Game thread...Canes vs. Montreal 3/31/03

[crazy4canes]

The Hurricanes will be home tonight hosting the Montreal Canadiens at the RBC Center. The season series is tied at 1-1-1-0.

The good news: The season is almost over.
The bad news: The hits just keep on coming. Even this late in the season, the Hurricanes can't avoid the injury bug. The latest victim: Tomas Kurka has a hip flexor injury. The funny thing is he probably hurt it running from gate to gate on one of his frequent trips to the airport. Ok, I'm done making light of a bad situation. Bad crazy. :evil:

Onto the matter at hand. The Hurricanes are riding a seven game winless streak. But they did have that thrilling tie against the Leafs to brag about during that time. ;) I'm sure Mo will continue experimenting tonight with the lines. Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?

Montreal has officially been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. Their loss to the Senators on Saturday put the final nail in the coffin. The Habs have had a rough season. Perhaps the most glaring difference between last year's team and this year's has been the near collapse of Jose Theodore. Perhaps carrying his team on his back last year proved to be too much for the young goalie. For the first part of the season, the Habs had the solid play of Jeff Hackett to fall back on but then traded him away. Since then, Theodore has been hot and cold. His defense hasn't helped him, either. But, like the Canes, none of that matters now. They're out and they need to look ahead to next season.

No need to post the injuries. It's ugly.
Probable goalies: Weekes/Theodore

Pre-game skate hasn't been posted on ch.com yet. I will update when it has. Discuss. :D

Edited to add tonight's officials: Referees: Paul Devorski - 10; Scott Zelkin - 29, Linesmen: Tim Nowak - 77; Pierre Racicot - 65

[crazy4canes]

The Hurricanes will be home tonight hosting the Montreal Canadiens at the RBC Center. The season series is tied at 1-1-1-0.

The good news: The season is almost over.
The bad news: The hits just keep on coming. Even this late in the season, the Hurricanes can't avoid the injury bug. The latest victim: Tomas Kurka has a hip flexor injury. The funny thing is he probably hurt it running from gate to gate on one of his frequent trips to the airport. Ok, I'm done making light of a bad situation. Bad crazy. :evil:

Onto the matter at hand. The Hurricanes are riding a seven game winless streak. But they did have that thrilling tie against the Leafs to brag about during that time. ;) I'm sure Mo will continue experimenting tonight with the lines. Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?

Montreal has officially been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. Their loss to the Senators on Saturday put the final nail in the coffin. The Habs have had a rough season. Perhaps the most glaring difference between last year's team and this year's has been the near collapse of Jose Theodore. Perhaps carrying his team on his back last year proved to be too much for the young goalie. For the first part of the season, the Habs had the solid play of Jeff Hackett to fall back on but then traded him away. Since then, Theodore has been hot and cold. His defense hasn't helped him, either. But, like the Canes, none of that matters now. They're out and they need to look ahead to next season.

No need to post the injuries. It's ugly.
Probable goalies: Weekes/Theodore

Pre-game skate hasn't been posted on ch.com yet. I will update when it has. Discuss. :D

Edited to add tonight's officials: Referees: Paul Devorski - 10; Scott Zelkin - 29, Linesmen: Tim Nowak - 77; Pierre Racicot - 65

[nccanes]

Looks like Watt is back to round out the 20.

HURRICANES RECALL WATT FROM LOWELL
KEN PRESTON
Winger Available for Monday’s Game

RALEIGH, N.C. – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced today that the team has recalled left wing Mike Watt from Lowell of the American Hockey League. Watt was reassigned to Lowell on Thursday and had a goal and three assists in three games with the Lock Monsters during the weekend.

Watt (6’ 2’’, 212 lbs.) was signed as a free agent by Carolina in the 2002 offseason. The Seaforth, Ont., native appeared in his third game with the Hurricanes on Wednesday and has played 155 NHL games with Edmonton, New York Islanders, Nashville and Carolina, scoring 41 points (15g, 26a) and accumulating 45 penalty minutes. Watt, 26, has nine goals and 14 assists (23 points) in 61 games with Lowell this season. He was selected by Edmonton in the second round, 32nd overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.

The Hurricanes play host to Montreal at the RBC Center tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are available via the team’s official website, CarolinaHurricanes.com, the Dodge Box Office at RBC Center or by calling 919-834-4000.

[nccanes]

Looks like Watt is back to round out the 20.

HURRICANES RECALL WATT FROM LOWELL
KEN PRESTON
Winger Available for Monday’s Game

RALEIGH, N.C. – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced today that the team has recalled left wing Mike Watt from Lowell of the American Hockey League. Watt was reassigned to Lowell on Thursday and had a goal and three assists in three games with the Lock Monsters during the weekend.

Watt (6’ 2’’, 212 lbs.) was signed as a free agent by Carolina in the 2002 offseason. The Seaforth, Ont., native appeared in his third game with the Hurricanes on Wednesday and has played 155 NHL games with Edmonton, New York Islanders, Nashville and Carolina, scoring 41 points (15g, 26a) and accumulating 45 penalty minutes. Watt, 26, has nine goals and 14 assists (23 points) in 61 games with Lowell this season. He was selected by Edmonton in the second round, 32nd overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.

The Hurricanes play host to Montreal at the RBC Center tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are available via the team’s official website, CarolinaHurricanes.com, the Dodge Box Office at RBC Center or by calling 919-834-4000.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, without Kurka, will Bayda be back on the top line or will we try someone else out up there?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, without Kurka, will Bayda be back on the top line or will we try someone else out up there?

[Guyute]

Vrbata... hopefully.

I believe the reason they took Bayda off, is because he got off to a great start, and they wanted to see if he could play that well when he wasn't playing with Ron "I'll get you your goals, don't you worry" Francis.

which I totally agree with. most players will do MUCH better when their center is Ronnie, than if it was someone else.

personally, I don't expect wins anymore. I just want a couple of bright spots. Vrbata taking a backdoor pass from Ronnie and roofing one (or two) would fall into that category for me.

[Guyute]

Vrbata... hopefully.

I believe the reason they took Bayda off, is because he got off to a great start, and they wanted to see if he could play that well when he wasn't playing with Ron "I'll get you your goals, don't you worry" Francis.

which I totally agree with. most players will do MUCH better when their center is Ronnie, than if it was someone else.

personally, I don't expect wins anymore. I just want a couple of bright spots. Vrbata taking a backdoor pass from Ronnie and roofing one (or two) would fall into that category for me.

[Stormbringer]

There's a possibility that the Canes might be trying Senior Watt on the top line...though I would prefer to see Bayda back there.

Edit: Though I agree with Guyute that Vrbata is a strong possibility too.

[Stormbringer]

There's a possibility that the Canes might be trying Senior Watt on the top line...though I would prefer to see Bayda back there.

Edit: Though I agree with Guyute that Vrbata is a strong possibility too.

[MoBigRed]

Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?


What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

Can't hurt.

[MoBigRed]

Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?


What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

Can't hurt.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'm betting Vrbata too. I'm thinking Watt is nothing more than a body for this organization. He'll probably be back in Lowell...and maybe long-term...next season. I could be wrong though!

If we are gonna lose tonight at least please score a few! I saved money to buy the lower-level tickets we have tonight and I really don't want to witness an implosion from the blue-line. Another win or two at home would certainly leave a nice taste in the mouths of the fans going into next year....not to mention how it might be beneficial to the players.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'm betting Vrbata too. I'm thinking Watt is nothing more than a body for this organization. He'll probably be back in Lowell...and maybe long-term...next season. I could be wrong though!

If we are gonna lose tonight at least please score a few! I saved money to buy the lower-level tickets we have tonight and I really don't want to witness an implosion from the blue-line. Another win or two at home would certainly leave a nice taste in the mouths of the fans going into next year....not to mention how it might be beneficial to the players.

[hyena]

ok, i'm jumping on the vrbata-on-the-first-line bandwagon. :smoke:

What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

now there's an idea! unfortunately it's too freakin' late. :roll:

i don't think a win is too much to ask for, though. the habs haven't been playing that great lately, right? i think if we can put 3 past theodore then we're golden. weekes needs to be on top of things tonight, though.

[hyena]

ok, i'm jumping on the vrbata-on-the-first-line bandwagon. :smoke:

What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

now there's an idea! unfortunately it's too freakin' late. :roll:

i don't think a win is too much to ask for, though. the habs haven't been playing that great lately, right? i think if we can put 3 past theodore then we're golden. weekes needs to be on top of things tonight, though.

[crazy4canes]

CAROLINA HURRICANES (22-39-11-6, 61 pts.)
vs.
MONTREAL CANADIENS (28-34-8-9, 73 pts.)
Monday, March 31, 2003, 7 p.m. at the RBC Center



GAME NIGHT

The Carolina Hurricanes play host to the Montreal Canadiens in the teams’ final meeting of 2002-03. John Forslund and Tripp Tracy will have the call for Carolina on Fox SportsNet while Yvon Pedneault and Pierre Houde will carry the game back to Quebec for RDS. Chuck Kaiton will paint the picture for Hurricanes Radio Network listeners while Dino Sisto, Abe Hefter, Pierre Rinfret and Dany Dube will keep Canadiens radio listeners abreast of the action.

PRACTICE TIMES
Mar. 31 Monday RBC Center 10:30 a.m.
Apr. 1 Tuesday RBC Center 11 a.m.
Apr. 2 Wednesday Mellon Arena 11:30 a.m.
Apr. 3 Thursday TBA TBA
Apr. 4 Friday Office Depot Center 11:30 a.m.
Apr. 5 Saturday RecZone 11:45 a.m.
Apr. 6 Sunday RBC Center TBA


ON THE AIR
Television: Fox Sports Net
Radio: WKIX 102.3 FM (Goldsboro); WKXU 101.1 FM (Raleigh); WDTF 570-AM (Raleigh); WMFD 630-AM (Wilmington); WDLZ 98.3-FM (Murfreesboro); WSJS 600-AM (Winston-Salem); WRUP 97.9-FM (New Bern/Morehead City); WSTK 910-AM (Jacksonville); WNMX 106.1 (Charlotte); WCNC 1240-AM (Elizabeth City); WZBO 1260-AM (Edenton)
Internet: www.nhl.com

CAROLINA NOTES
With Mike Watt's Hurricanes debut on March 22 at Montreal, a total of 40 players now have played (or served as back-up goaltender) for Carolina this season. From the Hurricanes' 20-man, opening-game lineup, just 11 players played in Carolina's last game.

CAROLINA AT HOME: 12-15-9-3
CAROLINA ON THE ROAD: 10-24-2-3
CAROLINA ON THE POWER PLAY: 58-of-404 (14.4%)
CAROLINA SHORTHANDED: 308-of-378 (81.5%)

CAROLINA INJURY UPDATE
Center Kevyn Adams, abdominal strain, day-to-day, missed three games (March 25-29)
Goaltender Patrick DesRochers, broken elbow, indefinite, missed four games (March 22-29)
Left wing Jan Hlavac, broken finger, indefinite, missed 13 games (March 2-29)
Right wing Pavel Brendl, arthroscopic knee surgery, injured reserve, missed 15 games (Feb. 26-March 29)
Left wing Jaroslav Svoboda, dislocated shoulder, injured reserve, missed 21 games (Feb. 14-March 29)
Right wing Jesse Boulerice, concussion, injured reserve, missed 21 games (Feb. 14-March 29)
Right wing Jeff Heerema, broken wrist, injured reserve, missed 23 games (Feb. 9-March 29)
Left wing Erik Cole, broken leg, injured reserve, missed 25 games (Feb. 5-March 29)
Center Rod Brind’Amour, hand surgery, injured reserve, missed 29 games (Jan. 22-March 29)

CAROLINA / MONTREAL NOTES
The Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens meet for the final of four matchups this season. The first match up between the two ended in a 2-2 tie at RBC Center. Carolina posted seven goals against Montreal on Nov. 23 before the Canadiens returned the favor on March 22, taking a 5-3 decision. The two teams met in the 2002 Eastern Conference Semifinals, with the Hurricanes taking the series four games to two. Bates Battaglia established a Hurricanes franchise record for most points in a playoff series with 10 points (4g, 6a) in the six-game series against the Canadiens.
Carolina and Montreal split their four regular season matchups last season 1-1-2. The two teams played to a pair of 1-1 ties in Raleigh on Jan. 17 and March 18. Carolina came back from a pair of two-goal deficits to beat Montreal at the Molson Centre 4-3 on March 2. Jeff O’Neill scored the game-winner with 2:05 left in the game. Montreal defeated Carolina 3-2 on March 2. Oleg Petrov led all scorers in the regular season series with four points (1g, 3a). Sami Kapanen (3g, 0a) led all goal scorers in the series. The Hurricanes hold a 46-83-19-0 all-time mark against Montreal including a 28-35-12-0 home record and 18-48-7-0 road record.

SCORING LEADERS AND GOALTENDERS HURRICANES
GP G A TP
92 O'Neill 78 30 30 60
10 Francis 78 22 33 55
17 Brind'Amour 48 14 23 37
19 Vrbata 72 16 19 35
Goalies GP GAA W-L-T SV%
1 Irbe 31 3.20 7-21-2 .878
80 Weekes 50 2.52 14-23-9 .914
CANADIENS
GP G A TP
11 Koivu 79 19 49 68
20 Zednik 77 29 18 47
94 Perreault 70 22 21 43
Goalies GP GAA W-L-T SV%
30 Garon 6 2.32 2-4-0 .931
60 Theodore 56 2.88 19-31-6 .908

[crazy4canes]

CAROLINA HURRICANES (22-39-11-6, 61 pts.)
vs.
MONTREAL CANADIENS (28-34-8-9, 73 pts.)
Monday, March 31, 2003, 7 p.m. at the RBC Center



GAME NIGHT

The Carolina Hurricanes play host to the Montreal Canadiens in the teams’ final meeting of 2002-03. John Forslund and Tripp Tracy will have the call for Carolina on Fox SportsNet while Yvon Pedneault and Pierre Houde will carry the game back to Quebec for RDS. Chuck Kaiton will paint the picture for Hurricanes Radio Network listeners while Dino Sisto, Abe Hefter, Pierre Rinfret and Dany Dube will keep Canadiens radio listeners abreast of the action.

PRACTICE TIMES
Mar. 31 Monday RBC Center 10:30 a.m.
Apr. 1 Tuesday RBC Center 11 a.m.
Apr. 2 Wednesday Mellon Arena 11:30 a.m.
Apr. 3 Thursday TBA TBA
Apr. 4 Friday Office Depot Center 11:30 a.m.
Apr. 5 Saturday RecZone 11:45 a.m.
Apr. 6 Sunday RBC Center TBA


ON THE AIR
Television: Fox Sports Net
Radio: WKIX 102.3 FM (Goldsboro); WKXU 101.1 FM (Raleigh); WDTF 570-AM (Raleigh); WMFD 630-AM (Wilmington); WDLZ 98.3-FM (Murfreesboro); WSJS 600-AM (Winston-Salem); WRUP 97.9-FM (New Bern/Morehead City); WSTK 910-AM (Jacksonville); WNMX 106.1 (Charlotte); WCNC 1240-AM (Elizabeth City); WZBO 1260-AM (Edenton)
Internet: www.nhl.com

CAROLINA NOTES
With Mike Watt's Hurricanes debut on March 22 at Montreal, a total of 40 players now have played (or served as back-up goaltender) for Carolina this season. From the Hurricanes' 20-man, opening-game lineup, just 11 players played in Carolina's last game.

CAROLINA AT HOME: 12-15-9-3
CAROLINA ON THE ROAD: 10-24-2-3
CAROLINA ON THE POWER PLAY: 58-of-404 (14.4%)
CAROLINA SHORTHANDED: 308-of-378 (81.5%)

CAROLINA INJURY UPDATE
Center Kevyn Adams, abdominal strain, day-to-day, missed three games (March 25-29)
Goaltender Patrick DesRochers, broken elbow, indefinite, missed four games (March 22-29)
Left wing Jan Hlavac, broken finger, indefinite, missed 13 games (March 2-29)
Right wing Pavel Brendl, arthroscopic knee surgery, injured reserve, missed 15 games (Feb. 26-March 29)
Left wing Jaroslav Svoboda, dislocated shoulder, injured reserve, missed 21 games (Feb. 14-March 29)
Right wing Jesse Boulerice, concussion, injured reserve, missed 21 games (Feb. 14-March 29)
Right wing Jeff Heerema, broken wrist, injured reserve, missed 23 games (Feb. 9-March 29)
Left wing Erik Cole, broken leg, injured reserve, missed 25 games (Feb. 5-March 29)
Center Rod Brind’Amour, hand surgery, injured reserve, missed 29 games (Jan. 22-March 29)

CAROLINA / MONTREAL NOTES
The Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens meet for the final of four matchups this season. The first match up between the two ended in a 2-2 tie at RBC Center. Carolina posted seven goals against Montreal on Nov. 23 before the Canadiens returned the favor on March 22, taking a 5-3 decision. The two teams met in the 2002 Eastern Conference Semifinals, with the Hurricanes taking the series four games to two. Bates Battaglia established a Hurricanes franchise record for most points in a playoff series with 10 points (4g, 6a) in the six-game series against the Canadiens.
Carolina and Montreal split their four regular season matchups last season 1-1-2. The two teams played to a pair of 1-1 ties in Raleigh on Jan. 17 and March 18. Carolina came back from a pair of two-goal deficits to beat Montreal at the Molson Centre 4-3 on March 2. Jeff O’Neill scored the game-winner with 2:05 left in the game. Montreal defeated Carolina 3-2 on March 2. Oleg Petrov led all scorers in the regular season series with four points (1g, 3a). Sami Kapanen (3g, 0a) led all goal scorers in the series. The Hurricanes hold a 46-83-19-0 all-time mark against Montreal including a 28-35-12-0 home record and 18-48-7-0 road record.

SCORING LEADERS AND GOALTENDERS HURRICANES
GP G A TP
92 O'Neill 78 30 30 60
10 Francis 78 22 33 55
17 Brind'Amour 48 14 23 37
19 Vrbata 72 16 19 35
Goalies GP GAA W-L-T SV%
1 Irbe 31 3.20 7-21-2 .878
80 Weekes 50 2.52 14-23-9 .914
CANADIENS
GP G A TP
11 Koivu 79 19 49 68
20 Zednik 77 29 18 47
94 Perreault 70 22 21 43
Goalies GP GAA W-L-T SV%
30 Garon 6 2.32 2-4-0 .931
60 Theodore 56 2.88 19-31-6 .908

[JaroFan]

How many wins is Weekes away from another $100,000? Maybe he'll want to do it on home ice...meaning tonight!

Who all is going? I'll be in 113, row C.

[JaroFan]

How many wins is Weekes away from another $100,000? Maybe he'll want to do it on home ice...meaning tonight!

Who all is going? I'll be in 113, row C.

[moonstomper]

At least the games gonna be on TV....Darnit If the canes are gonna lose I at least want to watch!

Theodore has not been the same since we broke him in the playoffs last year, he may never recover from that

[moonstomper]

At least the games gonna be on TV....Darnit If the canes are gonna lose I at least want to watch!

Theodore has not been the same since we broke him in the playoffs last year, he may never recover from that

[Turbulence]

All I can say is hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

Vrbata deserves to be on the top line. He's been lighting a spark under this team's collective arse since he's been here, and he's scoring. He deserves it.

Go Canes.

[Turbulence]

All I can say is hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

Vrbata deserves to be on the top line. He's been lighting a spark under this team's collective arse since he's been here, and he's scoring. He deserves it.

Go Canes.

[Canesluver]

I'm hoping for a wooly game.
Neither team has anything to lose, so I'd love to see the boys come out fired up to show some pride for the home fans.

Wonder if an announcement about the 2 anthems will be made again pre-show?

[Canesluver]

I'm hoping for a wooly game.
Neither team has anything to lose, so I'd love to see the boys come out fired up to show some pride for the home fans.

Wonder if an announcement about the 2 anthems will be made again pre-show?

[talkingcanes]

I would really like to believe that an anthem announcement wouldn't be necessary, but there are always some losers in every crowd that will boo. hopefully, the fans around them will deal with them like Kat did last time ;)

[talkingcanes]

I would really like to believe that an anthem announcement wouldn't be necessary, but there are always some losers in every crowd that will boo. hopefully, the fans around them will deal with them like Kat did last time ;)

[opuntia]

And I'll be there to back Kat up (I'm good at dirty looks). :p

This is my last game this year; feels like the season went by so fast...

Will be hanging in my usual spot by the Goodberry's at section 304 - look for the Roberts jersey!

[opuntia]

And I'll be there to back Kat up (I'm good at dirty looks). :p

This is my last game this year; feels like the season went by so fast...

Will be hanging in my usual spot by the Goodberry's at section 304 - look for the Roberts jersey!

[raleighcanesfan]

Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?


What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

Can't hurt.

Amen...amazing that the talk of NoMo has disappeared...

Just wanting you all to know where I stand...

MO MUST GO

[raleighcanesfan]

Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?


What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

Can't hurt.

Amen...amazing that the talk of NoMo has disappeared...

Just wanting you all to know where I stand...

MO MUST GO

[Stormbringer]

Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?


What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

Can't hurt.

Amen...amazing that the talk of NoMo has disappeared...

Just wanting you all to know where I stand...

MO MUST GO

And it ain't gonna happen anytime soon...

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=172

(sings) It's just the ninetee...er, twentieth No Mo Breakdown... :roll:

[Stormbringer]

Might as well use these last few games to play around with different things, right?


What say we experiment with different coaches for the next few games?

Can't hurt.

Amen...amazing that the talk of NoMo has disappeared...

Just wanting you all to know where I stand...

MO MUST GO

And it ain't gonna happen anytime soon...

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=172

(sings) It's just the ninetee...er, twentieth No Mo Breakdown... :roll:

[Stormbringer]

Anyway, back to the subject of tonight's game...

Theodore vill vealize zhat he iz merely a baby Canadien when he fazes ze Canez' offenze thiz evening.

Should have done that before I left for the Buffalo game Saturday evening...

[Stormbringer]

Anyway, back to the subject of tonight's game...

Theodore vill vealize zhat he iz merely a baby Canadien when he fazes ze Canez' offenze thiz evening.

Should have done that before I left for the Buffalo game Saturday evening...

[caniac369]

Ronnie, O & Bayda mesh. I really think that those 3 have a chemistry together and Mo shouldn't be messing with a good thing since we don't seem to have alot of that right now...

[caniac369]

Ronnie, O & Bayda mesh. I really think that those 3 have a chemistry together and Mo shouldn't be messing with a good thing since we don't seem to have alot of that right now...

[folgersnyourcup]

Sheesh, turnover Tanabe strikes again..... I'm starting to get nervous everytime he gets on the ice! Hopefully he'll start to step up his play sometime! An excellent flurry of shots at the beginning of the game by the Canes though. I'm glad we were able to get the puck back though after the turnover.

[folgersnyourcup]

Sheesh, turnover Tanabe strikes again..... I'm starting to get nervous everytime he gets on the ice! Hopefully he'll start to step up his play sometime! An excellent flurry of shots at the beginning of the game by the Canes though. I'm glad we were able to get the puck back though after the turnover.

[guinevere]

!@##@$%^^&^&&*&^

What was Bruno doing in front of the net NOT watching the puck and were was defense ?

Guin

[guinevere]

!@##@$%^^&^&&*&^

What was Bruno doing in front of the net NOT watching the puck and were was defense ?

Guin

[caniac369]

Bad Burno... *sound of a whip cracking from inside the Canes locker room*

[caniac369]

Bad Burno... *sound of a whip cracking from inside the Canes locker room*

[Turbulence]

http://www.unhelpful.org/cheers/surrender.jpg

Same old, same old. What's the point? Sheesh... :sick:
Seemed like a fairly good period until the breakdown in the last few minutes...But maybe we'll have a repeat of the Molson Miracle.

I can't wait until next season.

[Turbulence]

http://www.unhelpful.org/cheers/surrender.jpg

Same old, same old. What's the point? Sheesh... :sick:
Seemed like a fairly good period until the breakdown in the last few minutes...But maybe we'll have a repeat of the Molson Miracle.

I can't wait until next season.

[Stormbringer]

(sighs) I think the Canes can't wait for the end of the season to arrive here. That and horrible luck can describe what's happened tonight... :sick:

Edit: Got to give the crowd kudos though...despite the horrible game and it being Monday night, they sound good, at least here in my niche.

[Stormbringer]

(sighs) I think the Canes can't wait for the end of the season to arrive here. That and horrible luck can describe what's happened tonight... :sick:

Edit: Got to give the crowd kudos though...despite the horrible game and it being Monday night, they sound good, at least here in my niche.

[Stormbringer]

And no wonder the Canes are having problems...I did the curse on the wrong goalie!

Garon vill vealize zhat he iz merely a baby Canadien when he fazes ze Canez' offenze thiz vhird period.

My apologies for not doing this sooner...just got back from having dinner and helping with groceries.

[Stormbringer]

And no wonder the Canes are having problems...I did the curse on the wrong goalie!

Garon vill vealize zhat he iz merely a baby Canadien when he fazes ze Canez' offenze thiz vhird period.

My apologies for not doing this sooner...just got back from having dinner and helping with groceries.

[folgersnyourcup]

Oh.....my.....god.... I go to my game store for a period, come back, and it's 4-0.

I'll chime in with a "PLEASE LET THIS SEASON END!!!!"

[folgersnyourcup]

Oh.....my.....god.... I go to my game store for a period, come back, and it's 4-0.

I'll chime in with a "PLEASE LET THIS SEASON END!!!!"

[Stormbringer]

At this point, I'll just be very happy to see the Canes say "No shutout for you!" to Garon with at least a goal...

[Stormbringer]

At this point, I'll just be very happy to see the Canes say "No shutout for you!" to Garon with at least a goal...

[Stormbringer]

At long last...the Canes get a power play. Let's hope they get something out of it.

[Stormbringer]

At long last...the Canes get a power play. Let's hope they get something out of it.

[folgersnyourcup]

:(

Forget if it lets the New York Rangers into the playoffs, I think everyone just wants to see one more home win this season! We've got the worst home record in the league and people still come to the games in droves.

Who is going to the game? I will be there, in some 12 dollar seats probably as other people in our season ticket group are using the tickets for this game.

[folgersnyourcup]

:(

Forget if it lets the New York Rangers into the playoffs, I think everyone just wants to see one more home win this season! We've got the worst home record in the league and people still come to the games in droves.

Who is going to the game? I will be there, in some 12 dollar seats probably as other people in our season ticket group are using the tickets for this game.

[Turbulence]

Same old, same old.

I sure hope we get our act together next year.

[Turbulence]

Same old, same old.

I sure hope we get our act together next year.

[Stormbringer]

(sighs) And that and what is below is really all that can be managed to be said about this game that was more so bad and ugly than good...

The Good:

Support Your Local Hockey Team - What I heard of the crowd on the TV sounded good. The "Aw!"s that came on the many chances the Canes had, the cheers on the fights, and the boos on the quite a few calls Montreal had going their way seemed nice and loud. Overall, not bad considering the horrid game and season, and it being a Monday night.

The Bad and Ugly:

Garondorf - Good thing this was not a battle for the Triforce and the fate of Hyrule...er, Raleigh and the world, because the good guys lost big time here. And unfortunately, the Canes still would have lost if they had someone like Link suit up for them. What is it about these rookie and/or backup goalies getting hot against the Canes this season? (sighs)

The End - I have said it once, and I will say it again...it just cannot get here soon enough. It shows in the Canes' play as of the last couple of games. It shows in what very few, if any breaks they are getting. I guess it is too much to ask the hockey gods to just let go of whatever beef they have had and still have against the Canes, and let them be lucky and get at least one more win or two in their last three games. But now that I have said that, it probably will not happen... :roll:

Through thick and thin, I will always love my Canes. And folks, it just cannot get any thicker than this game and overall season. I believe I will now do a little spring cleaning here in my niche at the RBC...despite it not feeling like spring outside or here.

[Stormbringer]

(sighs) And that and what is below is really all that can be managed to be said about this game that was more so bad and ugly than good...

The Good:

Support Your Local Hockey Team - What I heard of the crowd on the TV sounded good. The "Aw!"s that came on the many chances the Canes had, the cheers on the fights, and the boos on the quite a few calls Montreal had going their way seemed nice and loud. Overall, not bad considering the horrid game and season, and it being a Monday night.

The Bad and Ugly:

Garondorf - Good thing this was not a battle for the Triforce and the fate of Hyrule...er, Raleigh and the world, because the good guys lost big time here. And unfortunately, the Canes still would have lost if they had someone like Link suit up for them. What is it about these rookie and/or backup goalies getting hot against the Canes this season? (sighs)

The End - I have said it once, and I will say it again...it just cannot get here soon enough. It shows in the Canes' play as of the last couple of games. It shows in what very few, if any breaks they are getting. I guess it is too much to ask the hockey gods to just let go of whatever beef they have had and still have against the Canes, and let them be lucky and get at least one more win or two in their last three games. But now that I have said that, it probably will not happen... :roll:

Through thick and thin, I will always love my Canes. And folks, it just cannot get any thicker than this game and overall season. I believe I will now do a little spring cleaning here in my niche at the RBC...despite it not feeling like spring outside or here.

[Turbulence]

Through thick and thin, I will always love my Canes.

Amen, sister. This is the season that divides the bandwagoneers from the true diehard fans...thankfully many people seem to be the latter. Success is not everything-it is the only thing. But diehard fans deal with mediocracy. These are the times that try fans' souls.

Go Canes!

[Turbulence]

Through thick and thin, I will always love my Canes.

Amen, sister. This is the season that divides the bandwagoneers from the true diehard fans...thankfully many people seem to be the latter. Success is not everything-it is the only thing. But diehard fans deal with mediocracy. These are the times that try fans' souls.

Go Canes!

[RIO]

I'm sorry things went so badly tonight. I'm feelin' for Kevin and that hand. That certainly couldn't have helped matters, bless his heart.

ah well....

Go Lock Monsters!

[RIO]

I'm sorry things went so badly tonight. I'm feelin' for Kevin and that hand. That certainly couldn't have helped matters, bless his heart.

ah well....

Go Lock Monsters!

[nccanes]

The box score indicates 14,157 which seems extremely generous. The place was a tomb - and for good reason.

I know some folks feel like this is the "preseason for next year" and are watching/evaluating the newbies, but you have GOT to put out some effort in front of the home crowd. The folks that fork over the dough deserve better. I wondered if I was just in a bad mood or something, but Kaiton said the same thing on Aftermath (thanks Chuck) and called the game a "stinker" and the worst performance of the year. The fans (the few thousand that were left) booed at the end - I didn't, but I certainly didn't blame them.

Okay, to try and say something positive. I give props to Defauw and Bruno - the played like they cared the whole game.

For the 2nd consecutive game I've clapped for the opposing goalie getting the first star as they stepped out on the ice. :sad:

[nccanes]

The box score indicates 14,157 which seems extremely generous. The place was a tomb - and for good reason.

I know some folks feel like this is the "preseason for next year" and are watching/evaluating the newbies, but you have GOT to put out some effort in front of the home crowd. The folks that fork over the dough deserve better. I wondered if I was just in a bad mood or something, but Kaiton said the same thing on Aftermath (thanks Chuck) and called the game a "stinker" and the worst performance of the year. The fans (the few thousand that were left) booed at the end - I didn't, but I certainly didn't blame them.

Okay, to try and say something positive. I give props to Defauw and Bruno - the played like they cared the whole game.

For the 2nd consecutive game I've clapped for the opposing goalie getting the first star as they stepped out on the ice. :sad:

[hyena]

what a stinker of a game. :sick: i heard everybody booing at the end and actually thought for a second about joined in, but couldn't do it. i've never booed my team before and i don't plan on starting now. that said, they freaking sucked tonight. how about coming to play on sunday, guys...i mean, it is fan appreciation day and all.

I give props to Defauw and Bruno - the played like they cared the whole game.
let me throw craig adams' name in there, too. i thought he played a hard game. and kudos to vrbata for taking what seemed like a million shots.

the best part of the game for me was the guy in 334 heckling garon the whole first period. dude was hilarious! :D

please, please, can we win the last home game???? :sad:

[hyena]

what a stinker of a game. :sick: i heard everybody booing at the end and actually thought for a second about joined in, but couldn't do it. i've never booed my team before and i don't plan on starting now. that said, they freaking sucked tonight. how about coming to play on sunday, guys...i mean, it is fan appreciation day and all.

I give props to Defauw and Bruno - the played like they cared the whole game.
let me throw craig adams' name in there, too. i thought he played a hard game. and kudos to vrbata for taking what seemed like a million shots.

the best part of the game for me was the guy in 334 heckling garon the whole first period. dude was hilarious! :D

please, please, can we win the last home game???? :sad:

[talkingcanes]

my thought on booing......... you'll never hear it from me, but even if I were so inclined, what is the point at this stage?

Kudos to Bruno for standing up for O.

Weekes got hung out on 3 of those goals. He didn't play particularly well, but he had lots of company.

Atlanta beat the Rangers so unless the Isles really have a death wish, maybe they'll have it wrapped up by Sunday and not take it out on us.

Can the Canadiens' fans now say along with the Buffalo fans, "my sucky team is better than your sucky team?" :p and now on to Pittsburgh to give them a chance to join the chorus.

Good year or bad year, they are my team so I'll get through this year with them and expect better next season.

[talkingcanes]

my thought on booing......... you'll never hear it from me, but even if I were so inclined, what is the point at this stage?

Kudos to Bruno for standing up for O.

Weekes got hung out on 3 of those goals. He didn't play particularly well, but he had lots of company.

Atlanta beat the Rangers so unless the Isles really have a death wish, maybe they'll have it wrapped up by Sunday and not take it out on us.

Can the Canadiens' fans now say along with the Buffalo fans, "my sucky team is better than your sucky team?" :p and now on to Pittsburgh to give them a chance to join the chorus.

Good year or bad year, they are my team so I'll get through this year with them and expect better next season.

[nccanes]

my thought on booing......... you'll never hear it from me, but even if I were so inclined, what is the point at this stage?


It's been said over and over that the fans here have been extremely patient. I can't remember the game (was it Washington?) where they'd sucked for an eternity and returned from the Western road trip and even Ronnie said they weren't sure what to expect from the crowd. They were pleasantly surprised with the support they rec'd.

Anyway, if a crowd that has been THAT supportive decides to boo, I hope to hell that the players notice! THAT's the point!

(spoken as someone who did NOT boo, but wasn't disturbed by it in the least)

[nccanes]

my thought on booing......... you'll never hear it from me, but even if I were so inclined, what is the point at this stage?


It's been said over and over that the fans here have been extremely patient. I can't remember the game (was it Washington?) where they'd sucked for an eternity and returned from the Western road trip and even Ronnie said they weren't sure what to expect from the crowd. They were pleasantly surprised with the support they rec'd.

Anyway, if a crowd that has been THAT supportive decides to boo, I hope to hell that the players notice! THAT's the point!

(spoken as someone who did NOT boo, but wasn't disturbed by it in the least)

[talkingcanes]

I do understand your point and theirs. I guess I am just at the point where it's not going to make any difference. During the season when the team needs a kick, some booing may be helpful. I'm just not a booing person, my team, the other team, the officials, whoever. Not my style, I guess. Please don't take that to mean I don't complain bitterly with a little whining thrown in, about their play when it is awful :)

[talkingcanes]

I do understand your point and theirs. I guess I am just at the point where it's not going to make any difference. During the season when the team needs a kick, some booing may be helpful. I'm just not a booing person, my team, the other team, the officials, whoever. Not my style, I guess. Please don't take that to mean I don't complain bitterly with a little whining thrown in, about their play when it is awful :)

[nccanes]

I'm not a boo-er either. I just think that while the Cans fans much prefer to have a love-in with their team (and that's my preference), that booing after the stinker that we just witnessed sends the message that they aren't off the hook. We (as fans) are still showing up, so we expect them to as well.

I guess in my opinion, a message is a message regardless of when it's delivered.

[nccanes]

I'm not a boo-er either. I just think that while the Cans fans much prefer to have a love-in with their team (and that's my preference), that booing after the stinker that we just witnessed sends the message that they aren't off the hook. We (as fans) are still showing up, so we expect them to as well.

I guess in my opinion, a message is a message regardless of when it's delivered.

[Stormbringer]

I'm not a boo-er either. I just think that while the Cans fans much prefer to have a love-in with their team (and that's my preference), that booing after the stinker that we just witnessed sends the message that they aren't off the hook. We (as fans) are still showing up, so we expect them to as well.

I guess in my opinion, a message is a message regardless of when it's delivered.

Exactly Eileen, which is why I hope the booing the Canes received tonight will hopefully make them turn in some sort of decent performance in their last three games, especially the final one against the Islanders. The season may almost be over, but it would be very good to end on a good note as opposed to a melancholy one.

[Stormbringer]

I'm not a boo-er either. I just think that while the Cans fans much prefer to have a love-in with their team (and that's my preference), that booing after the stinker that we just witnessed sends the message that they aren't off the hook. We (as fans) are still showing up, so we expect them to as well.

I guess in my opinion, a message is a message regardless of when it's delivered.

Exactly Eileen, which is why I hope the booing the Canes received tonight will hopefully make them turn in some sort of decent performance in their last three games, especially the final one against the Islanders. The season may almost be over, but it would be very good to end on a good note as opposed to a melancholy one.

[1Irbegirlforever]

That was the MOST painful game to be at. I even bought my tickets at the last minute because I THOUGHT they're time to shine would be tonight. My goodness, i didn't even get to enjoy Ric's WOOO, WOOOO..... As far as the booing, i could NEVER do that. (not that i think those that booed them were wrong, i just couldn't bring myself to)

At least everyone was respectful during the anthems... :)

Oh yeah, the fights were probably the highlight of the game for me. :sad:

[1Irbegirlforever]

That was the MOST painful game to be at. I even bought my tickets at the last minute because I THOUGHT they're time to shine would be tonight. My goodness, i didn't even get to enjoy Ric's WOOO, WOOOO..... As far as the booing, i could NEVER do that. (not that i think those that booed them were wrong, i just couldn't bring myself to)

At least everyone was respectful during the anthems... :)

Oh yeah, the fights were probably the highlight of the game for me. :sad:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The ONLY good thing about this game.....my great seats and hanging out with some of the LGC crowd between periods.

Prescription for Sunday's game: caffeine IV before the game....or something to get the lead out of their a**es.

At this point I WANT A WIN in my building. I don't care if it does send the Rangers to the playoffs *coughgagcough*. I want to go out on a good note. To drag this sh*t of a season into the off-season isn't good for anyone.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The ONLY good thing about this game.....my great seats and hanging out with some of the LGC crowd between periods.

Prescription for Sunday's game: caffeine IV before the game....or something to get the lead out of their a**es.

At this point I WANT A WIN in my building. I don't care if it does send the Rangers to the playoffs *coughgagcough*. I want to go out on a good note. To drag this sh*t of a season into the off-season isn't good for anyone.

[Canesluver]

Tonight, I said to SHC at one point in the game, "It's a shame that people are getting more excited over free crappy t-shirts that Stormy's shooting, instead of the game!"

I guess the highlight for me was hearing the chants for "Irbe! Irbe!" start behind us. That was the followed by "We want Tripp!! We want Tripp!!"
C'mon ya just have to smile at that. . . . .! :)

[Canesluver]

Tonight, I said to SHC at one point in the game, "It's a shame that people are getting more excited over free crappy t-shirts that Stormy's shooting, instead of the game!"

I guess the highlight for me was hearing the chants for "Irbe! Irbe!" start behind us. That was the followed by "We want Tripp!! We want Tripp!!"
C'mon ya just have to smile at that. . . . .! :)

[EyeOfTheStorm]

just an fyi, but the seats were prolly a teensy bit more sold than usual because of a promotion..96.1 rock had a promo that for $9.61 you could get an upper level ticket..as empty as the lower level was though, we took our $9.61 tickets and sat in 115...soo im not disappointed in the seats...horribly played game though, but i stayed all the way through the 3 stars..(all 3 of which were montreal btw.) ...i was a bit more annoyed by the canadiens fans holding up the theodore sign with canadiens spelled "canadians" ..morons!

[EyeOfTheStorm]

just an fyi, but the seats were prolly a teensy bit more sold than usual because of a promotion..96.1 rock had a promo that for $9.61 you could get an upper level ticket..as empty as the lower level was though, we took our $9.61 tickets and sat in 115...soo im not disappointed in the seats...horribly played game though, but i stayed all the way through the 3 stars..(all 3 of which were montreal btw.) ...i was a bit more annoyed by the canadiens fans holding up the theodore sign with canadiens spelled "canadians" ..morons!

[JaroFan]

I was in 113 down low and i gotta tell you, when Bruno went after the guy that had him in a headlock (sorry can't remember his name), he had him pinned up against the glass and the guy looked scared as you know what! It was awesome. I LOVE Bruno!

[JaroFan]

I was in 113 down low and i gotta tell you, when Bruno went after the guy that had him in a headlock (sorry can't remember his name), he had him pinned up against the glass and the guy looked scared as you know what! It was awesome. I LOVE Bruno!

[Alicia]

I was in 113 down low and i gotta tell you, when Bruno went after the guy that had him in a headlock (sorry can't remember his name), he had him pinned up against the glass and the guy looked scared as you know what! It was awesome. I LOVE Bruno!

Easily why the fights were my favorite part of the game last night. Bruno was rather feisty! :beatup:

[Alicia]

I was in 113 down low and i gotta tell you, when Bruno went after the guy that had him in a headlock (sorry can't remember his name), he had him pinned up against the glass and the guy looked scared as you know what! It was awesome. I LOVE Bruno!

Easily why the fights were my favorite part of the game last night. Bruno was rather feisty! :beatup:

[Jeff O Rocks]

My hat is off to Bruno as well....when that guy slapped O in the face, I was bent out of shape to put it lightly..and then Bruno saved the day...I loved him before, but love him even more now...what a scrappy guy...he and Craig Adams were cut from the same cloth!! :spin:

I do so hope they can win Sunday...last night was the hardest game to watch that I have seen all year at home...and I have never seen the team look more dejected than they did leaving the ice last night!! :cry:

Hopefully they will be refreshed on Sunday, just knowing that it will be over in 2 1/2 hours... :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

My hat is off to Bruno as well....when that guy slapped O in the face, I was bent out of shape to put it lightly..and then Bruno saved the day...I loved him before, but love him even more now...what a scrappy guy...he and Craig Adams were cut from the same cloth!! :spin:

I do so hope they can win Sunday...last night was the hardest game to watch that I have seen all year at home...and I have never seen the team look more dejected than they did leaving the ice last night!! :cry:

Hopefully they will be refreshed on Sunday, just knowing that it will be over in 2 1/2 hours... :roll:

[talkingcanes]

I hope they make a game of the last 3. Pittsburgh is in sad shape as well so who knows how that game will be. Those fans must be devastated. They started out well, fell apart, traded nearly the whole team and who knows if Mario will be able to keep the team there. That would be a really bad season. We have WAY more hope than they do going into next season.

[talkingcanes]

I hope they make a game of the last 3. Pittsburgh is in sad shape as well so who knows how that game will be. Those fans must be devastated. They started out well, fell apart, traded nearly the whole team and who knows if Mario will be able to keep the team there. That would be a really bad season. We have WAY more hope than they do going into next season.

[Jeff O Rocks]

Tonight, I said to SHC at one point in the game, "It's a shame that people are getting more excited over free crappy t-shirts that Stormy's shooting, instead of the game!"



Shawn I can't tell you how many times I have said the same thing!

[Jeff O Rocks]

Tonight, I said to SHC at one point in the game, "It's a shame that people are getting more excited over free crappy t-shirts that Stormy's shooting, instead of the game!"



Shawn I can't tell you how many times I have said the same thing!

[VandyCane]

Here is today's News and Observer article:

Youth takes a hit as Canes lose again
Poor play puts Vasicek's future on the line as Montreal cruises past Carolina

By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

RALEIGH -- So much of the attention in this lost season for the Carolina Hurricanes has been on the young players trying to win jobs for next year.
Monday, the attention was on a young player who may lose his.

Josef Vasicek continued to struggle in a 4-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, a loss even coach Paul Maurice called a "dog."

Since returning from a back injury, Vasicek's play has been so uninspired that the 22-year-old center -- a key element in last season's playoff run and until this spring an unquestioned keystone in the franchise's future -- has put himself at risk of losing his.

"It's more his intensity, that's what I'm concerned about," Maurice said of Vasicek. "Kevyn Adams has made a strong case for ice time, and there may well be guys who are 22 or 23 and thought they had a position locked up who may have to fight for it next year."

Even Vasicek realizes that.

"I have to play better than I have, especially this game," he said.

Following offseason shoulder surgery, Vasicek missed most of training camp after reinjuring the same shoulder.

He then missed most of the first half of the season -- 25 games -- with a back injury but came on strong when Rod Brind'Amour was lost for the season in January.

In the first 10 games without Brind'Amour, Vasicek had five goals and five assists and was plus-1.

But in the past 19 games he has just four points, and over the past 21 games, he's a minus-9.

"I haven't played at the level where I wanted to," Vasicek admitted. "It's been a rough season for me. With the injury, I pretty much didn't do anything for three weeks. ... These kind of games you have to find a way. Each guy has to think about what they want to do and play hard."

He was minus-3 Monday, and one of four young Hurricanes standing around the net when the Canadiens went up 3-0 with 5.9 seconds to play in the first.

Mike Ribeiro walked through the entire Carolina defense to set up Richard Zednik in front of the net as Vasicek, Bruno St. Jacques, Radim Vrbata and David Tanabe stood and watched.

The energy that Kevyn Adams, who is out with an abdominal strain, and Craig Adams provided much of the season was missing.

Craig Adams, playing on a line with Vrbata and Vasicek, hit everything in sight but was saddled with the same minus-3 as Vasicek.

"That stings," Adams said. "I don't like to be minus-3. It doesn't reflect very well on the way you played. ... I can't speak for the other guys. I can only speak for myself. I sense the urgency. You'd have to ask the other guys if they do."
Vasicek wasn't the only one whose performance was less than inspired.

After two games on the road, the Canes will return to the RBC Center on Sunday afternoon to complete their dismal season.

The end, judging by the Canes' performance Monday, can't come soon enough.

For the sixth time, Kevin Weekes was denied in his bid to win 15 games, and the Canes stretched their winless streak to eight games (0-6-2-0) after winning four in a row. They have outshot their past three opponents 102-54 but have been outscored 12-2.

The Canes had 14 shots on Mathieu Garon in the third, when the game was all but settled.

"We've been out of the playoffs for a while and we've played a heck of a lot better than tonight," Maurice said. "That's our first dog in a while."

At this point, all the Canes have to play for is the future.


I am glad that Maurice is giving Kevyn Adams some credit. I like Big Joe but this was his chance to shine. With Rod injured he could have stepped up to show that he is ready to be a realiable center. At this point I definetely think that Kevyn has shown he should be the third line center.

Also, interesting comments by Craig Adams.

[VandyCane]

Here is today's News and Observer article:

Youth takes a hit as Canes lose again
Poor play puts Vasicek's future on the line as Montreal cruises past Carolina

By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

RALEIGH -- So much of the attention in this lost season for the Carolina Hurricanes has been on the young players trying to win jobs for next year.
Monday, the attention was on a young player who may lose his.

Josef Vasicek continued to struggle in a 4-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, a loss even coach Paul Maurice called a "dog."

Since returning from a back injury, Vasicek's play has been so uninspired that the 22-year-old center -- a key element in last season's playoff run and until this spring an unquestioned keystone in the franchise's future -- has put himself at risk of losing his.

"It's more his intensity, that's what I'm concerned about," Maurice said of Vasicek. "Kevyn Adams has made a strong case for ice time, and there may well be guys who are 22 or 23 and thought they had a position locked up who may have to fight for it next year."

Even Vasicek realizes that.

"I have to play better than I have, especially this game," he said.

Following offseason shoulder surgery, Vasicek missed most of training camp after reinjuring the same shoulder.

He then missed most of the first half of the season -- 25 games -- with a back injury but came on strong when Rod Brind'Amour was lost for the season in January.

In the first 10 games without Brind'Amour, Vasicek had five goals and five assists and was plus-1.

But in the past 19 games he has just four points, and over the past 21 games, he's a minus-9.

"I haven't played at the level where I wanted to," Vasicek admitted. "It's been a rough season for me. With the injury, I pretty much didn't do anything for three weeks. ... These kind of games you have to find a way. Each guy has to think about what they want to do and play hard."

He was minus-3 Monday, and one of four young Hurricanes standing around the net when the Canadiens went up 3-0 with 5.9 seconds to play in the first.

Mike Ribeiro walked through the entire Carolina defense to set up Richard Zednik in front of the net as Vasicek, Bruno St. Jacques, Radim Vrbata and David Tanabe stood and watched.

The energy that Kevyn Adams, who is out with an abdominal strain, and Craig Adams provided much of the season was missing.

Craig Adams, playing on a line with Vrbata and Vasicek, hit everything in sight but was saddled with the same minus-3 as Vasicek.

"That stings," Adams said. "I don't like to be minus-3. It doesn't reflect very well on the way you played. ... I can't speak for the other guys. I can only speak for myself. I sense the urgency. You'd have to ask the other guys if they do."
Vasicek wasn't the only one whose performance was less than inspired.

After two games on the road, the Canes will return to the RBC Center on Sunday afternoon to complete their dismal season.

The end, judging by the Canes' performance Monday, can't come soon enough.

For the sixth time, Kevin Weekes was denied in his bid to win 15 games, and the Canes stretched their winless streak to eight games (0-6-2-0) after winning four in a row. They have outshot their past three opponents 102-54 but have been outscored 12-2.

The Canes had 14 shots on Mathieu Garon in the third, when the game was all but settled.

"We've been out of the playoffs for a while and we've played a heck of a lot better than tonight," Maurice said. "That's our first dog in a while."

At this point, all the Canes have to play for is the future.


I am glad that Maurice is giving Kevyn Adams some credit. I like Big Joe but this was his chance to shine. With Rod injured he could have stepped up to show that he is ready to be a realiable center. At this point I definetely think that Kevyn has shown he should be the third line center.

Also, interesting comments by Craig Adams.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I feel like this has been posted but I skimmed back through the thread and didn't see it....I apologize if it's a duplicate.

There were 14,157 tickets sold for the game, giving the Hurricanes 626,055 through 40 home dates. The Hurricanes season record of 635,868 was set last season; they would have to have their smallest home crowd of the season on fan appreciation day to avoid breaking the record.

Well, surely to GOD we can manage not having the smallest crowd of the season Sunday.

And since we matched that 4-0 blanking the Ducks laid on us on a Sunday recently we can pretend last night was our Sunday afternoon game and actually come out awake for the Islanders game.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I feel like this has been posted but I skimmed back through the thread and didn't see it....I apologize if it's a duplicate.

There were 14,157 tickets sold for the game, giving the Hurricanes 626,055 through 40 home dates. The Hurricanes season record of 635,868 was set last season; they would have to have their smallest home crowd of the season on fan appreciation day to avoid breaking the record.

Well, surely to GOD we can manage not having the smallest crowd of the season Sunday.

And since we matched that 4-0 blanking the Ducks laid on us on a Sunday recently we can pretend last night was our Sunday afternoon game and actually come out awake for the Islanders game.

[opuntia]

What a stinker. It was nice to meet SHC and others at the second intermission, though (if you saw someone you didn't know standing next to Kat last night, it was probably me :D ).

That was suppose to be my last game, but I might have to pick up tix for Sunday to get the taste of last night out of my mouth... It was so bad that my hubby and I had to stop for chocolate chip cookies on the way home.

[opuntia]

What a stinker. It was nice to meet SHC and others at the second intermission, though (if you saw someone you didn't know standing next to Kat last night, it was probably me :D ).

That was suppose to be my last game, but I might have to pick up tix for Sunday to get the taste of last night out of my mouth... It was so bad that my hubby and I had to stop for chocolate chip cookies on the way home.

[Shell]

interesting comments about Joe in there.. Brindy was going on about how well he was playing on the broadcast. The first game or two after Brindy's injury gave me a lot of hope for Joe, but alas he is back to his "normal" self again. Just not having enough of an impact.

[Shell]

interesting comments about Joe in there.. Brindy was going on about how well he was playing on the broadcast. The first game or two after Brindy's injury gave me a lot of hope for Joe, but alas he is back to his "normal" self again. Just not having enough of an impact.