Game thread...Canes@Atlanta 3/26/03

[crazy4canes]

Finally! The back-to-backs are finally coming to an end tonight as the Canes travel to Atlanta to take on the Thrashers.

The hits just keep on coming in Carolina. The latest victim: Kevyn Adams -out for the season. Just six more games and the nightmare that has been the 02-03 season will mercifully come to an end. Here's to hoping nobody else gets broken in the next two weeks. http://websmileys.bei.t-online.de/div217.gif

But there's good news! Tonight the Canes have the chance to tie the Thrashers in points! Yes, ok, I realize this will only put them next to last in the league but hey, I'm an optimist. :beatup:

In Atlanta, it continues to be the Heatley/Kovalchuk show. They have 34 and 35 goals respectively. Heatley has 73 pts. total. Geez. How old is this kid? 20 or something? Ugh. The big hole in Atlanta - goaltending. I mean, if you think we have problems, just look at the Thrashers goals against. It's enough to make any hockey lover cringe. :eek:

So, it's gonna be a game for entertainment value only. Those can be fun. Last game between them was a 3-3 tie. Could end up the same tonight. It's televised, game starts at 7:30. Enjoy.

No pre-game skate yet. Will update later. Discuss.

[crazy4canes]

Finally! The back-to-backs are finally coming to an end tonight as the Canes travel to Atlanta to take on the Thrashers.

The hits just keep on coming in Carolina. The latest victim: Kevyn Adams -out for the season. Just six more games and the nightmare that has been the 02-03 season will mercifully come to an end. Here's to hoping nobody else gets broken in the next two weeks. http://websmileys.bei.t-online.de/div217.gif

But there's good news! Tonight the Canes have the chance to tie the Thrashers in points! Yes, ok, I realize this will only put them next to last in the league but hey, I'm an optimist. :beatup:

In Atlanta, it continues to be the Heatley/Kovalchuk show. They have 34 and 35 goals respectively. Heatley has 73 pts. total. Geez. How old is this kid? 20 or something? Ugh. The big hole in Atlanta - goaltending. I mean, if you think we have problems, just look at the Thrashers goals against. It's enough to make any hockey lover cringe. :eek:

So, it's gonna be a game for entertainment value only. Those can be fun. Last game between them was a 3-3 tie. Could end up the same tonight. It's televised, game starts at 7:30. Enjoy.

No pre-game skate yet. Will update later. Discuss.

[mikus]

goalies? :angel:

[mikus]

goalies? :angel:

[crazy4canes]

goalies? :angel:

Hehe. Irbe/Nurminen (probably)

Irbe will start the remainder of away games according to the N&O. :)

[crazy4canes]

goalies? :angel:

Hehe. Irbe/Nurminen (probably)

Irbe will start the remainder of away games according to the N&O. :)

[Guyute]

did he get that wicked large hole between his legs fixed? :evil:

[Guyute]

did he get that wicked large hole between his legs fixed? :evil:

[mikus]

did he get that wicked large hole between his legs fixed? :evil:
i'm not expecting that he'll play a good game. :sad: :roll:

[mikus]

did he get that wicked large hole between his legs fixed? :evil:
i'm not expecting that he'll play a good game. :sad: :roll:

[Canesluver]

did he get that wicked large hole between his legs fixed? :evil:

Unfortunately, Guy-- it was only velcroed, so it tends to pop open pretty easy! :evil:

I think the coaches are pretty wise to keep Irbe out of the home games-- I don't think the fans have any patience left with him. The boo birds would be out in full force, I'm afraid. . . . . . :roll:

[Canesluver]

did he get that wicked large hole between his legs fixed? :evil:

Unfortunately, Guy-- it was only velcroed, so it tends to pop open pretty easy! :evil:

I think the coaches are pretty wise to keep Irbe out of the home games-- I don't think the fans have any patience left with him. The boo birds would be out in full force, I'm afraid. . . . . . :roll:

[Stormbringer]

I think the coaches are pretty wise to keep Irbe out of the home games-- I don't think the fans have any patience left with him. The boo birds would be out in full force, I'm afraid. . . . . . :roll:

Yeah...the last Boston game was sheer proof of how Raleigh has practically had it with Irbe. Darn shame too, considering how much he's done for the team and their fans (Especially the younger ones.). But, Irbe's jealousy of Weekes early in the season alias the "Play me or trade me." situation combined with his just horrid season (I still blame those Eagle pads...there was just some sort of mojo in those old Kohos.) has done him in. Unlike quite a few, I still like Irbe and he'll always be a fave goalie and Cane of mine, but will be VERY AMAZED if he stays here after this season.

[Stormbringer]

I think the coaches are pretty wise to keep Irbe out of the home games-- I don't think the fans have any patience left with him. The boo birds would be out in full force, I'm afraid. . . . . . :roll:

Yeah...the last Boston game was sheer proof of how Raleigh has practically had it with Irbe. Darn shame too, considering how much he's done for the team and their fans (Especially the younger ones.). But, Irbe's jealousy of Weekes early in the season alias the "Play me or trade me." situation combined with his just horrid season (I still blame those Eagle pads...there was just some sort of mojo in those old Kohos.) has done him in. Unlike quite a few, I still like Irbe and he'll always be a fave goalie and Cane of mine, but will be VERY AMAZED if he stays here after this season.

[Don Cherry]

for the good of the Canes, I will do my best to avoid watching tonights game.

In the past two weeks, everytime I've seen games with Atlanta.....Heatley has been a first or second star.

I'm running out of tricks to buy a win for Carolina, so I guess its now time to not watch.

The 03-04 training camp can't get here soon enough.

[Don Cherry]

for the good of the Canes, I will do my best to avoid watching tonights game.

In the past two weeks, everytime I've seen games with Atlanta.....Heatley has been a first or second star.

I'm running out of tricks to buy a win for Carolina, so I guess its now time to not watch.

The 03-04 training camp can't get here soon enough.

[moonstomper]

The 03-04 training camp can't get here soon enough.

couldnt agree more, Im very excited about next year.



Last nights game was a very fun, spirited affair, as is usually the case when those two teams meet. The leaf fans around me were very pretty(the female ones anyways) and we had some plaseant conversation.

Although Ive said this every single time Irbes been in net for us recently (and it doenst help) I really hope Irbe has a good game tonight....I could care less if we win or not, as long as we dont get shut out, or get blown out. :smoke:

[moonstomper]

The 03-04 training camp can't get here soon enough.

couldnt agree more, Im very excited about next year.



Last nights game was a very fun, spirited affair, as is usually the case when those two teams meet. The leaf fans around me were very pretty(the female ones anyways) and we had some plaseant conversation.

Although Ive said this every single time Irbes been in net for us recently (and it doenst help) I really hope Irbe has a good game tonight....I could care less if we win or not, as long as we dont get shut out, or get blown out. :smoke:

[raleighcanesfan]

What's sad is that Atlanta's tending is so much worse than ours, but they are ahead of us. What does that tell you about us? (Don't say injuries--as I've stated many times--we were 'suckin' before our injuries)

Yes, Irbe's game disappeared, but let me play antagonist again...Anybody watch the game last night? Did you see the 2 softies he let in? I am an equal opportunity griper--let's gripe that they both need replaced. If he's injured that badly, he wouldn't play.

[raleighcanesfan]

What's sad is that Atlanta's tending is so much worse than ours, but they are ahead of us. What does that tell you about us? (Don't say injuries--as I've stated many times--we were 'suckin' before our injuries)

Yes, Irbe's game disappeared, but let me play antagonist again...Anybody watch the game last night? Did you see the 2 softies he let in? I am an equal opportunity griper--let's gripe that they both need replaced. If he's injured that badly, he wouldn't play.

[crazy4canes]

Tonight's refs:

Referees: Stephane Auger - 15, Scott Zelkin - 29
Linesmen: Steve Barton - 59, Kevin Collins - 50

CH.com is slow to update today so here's the preview (http://www.nhl.com/onthefly/scoreboard/previews/1144_2_preview.html) from nhl.com.

[crazy4canes]

Tonight's refs:

Referees: Stephane Auger - 15, Scott Zelkin - 29
Linesmen: Steve Barton - 59, Kevin Collins - 50

CH.com is slow to update today so here's the preview (http://www.nhl.com/onthefly/scoreboard/previews/1144_2_preview.html) from nhl.com.

[1Irbegirlforever]

Come on Archie, make us proud! Please! :)

[1Irbegirlforever]

Come on Archie, make us proud! Please! :)

[Jeff O Rocks]

They need to keep Heatley and his bushy headed self in check....no easy break away scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care where we are in the points race...I can't stand losing to the Thrashers!!!!!!!!!! :crazy: :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

They need to keep Heatley and his bushy headed self in check....no easy break away scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care where we are in the points race...I can't stand losing to the Thrashers!!!!!!!!!! :crazy: :sad:

[folgersnyourcup]

Definitely Jeff O. I've had nightmares of that horrific 5-3 loss to the Thrashers at home in front of the sellout RBC Center earlier this season. The amount of breakaways we allowed Kovalchuk to go on was absurd. RCF, yes, the team was not doing very well before the injuries but it still looked we would most likely make the playoffs ..... The Detroit game was the the high point of the season followed by two strong wins by Irbe. But the two losses to Florida that followed was where the downward spiral began. Less than stellar goaltending coupled with several games that it appeared the majority of our players mailed in and the injuries that just kept mounting up made sure we were never able to make a true playoff push though....

I'm keeping my expectations low tnoight and hoping Irbe will pleasantly surprise me.

[folgersnyourcup]

Definitely Jeff O. I've had nightmares of that horrific 5-3 loss to the Thrashers at home in front of the sellout RBC Center earlier this season. The amount of breakaways we allowed Kovalchuk to go on was absurd. RCF, yes, the team was not doing very well before the injuries but it still looked we would most likely make the playoffs ..... The Detroit game was the the high point of the season followed by two strong wins by Irbe. But the two losses to Florida that followed was where the downward spiral began. Less than stellar goaltending coupled with several games that it appeared the majority of our players mailed in and the injuries that just kept mounting up made sure we were never able to make a true playoff push though....

I'm keeping my expectations low tnoight and hoping Irbe will pleasantly surprise me.

[mikus]

the preview on nhl.com says:

GOALTENDERS: Hurricanes - Kevin Weekes (14-22-8, 5 SO, 2.46 GAA); Patrick DesRochers (1-4-0, 3.62). Thrashers - Pasi Nurminen (16-18-4, 2, 3.01); Milan Hnilicka (4-13-1, 0, 3.56).

[mikus]

the preview on nhl.com says:

GOALTENDERS: Hurricanes - Kevin Weekes (14-22-8, 5 SO, 2.46 GAA); Patrick DesRochers (1-4-0, 3.62). Thrashers - Pasi Nurminen (16-18-4, 2, 3.01); Milan Hnilicka (4-13-1, 0, 3.56).

[KOOL KAT]

Good luck tonite guys in hot Atlanta.

[KOOL KAT]

Good luck tonite guys in hot Atlanta.

[Turbulence]

If only we could have Heatly....
He did score 5 goals in the all star game, didn't he? :eek:

If we can play Toronto to a 3-3 tie we should be able to outplay the brown birds tonite...but who knows. This team has a history of showing up for the big teams and self-destructing in front of teams like Atlanta and Buffalo...
I sure hope Vrbata is back tonight... :sick:

Go Canes.

[Turbulence]

If only we could have Heatly....
He did score 5 goals in the all star game, didn't he? :eek:

If we can play Toronto to a 3-3 tie we should be able to outplay the brown birds tonite...but who knows. This team has a history of showing up for the big teams and self-destructing in front of teams like Atlanta and Buffalo...
I sure hope Vrbata is back tonight... :sick:

Go Canes.

[talkingcanes]

I think self-destruction has been the name of the game this year :sad:

hope Vrbata didn't share the flu bug with anyone else. if we lose more players, they'll be pulling people from the seats to play.

that said, Go Canes!

[talkingcanes]

I think self-destruction has been the name of the game this year :sad:

hope Vrbata didn't share the flu bug with anyone else. if we lose more players, they'll be pulling people from the seats to play.

that said, Go Canes!

[Stormbringer]

This time, the goalie curse shall come BEFORE the game and not DURING it...

Hnilicka/Nurminen vill vealize zhat he iz merely a baby Thrasher when he fazes ze Canez' offenze thiz evening.

[Stormbringer]

This time, the goalie curse shall come BEFORE the game and not DURING it...

Hnilicka/Nurminen vill vealize zhat he iz merely a baby Thrasher when he fazes ze Canez' offenze thiz evening.

[1Irbegirlforever]

Why on earth is weekes in goal? i thought archie was going to get the nod for all the away games for the rest of the season? Great.... :cry:

[1Irbegirlforever]

Why on earth is weekes in goal? i thought archie was going to get the nod for all the away games for the rest of the season? Great.... :cry:

[Stormbringer]

And my man scores! Twenty-second goal of the season for the Franchise Man! :cool:

[Stormbringer]

And my man scores! Twenty-second goal of the season for the Franchise Man! :cool:

[EyeOfTheStorm]

Grr im at school and cant watch the game!@ good game? :( is vrbata back??

[EyeOfTheStorm]

Grr im at school and cant watch the game!@ good game? :( is vrbata back??

[StormShaman]

It's OK. Not the best game, of course, but okay.

Heatley just scored, 2-1 Atlanta.

[StormShaman]

It's OK. Not the best game, of course, but okay.

Heatley just scored, 2-1 Atlanta.

[Stormbringer]

Have yet to see Vrbata...

(sighs) And Heatley just got a power play goal, making it 1-2.

[Stormbringer]

Have yet to see Vrbata...

(sighs) And Heatley just got a power play goal, making it 1-2.

[talkingcanes]

Vrbata is still out with the flu. 17 minutes into the first 2-1 Atlanta.

[talkingcanes]

Vrbata is still out with the flu. 17 minutes into the first 2-1 Atlanta.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Well...technically Craig Adams scored...just into our goal. :roll: That's gonna happen though. Just an unlucky bounce. :sad:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Well...technically Craig Adams scored...just into our goal. :roll: That's gonna happen though. Just an unlucky bounce. :sad:

[EyeOfTheStorm]

Bahhhhhhh! c'mon weekes :(

[EyeOfTheStorm]

Bahhhhhhh! c'mon weekes :(

[talkingcanes]

5 on 3 is not our best thing.

[talkingcanes]

5 on 3 is not our best thing.

[VandyCane]

Argh. 30 secs of 5 on 3 plus 1 1/2 minutes of power play and nothing to show for it. I think Zigomanis is a fine fellow, but I guess I would have rather seen Kurka out there during the 5 on 3 portion.

[VandyCane]

Argh. 30 secs of 5 on 3 plus 1 1/2 minutes of power play and nothing to show for it. I think Zigomanis is a fine fellow, but I guess I would have rather seen Kurka out there during the 5 on 3 portion.

[Turbulence]

Not a spectacular effort in the 1st...then again neither was last night's 1st and we still escaped with a tie against a better team than the Thrashers.
I still have faith.

Anyone ever notice how big Sean Hill's schnoz is? :eek:

[Turbulence]

Not a spectacular effort in the 1st...then again neither was last night's 1st and we still escaped with a tie against a better team than the Thrashers.
I still have faith.

Anyone ever notice how big Sean Hill's schnoz is? :eek:

[tommy]

*sarcasm*Way to go Weekes! That's like a .714 save percentage! Keep it up! :roll:

*end sarcasm*

okay so it might not have been all his fault, but we need some help.

it's hard to get excited when the game is like this, even if you know we can come back.

[tommy]

*sarcasm*Way to go Weekes! That's like a .714 save percentage! Keep it up! :roll:

*end sarcasm*

okay so it might not have been all his fault, but we need some help.

it's hard to get excited when the game is like this, even if you know we can come back.

[StormShaman]

Not a spectacular effort in the 1st...then again neither was last night's 1st and we still escaped with a tie against a better team than the Thrashers.
I still have faith.

Anyone ever notice how big Sean Hill's schnoz is? :eek:

:beatup:

[StormShaman]

Not a spectacular effort in the 1st...then again neither was last night's 1st and we still escaped with a tie against a better team than the Thrashers.
I still have faith.

Anyone ever notice how big Sean Hill's schnoz is? :eek:

:beatup:

[Stormbringer]

Anyone ever notice how big Sean Hill's schnoz is? :eek:

LOL!! :D :beatup:

[Stormbringer]

Anyone ever notice how big Sean Hill's schnoz is? :eek:

LOL!! :D :beatup:

[talkingcanes]

to avoid mentioning the 3rd Atlanta goal.........maybe after the draft we'll have our own Heatley.

[talkingcanes]

to avoid mentioning the 3rd Atlanta goal.........maybe after the draft we'll have our own Heatley.

[Stormbringer]

Am I the only one who's finding the Atlanta "crowd" annoying? Amazing how that place sounds sold out despite having only half or possibly less of their seats filled (They had a somewhat full shot of the arena earlier.)...

[Stormbringer]

Am I the only one who's finding the Atlanta "crowd" annoying? Amazing how that place sounds sold out despite having only half or possibly less of their seats filled (They had a somewhat full shot of the arena earlier.)...

[tommy]

And there goes Ward for his traditional stupid penalty of the game.

Are we really this bad?

[tommy]

And there goes Ward for his traditional stupid penalty of the game.

Are we really this bad?

[Stormbringer]

Are we really this bad?

No Tommy...just nearing the end of a horrible season.

I don't even see the point of being bitter when there's always next season to look forward to...especially with Brindy, Cole, K. Adams, etc. returning along with all of those great baby Canes like Bayda, St. Jacques, Malec, etc.

Yes, I'm ticked that the Canes are doing bad against, of all teams, the Thrashers. But, I suppose they were due one more bad game/night, especially the way this season's been. I rather the Canes do bad right now than against the Sabres at home this Saturday night...

[Stormbringer]

Are we really this bad?

No Tommy...just nearing the end of a horrible season.

I don't even see the point of being bitter when there's always next season to look forward to...especially with Brindy, Cole, K. Adams, etc. returning along with all of those great baby Canes like Bayda, St. Jacques, Malec, etc.

Yes, I'm ticked that the Canes are doing bad against, of all teams, the Thrashers. But, I suppose they were due one more bad game/night, especially the way this season's been. I rather the Canes do bad right now than against the Sabres at home this Saturday night...

[tommy]

Are we really this bad?

No Tommy...just nearing the end of a horrible season.

I don't even see the point of being bitter when there's always next season to look forward to...especially with Brindy, Cole, K. Adams, etc. returning along with all of those great baby Canes like Bayda, St. Jacques, Malec, etc.

Yes, I'm ticked that the Canes are doing bad against, of all teams, the Thrashers. But, I suppose they were due one more bad game/night, especially the way this season's been. I rather the Canes do bad right now than against the Sabres at home this Saturday night...

That's the thing with me. I've been pissed lately, because even though we are out of the playoffs by a longshot, I still get mad when we lose. That's just how I am... I am very competetive, and losing still makes me miserable. It gets to the point where my parents get mad at me because I complain about it so much. lol.

[tommy]

Are we really this bad?

No Tommy...just nearing the end of a horrible season.

I don't even see the point of being bitter when there's always next season to look forward to...especially with Brindy, Cole, K. Adams, etc. returning along with all of those great baby Canes like Bayda, St. Jacques, Malec, etc.

Yes, I'm ticked that the Canes are doing bad against, of all teams, the Thrashers. But, I suppose they were due one more bad game/night, especially the way this season's been. I rather the Canes do bad right now than against the Sabres at home this Saturday night...

That's the thing with me. I've been pissed lately, because even though we are out of the playoffs by a longshot, I still get mad when we lose. That's just how I am... I am very competetive, and losing still makes me miserable. It gets to the point where my parents get mad at me because I complain about it so much. lol.

[Turbulence]

That's the thing with me. I've been pissed lately, because even though we are out of the playoffs by a longshot, I still get mad when we lose. That's just how I am... I am very competetive, and losing still makes me miserable. It gets to the point where my parents get mad at me because I complain about it so much. lol.

I'm the exact same way...I can't stand losing in any form....losing to the Thrash is a bad way to lose, though. :sick:

[Turbulence]

That's the thing with me. I've been pissed lately, because even though we are out of the playoffs by a longshot, I still get mad when we lose. That's just how I am... I am very competetive, and losing still makes me miserable. It gets to the point where my parents get mad at me because I complain about it so much. lol.

I'm the exact same way...I can't stand losing in any form....losing to the Thrash is a bad way to lose, though. :sick:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know.....I'd settle for a player with Heatley's ability to skate the puck in. Forget the scoring ability. If we could just skate the puck up the ice in our own freakin' power play it would help....like it just helped Atlanta go up 4-1. :sad:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know.....I'd settle for a player with Heatley's ability to skate the puck in. Forget the scoring ability. If we could just skate the puck up the ice in our own freakin' power play it would help....like it just helped Atlanta go up 4-1. :sad:

[Stormbringer]

That's the thing with me. I've been pissed lately, because even though we are out of the playoffs by a longshot, I still get mad when we lose. That's just how I am... I am very competetive, and losing still makes me miserable. It gets to the point where my parents get mad at me because I complain about it so much. lol.

You remind me of my brother...the only difference between you and him being that you're a bigger Canes fan than he is. My brother likes the Canes, but not to the same extent that you and me do. With that said, my brother gets more vocally angry when the Canes lose than I do. We're talking angry in a way that my parents are often yelling at my brother to shut up and/or just calm down. If it weren't for my always wearing my jersey and mask for every Canes game, you would think my brother is the larger fan with his anger...

[Stormbringer]

That's the thing with me. I've been pissed lately, because even though we are out of the playoffs by a longshot, I still get mad when we lose. That's just how I am... I am very competetive, and losing still makes me miserable. It gets to the point where my parents get mad at me because I complain about it so much. lol.

You remind me of my brother...the only difference between you and him being that you're a bigger Canes fan than he is. My brother likes the Canes, but not to the same extent that you and me do. With that said, my brother gets more vocally angry when the Canes lose than I do. We're talking angry in a way that my parents are often yelling at my brother to shut up and/or just calm down. If it weren't for my always wearing my jersey and mask for every Canes game, you would think my brother is the larger fan with his anger...

[tommy]

you got it. :)

Okay, you know what, guys? Just give Heatley the hat trick. It's not like we don't know the outcome of this game.

I think that we should now have all of our practices 5-on-4, lol. Maybe then we could kill one of our many stupid penalties.

Then again, don't mind me, I'm the just village idiot. ;)

[tommy]

you got it. :)

Okay, you know what, guys? Just give Heatley the hat trick. It's not like we don't know the outcome of this game.

I think that we should now have all of our practices 5-on-4, lol. Maybe then we could kill one of our many stupid penalties.

Then again, don't mind me, I'm the just village idiot. ;)

[talkingcanes]

I don't ever like it when we lose, but it HAS to be hard to stay motivated with the season nearly over, no playoffs, injuries from stem to stern, surgeries just waiting to be performed.

It's so bad that Ward had to come back earlier than planned because Vrbata was so sick. Good thing Ward planned to watch the game so he was available. (Tripp's road tripping column for Atlanta talks about it).

Kovalchuk looks bad going off the ice. I don't like to see people get hurt no matter whose team they are on. The sight of him going off must be a throat clencher for the Atlanta fans. Like watching Cole being helped off the ice was for us.

[talkingcanes]

I don't ever like it when we lose, but it HAS to be hard to stay motivated with the season nearly over, no playoffs, injuries from stem to stern, surgeries just waiting to be performed.

It's so bad that Ward had to come back earlier than planned because Vrbata was so sick. Good thing Ward planned to watch the game so he was available. (Tripp's road tripping column for Atlanta talks about it).

Kovalchuk looks bad going off the ice. I don't like to see people get hurt no matter whose team they are on. The sight of him going off must be a throat clencher for the Atlanta fans. Like watching Cole being helped off the ice was for us.

[Stormbringer]

Kolvachuk looks bad going off the ice. I don't like to see people get hurt no matter whose team they are on.

What you said TalkingCanes...I honestly cannot stand the Thrashers (Listening to their fans at tonight's game has cemented that.), but I do think Heatley and Kolvachuk are impressive to watch. I hope the latter of the two recovers from whatever injury he may have...

[Stormbringer]

Kolvachuk looks bad going off the ice. I don't like to see people get hurt no matter whose team they are on.

What you said TalkingCanes...I honestly cannot stand the Thrashers (Listening to their fans at tonight's game has cemented that.), but I do think Heatley and Kolvachuk are impressive to watch. I hope the latter of the two recovers from whatever injury he may have...

[Stormbringer]

Grrrrr...now Wallin may be injured because of an uncalled boarding penalty. :mad:

Update: Wallin is apparently ok because he's back on the bench, but now Malec might be injured. :sad:

[Stormbringer]

Grrrrr...now Wallin may be injured because of an uncalled boarding penalty. :mad:

Update: Wallin is apparently ok because he's back on the bench, but now Malec might be injured. :sad:

[tommy]

Damnit Shady, get your stupid surgury. 5 goals on 17 shots so far.

[tommy]

Damnit Shady, get your stupid surgury. 5 goals on 17 shots so far.

[1Irbegirlforever]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....

[1Irbegirlforever]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....

[talkingcanes]

maybe if the Canes realized they are wearing red tonight, they might be able to complete a pass to a teammate.

it's got to be frustrating, but at the same time they have to be resigned to it. Atlanta isn't going anywhere either so we don't even have the motivation to be spoilers.

certainly can't accuse the officials of not calling penalties in this game. not that our power play has been all that. and it's another 5 on 3 for us. that should be a positive.

[talkingcanes]

maybe if the Canes realized they are wearing red tonight, they might be able to complete a pass to a teammate.

it's got to be frustrating, but at the same time they have to be resigned to it. Atlanta isn't going anywhere either so we don't even have the motivation to be spoilers.

certainly can't accuse the officials of not calling penalties in this game. not that our power play has been all that. and it's another 5 on 3 for us. that should be a positive.

[Stormbringer]

Did I ever say how much I hate the wittle brown birdies? Tonight gave me more than a good reason to ask that. I would not exactly call this game good, but especially bad and ugly…

The Good:

The Franchise Strikes Back – Ron Francis gets his twenty-second goal of the season…with a little help from O and Hilly. If only there could have been…oh, maybe three or four more of those.

The Bad:

Holy Bird Feed, Catman! – I honestly cannot decide if the blame of this loss should be placed upon Shady Eighty or whoever decided that he should play instead of the Little Latvian. The only reasoning I can understand behind Weekes being in net for the Canes tonight is their not wanting to lose the previous loss-less streak in the Phillips Arena. Well, there really was not much to lose in having Irbe in net, but what do I know?

Little Crowd In the Big Arena – Normally, I try my best to not let an away crowd get to me…but the Thrash’s “crowd” was just downright annoying tonight. Until they showed a somewhat full shot of the arena, I could have sworn the crowd was a sold out one, but it only filled up half OR LESS of the arena. As for what the “crowd” actually did…well, the goalie chants? Ok. But, the occasional person (Or possibly just one person.) going “YEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!” like a 80’s hair metal band member? Not ok. I have yet to hear a Canes fan pull off that sort of crap cheer…but then again, the Canes have had MUCH BETTER crowds this season that have allowed for the occasional lone “YEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!” to be said without it being easily audible like the ones I heard tonight were.

It’s funny…other than the Thrash whomping the Canes 1-5, the Canes having trouble scoring more than one goal, and Malec possibly being out for the remainder of the season, I seriously cannot think of anything truly ugly about tonight’s game. As much as I hate saying it, the Canes were probably due one more bad game as horrible as the season has been. And I would have preferred that bad game be tonight…I rather have the Canes lose a loss-less away streak against the Thrash this season than during the hopefully and considerably better next season. Not to mention how at least the Thrashers did not sweep the Canes, just split the series. So with that said, please shake this loss off Canes, and come out roaring this Saturday night…this time I want to see some goals scored from the lower level as opposed to my seeing none when I sat there for the January 15th game against Pittsburgh.

BTW, say it with me...AT LONG LAST, NO MORE BACK-TO-BACKS!

[Stormbringer]

Did I ever say how much I hate the wittle brown birdies? Tonight gave me more than a good reason to ask that. I would not exactly call this game good, but especially bad and ugly…

The Good:

The Franchise Strikes Back – Ron Francis gets his twenty-second goal of the season…with a little help from O and Hilly. If only there could have been…oh, maybe three or four more of those.

The Bad:

Holy Bird Feed, Catman! – I honestly cannot decide if the blame of this loss should be placed upon Shady Eighty or whoever decided that he should play instead of the Little Latvian. The only reasoning I can understand behind Weekes being in net for the Canes tonight is their not wanting to lose the previous loss-less streak in the Phillips Arena. Well, there really was not much to lose in having Irbe in net, but what do I know?

Little Crowd In the Big Arena – Normally, I try my best to not let an away crowd get to me…but the Thrash’s “crowd” was just downright annoying tonight. Until they showed a somewhat full shot of the arena, I could have sworn the crowd was a sold out one, but it only filled up half OR LESS of the arena. As for what the “crowd” actually did…well, the goalie chants? Ok. But, the occasional person (Or possibly just one person.) going “YEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!” like a 80’s hair metal band member? Not ok. I have yet to hear a Canes fan pull off that sort of crap cheer…but then again, the Canes have had MUCH BETTER crowds this season that have allowed for the occasional lone “YEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHH!” to be said without it being easily audible like the ones I heard tonight were.

It’s funny…other than the Thrash whomping the Canes 1-5, the Canes having trouble scoring more than one goal, and Malec possibly being out for the remainder of the season, I seriously cannot think of anything truly ugly about tonight’s game. As much as I hate saying it, the Canes were probably due one more bad game as horrible as the season has been. And I would have preferred that bad game be tonight…I rather have the Canes lose a loss-less away streak against the Thrash this season than during the hopefully and considerably better next season. Not to mention how at least the Thrashers did not sweep the Canes, just split the series. So with that said, please shake this loss off Canes, and come out roaring this Saturday night…this time I want to see some goals scored from the lower level as opposed to my seeing none when I sat there for the January 15th game against Pittsburgh.

BTW, say it with me...AT LONG LAST, NO MORE BACK-TO-BACKS!

[talkingcanes]

anybody know the story on Malec? I was half watching by then and listening less than I was watching.

I think they really need April 6 to get here. It will be horrible for us, but they need to get off the ice and get it together for next season. maybe they'll have a new playmate from the nice draft :)

[talkingcanes]

anybody know the story on Malec? I was half watching by then and listening less than I was watching.

I think they really need April 6 to get here. It will be horrible for us, but they need to get off the ice and get it together for next season. maybe they'll have a new playmate from the nice draft :)

[Don Cherry]

You know.....I'd settle for a player with Heatley's ability to skate the puck in.

I hope this isn't a resurrection of the "dump & chase" debate :D

Because the obvious comeback is....we may already have someone who can skate the puck in......but the current c_a_h_s may prohibit us from identifying that player.

Seriously, its not my intent to resurrect that whole coach debate. The time between April 7th and Training Camp will hopefully provide the right answer (whatever it may be).

[Don Cherry]

You know.....I'd settle for a player with Heatley's ability to skate the puck in.

I hope this isn't a resurrection of the "dump & chase" debate :D

Because the obvious comeback is....we may already have someone who can skate the puck in......but the current c_a_h_s may prohibit us from identifying that player.

Seriously, its not my intent to resurrect that whole coach debate. The time between April 7th and Training Camp will hopefully provide the right answer (whatever it may be).

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Because the obvious comeback is....we may already have someone who can skate the puck in......but the current c_a_h_s may prohibit us from identifying that player.

good point.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Because the obvious comeback is....we may already have someone who can skate the puck in......but the current c_a_h_s may prohibit us from identifying that player.

good point.

[MoBigRed]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....


Amen. Weekes is 'da man' as far as i'm concerned, but there's one glaring similarity between the two... put a good goalie on the bench and they both start to suck ditchwater. Bah.

[MoBigRed]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....


Amen. Weekes is 'da man' as far as i'm concerned, but there's one glaring similarity between the two... put a good goalie on the bench and they both start to suck ditchwater. Bah.

[Stormbringer]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....

Amen. Weekes is 'da man' as far as i'm concerned, but there's one glaring similarity between the two... put a good goalie on the bench and they both start to suck ditchwater. Bah.

What y'all said. The only time Weekes did awesome with Irbe on the bench was the infamous nine game homestand back in November. Ever since, both Weekes and Irbe have not done that great when the other is on the bench. Perhaps if Weekes would get that surgery like he should, maybe just maybe Irbe would turn in a good game or two...

[Stormbringer]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....

Amen. Weekes is 'da man' as far as i'm concerned, but there's one glaring similarity between the two... put a good goalie on the bench and they both start to suck ditchwater. Bah.

What y'all said. The only time Weekes did awesome with Irbe on the bench was the infamous nine game homestand back in November. Ever since, both Weekes and Irbe have not done that great when the other is on the bench. Perhaps if Weekes would get that surgery like he should, maybe just maybe Irbe would turn in a good game or two...

[AbNormal27]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....


Amen. Weekes is 'da man' as far as i'm concerned, but there's one glaring similarity between the two... put a good goalie on the bench and they both start to suck ditchwater. Bah.

I'd say stay tuned. The off season MAY be busy as far as deals being made for our squad. If history dictates anything, when we have a glut of good young players in our system, they get flipped to another team. this year we have seen many players come up from Lowell and prove that they will be serious conteders for a spot on next year's team. That being said, I'm sure JR's phone will be ringing with offers from other GM's, and we may just end up with ANOTHER goalie to be part of our system next year. Remember, the knock on our team up until the acquisition of Wekkes and his play since then was that we weren't deep in net. We have had Kidd, Barrasso, Fitzpatrick, Moss, and a few others team with Irbe, but none were considered as solid as Weekes, and none of them took Irbe's job like Shady did. I really wouldn't be surprized if we end up moving Archie and getting another goalie in return.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

5-1.....well, that's not good at all. Where did my defending Eastern Conference champions go? Oh, well....at least it wasn't another loss with archie in net. i wish weekes would get his stupid surgery done so he can take us to the cup next year....


Amen. Weekes is 'da man' as far as i'm concerned, but there's one glaring similarity between the two... put a good goalie on the bench and they both start to suck ditchwater. Bah.

I'd say stay tuned. The off season MAY be busy as far as deals being made for our squad. If history dictates anything, when we have a glut of good young players in our system, they get flipped to another team. this year we have seen many players come up from Lowell and prove that they will be serious conteders for a spot on next year's team. That being said, I'm sure JR's phone will be ringing with offers from other GM's, and we may just end up with ANOTHER goalie to be part of our system next year. Remember, the knock on our team up until the acquisition of Wekkes and his play since then was that we weren't deep in net. We have had Kidd, Barrasso, Fitzpatrick, Moss, and a few others team with Irbe, but none were considered as solid as Weekes, and none of them took Irbe's job like Shady did. I really wouldn't be surprized if we end up moving Archie and getting another goalie in return.

Aaryn

[Jeff O Rocks]

5-1 to Atlanta!!!!!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry:

Towards the end of the game, it seemed like Weeksey just gave up..he looked totally disgusted!! :sad:

I just hope we can win our last three at home!!

[Jeff O Rocks]

5-1 to Atlanta!!!!!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry:

Towards the end of the game, it seemed like Weeksey just gave up..he looked totally disgusted!! :sad:

I just hope we can win our last three at home!!

[talkingcanes]

I don't know if we can move Archie. He makes too much money. They may try and negotiate a buy out with him this summer.

If we get the #1 pick in the draft, they may just take that goalie who is ranked so highly. That kind of potential doesn't come along every year and I haven't read anything that wasn't very positive about Fleury. We need other things as well, but potential franchise goalies are hard to pass up.

guess we'll see soon enough.

[talkingcanes]

I don't know if we can move Archie. He makes too much money. They may try and negotiate a buy out with him this summer.

If we get the #1 pick in the draft, they may just take that goalie who is ranked so highly. That kind of potential doesn't come along every year and I haven't read anything that wasn't very positive about Fleury. We need other things as well, but potential franchise goalies are hard to pass up.

guess we'll see soon enough.

[Jeff O Rocks]

anybody know the story on Malec? I was half watching by then and listening less than I was watching.

I think they really need April 6 to get here. It will be horrible for us, but they need to get off the ice and get it together for next season. maybe they'll have a new playmate from the nice draft :)

Malec got hit and then fell into our bench..his face hit the front of the bench...looks like he got hurt bad...I bet that nose is broken!! :sad: :cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

anybody know the story on Malec? I was half watching by then and listening less than I was watching.

I think they really need April 6 to get here. It will be horrible for us, but they need to get off the ice and get it together for next season. maybe they'll have a new playmate from the nice draft :)

Malec got hit and then fell into our bench..his face hit the front of the bench...looks like he got hurt bad...I bet that nose is broken!! :sad: :cry:

[Guyute]

uuugly game. ugly goaltending. UGLY face-plant by Malec... I don't expect to hear good news from that. actually wouldn't be surprised to hear he has a broken jaw.

most everything has been said by now. just wanted to add that I haven't been that disgusted about wasting 2.5 hrs of my evening in a while. :sick:

[Guyute]

uuugly game. ugly goaltending. UGLY face-plant by Malec... I don't expect to hear good news from that. actually wouldn't be surprised to hear he has a broken jaw.

most everything has been said by now. just wanted to add that I haven't been that disgusted about wasting 2.5 hrs of my evening in a while. :sick:

[hyena]

yeah..."disgust" pretty much sums up my feelings on the game as well. :sick:

[hyena]

yeah..."disgust" pretty much sums up my feelings on the game as well. :sick:

[crazy4canes]

You can't get hurt playing golf, can you? Maybe they should avoid the golf course just in case. :cry:

*sigh* Any word yet on Malec?

[crazy4canes]

You can't get hurt playing golf, can you? Maybe they should avoid the golf course just in case. :cry:

*sigh* Any word yet on Malec?

[Jeff O Rocks]

You can't get hurt playing golf, can you? Maybe they should avoid the golf course just in case. :cry:

*sigh* Any word yet on Malec?

From what I saw of Malec...it looked like most of the damage was either nose or mouth...probably the mouth area!! :cry: I bet he is sore this morning!! ...and the black eye just got healed up!!! :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

You can't get hurt playing golf, can you? Maybe they should avoid the golf course just in case. :cry:

*sigh* Any word yet on Malec?

From what I saw of Malec...it looked like most of the damage was either nose or mouth...probably the mouth area!! :cry: I bet he is sore this morning!! ...and the black eye just got healed up!!! :sad:

[CanesFever]

Not much help, but N&O says:

Tomas Malec left the game later in the third when he hit his face on the top of the boards in front of the Carolina bench while falling to the ice, cutting open his mouth.

Sure hope Malec is ok!

[CanesFever]

Not much help, but N&O says:

Tomas Malec left the game later in the third when he hit his face on the top of the boards in front of the Carolina bench while falling to the ice, cutting open his mouth.

Sure hope Malec is ok!

[CaniacPanther]

I can't blame our guys for doing so bad last night...Weekesy was hurt and I think over half our roster was from Lowell. Next season can't come soon enough.

[CaniacPanther]

I can't blame our guys for doing so bad last night...Weekesy was hurt and I think over half our roster was from Lowell. Next season can't come soon enough.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^^^^^What she/he said!

I'm much more amazed at how well they have played in a few games lately. Crappy is what I've come to expect. The good play is the shocker. :spin: At this point there are just too many people playing hurt, too many people not playing because they are hurt and too many people playing in the NHL only because those people are hurt! It's a wonder we don't get slaughtered every game!

Atlanta may be scraping the bottom of the league, like us, but there isn't a bad team in the NHL. Too much talent. Any team can be a threat to any other team on any given night. That's the beauty of hockey, IMO!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^^^^^What she/he said!

I'm much more amazed at how well they have played in a few games lately. Crappy is what I've come to expect. The good play is the shocker. :spin: At this point there are just too many people playing hurt, too many people not playing because they are hurt and too many people playing in the NHL only because those people are hurt! It's a wonder we don't get slaughtered every game!

Atlanta may be scraping the bottom of the league, like us, but there isn't a bad team in the NHL. Too much talent. Any team can be a threat to any other team on any given night. That's the beauty of hockey, IMO!

[nccanes]

Just a quick note to say that I did indeed get to Atlanta for the game. Bummer of a game, but at least the Canes scored right in front of us. For those of you that watch the intermission stuff, my son was the closeup during the 2nd intermission when Forslund mentioned the "young Caniacs in the crowd". :cool: We were in the 2nd row in the corner where the Canes shot twice!

(I'll add a little info about my trip, but I'll do it in the thread that I started in the OT forum).

[nccanes]

Just a quick note to say that I did indeed get to Atlanta for the game. Bummer of a game, but at least the Canes scored right in front of us. For those of you that watch the intermission stuff, my son was the closeup during the 2nd intermission when Forslund mentioned the "young Caniacs in the crowd". :cool: We were in the 2nd row in the corner where the Canes shot twice!

(I'll add a little info about my trip, but I'll do it in the thread that I started in the OT forum).

[nccanes]

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Hartley encouraged by fight during practice

Instead of being rewarded for Wednesday's 5-1 victory over Carolina with a light practice Thursday, the Thrashers had one of their longest and toughest of the season.

So intense, in fact, that rookies Mark Hartigan and Kiril Safronov came to blows in what might have been the first fight for the Thrashers during a regular-season practice.

No one, however, viewed it as a sign of discord. Coach Bob Hartley was beaming afterward about his team's display of feistiness.

"Two young roosters," said a smiling Hartley, who then also likened the pair to "two brothers fighter over the new truck in the sandbox."

"That's part of competing," said Hartley. "They're two young players who are trying to make names for themselves."

Hartley is counting on the Thrashers to be a playoff team next season, which is why he won't let them even think about coasting through the final six games.

"We need to establish that playoff mentality," Hartley said.

[nccanes]

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Hartley encouraged by fight during practice

Instead of being rewarded for Wednesday's 5-1 victory over Carolina with a light practice Thursday, the Thrashers had one of their longest and toughest of the season.

So intense, in fact, that rookies Mark Hartigan and Kiril Safronov came to blows in what might have been the first fight for the Thrashers during a regular-season practice.

No one, however, viewed it as a sign of discord. Coach Bob Hartley was beaming afterward about his team's display of feistiness.

"Two young roosters," said a smiling Hartley, who then also likened the pair to "two brothers fighter over the new truck in the sandbox."

"That's part of competing," said Hartley. "They're two young players who are trying to make names for themselves."

Hartley is counting on the Thrashers to be a playoff team next season, which is why he won't let them even think about coasting through the final six games.

"We need to establish that playoff mentality," Hartley said.