Game Thread ..... @ New Jersey, 12/9/09

[Canesluver]

We're undefeated in December!! We're undefeated in December!!

:beatup:

Road trip continues..... let's hope they can keep shaking that monkey off!

Let's see if Mo's expectation that Cam will start comes true. He really does enjoy the challenge of playing opposite of Brodeur.

Puck-drop at 7:00PM

LET'S GO 'CANES!!

[KaniacFever]

Marty is 1 shut out away from being the all time record holder in shut outs.

Can the Canes break the streak of helping other teams/players out or will Marty make history?

To Hell with Marty and the Devils, I want that jersey chic flipping the bird again :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

To HELL with the Devils indeed!

Wasn't there another milestone that MM was supposed to approach when we played them late last season??? You guys help with that one--- I'm not a Mighty Marty historian, so I can't remember exactly what it was, but I do recall it being a source of heated conversation :lol: (him meeting the milestone against us).

This for me, sets up perfectly: Our chosen goalie (hopefully) returns triumphant to the lineup after horrid injury, to face is "idol" and all that entails. Our history vs NJ while I've found to be bland/blah because it seems so repetitive, I've now begun to embrace, lol. I'd love nothing than to see our guys go in there and play like they did last night in PIT. Cause last night, I enjoy the net presence that we've all hollered about, and traffic in front of MAF; We all know how MM doesn't like peeps in and around his crease. :lol:;)

My only wish is that JWill was still a Cane. I personally think Marty hated Justin cause he was always right there getting on his nerves, lol.

[livinthedream]

Wasn't there another milestone that MM was supposed to approach when we played them late last season??? You guys help with that one--- I'm not a Mighty Marty historian, so I can't remember exactly what it was, but I do recall it being a source of heated conversation :lol: (him meeting the milestone against us).

That particular Marty Party was him surpassing Roy's record as the winningest goaltender in the history of mankind. He would have had the opportunity to do that against us here on 3/18 (link (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?bcid=414211)) had the Blackhawks not allowed the honor to be bestowed upon him in NJ the night before.

[Solracer]

That particular Marty Party was him surpassing Roy's record as the winningest goaltender in the history of mankind. He would have had the opportunity to do that against us here on 3/18 had the Blackhawks not allowed the honor to be bestowed upon him the night before.


And the our lovely score board people congratulating him on the wrong win number...

[SoCalcaniac]

And the our lovely score board people congratulating him on the wrong win number...

Now I remember!:lol: and totally remember watching the Hawks play them before us.

Like I said, I don't follow anything Brodeur related because I'm constantly being told of his greatness and it all blends together, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't imagining there was some other milestone that Chico Resch rambled on about as it was approaching.

[FinFan]

I predict matching #30's in the goals at either end and the one wearing white and red with black trim will outdo the man he looks up to yet again. Wardo always plays his best against his heroes.

[livinthedream]

And Cam Ward's now officially eligible (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=509142) to play.

:D

[Caniac4life]

I wonder if "Double-Bird Girl" will be in attendance.

[aldamon]

I wonder if "Double-Bird Girl" will be in attendance.

Classic.

[nccanes]

I believe during the "In My Own Words" thing about Staal, they showed that footage again...I cracked up all over again.

[IceSun]

Feeling like we need some negativity mojo since it worked so well in Pittsburgh...

There is no way that we are going to beat the Devils at the Rock to double our road wins for the year. We are so doomed, we might as well plan now for the shutout & Marty picking up his record. Cam will get to remember in his first game back how he's been left hanging out to dry (just like the fantastic game he otherwise had the last time we played NJ). No way we score on this awesome team with their awesome goaltender. We are doomed, doomed, doomed.

Oh, and LET'S GO CANES ;)

[nccanes]

That reminds me. A wise man once said "it's not a hill it's F****** Annapurna as you start out the climb".

[caneshockeychick]

And the Tweet says.............Brind'Amour in, Samsonov out (LBI)

[superdave]

And the Tweet says.............Brind'Amour in, Samsonov out (LBI)

Now it's going to be an issue for every game. Talk about a distraction in the locker room.

[caneshockeychick]

Well, at least we won't be talking the Tiger Woods saga anymore :laugh:

[Darkwing]

more importantly it's 7 hours until gametime and we have 3 goalies on the roster. Gotta do something about that shortly too I imagine?

[nccanes]

Now it's going to be an issue for every game. Talk about a distraction in the locker room.

I don't think so. Don't they always mention if players aren't playing due to injury? I don't think anyone expected he'd never play again.

I know who I'll be pulling for tonight to have a good game though. He certainly deserves it.

more importantly it's 7 hours until gametime and we have 3 goalies on the roster. Gotta do something about that shortly too I imagine?

Not unless we have >23 on the active roster. And I've lost count on that front.

[c-girl]

There are 25 on the roster with Michael Ryan and Joe Corvo listed on injured reserve so it looks like we're good.

[superdave]

There are 25 on the roster with Michael Ryan and Joe Corvo listed on injured reserve so it looks like we're good.

Speaking of this Michael Ryan fella, how is he? I had almost forgotten he was on the team since he's been gone since, well forever.

[SoCalcaniac]

Ryan's still concussed - i.e. not making progress. It's too bad really, because he was really hoping to make an impression on the coaches.

The Samsonov injury clouds the water more. So was Rod to be scratched again tonight if not for the #14 injury? Inquiring minds.....

[Darkwing]

The Samsonov injury clouds the water more. So was Rod to be scratched again tonight if not for the #14 injury? Inquiring minds.....

Wondered that too, the way that the tweet sounded it felt like the implication was that #17 was expected to sit, but due to exception he's in the lineup.

[KaniacFever]

The Samsonov injury clouds the water more. So was Rod to be scratched again tonight if not for the #14 injury? Inquiring minds.....

That's what I took Mo's comments to be yesterday. He said something like "a couple guys got beat up last night, so we'll see how they are". I figured then that Brindy would be a scratch unless one of them couldn't go.

[atlflames]

Ryan's still concussed - i.e. not making progress. It's too bad really, because he was really hoping to make an impression on the coaches.

The Samsonov injury clouds the water more. So was Rod to be scratched again tonight if not for the #14 injury? Inquiring minds.....

I suspect we'll see "unexpected injuries" start popping up. But they will be to Samsonov, Yelle, Walker, Larose, etc. as opposed to "unexpected injuries" to Staal, Whitney, Cullen, Cole, etc.

Please just do what needs to be done and get it over with !

[livinthedream]

When Forslund was on with Mark and Mike (99.9) he mentioned that there were several players "on the bubble" but didn't call out anyone by name. So it will be interesting to see if/how the press box door revolves.

And he also mentioned that Cam is sporting the new knee/leg guards tonight so look for that to be a little bit of an adjustment for him along with getting back up to game speed.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^^ Are you implying they'll make up injuries to sit certain guys? If so, why would you lie about injuries to those guys and just list Brindy as a healthy scratch? Since this team is accused daily, for good reason, of loyalty to a fault I can't imagine they'd choose to humiliate Brindy and save face for everyone else?


Anyway, it would just be fitting for Brodeur to break that record against us. He needs to get that Canes monkey off his back.:lol:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Cully is an "honorary Finn" per Chuck! :lol:

[livinthedream]

:lol:

Heard that too. High praise indeed for Matt Cullenen.

:D


ETA: Ugh, could have lived without seeing that blood on the ice again. :(

ETAA: Timmy on the bench with Tripp! :D

[SoCalcaniac]

So he's like Nathan Horton when he played with Jokinen and Peltonen? :lol: I didn't hear it so is it Cullenen?

I was watch Devils pregame show on MSG+ and Cam had quite a huddle around him from various media. Steve Cangiolosi of the Devils crew asked him if this injury caused is Team Canada dream to die- Cam, who I have missed so much - with that innocent face said "I don't think so, I'm going to give myself a chance. First and foremost I play for the Hurricanes; I want to be the difference for this team. but to answer your question: I don't ever give up".

Go Cam. C'mon Canes, let's spoil the Marty drool. (keep your eyes open for Double Bird Girl :lol:)

[livinthedream]

Naw, ChuckandtheletterK just called him an honorary Finn. I made up the Cullenen part. But it suits him doesn't it?

And I love that quote from Cam.

[caneshockeychick]

I'mm thinking with the "-en" already on the end of his name, he can just be a 2 syllable Finn ;)

[KaniacFever]

:lol: @ Timmay saying Pitkanen is a skater and he skates wherever he wants

[livinthedream]

Ugh. That was woeful.

AWard with the assist.

[goalie33]

Aaron Ward :mad: :mad: :mad:

Pitkanen didn't help, playing defense with his hands instead of his feet.

[Alicia]

Ugh. That was woeful.
Ditto.

[Alicia]

Poor Cole...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I know, what an unfortunate set of circumstances. If Salvador hadn't have been losing his footing I think that's just a shove into the boards and probably wouldn't even have hurt. I hope he's OK. And I know Cole is mortified that it happened that way.

[livinthedream]

He looked visibly upset, didn't he?

Salvador really fell awkwardly, hope he's okay.

[Solracer]

Online...

http://www.pcworkbench.net/kilonet.htm

Needs SopCast

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Who the eff wouldn't know who Borje Salming is?

Or am I just a freak?:lol:


Dammit. I really think we're playing better than 2-0. :mad: But then, my expectations are pretty low at this point.

[nccanes]

Yes, nothing 'violent' about Cole's shove...Salvador was in an odd position, lost his edge, and then seemed to look down at the WORST moment.

[nccanes]

Nice see Cam back but damn those massive letters on his chin are fugly. :lol:

G33-is that helmet different? It seems like the chin part is bigger. Or maybe its the massive letters?

[livinthedream]

It is a new mask with a new paint job, but I hadn't heard that it was sized differently but now that you mention it the chin guard does look bigger.

What do you think? Old:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3980295318_d8d7bd77c0.jpg

New:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4144001803_3c6a3161c7.jpg

I think they're the same, I think the white background makes the letters look larger.

[goalie33]

The chin could be a bit bigger, but I can't really tell because the paint job can be deceiving. However, with the added knee guards, perhaps Cam decided it wouldn't hurt to close that gap at the neck, either.

[Caniac4life]

1st period was a team that can pass and skate vs a team that's trying to figure out what flavor bubblegum they're chewing.

[topdown]

1st period was a team that can pass and skate vs a team that's trying to figure out what flavor bubblegum they're chewing.

http://www.frederiksamuel.com/blog/images/Bubb2.jpg

[Solracer]

Too bad there not out of bubble gum...

[goalie33]

I was going to say that I don't care if we win as long as we score one and BAM! Sutter scores.

Great shot, kid, that was one in a million!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

LMAO. We might lose this game but I LOVE IT that THAT goal busted his shutout and kept his mitts off the record, for now. :lol: Way to go Sutter!

[livinthedream]

WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO

Sutter spoils the shutout!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[KaniacFever]

Whoo Hoo! Bump a Marty won't get his record set tonight.

Thanks Sutter :nanner:

[livinthedream]

RUUUUUUUUUUUUU HOOOOOOOOOOO

:D :D :D :D :D


ETA: Finn to Finn to Finn

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/smilies/Finland_Flag.gif

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Niiice!!

So, we have life....which will allow us to blow it in the third!

[Caniac4life]

Same here, thank God we at least scored 1. :lol:

We seemed to have developed a trend on the penalty kill of gambling for steals and winding up on the wrong side of the puck. Bad play by TKO on NJ's 3rd goal.



HeeHaa, RUUUTUU!!!

[KaniacFever]

Ruuuuuuuuuuu :nanner:

[nccanes]

LMAO. We might lose this game but I LOVE IT that THAT goal busted his shutout and kept his mitts off the record, for now. :lol: Way to go Sutter!

One of my kids said it reminded him of a few of Weekes' goals against! :lol:

[Jillsdad]

you know....whenever I see Jacques Lemaire behind the bench for the Devils....I don't know whether to curse him or thank him. I want to curse him for starting the trap and setting hockey back 20 years....but then I want to thank him because if it had not been for the trap the NHL possibly would not have changed the rules which we took advantage of to win the shiny jug in 2006.

[caneshockeychick]

Poured a glass of wine and started working on the Christmas Tree again...we start scoring.

No...it wasn't finished :)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

No...it wasn't finished :)

Mine's not either. Half of it is gorgeous. :lol:




How long do you think you can stretch that out?:D

[SoCalcaniac]

Well, it looked a little dicey for a bit, and then leave it to the kid to give them some life; Yeah for the Finns for that lovely play started by #25.

Some dumb penalties that we don't need to take (like that slash Cole) but overall, I'm happy the Princess's shut out record isn't happening on our watch.

That first goal on Cam was a result of AWard not having his man and the Devils player blew by him, when he could have stood him up and not even let him gain the zone. Then the cake topper was the puck going in off his skate. I just can't watch #4 anymore and it bothers the heck out of me.

[livinthedream]

I've decided Brandonen Sutter needs to be an honorary Finn too.

[caneshockeychick]

Mine's not either. Half of it is gorgeous. :lol:




How long do you think you can stretch that out?:D

Well, its not a big tree, 6ft fake, pre lit, sucker. I'm about done with the tinsel. Now I'm just looking at where my bows could go. But then I have to ponder, burgundy or red bows? My tree skirt is a deep red, but not burgundy. Decisions...decisions.

I really only put the special ornaments on. No balls or packaged ornaments this year...just knick knacky ones that are special, have meaning or I just plain think are great ornaments (2 Canes ornaments!!) So, I do have a lot of ornaments left ;)

I guess, I could keep it going all year, maybe moving them around or something? :lol:

I don't think Rosey gets why a tree is in her living room though :lol: She keeps sniffing around it. So far, there aren't any "issues" thankS God.

[livinthedream]

My tree was a snap this year. I just needed three things.

1. Pre-lit tree
2. Stepladder
3. Seven-year-old

[caneshockeychick]

^I didn't even do one last year. Just never found the time.

Monday night though, after those 2 Pens goals...I needed SOMETHING to do. Putting up a Christmas tree was all I had to get my mind off the game :lol:

And drinking wine. REally good wine. Cinco Jose's. Nice ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I really think we've played pretty well tonight (remember my expectations disclaimer from earlier, though). It will be a shame when we lose.

[toastmasterbone]

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[SouthernHockeyChick]

NJ up a goal with a minute to go....now Jacque Lemaire takes over and they just trap us to death.


OMG, LET THEM TOUCH IT!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Not sure why we don't use Cullen on that face-off.

Well, NJ, too bad you can't win when it matters.

[livinthedream]

Well, crap.

I thought we played well too.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Guess that one was all Brindy's fault, huh?

[livinthedream]

For real.

No, that one was on Ward.

[caneshockeychick]

Didn't expect a win...was hoping to not give MB the record.

Scored 2 goals...No record for MB.

It's not me and I don't have to do anymore decorating for the rest of the year.

Yeah Ruuuuuu gets a goal. Yeah for Sutter!!!

I do not think this team played bad tonight. Ok...except for A Ward's goal in the 1st. I think I'm just gonna start tuning him out cuz I can't take him anymore.

At least we don't make history tonight ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

I hate hearing "Beautiful Day" in other buildings, esp. when we lose to them.



I do not think this team played bad tonight. Ok...except for A Ward's goal in the 1st. I think I'm just gonna start tuning him out cuz I can't take him anymore.



Plus his stupid, idiotic penalty when we had all the momentum going with 5 min left to play. You can practically diagram it, he gets hemmed in, then he has to go running around can't catch a dude because he's slow as sh**; and then BOOM, there's the free hand and his butt's in the box. Try as I might, I really do try to tune his sorry self out.

We've gone round and round about the Captain/waive him/Take the C/blah, blah, blah- I want AWard's a** shipped to Siberia pronto, SICK TO DEATH OF HIM.

We had a good game for the most part. That's what is so disappointing.

[livinthedream]

Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't think my Finn was the best Hurricane on the ice tonight (he did get a star from both John & Tripp and the NJ media).

And that's saying something because I thought a lot of the guys played really, really well.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Ruu did look good. I thought Cole had another good game as well. You gotta think Staal is going to crack through any moment now. I just keep imagining trying to do what he's doing with a torn abdominal muscle. Yeesh. But, ya know, he's GOT to go, lol.

Cam looked encouraging. I was a bit worried about him tonight...new equipment, just off an injury, adjusting to speed, sh*tty D in front, etc,etc. He did well, though.

I've also been very impressed with Carson. He's done very well.



Gotta find the good stuff somewhere.

[livinthedream]

I noticed Cole a lot tonight, in a good way.

Cam started rusty, but you knew he'd have to, and I'm really glad he started tonight instead of Friday or Saturday. By the end of the game I had no worries.

[SoCalcaniac]

Agreed SHC, Cole and Ruu did look great, and I totally agree #12 is on the brink- and there's going to be a game in these next two that the flood gates will open for him.

I'll say this about our young call ups, like Carson, Harrison and Rodney, they look far more poised than a veteran defenseman who shall remain nameless.

I thought Cam got stronger as the game went on. He adjusted, and he gave us a chance.

[caneshockeychick]

Re: Aaron Ward
Plus his stupid, idiotic penalty when we had all the momentum going with 5 min left to play. You can practically diagram it, he gets hemmed in, then he has to go running around can't catch a dude because he's slow as sh**; and then BOOM, there's the free hand and his butt's in the box. Try as I might, I really do try to tune his sorry self out.

We've gone round and round about the Captain/waive him/Take the C/blah, blah, blah- I want AWard's a** shipped to Siberia pronto, SICK TO DEATH OF HIM.

We had a good game for the most part. That's what is so disappointing.
:thumbsup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Agreed SHC, Cole and Ruu did look great, and I totally agree #12 is on the brink- and there's going to be a game in these next two that the flood gates will open for him.

I'd like to officially request that it be Friday night. It would be difficult for me to see the torrent of goals while I'm watching the fireworks at Disney World Saturday night. :beatup:

[superdave]

Get a pygmy to hit A. Ward with a poison blow gun dart and this one would have been okay.

Cam Ward looked better as the game went on which was expected since he had to be rusty after missing a month. Ruutu, Cole, and Sutter looked good on the front end. The FNG's looked good on D. I don't believe in moral victories, but I wouldn't walk out of the Rock with my head hung down either.

[Canesluver]

I left this game thinking..... if we weren't in the sh*tter in the standings, this loss wouldn't feel that bad, because they played pretty hard.

I think that at this point every loss just feels like the hole is getting deeper, and it's harder to see the good moments in their play, because the big "L" just blocks it out.

[livinthedream]

I agree. I really don't have a lot of complaints at all about that game except for the record leading up to it.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think that at this point every loss just feels like the hole is getting deeper, and it's harder to see the good moments in their play, because the big "L" just blocks it out.

Enh, I think I moved past that stage of mourning a month ago. I've moved on to indifference to the record and finding the fun where I can. :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

I think that at this point every loss just feels like the hole is getting deeper, and it's harder to see the good moments in their play, because the big "L" just blocks it out.

EXACTLY. Hub said nearly the same thing; and then he said it's December and we have 7 wins. It sucks the life out of you, it really does. Because we're in so deep in the worst way.

Now that we're in DEC, it's really not like we can run the table. The season has passed us by and we've not hit Chirstmas. That's what is so difficult for me to accept. At least in 2003, it was the final months of the season where we just started the slow descent into the quicksand and the NHL gutter. It was painful yes, but our season ended really, weeks ago.

Today Tyler Seguin (OHL PLY Whalers) of the Taylor Hall/Tyler Seguin debate for the 1st overall pick in the Draft in Hell-Ay this June was on the Power Play on XM 204. A few of these shows have had these kids on to talk, and Seguin is quite an impressive interviewee. He's Stamkos pre-draft poised, but with a gregarious and not guarded nature. Anyhoo- I would normally just kinda listen to a kid and keep typing or whatever I'm doing in my office, but with this kid, I'm listening because he could be our guy. I pay alot of attention to these draft eligible kids, but never in December except to watch them in the World Juniors. Now, it's like Ok, let me read about this one; or pausing to watch those Home Hardware Top Prospects on the Canadian feeds.

That's when you know that this has been a tough season, and it's not even half way over.

[livinthedream]

Enh, I think I moved past that stage of mourning a month ago. I've moved on to indifference to the record and finding the fun where I can. :lol:

Yeah, I've been sleeping a lot better since I hit that "accept" stage in the old Kübler-Ross grief cycle.

And I'm still smiling at Brandon Sutter spoiling Marty's shutout.

[IceSun]

You mean Brandon Sutteren ;)

[livinthedream]

I mean Brandonen Sutteruu ;)

[Jay]

Today Tyler Seguin (OHL PLY Whalers) of the Taylor Hall/Tyler Seguin debate for the 1st overall pick in the Draft in Hell-Ay this June was on the Power Play on XM 204. A few of these shows have had these kids on to talk, and Seguin is quite an impressive interviewee. He's Stamkos pre-draft poised, but with a gregarious and not guarded nature. Anyhoo- I would normally just kinda listen to a kid and keep typing or whatever I'm doing in my office, but with this kid, I'm listening because he could be our guy. I pay alot of attention to these draft eligible kids, but never in December except to watch them in the World Juniors. Now, it's like Ok, let me read about this one; or pausing to watch those Home Hardware Top Prospects on the Canadian feeds.

If/when we get #1 pick, we won't pick Hall or Seguin... we'll pick some guy with "potential" who was slated to be a 4th rounder.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

If/when we get #1 pick, we won't pick Hall or Seguin... we'll pick some guy with "potential" who was slated to be a 4th rounder.

And then in 6 months trade him to Toronto for a guy who can't crack their lineup.

[toastmasterbone]

And then retire Andrei Kovalenko's #51 and move the team to Hilton Head.

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

<div><object width="480" height="365"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xbfvqb&related=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xbfvqb&related=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="365" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbfvqb_hurricanes-devils-highlights-12909_sport">Hurricanes - Devils Highlights (12/9/09)</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/gatecitycanes">gatecitycanes</a>. - <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/us/channel/sport">Check out more sports and extreme sports videos.</a></i></div>

[goalie33]

If/when we get #1 pick, we won't pick Hall or Seguin... we'll pick some guy with "potential" who was slated to be a 4th rounder.

While I'd normally agree, Seguin is a Plymouth Whaler, which means we'll pick him even if he drops to #15 in Central Scouting's rankings by the time the draft rolls around.

[MoBigRed]

While I'd normally agree, Seguin is a Plymouth Whaler, which means we'll pick him even if he drops to #15 in Central Scouting's rankings by the time the draft rolls around.

That. A Whaler ranked this high? I can't imagine the Canes would pass him up, presuming nobody beats them to him. If he's gone, though, then they'll pick a 4th-rounder. Or, better yet, they'll trade their 1st-round pick for a 4th-round pick and Patrick Eaves.

[KaniacFever]

Can I just say it was so nice seeing #30 back in net. No offense to Legace or Leighton, but that's what goaltending is all about.

The Finns are just a joy. Win or lose, I sure love watching those 3 play. Even better that they're all out there together. And i'm still amazed at how many times Pitkanen can thread that puck through 2-3 guys and land it right on the tape of Jussi's stick time and time again.

The Staal line had tons of jump I thought. It's looking like Cole and Staal are finally feeling 100%.

And not much more you can say about #16. Future looks real bright.

[apolinar]

Greensboro, I love how you left in Dan Marouelli's snot rocket then wipe to the lower leg in your video cuts. That was worth the first few seconds of the view BLECCH! :) That was definitely a highlight though.

[FinFan]

Can I just say it was so nice seeing #30 back in net. No offense to Legace or Leighton, but that's what goaltending is all about.

The Finns are just a joy. Win or lose, I sure love watching those 3 play. Even better that they're all out there together. And i'm still amazed at how many times Pitkanen can thread that puck through 2-3 guys and land it right on the tape of Jussi's stick time and time again.

The Staal line had tons of jump I thought. It's looking like Cole and Staal are finally feeling 100%.

And not much more you can say about #16. Future looks real bright.

I was unable to watch the game, but from what I've been told, I really have to agree with everything said here. Glad to have #30, LOVE THOSE FINS!, and Eric and Erik belong together. Oh, and #16 is the biggest and best surprise of this season.

I did get to listen to the first 10 min. on SiriusXM, with the Jersey announcers, and I cringed every time they said Joni's name. They pronounced it with a very Yankee accent: Yahnee. Oh lord, that was annoying! At least they could pronounce Pitkanen. Of course, that's easy. It's exactly how it's spelled.