Game Thread ..... vs. Washington, 3/18/10 - HD

[Canesluver]

Not that it really matters.... but.... woooo-hooooo, no Ovie on-the-ice!! Hope you're enjoying your suspension.... suckah!! :beatup:

It's Public Safety Appreciation (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=520973) night. If your job description falls into that category, there's some special ticket-pricing available for you.

It's also Mr. CL's birthday, so a win would be nice! It'll be iffy if we can make the game, or not, because I have my port-a-cath installed tomorrow morning (for my chemo treatments) and just don't know how I'll feel until near game time, I'm guessing. So--- y'all will have to make-up for me in the cheering department, if I'm a no-go!! :D

Puck-drop at 7:00PM

LET'S GO 'CANES!!

[SoCalcaniac]

I'll be crossing my fingers that you'll feel well enough to come to the game CL; but I think if you're not up for the game, we'll be cheering extra for you- plus we need to get a win for Mr. CL. ;)

I was not planning to hit practice today, but Mr. Socal called me and asked if I could pick up tickets for some more co-workers that he's been essentially selling the game of hockey to all season and they're now hooked; practice was at Noon, so it worked much better for my schedule; Chip tweeted the missing, Gleason, Pitkanen, Jokinen; so it was kinda was a disjointed practice, but nice to see McBain out there. Gleason should stay out and heal whatever is wrong with him, IMO.

No sign of Cam before or after the practice, but maybe he was lightly skating earlier in the morning.

I tweeted this earlier; I walked into practice and noticed two men in red workout gear, one was running the stairs, the other was doing plyometrics from the bottom of arena steps, to the top. Hopping on each leg(alternating). It was Irbe. :lol: Nobody ever accused Archie of being a slacker, and he sure as heck isn't in retirement. I'm presuming the the runner was another Caps coach or staff member, but he wasn't as hard core as old #1. The whole media side was having a great time watching- Tripp was cracking up. Meanwhile Archie was amongst the peeps watching practice, jumping each step all the way to the top and then back down. He was doing it as we were coming in, and was still doing it when I was picking up to leave an hour later. Hard core plyo freak that guy. Boudreau appeared later, but was busy chatting up an RBC staffer and then on his cell. I don't think he had plans to run the stairs, lol but he was dressed in the same garb. Heehee.

Anyway, I spotted Corvo chatting with his buddy #26 before they got going, and then Scotty Walker came out to wave and was chatting with some of the arena staff manning that area around the visitors section. It's always nice to see the guys who used to play for us, feel the need to visit with their ex-teammates. I laugh every game an ex-player finds his way to Ray Whitney in warmups (Recchin Ball last night) and they chat away like they're still on the same team. The Recchi/Whitney thing is of course 06 related, but you still see him with other dudes just having a laugh.

I enjoyed watching Jamie McBain at practice; He was getting lots of one on one time with Tom Rowe- lengthy chatter and stuff on the whiteboard.

The Caps sure didn't need Ovie last night, they did plenty fine without him. We need a big game from everyone. Play like you have before the last two games Canes.

[Dammit100]

c'mon canes... embrace the suck!! Toronto is only 4 points behind you

[SoCalcaniac]

SO you're coming in here now to post this junk? Dude where have you been for all the other games when they were winning and f'ing up the chances then? I can "appreciate"your fly by night kinda fandom, however, you pulling for them to tank, is absolutely appalling. and your post in the other thread about putting on a Canes jersey next year and "cheering" for them, when your hopes for the #1 pick have been put to rest as opposed to putting it on now and hoping for tanking? Wow.

Plus, track the Canes, fall-to-last-place past. We couldn't even get the #1 pick in 2003 and we 'sucked' that year.

You're entitled to bash or trash whoever you like I suppose; we all certainly have had our moments, but last I recall this is a board geared towards fans of the Canes. I suppose I just don't get it.

[caneshockeychick]

It will be nice knowing that Ovie cannot hurt anyone on this team...AGAIN!!!

That being said, SoCal, I love you but I get Dammit100's POV. Loved the wins and the fact that they could but.....(there's always a damn but right? ;)) I'm ok with losing. Sure I'd rather they be winning but at this point, the more we win, the more we end up Middle of the Pack.

I'll take the chance of getting pick #1, #2, heck, even #3 in this years draft because it sucks being on the outside looking in. :(

I don't want the Craps to win...EVER!!!! As a Wolfpack fan who could most times care less if we lose every game EXCEPT to UNC when the Pack sucks, I'm getting that way THIS YEAR about the Canes vs. Caps. :lol:

I want Mo gone...that's no new news but deep down in the bottom depths of my heart and hell, I'm just not sure that will ever happen. Every win cements his stay here in NC. I hate it. I hate feeling this way about my team:(

[WillLikeWhoa091]

c'mon canes... embrace the suck!! Toronto is only 4 points behind you

Hi, can we be LGC.com friends? :)

Seriously, NYI pulled ahead of us and if the season ended right now we'd be in a solid #3. We all know the Oilers will have the #1 pick, but hey, I would like the second pick too. Seguin or Hall? Ooo boy! Maybe the Oilers will take Seguin as a Center which would leave Taylor Hall packin in the goals playing alongside Staal. Having a #2 solid draft pick superstar winger for Staal is a dream come true.

Go Leafs Go!

[Sparky]

Hi, Caniacs! Hopefully this one will be as entertaining and clean as the last one. Good luck, enjoy the lack of AO (how?) and catch you later. It'll be entertaining see how Boudreau sets up the lines: he juggles them incessantly but is trying to solidify them for the playoffs, and now has to shuffle to compensate for Ovechikin's absence. Flash on the top line? Really?

Cheers!

[Darkwing]

making it's debut tonight after taking over 1.75 months to get here:

http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo248/clogiq/CIMG0025.jpg

[superdave]

This should be entertaining at least. It'll be great to see Walker back but in the wrong sweater. We'll see how the team reacts tonight since for all practical purposes we are out of the hunt. Will they hang their heads or go down with a fight?

I want to see full effort. That being said, anybody with a nagging injury would be watching with a suit on and lets see some Rats. Bump Boychuk up to top 6 for the duration and see what he has. Ride Peters for the rest of the season and see what he has. Keep McBain up. Put some more Rats on the plane. Somebody has to be hurt enough to go on IR.

[ButtersSaysNo]

This should be entertaining at least. It'll be great to see Walker back but in the wrong sweater. We'll see how the team reacts tonight since for all practical purposes we are out of the hunt. Will they hang their heads or go down with a fight?

I want to see full effort. That being said, anybody with a nagging injury would be watching with a suit on and lets see some Rats. Bump Boychuk up to top 6 for the duration and see what he has. Ride Peters for the rest of the season and see what he has. Keep McBain up. Put some more Rats on the plane. Somebody has to be hurt enough to go on IR.

Just better hope Samuel L. Jackson isn't on the plane or he would say, "Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherf***ing Rats on this motherf***ing plane!" :D

[KaniacFever]

Tweets are saying that Gleason is not at practice. Timmy, I love ya, but sit your a$$ out tonight.

I'm in the middle. I want a top 3 pick cause frankly this team could use a Seguin, Hall or Fowler. However, I'm not rich and I paid good money, so I want to see effort. I want to see the boys try. If they put their tails between their legs and give up, you bet I'll be pissed. If they lose, fine, but I want to see them go out there and work hard. Not see a bunch of men just waiting to hit the golf courses.

And I am NOT going to like seeing Corvo and Walker in that ugly Caps jersey :sick:

[MoBigRed]

We all know the Oilers will have the #1 pick,


Actually we don't. As we all learned a few years back, finishing in last doesn't guarantee the first pick.

[FinFan]

Timmy's out. Broken bone in his foot. :( Out 3 weeks, ie the rest of the season.

Ray was picking on Scotty's son for wearing a Caps jersey at practice.

[KaniacFever]

Timmy with a broken bone in the foot. How the hell did he get through the game Tuesday. His butt should have been sitting especially since they called up McBain.

[Dammit100]

SO you're coming in here now to post this junk? Dude where have you been for all the other games when they were winning and f'ing up the chances then? I can "appreciate"your fly by night kinda fandom, however, you pulling for them to tank, is absolutely appalling. and your post in the other thread about putting on a Canes jersey next year and "cheering" for them, when your hopes for the #1 pick have been put to rest as opposed to putting it on now and hoping for tanking? Wow.

Plus, track the Canes, fall-to-last-place past. We couldn't even get the #1 pick in 2003 and we 'sucked' that year.

You're entitled to bash or trash whoever you like I suppose; we all certainly have had our moments, but last I recall this is a board geared towards fans of the Canes. I suppose I just don't get it.


fly by night fan? surely you jest. I guess having season tickets since '01 is a passing thing.

[nccanes]

I'm not Socal, but my guess is that she's talking about fans that show up (on a message board) when the team loses, or when there's an opportunity to dis a specific player or his misdeeds, but rarely post when the team is doing well.

But I'm not SoCal.

[SoCalcaniac]

fly by night fan? surely you jest. I guess having season tickets since '01 is a passing thing. Not jesting. We've been ST's since 2000. I'm not going to get in a match of who has been a STHer since whenever. My point on this whole suck so we can get the #1 pick that isn't guaranteed to us even if we did "tank" is just wrong. you have your beliefs and wish to tank ; I have my wish to see hockey played hard and win. It is what it is.

Back to what is relevant and matters; "Shocking" that #6 has been playing with a broken bone in his foot. :crazy: At least we'll get to see a good long look at JMc.

It's going to be really strange seeing #24 & #77 in Caps jerseys in this building. I like Joe's comments in the paper about how he doesn't need to come in here to "prove anything" like he did with OTT "who never gave me a chance" and how he is appreciative of the Canes for giving him an opportunity.

ETA: Thanks E, hehee, no you're not me, but you speak exactly to what I was originally inferring in my first post. :-)

[ButtersSaysNo]

Not jesting. We've been ST's since 2000. I'm not going to get in a match of who has been a STHer since whenever. My point on this whole suck so we can get the #1 pick that isn't guaranteed to us even if we did "tank" is just wrong. you have your beliefs and wish to tank ; I have my wish to see hockey played hard and win. It is what it is.

Back to what is relevant and matters; "Shocking" that #6 has been playing with a broken bone in his foot. :crazy: At least we'll get to see a good long look at JMc.

It's going to be really strange seeing #24 & #77 in Caps jerseys in this building. I like Joe's comments in the paper about how he doesn't need to come in here to "prove anything" like he did with OTT "who never gave me a chance" and how he is appreciative of the Canes for giving him an opportunity.

ETA: Thanks E, hehee, no you're not me, but you speak exactly to what I was originally inferring in my first post. :-)

Corvo and Walker are great guys. As much as I dislike the Caps, would love for those 2 to get their names on the Cup.

[ssangste]

Entertaining home hockey games are great. No one wants to pay good money to see your team lose. We've proven time and time again that if we didn't have our bad luck, we wouldn't have any luck at all. So even if we tank every single game between now and the end of the season, a) it's unlikely the oilers will overtake us, and b) even by trying to maximize our percentage chances in the lottery, we still won't end up with the number 1 pick.....

But having said that, we need to be in the running for a top 5... winning too many more games pushes us out of the running for a top 5 spot. Given our draft history with players, we need as high a draft number as possible to get as close to a sure thing as possible.

If we're going to have to suffer through the debacle that is this season (with only some bright spots like the development of Sutter, the little run we went on, seeing some of the kids play, etc.) then we need to get something good out of it at the draft... winning more now and screwing up our draft position is not something I'm in favor of doing. If we legitimately could make the playoffs, I'd be on board with winning more... but we aren't making the playoffs at this point....

That doesn't mean I want us to come out of the tunnel, wave a white flag, and not even play the games at all. I still want to see us skate hard, stop looping around out there, go to the dirty areas, hit, and show some hustle. However, having us put in a solid effort, see the work, but still lose a tight one goal game isn't something I'm outright cheering for, but am not at all opposed to either.... because I can see the positive impact it could have on us having a better chance to draft higher and get an impact player for the org for years to come. I, too, would like to use this time to see the kids play with the big club and introduce them to the speed, intensity and style of game they will be faced with if they are to make the big club on a permanent basis in the future. Nothing like getting a preview now.

I hope we play well against the Caps... but also still end up with a high draft pick.... I'm bipolar these days about this team...

[Dammit100]

don't get me wrong, I want to see good effort, just losing by 1 each time. ;)

Like I (and others) have stated, if the playoffs aren't an option, then a top 3 pick is the only thing that can really salvage a season. In this draft class, there's pretty much a consensus top 3, so we need to finish 29th overall to ensure that we're getting one of those players.

That being said, it'll be nice to see Walker playing tonight, assuming he's not the rotating scratch (insert inappropriate joke here).

[superdave]

Timmy with a broken bone in the foot. How the hell did he get through the game Tuesday. His butt should have been sitting especially since they called up McBain.

I'm telling you, he's the Black Knight. "It's only a flesh wound".

"None shall pass"

[wa10]

Actually we don't. As we all learned a few years back, finishing in last doesn't guarantee the first pick.

#1 overall probabilities (since no team can move up more than 5 slots):

30th - 48.2%
29th - 18.8%
28th - 14.2%
27th - 10.7%
26th - 8.1%

Also since no team can move down more than 1 slot, Edmonton will be picking 1st 48.2% and 2nd 51.8%

http://www.nhlscap.com/draft.htm

[Fghtr4jc]

The way I see it, we want Edmonton to take Seguin so we can get Hall (With Staal and Sutter, Seguin would never pass third line center, and that's a waste of a top pick). Toronto is 2 games behind us. We don't need to suck as much as we need them to play well. That way, we end up in 29th, we have the second pick, and we may even get the first (if Edmonton has our luck). 2 games is not a lot. Who owns the tiebreaker between Toronto and Carolina?

[Dammit100]

I believe the first tiebreak is wins, which we have 28, TO has 24. So they need to finish w/more points than us.

[FinFan]

The guys look so much better tonight. Great breaks down the ice. The Rat Line is AWESOME!

BTW, the Semin pinch between Tuomo and Brendan was awesome. Unfortunately, Tuomo took a high stick and cut his lip.

Crap... but it looks like it was a high stick.

Geez, Trip is so talking up Knuble.

[Canesluver]

Well..... no score is better than being down going into the 2nd. I'll take it!

But damn! Two posts?!!! Arrrrrggggghhhhhh!!!

[FinFan]

Dang it all! What is it with former Canes and playing against us! Did they forget they aren't playing for us?

How are you feeling CL? Good, I hope. :)

Hockey Gods, please let the Canes do SOMETHING with a 5 on 3..

THANK YOU HOCKEY GODS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nccanes]

We missed the first @ dinner and enjoyed the PP goal, but good lord they look a tad inept in this period.
If the Canes are gonna win this, they better do it with hard work, cause I think they've had their share of good fortune thus far.

[kermelbar]

Corvo needs to knock it off!

[nccanes]

That's too bad. Peters deserved better PKing for the last 11 seconds given the amount of saving and scrambling he did in that period.

Let's hope the Canes make the 3rd interesting. Don't know if it's just the tv audio but the crowd sounds dead.

[FinFan]

Justin is having a GREAT game. Standing on his freaking head, litterally!

WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We finally got that breakaway goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW, nccanes, I think they're "muting" the crowd. They're darn loud now. :D What a pass from Jussi!

CRAP. I hated that camera angle! I couldn't see anything!!!! Their freaking FAULT!

[nccanes]

I thought Tripp was putting this game in the books WAAAAayyyyy too soon.

Win it in OT fellas.

[FinFan]

THE WIZARD!!!

Wow, that was freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!! What an awesome game. Wow.

[Canesluver]

That was a well-deserved win!
:nanner:

[Solracer]

What a Great Game, sound like the RBC was rocking..

[caveman]

Just when you think you're out...

...they pull you back in.

[livinthedream]

I love these guys.

They make me so, so proud.

[SoCalcaniac]

Same HERE.

The game was dicey for the most part for me. I thought we had a better start, then that second period, holy moly. I truly thought that last 3 minutes of what was the 5 on 3 then turned 5 on 4-- we had no poise with the darn puck. People were treating it like a hot potato. :crazy:

Highlights- Jamie McBain. I'm calling him the shoot-o-holic as in the etrade babies; This kid is poised. He was out on the bench doing his thing while we all filed in before warm ups-- I'm thinkin' it's the kid's routine, so now I'll be looking for him every game, just like I do with the Juice and his run the stairs warm up before they come out. :lol: I liked seeing him on the bench with Rowe after that little kerfuffle/mishap that lead to the Caps on the odd man rush- Rowe giving positive reinforcement, but clearly telling him he can't do that "here". WHat I love most about this kid, he's clearly not phased about much, and he doesn't seem deterred with having Joni as his D partner. That alone gets points.

Zach Boychuk-- hmmmm got some PP time, his tenacity on the puck to strip the Cap player lead to the Carson goal.

The original shrimp, Chad LaRose. Our section went berserk when he came charging down the ice --- the guys in front of us; "oh he's SCORING on this, look at his tongue hangin' out" :laugh: two of the 3 dudes threw their beers up and started squealing. (beers were almost gone, lol)

What do you say about the Wiz? VarLAmov looked a bit shaky to me I thought we needed more on him early, but that last goal. Hmmm the goalie expert, G33 maybe you can step in here- I didn't think Ray's shot was super hard, clearly he shoulda had it? They don't ask how you score.... I'll take it.

I was fearful of our old friend #77 getting a hat trick; especially late in that 3rd. But was very happy for him to play well and Walker too. I just can't muster up any kind of hate on for those guys. Corvo's one of my faves, and will continue to be. Hub said to our neighbor who just loves Corvo to death but was pained when he scored- "he still thinks he's playing for us- he loves this building it's natural for him to score" lol.

Lowlights: I thought Picard looked iffy/scary/dicey and then he got hurt- I just saw him shaking his hand like crazy but didn't catch the sequence; I'll suppose we'll see a call up if he can't go. He's a project for sure.

Big ups to the crowd. I felt sagging at points then surges of willing them on. So much noise when Chad scored. I liked seeing the enthusiasm about this game like it had "meaning" the crowd never wavered and you'd think we were set for the playoffs the rowdiness was evident all night.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Look, I'm on board with being OK when we lose from here on out because I agree, a high pick is the only thing that makes this season worth living through. But seriously, can we start a "Wishing for the team to tank" thread and keep that discussion there? Or will every f*cking game thread have to turn into a "hope we lose!" convention from here on out? Just a thought for those of us who are too freaking competitive to pull for a loss.


On to the game....that was FUN. My god, I HATE the Caps. Some obnoxious fans there tonight, too. Made it all that much sweeter.

And for eff's sake, can we GIVE BOYCHUK MORE ICE TIME?!?!?
McBain looked AWESOME. Let's just start giving the Rats the most ice time every night....I mean really, why not?

Nice response from the crowd when they showed Irbe on the video board....with his little head barely peeking over the ledge. :lol:

Subdued but sizable crowd...pretty good for a 28th place team in a Southern market! The first period was so freaking boring I think it almost lulled us into a coma, though. My only entertainment was imagining that every time Boudreau was yelling from the bench he was screaming for someone to bring him cupcakes.

Reasons I know the Caps aren't going to win the Cup: they celebrate every goal like they just did, and they react to every loss like they just lost it (your choice on whether I'm talking about their players or their fans). Sure was nice not to have to see Ovechkin.


AND I CAN'T FREAKIN' BELIEVE I MISSED THE FIGHT BETWEEN MATT COOKE AND SHAWN THORNTON! Dammit! The very idea is my version of a wet dream! :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

SHC, you're brilliant- really great idea; we DO need a Wishing We Tank thread. If we have a p.o.o.p. and p.o.o.l thread, we can have that; but I'm not startin' it and I won't be posting in it. :lol:;)

I forgot about Irbe and the cheer for him. He's still loved here, and it showed. Our neighbor said- are you sure that's him up there? and her daughter says "mom, you can hardly see him he's little- It's Irbe". :laugh:


I don't disagree that Boychuk needs even more ice time. At least he finally got on the PP. :-

I forgot to mention the signage was interesting in the rink from some of the opposing fans; "Free Alex " behind the Caps bench. yeah, please do free him from his stupidity. :wah: Then on the flip side, during warm ups, Brooks Laich threw a puck over the glass for a little girl with a #12 Canes jersey; she blew him a kiss and he waved back to her. Very nice.

[c-girl]

There was sign down on the glass close to where LTD takes her photos during warmups that read "I PAID to see Ovie." Well, honey, looks like you're just S.O.L., doesn't it?

I like the idea of a Wish the Team Would Tank thread. And yeah I won't be reading it.

Good game, great win, and I discovered soup at the "gourmet" stand on the upper level. Stellar night.

ETA: I just saw this on WRAL.com about Timmy presented the autographed flag to Marines. For those not at the game, they showed it on the JB.



Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason brought his Olympic silver medal for Marines from Camp Lejeune to view on March 18, 2010.



<FORM action=/apps/search/search/ method=get> </FORM>
Canes' Gleason presents Olympic-signed flag to Marines


Posted: 16 minutes ago
Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason delivered an autographed American flag Thursday to Marines from Camp Lejeune.
“What the soldiers are doing over there is so important for us as a country,” Gleason said after meeting the10 Marines in a suite at the RBC Center on Thursday evening.
The flag, signed by members of the Olympic silver medalist U.S. hockey team, was presented to Lt. Col. John McDonough, of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines Regiment based at Camp LeJeune.
http://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/news/local/2010/03/18/7261471/110363-ken_canes-80x60.jpg (http://www.wral.com/news/local/video/7261471/)WATCH VIDEO (http://www.wral.com/news/local/video/7261471/)
Canes defenseman meets with Camp Lejeune Marines (http://www.wral.com/news/local/video/7261471/)
“To know what these folks have going on – training for professional hockey, being part of the Olympic team – that they would take time to do something like that, it’s going to mean a lot to them,” McDonough said.

Gleason said more than 20 members of the team signed the flag. “I told them what it was for and before you knew it, it was signed,” he said.
Gleason also brought his Olympic silver medal for the Marines to view.

“I think Tim is natural born Marine that’s got some skating skills. That’s why he’s out here right now,” McDonough said. [This explains a lot. :)]

McDonough plans to take the flag with him when he returns to Afghanistan in a couple weeks. It will be flown at one of the forward operating bases where Camp Lejeune Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Regiment, are stationed.

Over the course of the season, Gleason also hosts Wounded Veterans at the Hurricanes Home games.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^Saw that sign. And a lot of folks in Chicago paid to see Campbell. That dumbass in the building tonight will have his precious prick back next game....Chicago fans won't be so lucky.

Then on the flip side, during warm ups, Brooks Laich threw a puck over the glass for a little girl with a #12 Canes jersey; she blew him a kiss and he waved back to her. Very nice.

I would take him on my team in a heartbeat. I was devising kidnapping strategies during warm-ups tonight. :evil:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

BTW, I LOVE how Corvo barely smiled at all when he scored on us...both times. Much different than the elation he seemed to have with every goal he scored on Ottawa. :lol:

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Man, I'm hoping for a top pick, but I'll be damned if that wasn't a fun game to be at.

SoCal, did you hear my shoutout on the Aftermath? ;)

[Kat]

ETA: I just saw this on WRAL.com about Timmy presented the autographed flag to Marines. For those not at the game, they showed it on the JB.

Thanks for the article. It sends chills up my spine, in a good way, that deserved recognition is given to the military like this.

[Darkwing]

interesting note at the end of that clip too -- apparently Gleason has a suite that he purchased alot like Ward, just doesn't advertise it every game. Definitely cool

[nccanes]

I wonder if he took over Ward's upon his trade.

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Ward's was for any military and the article says that Gleason's is for injured. Dunno if they're the same suite.

[Deke]

I wonder if he took over Ward's upon his trade.

They still announce it as "Aaron Ward's Warriors" (although last night it was just "Ward's Warriors").

[KaniacFever]

Well that was a fun game. The 1st was blah, after it ended a friend goes "was that just as boring to you as it was to me" :lol:

SHC you are bang on with your assessment on the Caps (players/fans). After they tied it up, you would have thought they just won Game 7. Which made sending them home with only the 1 point, that much better.

McBain is 100% positive. I think he is right behind Sutter on the positives for this season. Love this kid. I wish Joni would take some lessons from him and shoot the damn puck. Half the team could take lessons from him in that dept :lol:

Loved Chad's breakaway goal. Loved the leg kick. Put that kid out in the shootout.

Peters had a real good bounceback game. Good to see him handle the adversity in a positive manner. I think he's ready for Cam back up duty.

And what can I say about Corvo. He might play for a team I don't like, but I can't not like this guy. And yes I was one to cheer when he was announced as the 3rd star. I think he should have come out for old times sake ;)

Now let's do it again Sunday so its a peaceful walk to the car after the game.

[sandstone]

Anyone who believes the Canes, or any team should "tank", needs his/her head examined. Losing games on purpose is the same as throwing games which should get players/coaches/GM's banned from the league forever. Any coach that would even suggest such a tactic is an idiot as is any player that does not play with the intent to win. For a fan to even have that mentality reeks of "loser". Play hard and lose by one??? Idiotic thinking at best.
Do words like, pride, integrity, accomplishment, success mean anything anymore? The feds take a real bad attitude when it comes to fixing games, as most of the public has learned. Why would any pro/amatuer athlete approach a game with the will/desire to lose?

[SoCalcaniac]

what can I say about Corvo. He might play for a team I don't like, but I can't not like this guy. And yes I was one to cheer when he was announced as the 3rd star. I think he should have come out for old times sake ;)

Yeah, it would have been awesome to see him come out again- all sheepish and Joe-like, and give us all a wave. I cheered for him too when he was announced as 3rd star; and this chick 2 rows in front of us in her "Ovie wear" (that clothing line of his) turned around to me and my seat mates and said, "you guys really do like all the players that played for you don't you?" She then went on to explain they were listening in their car on the way in "To the Hurricanes Show" (?) and "they" were talking about how the fans are with ex-Canes here. I told her Joe has been one of my favorite Canes, and I still think of him as Hurricane. :lol:

I also noticed how he didn't really celebrate SHC. ;)

When SHC told me about the "I Paid to See Ovie" sign after the game, I thought I was gonna hurl. So go up to WSH when he's back in the lineup now that he's officially "free" and go pay and see him. People in CHI won't get that with Campbell or for that matter Brent Seabrook.

Tim Gleason is a Marine with skating skills. Love it. Yeah, he's definitely Marine material.

Oh poster people............. :) That could be an ad for the Marines to be honest. I thought it was a nice touch to put up the story on the video board. Really great to spotlight this whole thing.

[FinFan]

Loved Chad's breakaway goal. Loved the leg kick. Put that kid out in the shootout.


I'll have you know that right after he scored, Trip said something along the lines of that was Chad's way of saying next time we're in a shootout, put me in! I have to say that when I saw him breaking away, knowing his speed, I thought that we finally were going to get a breakaway goal. I was half off the couch when he got to the goal and when I saw the water bottle jump, I jumped. My poor dog had no idea what was going on. :lol:

BTW, they showed Jussi on the bench after the Rosie goal and he had that little grin on his face. :D That was an awesome pass he made. I love our Finns!

As for Joe SCorvo, he lived up to his nickname. And yes, he's so humble. I don't think he really wanted to score on us, not like he always wanted to with Ottawa. He said to Chip in his article that the circumstances were so different. OTT never gave him a chance, which he has said repeatedly, but Carolina did, so often. I kinda hope we pull a Cole with him, bring him back. I love the big catcher!

[nccanes]

Ward's was for any military and the article says that Gleason's is for injured. Dunno if they're the same suite.

First off, WRAL gets about 50% correct on anything to do with the Canes, second, not that it matters 1 iota, but Ward's Warriors were for all of the above and the WRAL article says:

Over the course of the season, Gleason also hosts Wounded Veterans at the Hurricanes Home games.

From Canes Country (http://www.canescountry.com/2009/12/21/1206723/wards-warriors-real-life-champions)
"Ward's Warriors" can be comprised of active duty military, veterans, or even wounded soldiers just returned from overseas. The team's representatives try to select a mixture of participants from each of the military bases in the state.

I apologize for posting, but I took a small issue with the slight suggestion that Ward "advertised" his support as if that was a bad thing and some Gleason "just doesn't advertise it every game".

[kermelbar]

My inference was also somehow that "advertising" it was a bad thing. I've never taken any of the sponsored boxes as a 100% advertisement for the player (though, of course, I'm not fool enough to think it's bad PR). I've always taken it as an opportunity to honor/celebrate the people who are in the suite -- veterans, wounded soldiers, Special Olympics kids, etc.

[nccanes]

I'm sure I'm hyper-sensitive in regard to AWard because of the abuse he's taken for his early season play, but he's definitely been a leader in the community in regard to charitable endeavours. I recall he and his wife spearheading the Toys for Tots YEARS ago before the Canes jumped on board. And for him to set up the Warriors suite immediately after his unexpected trade back here impressed me.

[Dammit100]

As for Joe SCorvo, he lived up to his nickname. And yes, he's so humble. I don't think he really wanted to score on us, not like he always wanted to with Ottawa. He said to Chip in his article that the circumstances were so different. OTT never gave him a chance, which he has said repeatedly, but Carolina did, so often. I kinda hope we pull a Cole with him, bring him back. I love the big catcher!

It was good to see Corvo play well, but I'm tired of the recycling program. With rare exception, the players we've brought back have been shells of their former selves.

[caveman]

Man. Giving up goals in the first minute of the period and the last minute of the period (twice!) and still winning! Unbelievable.

[c-girl]

I'm sure I'm hyper-sensitive in regard to AWard because of the abuse he's taken for his early season play, but he's definitely been a leader in the community in regard to charitable endeavours. I recall he and his wife spearheading the Toys for Tots YEARS ago before the Canes jumped on board. And for him to set up the Warriors suite immediately after his unexpected trade back here impressed me.


I'm impressed that he left it in place after he was traded. I think he's a good guy. I was not too impressed with his play this year but felt sorry for him because it was clear he was perplexed about it.

[ButtersSaysNo]

15-6-1 in last 22 games. No way I am going to pull for this team to tank, even if it means we miss out on a better draft pick.

Been a Canes fan from the very first game. Never ever hoped for us to lose a game, not going to start hoping we lose some games now, even though I can understand why some folks feel that way.

[SoCalcaniac]

I apologize for posting, but I took a small issue with the slight suggestion that Ward "advertised" his support as if that was a bad thing and some Gleason "just doesn't advertise it every game".

I don't think you need to apologize, the original "advertise" comment was off the mark in the first place. I find all of the players in the NHL to be commended for sponsoring suites, hospital wards, etc etc to be so wonderful and it should be "advertised" brought to light, etc. People in these communities should be proud we have professional athletes among us who care enough to do anything that could be a great moment for just a minute in that person's life. Of course the teams including ours will want to showcase the effort by the Player (i.e. the signs in the building) but there are some players who keep these efforts low key. Ron Francis did it undercover for years (sponsoring a suite in PIT for pediatric cancer patients) til some reporter uncovered it. Everyone has a way they may go about it, in the case of the Canes players, I'm thinking it was in conjunction with their efforts off the ice, (Cam's Champs/SONC) and Ward was very much a part of the Military effort wayyyy back in his first go round with us if I recall.

I'm sure I'm hyper-sensitive in regard to AWard because of the abuse he's taken for his early season play, but he's definitely been a leader in the community in regard to charitable endeavours. I recall he and his wife spearheading the Toys for Tots YEARS ago before the Canes jumped on board. And for him to set up the Warriors suite immediately after his unexpected trade back here impressed me.

For as horribly Ward played for us in the beginning of this season, I don't think anyone can accuse him of not being civic minded; to me one of his best qualities is that he's always willing to volunteer and was always a guy who did things to shine a light on something. I recall he was the first of the players to jump in line for St. Baldrick's and I remember that he also did something for the food bank during Thanksgiving along with the Toys for Tots effort with his wife. I am reminded of him on that day that he was waived this season, and it just so happened to be the day of the STHer party. Ward looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock and not come out when I got in that line; but he was really good to the kids that came through in front of me, and he was good to the fans who were there. It could not have been easy, but he did deal as best he could.

I agree with C-girl, also very impressed that he has kept it going since he was traded.Very stand up. Very Aaron Ward.

I remember watching a Lightning game, and "The Chief" Bobby Taylor lamenting that Brad Richards "Richey's Rascals" sign over one section in the arena was gone after he got traded to DAL.

[FinFan]

It was good to see Corvo play well, but I'm tired of the recycling program. With rare exception, the players we've brought back have been shells of their former selves.

Eh, maybe at times they do, but not always. Cole scored two clean up goals Saturday.

It says a lot about our organization and fanbase as a whole when players DON'T want to leave. I remember at the beginning of the season when Tuomo signed his extended contract him saying that he hadn't wanted to leave Carolina, that he loved playing here. The team is very much a family and the community embraces them. That's why the Canes and the Atlanta Braves are my favorite professional sport teams.

I just watched the video clips from the game. The only thing they forgot was the let Trip talk about Rosie and him being on the shootout. They did keep him talking about Staal's new stick and they not showing the play that far back. Really made him look stupid... er, more stupid than usual.

And in case anyone hadn't heard, Staal's PP goal put him into 2nd in franchise history behind Ron.

[Dammit100]

Right, he scored two goals. That gives him 8 on the season. whoopdeedoo!

Here's the players who have been just as good or better on their second tour of duty:
Cullen
(I don't count Francis since he wasn't recycled as a Cane)

Here's who's been markedly worse:
A. Ward
Cole
Vasicek (and that's saying something)
Tanabe

[Kat]

Vasicek (and that's saying something)


:lol:

[nccanes]

Right, he scored two goals. That gives him 8 on the season. whoopdeedoo!



He's played 28 games. Isn't that over 20 goals over the course of a season? What exactly is your expectation for him?

Playing 20/20 hindsight is always my favorite game. Sure, Cole's injury prone and he may be at the end of his productive career (especially due to whatever happened *this* season), but he came to a team on the verge of missing the playoffs for the 3rd straight year. Was part of a hot finish to the season and an appearance in the ECF. Sure his [playoff stats were low, so what? In an interview this season he was asked about the BOS series and Chara and he talked about it being his job to keep Chara occupied and help create space for Staal. Not an easy job.

Sometimes I wonder if people expect every single contract and player to calculate out to some magical value. It's the very reason that sports (particularly team sports) is interesting. There's a sum of the parts aspect that overshadows the individuals. And for every Erik Cole contract there's a Jussi Jokinen contract where value is thru the roof. That's the way it goes.

[Dammit100]

he also has a magical 3 assists. I'm not asking for him to be a 70 point player, but last night in over 14 minutes, he had no points, no shots, and missed the net high and wide from damn near the crease.

I realize people have a fondness for him due to his neck injury. But if everyone could be objective about his play, the cons far outweigh the pros.

[nccanes]

I'm not certain anyone has tried to say that his pros DO outweigh his cons (and certainly in hindsight that would be foolish). But perhaps we're just not as fixated on ragging on the guy as much as you?

As far as me asking what your expectations where...it was just a question that might help me understand.....well....what your expectations were.

The fact that I used Jussi's contract to contrast Cole's implies that I recognize where each contract falls in the value spectrum.

As far as objectivity? I doubt most fans are objective even when they think they are. It's like "hockey people" looking at hit objectively -- they do so and STILL can't agree on what's clean/dirty good/bad, etc.

[Convert]

While Cole seems to have lost his scoring touch, the last few games he has shown some signs of his past play in terms of speed, hustle, and physicality. If he can bring that for most of the games he plays, I'll take it. The reality is he's signed for another season whether we like it or not. He's not gonna get traded or bought out, so I'll be okay with him delivering value by those more intangible elements to his game (Frankly, if Jussi continues to play with Staal next year I could see them swapping Jussi and Cole for a few shifts just to change the speed and size dynamics that the opposition has to deal with).

[c-girl]

In an interview this season he was asked about the BOS series and Chara and he talked about it being his job to keep Chara occupied and help create space for Staal. Not an easy job.


The very definition of "intangible contribution." You can't track it, you can't keep stats on it like points, and in most cases fans don't even realize or recognize it. But still extremely valuable.

[Dammit100]

I agree that he's been better the last 2 or 3 games, but he's still prone to falling down easier than Fran Tarkenton. Rather than Cole being on the top line as a change of pace to Jussi, or a body to clear out some room for Staal, I like Ruutu being up there. He brings more of a physical element than Cole does now and he's a much more viable scoring threat.

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

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[KaniacFever]

I agree that he's been better the last 2 or 3 games, but he's still prone to falling down easier than Fran Tarkenton. Rather than Cole being on the top line as a change of pace to Jussi, or a body to clear out some room for Staal, I like Ruutu being up there. He brings more of a physical element than Cole does now and he's a much more viable scoring threat.

But Ruutu falls down pretty frequently as well.

And could it be that Cole is just now starting to feel 100%. It took Staal a few games to get back to his level of play when he returned from injury. And maybe Cole was being a little cautious knowing this last injury was with the neck. Maybe he just needed some reassurance.

And no i'm not using his injury as an excuse, but to stay he's only scored 6 goals all season, you have to factor in that he's also only played 28 games. I'll start cucifying the guy when he plays 60 games and scores 6 goals. I can't sit here and say Cole sucks when he really hasn't played healthy.

Grant it, I didn't like the $$$$ in his contract, I thought it was too much. But that's here and now. JR gave it to him. If was able to get that out of JR, when other GMs wouldn't, well kudos to Cole. I just wish I could do that to my boss ;)

[Dammit100]

oh, I don't blame Cole for his playing time or his salary. Those are Mo's and JR's faults there. What his playing time and salary do is raise my expectations of him (or any player for that matter).

[Alicia]

oh, I don't blame Cole for his playing time or his salary. Those are Mo's and JR's faults there. What his playing time and salary do is raise my expectations of him (or any player for that matter).
Ever consider your expectations are maybe a little too high, or has Cole-bashing blurred your objectivity?

[kermelbar]

I, for one, don't expect much positive from someone who's chose "Dammit" as his/her moniker. :lol:

[Dammit100]

I expect forwards getting $3m/season to maintain possession of the puck more often than not, put shots ON net, not fall down on their own volition to the point where everyone notices it, and probably be a 40-50 point producer.

If those are too high, let me know.

[nccanes]

I'm going to presume that if Cole was a 40-50 point producer that you'd overlook the 'falling down on their own volition' part (but I'm sure that comment "own volition" is not at all subjective - you know that he is doing it on purpose since you are "objective" and all).

In any event, if you want 50 points for Cole's money, you must REALLY hate Staal with his 56 in 58 games, huh?

[nccanes]

ANd since this can of worms is open, why are you not screaming about Samsonov?

He makes 300k less than Cole and has a whopping 26 points in 60 games? Or how about Walker before the trade? He's making 2.5 and has 8 pts in 38 games?

Just curious because if we're being objective, they'd be targets of complaints as well.

[FinFan]

Wow, I'm sorry I exaserbated this issue. I have to say I agree with those supporting Cole. There are stats that aren't taken into account in every sport. Plus, Erik brings a lot to the bench, too, just like Rod. Both are most likely at the ends of their carreers, but that doesn't mean they don't contribute in one way or another. You need your experienced players there to help out the youth. I will admit that this year had too much experience and not enough youth at first, but it's changing, for the better. And Corvo is more in the middle of both youth and experience. He can bring both to the table.

[nccanes]

And I'm not even really trying to defend Cole's value at the moment, I'm just saying that it happens on every single team. Rick DiPietro anyone?

I've been thinking about an off season poll where we could discuss the signings we've made (post 2006) that we didn't like at the time. I will be the first one to say (whatever bias I have noted) I liked Cole's signing and I liked re-acquiring AWard. But I'd say I didn't like Sammy's or Walker's.

Then again, I'm not gonna spew very much about bad contracts or players because I'm generally too lazy to heap praise OR criticism....or just figure it's all part of the game.

[Jay]

I think the issue with Cole is that we knew what we were getting. He played *terrible* for the Oilers. He played badly for us post-injury. We knew he wasn't doing well, and we still gave him a payday.

[Dammit100]

the reason I don't say/haven't said much about Samsonov, is that I never expected a damn thing from him. The decent stretch he had when we first acquired him was an aberration.

[nccanes]

the reason I don't say/haven't said much about Samsonov, is that I never expected a damn thing from him. The decent stretch he had when we first acquired him was an aberration.

So in Samsonov's case, you don't have expectations based on salary?

But you're objectively looking at salary vs. production right?

[Deke]

ANd since this can of worms is open, why are you not screaming about Samsonov?

He makes 300k less than Cole and has a whopping 26 points in 60 games? Or how about Walker before the trade? He's making 2.5 and has 8 pts in 38 games?

Just curious because if we're being objective, they'd be targets of complaints as well.

The thing about Samsonov is that he signed right after having the fantastic run he had in 07. Yeah some people did point out that he could very well revert to being the "old" Samsonov, but if the team had not signed him in the off season there would have been a lot of complaints (at that time). JR decided to sign Cole again despite his continued decline in production, seemingly on this perception that Staal, the team, Stormy, etc. all perform better with him around. I just hoped JR would cut the cord and spend the money elsewhere but he chose to keep him so I would guess that is why others (like me) may find him to be an easy target for criticism.

[Dammit100]

exactly where did I mention that salary is the sole arbiter of my expectations?

[nccanes]

That's some strange logic (to me anyway). You let a guy off the hook because JR saw his "flash" in 07. Yes you don't let Cole (the criticism is directed at Cole, here and at the games, regardless of who is to "blame") off the hook because he was part of the big roll into the playoff last spring after the trade deadline. He was Staal's linemate when Staal played his best hockey last season, and he had a history of being part of succesful teams here (he's been to 2 SCFs and 3 ECFs).

So - I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything, EXCEPT, let's stop this "objectivity" BS. :lol: NO ONE is objective.

[nccanes]

exactly where did I mention that salary is the sole arbiter of my expectations?

This is your post. I do not see Cole's name. Cole is making 2.8 and Samsonov 2.5 (and Walker 2.5).

I expect forwards getting $3m/season to maintain possession of the puck more often than not, put shots ON net, not fall down on their own volition to the point where everyone notices it, and probably be a 40-50 point producer.

If those are too high, let me know.

[Dammit100]

yes, Sergei is certainly underperforming. But if you want to keep quoting me on things and having me explain this all to you, I will.

Sergei:
Maintain Possesion: check, and practically to a fault
Put shots on net: no, as a symptom of ^
not fall down: check
40-50 points: nope.

So there's a 50% of the criteria, and perhaps he'd get more scoring chances if Mo gave him the same ice time and opportunities to play with top notch players like Cole gets.

[nccanes]

As I said, I'm not trying to convince anyone out of or into anything. And really - I don't need you to "have to explain" to me -- I thought we were having a discussion.

The post that includes the directive to be "objective" was what caught my attention.

The fact that you are listing criteria for a "3 million $ player" that does not include something like "hitting" seems to indicate that your set of criteria, maybe, could possibly be subjective, just maybe.

You don't have to like/cheer for/appreciate/defend Cole - he can certainly be frustrating. But you are no more objective than anyone else.

[Dammit100]

how are hits objective? Depending on who is keeping stats on a given night, player X (who I love from NES Kung Fu) could be credited with 2 hits or 7.

I also never claimed to be the voice of objectivity. I just said that if people would be more objective, the cons outweigh the pros with Cole. Something that you agreed with.

[nccanes]

Omitting hits in your check list criteria is subjective.

If you are working off stat sheets, then "falling down" shouldn't be in your criteria.

[Dammit100]

you're right, I omitted the "and more" from my earlier list of points.

if we're going to discuss hits as a stat, I think we should all be in agreement that they are really the only stat that isn't completely objective.

[Deke]

That's some strange logic (to me anyway). You let a guy off the hook because JR saw his "flash" in 07. Yes you don't let Cole (the criticism is directed at Cole, here and at the games, regardless of who is to "blame") off the hook because he was part of the big roll into the playoff last spring after the trade deadline. He was Staal's linemate when Staal played his best hockey last season, and he had a history of being part of succesful teams here (he's been to 2 SCFs and 3 ECFs).

So - I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything, EXCEPT, let's stop this "objectivity" BS. :lol: NO ONE is objective.

If JR had signed Cole after a true "flash" I wouldn't be as critical of Cole's play. The thing is that Samsonov was actually putting points on the board during his "flash" while Cole was going on perception/hype that he alone was the missing link that somehow made the team and most importantly Staal play better when he was around. I don't think JR nor too many fans would have been eager to sign Sergei if he was an UFA and his production matched Cole's going into July 1st last summer. Because it was Cole and his "history of being part of succesful teams here" he is supposed to be let off the hook?

[nccanes]

I'm not leaving anyone off the hook. I just thought it was odd that Samsonov is not facing the same level of criticism as Cole when we're being "objective". :lol:

[Deke]

I'm not leaving anyone off the hook. I just thought it was odd that Samsonov is not facing the same level of criticism as Cole when we're being "objective". :lol:

I never said I was objective ;)

[nccanes]

I knew I liked you Deke! :kiss: :lol:

[Dammit100]

pretty sure I didn't either. then again, I forgot a have that section 328 stank all over me! lol.

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Man the board has become polarized lately.

(Speaking as one of the polar)

[Dammit100]

it has, but I don't take anything on the internet too seriously. I'd be fine with getting into a heated debate with anyone on here, then crack a beer with them and watch the game.

[nccanes]

this was a polarizing discussion? :lol:

I wasn't aware. :lol:

[Kat]

Since we're not being objective here, my issue with Cole isn't so much production/intangibles, or lack thereof, but the truly unbiased fact that he has only played 28 games.

I do admire his fearless (reckless?) give-it-everything-you-got attitude, but I think that it leads to more injuries and that will only get worse as he ages.

[Dammit100]

Since we're not being objective here, my issue with Cole isn't so much production/intangibles, or lack thereof, but the truly unbiased fact that he has only played 28 games.

I do admire his fearless (reckless?) give-it-everything-you-got attitude, but I think that it leads to more injuries and that will only get worse as he ages.

to me, he was damn effective when he played with that style that made him a top-flight power forward. Same thing for Jeff O'Neill in that they were most effective as a scorer when they were an aggressive checker. As both seemed to initiate or seek out that contact less and less, their numbers declined as well.

in terms of a "give-it-everything-you-got" style, I notice (yes, I'm very critical of Cole) that Erik seems to half-ass it on more shifts than anyone else on the team.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

LOVIN' this thread. :spin:

I'm LMAO, though, because we just rolled out the single most subjective thing in the game, IMO.....judgement of a player's effort on the ice from the stands.

And I think it's extremely interesting that more than one poster here has owned up to spewing bile all over Cole.... because they think JR made a mistake with his contract. On what planet exactly does that make sense? Should Cole have told JR he wasn't worth all that money and to lower the offer?


And what can I say about Corvo. He might play for a team I don't like, but I can't not like this guy. And yes I was one to cheer when he was announced as the 3rd star. I think he should have come out for old times sake ;)

Mr SHC said "Well, we managed to give all three stars to Hurricanes". :D

[KaniacFever]

oh, I don't blame Cole for his playing time or his salary. Those are Mo's and JR's faults there. What his playing time and salary do is raise my expectations of him (or any player for that matter).

I just don't see how you can expect a player to have higher expectations because their boss was dumb enough to give someone $3M or their coach still believes they belong on the first line.

Cole at his highest, in this point in his career, isn't a first line guy, nor is he a $3M player. To expect him to be that because his GM and coach think he is, is unfair to him.

[Alicia]

I just don't see how you can expect a player to have higher expectations because their boss was dumb enough to give someone $3M or their coach still believes they belong on the first line.

Cole at his highest, in this point in his career, isn't a first line guy, nor is he a $3M player. To expect him to be that because his GM and coach think he is, is unfair to him.
That and I don't recall Cole ever being noted as any prolific goal scorer...power forward he is: one who plays rugged and can also score goals. The worth placed on those qualities is determined by the GM, who obviously felt Cole possessed them.

[superdave]

You know, all this back and forth on the value of a player like Cole is pretty useless. Sure he's been hurt and hasn't lived up to what we would want, but we aren't the ones offering the contracts. If Jussi was making 3 mil and Cole 1.5, would we be having this conversation? We can live with it for another year or we can buy Cole out. If we buy him out, will the 1 million that will be saved be enough to replace what he can do? Because of his productivity and salary, he's not trade bait and neither is Samsonov who is also a topic of being thrown under the bus.

Last summer I thought that the 4.5 mil paid to Cole and Rosie would have been better off spent on a winger to upgrade the top line. I like these guys as much as anybody, but you need to make changes to shore up obvious deficiencies. You can't bring everybody back and make changes at the same time. This is going to be the case this summer with contract decisions on Whitney and Cullen. The youth movement can't happen when you are bringing all the guys back. We're getting the band back together.....NOT.

[Caniac4life]

BTW, I LOVE how Corvo barely smiled at all when he scored on us...both times. Much different than the elation he seemed to have with every goal he scored on Ottawa. :lol:

Noticed that, too. You could read it in his eyes of his respect for the Canes organization.

[Caniac4life]

It was good to see Corvo play well, but I'm tired of the recycling program. With rare exception, the players we've brought back have been shells of their former selves.

Yep, like "pulling a Cole".