that the charge for our prepaid parking line item on the Caniac Manager invoice for playoff games had been removed. He said that because of some problems with the accounting system, they had to remove that in the CM system but for anybody who had prepaid parking for the season, you will get parking passes with the tickets (and of course you'll pay for them).

I asked when the tickets would be sent out and he said late today or tomorrow and they will be sent via Fed Ex with a tracking number but no signature required.

[Mona2006]

I work for the State and we are off for Good Friday. I hope they come tomorrow. I would prefer them not on a truck until Monday. :(

[puckin_A]

just looking at my prices for all rounds. WOW....you just can't beat that. That was an awesome offer from the Org.

[DSCanesfan]

just looking at my prices for all rounds. WOW....you just can't beat that. That was an awesome offer from the Org.


Yeah, I'm sure back in December or January when the promo guys brought that plan up to JR it sounded like a good thing that probably would not be utilized. But wow the way the Team is playing it still won't be utilized.:laugh: I'm sure though that JR and PK would be happy to let us fans buy round 4 at the same price as round 2 if it were to happen. Which we all know there's not a snowball's chance in H E double hockey sticks of ever happening again.:D

[puck_it]

just looking at my prices for all rounds. WOW....you just can't beat that. That was an awesome offer from the Org.
it is, because they didnt think the playoffs would actually happen.

[Lobster Johnson]

EXAACTLY.

Forget the litho, vouchers, and that little shopping/Canes catalog thingy- we put up with alot of goofyness to be Caniacs, but when it comes to playoff priority pricing, that's the number one reason why you have to be a STHer. it's helps you avoid major $$$ going out of our bank accounts.

Forget the litho??? Let's not be too hasty here...:(

[puck_it]

as awesome as the litho is, it's not exactly difficult to get your hands on one if you arent a STH. which is what i think socal meant.

[Lobster Johnson]

yep, you are correct... but they wouldn't produce these if it weren't a STH perk... just don't wanna lose the fun jobs!:D

[ButtersSaysNo]

was looking at flyers site just for fun and was actually surprised they still had tix available for 1st round games. We are spending too much $ on other things to seriously considering going up there for a game if we play them, but sure would be fun.

[livinthedream]

Playoff logo sighting

:D

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/Canes/2008-2009%20Season/Misc%20Photos/ice_04-10-09.jpg

[SoCalcaniac]

GULP.

Oh my word. I have forgotten what all that stuff/buzz feels like and I just got a shot of adrenaline right through my body.

Amazing.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yep, my respiratory rate definitely just went up.

Man, that is absolutely beautiful.


I.CAN'T.FREAKING.WAIT.