Game thread...Canes vs. NY Islanders 4/6/03

[Canesluver]

Since I haven't posted in awhile-- I'll give you the morning off, Crazy

Well, this is it -- the last game. :sad:

To a lot of folks, this might be a pretty meaningless game, but to all of us die hards, this game has a lot of meaning.

Today is the day, for the next 6 months, that's filled with last times:

*It's the last time we'll hear the horn and Rick Flair's "Whoo! Whoo!" (hopefully :roll: )

*It's the last time we'll hear, "Let's go 'Canes! Let's go 'Canes!"

*It's the last time we'll smell the ice, feel the chill, hear the smack of the stick against the puck, slap a neighbor's hand in a high-5, and see the scoreboard light up.

But is it really the last time? Of course not, because true fans always believe in the promises of a better season next year. The future most certainly will be bright for our team, and all of us will be there to see dreams come true.

So let's cheer our best, for our hometown team, and scream our loudest when the scoreboard flashes, and shout once last "Let's go Canes!"

Games's at 3:00. If you don't have a ticket, it's on ESPN.

Here's the pre-games skate:
http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/news/news.asp?articleid=1058

LET'S GO CANES!!

:spin:

[Canesluver]

Since I haven't posted in awhile-- I'll give you the morning off, Crazy

Well, this is it -- the last game. :sad:

To a lot of folks, this might be a pretty meaningless game, but to all of us die hards, this game has a lot of meaning.

Today is the day, for the next 6 months, that's filled with last times:

*It's the last time we'll hear the horn and Rick Flair's "Whoo! Whoo!" (hopefully :roll: )

*It's the last time we'll hear, "Let's go 'Canes! Let's go 'Canes!"

*It's the last time we'll smell the ice, feel the chill, hear the smack of the stick against the puck, slap a neighbor's hand in a high-5, and see the scoreboard light up.

But is it really the last time? Of course not, because true fans always believe in the promises of a better season next year. The future most certainly will be bright for our team, and all of us will be there to see dreams come true.

So let's cheer our best, for our hometown team, and scream our loudest when the scoreboard flashes, and shout once last "Let's go Canes!"

Games's at 3:00. If you don't have a ticket, it's on ESPN.

Here's the pre-games skate:
http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/news/news.asp?articleid=1058

LET'S GO CANES!!

:spin:

[Canesluver]

Since I haven't posted in awhile-- I'll give you the morning off, Crazy

Well, this is it -- the last game. :sad:

To a lot of folks, this might be a pretty meaningless game, but to all of us die hards, this game has a lot of meaning.

Today is the day, for the next 6 months, that's filled with last times:

*It's the last time we'll hear the horn and Rick Flair's "Whoo! Whoo!" (hopefully :roll: )

*It's the last time we'll hear, "Let's go 'Canes! Let's go 'Canes!"

*It's the last time we'll smell the ice, feel the chill, hear the smack of the stick against the puck, slap a neighbor's hand in a high-5, and see the scoreboard light up.

But is it really the last time? Of course not, because true fans always believe in the promises of a better season next year. The future most certainly will be bright for our team, and all of us will be there to see dreams come true.

So let's cheer our best, for our hometown team, and scream our loudest when the scoreboard flashes, and shout once last "Let's go Canes!"

Games's at 3:00. If you don't have a ticket, it's on ESPN.

Here's the pre-games skate:
http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/news/news.asp?articleid=1058

LET'S GO CANES!!

:spin:

[nccanes]

So let's cheer our best, for our hometown team, and scream our loudest when the scoreboard flashes, and shout once last "Let's go Canes!"


LET'S GO CANES!!

:spin:

Damn straight Canesluver! Our hometown team. It's our party and we'll scream (and cry ;) :sad: ) if we want to! :D

LET'S GO CANES!!

[nccanes]

So let's cheer our best, for our hometown team, and scream our loudest when the scoreboard flashes, and shout once last "Let's go Canes!"


LET'S GO CANES!!

:spin:

Damn straight Canesluver! Our hometown team. It's our party and we'll scream (and cry ;) :sad: ) if we want to! :D

LET'S GO CANES!!

[nccanes]

So let's cheer our best, for our hometown team, and scream our loudest when the scoreboard flashes, and shout once last "Let's go Canes!"


LET'S GO CANES!!

:spin:

Damn straight Canesluver! Our hometown team. It's our party and we'll scream (and cry ;) :sad: ) if we want to! :D

LET'S GO CANES!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Damn guys....start me up crying already. I'm seriously hoping I won't be the only freak crying at some point today.....I can feel it welling up already. :sad:

and....


LET'S GO CANES!!

What she said!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Damn guys....start me up crying already. I'm seriously hoping I won't be the only freak crying at some point today.....I can feel it welling up already. :sad:

and....


LET'S GO CANES!!

What she said!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Damn guys....start me up crying already. I'm seriously hoping I won't be the only freak crying at some point today.....I can feel it welling up already. :sad:

and....


LET'S GO CANES!!

What she said!!!

[hyena]

^^^^^^^
what they said!

:spin: :cry:

[hyena]

^^^^^^^
what they said!

:spin: :cry:

[hyena]

^^^^^^^
what they said!

:spin: :cry:

[Turbulence]

The end to a wreched season will end on a high note- I'm strangely confident.

What more can you say but Go Canes! and wait for a great year next year?

http://turbulence.homestead.com/files/Flag.jpg

[Turbulence]

The end to a wreched season will end on a high note- I'm strangely confident.

What more can you say but Go Canes! and wait for a great year next year?

http://turbulence.homestead.com/files/Flag.jpg

[Turbulence]

The end to a wreched season will end on a high note- I'm strangely confident.

What more can you say but Go Canes! and wait for a great year next year?

http://turbulence.homestead.com/files/Flag.jpg

[Alicia]

I'll be there trying not to cry also. LET'S GO CANES!!!!

[Alicia]

I'll be there trying not to cry also. LET'S GO CANES!!!!

[Alicia]

I'll be there trying not to cry also. LET'S GO CANES!!!!

[nccanes]

Oh and how could we forget. Good luck Folgers on winning the Caniac Convertible!!! :D

And also to whoever it was (lvscolencanes?) on being the one to present the Fan Favorite award to Ronnie!

[nccanes]

Oh and how could we forget. Good luck Folgers on winning the Caniac Convertible!!! :D

And also to whoever it was (lvscolencanes?) on being the one to present the Fan Favorite award to Ronnie!

[nccanes]

Oh and how could we forget. Good luck Folgers on winning the Caniac Convertible!!! :D

And also to whoever it was (lvscolencanes?) on being the one to present the Fan Favorite award to Ronnie!

[Stormbringer]

Yep...twas LvsColeNCanes who won the possible opportunity to give Ronnie his CC Award.

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=190

Lots of luck to not only her and Folgers, but especially our beloved Canes...please kick some Islander booty, boys. I love happy endings, and want to see one come out of the tale of triumph and torment that was this season.

What else can be said but LET'S GO CANES!!

[Stormbringer]

Yep...twas LvsColeNCanes who won the possible opportunity to give Ronnie his CC Award.

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=190

Lots of luck to not only her and Folgers, but especially our beloved Canes...please kick some Islander booty, boys. I love happy endings, and want to see one come out of the tale of triumph and torment that was this season.

What else can be said but LET'S GO CANES!!

[Stormbringer]

Yep...twas LvsColeNCanes who won the possible opportunity to give Ronnie his CC Award.

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=190

Lots of luck to not only her and Folgers, but especially our beloved Canes...please kick some Islander booty, boys. I love happy endings, and want to see one come out of the tale of triumph and torment that was this season.

What else can be said but LET'S GO CANES!!

[raleighcanesfan]

Boy--the Naive and opressed was wicked today...Nothing like sending the boys on a low note...Good to have pride, Luke. Do you think we could package him in a deal with Irbe and Tanabe? Check out his comment on Bates.

ESPN main channel today. Let's prove something boys!

[raleighcanesfan]

Boy--the Naive and opressed was wicked today...Nothing like sending the boys on a low note...Good to have pride, Luke. Do you think we could package him in a deal with Irbe and Tanabe? Check out his comment on Bates.

ESPN main channel today. Let's prove something boys!

[raleighcanesfan]

Boy--the Naive and opressed was wicked today...Nothing like sending the boys on a low note...Good to have pride, Luke. Do you think we could package him in a deal with Irbe and Tanabe? Check out his comment on Bates.

ESPN main channel today. Let's prove something boys!

[StormShaman]

Boy--the Naive and opressed was wicked today...Nothing like sending the boys on a low note...Good to have pride, Luke. Do you think we could package him in a deal with Irbe and Tanabe? Check out his comment on Bates.

I don't see what was so bad about that article--it was an accurate portrayal of the struggles that this team has had all season.

Brutal, but accurate.

[StormShaman]

Boy--the Naive and opressed was wicked today...Nothing like sending the boys on a low note...Good to have pride, Luke. Do you think we could package him in a deal with Irbe and Tanabe? Check out his comment on Bates.

I don't see what was so bad about that article--it was an accurate portrayal of the struggles that this team has had all season.

Brutal, but accurate.

[StormShaman]

Boy--the Naive and opressed was wicked today...Nothing like sending the boys on a low note...Good to have pride, Luke. Do you think we could package him in a deal with Irbe and Tanabe? Check out his comment on Bates.

I don't see what was so bad about that article--it was an accurate portrayal of the struggles that this team has had all season.

Brutal, but accurate.

[raleighcanesfan]

I am still not of the mind that injuries were our total problem. It's an easy out for a team that went to the SCF last year.

*Alluding to the Irbe goal between the pads as the starting or cause of our slide is accurate?

*The Bates nickname? Responsible journalism??

[raleighcanesfan]

I am still not of the mind that injuries were our total problem. It's an easy out for a team that went to the SCF last year.

*Alluding to the Irbe goal between the pads as the starting or cause of our slide is accurate?

*The Bates nickname? Responsible journalism??

[raleighcanesfan]

I am still not of the mind that injuries were our total problem. It's an easy out for a team that went to the SCF last year.

*Alluding to the Irbe goal between the pads as the starting or cause of our slide is accurate?

*The Bates nickname? Responsible journalism??

[StormShaman]

*The Bates nickname? Responsible journalism??

What nickname? Are you reading the same article I'm reading?

[StormShaman]

*The Bates nickname? Responsible journalism??

What nickname? Are you reading the same article I'm reading?

[StormShaman]

*The Bates nickname? Responsible journalism??

What nickname? Are you reading the same article I'm reading?

[folgersnyourcup]

Thanks for the support! I'm excited and nervous about the whole thing. But most of all, I really want this season to end on a high note. Several times during this season the Canes have been the team to end their opponent's slump..... Well, the Islanders are currently in a horrific slump in danger of carrying over to the playoffs. I'm hoping the Canes, in this, the final game of the season, put an end to ending other teams slumps and send the fans home elated! Yeah, yeah, we all read the N&O article, we know that most definitely the Canes will set a franchise record for fewest goals in a season (though scoring 30 today would be nice!) but none of that matters now. This is the final sendoff on this hellish season. Let's end it with a bang!

Next season WILL be better than this one. We said all this season that things couldn't get worse and they continually did. But when you're dead last the only place to go is up. Mistakes will be learned from and the injured will return like ghosts from the past. ("Oh wow! I remember him!")

Let's end this thing big.

[folgersnyourcup]

Thanks for the support! I'm excited and nervous about the whole thing. But most of all, I really want this season to end on a high note. Several times during this season the Canes have been the team to end their opponent's slump..... Well, the Islanders are currently in a horrific slump in danger of carrying over to the playoffs. I'm hoping the Canes, in this, the final game of the season, put an end to ending other teams slumps and send the fans home elated! Yeah, yeah, we all read the N&O article, we know that most definitely the Canes will set a franchise record for fewest goals in a season (though scoring 30 today would be nice!) but none of that matters now. This is the final sendoff on this hellish season. Let's end it with a bang!

Next season WILL be better than this one. We said all this season that things couldn't get worse and they continually did. But when you're dead last the only place to go is up. Mistakes will be learned from and the injured will return like ghosts from the past. ("Oh wow! I remember him!")

Let's end this thing big.

[folgersnyourcup]

Thanks for the support! I'm excited and nervous about the whole thing. But most of all, I really want this season to end on a high note. Several times during this season the Canes have been the team to end their opponent's slump..... Well, the Islanders are currently in a horrific slump in danger of carrying over to the playoffs. I'm hoping the Canes, in this, the final game of the season, put an end to ending other teams slumps and send the fans home elated! Yeah, yeah, we all read the N&O article, we know that most definitely the Canes will set a franchise record for fewest goals in a season (though scoring 30 today would be nice!) but none of that matters now. This is the final sendoff on this hellish season. Let's end it with a bang!

Next season WILL be better than this one. We said all this season that things couldn't get worse and they continually did. But when you're dead last the only place to go is up. Mistakes will be learned from and the injured will return like ghosts from the past. ("Oh wow! I remember him!")

Let's end this thing big.

[raleighcanesfan]

I apologize--not the article, but the picture caption on the front page. Sir Slump...

Yes deserved, but why make the mistake that the coach does and single out players? No mention of the guy calling the shots.

[raleighcanesfan]

I apologize--not the article, but the picture caption on the front page. Sir Slump...

Yes deserved, but why make the mistake that the coach does and single out players? No mention of the guy calling the shots.

[raleighcanesfan]

I apologize--not the article, but the picture caption on the front page. Sir Slump...

Yes deserved, but why make the mistake that the coach does and single out players? No mention of the guy calling the shots.

[StormShaman]

I apologize--not the article, but the picture caption on the front page. Sir Slump...

Well it's true--sad, but true--and it's far FAR kinder than what he'll get in the Denver papers if he has the same kind of slump next season.

In any case, Luke doesn't caption the pictures that go with his argh-ticles--in fact, none of the writers caption any of the pictures on their argh-ticles. The editorial staff does all that.

<soapbox>
Look, peeps. A lot of us complain about Luke DeCock's articles in the N&O and get angry when we feel he's taking unjustified shots at our favorites--but please, let's all take a reality pill and calm down. Luke can be a little dry, and he can even be a wee bit on the snide side--but he's not that bad. Seriously.

I have followed the N&O's coverage of the 'Canes from the days of Steve "I'm an unabashed Rangers homer so I'll take shots at the 'Canes every chance I get" Politi through Cecil "I hate hockey and I'm going to make sure everybody knows it" Harris, and let me tell you--ever since they got Luke DeCock and J.P. Giglio in there the coverage has been improved by amazing leaps and bounds over the way it was before.

Both these guys like hockey, and they like the team too--but we can't seriously expect them to be shiny-happy about everything all the time. That's unrealistic, and it's certainly not what you'll find anywhere else. Even the Detroit frickin' Free bloody Press takes potshots at random Wings from time to time. And as for coaching? Luke's questioned Chairman Mo's coaching on several occasions--so he doesn't just pick on players.

Poo-poo occurs. Take it with some grains of salt and don't let it get to you.
</soapbox>

[StormShaman]

I apologize--not the article, but the picture caption on the front page. Sir Slump...

Well it's true--sad, but true--and it's far FAR kinder than what he'll get in the Denver papers if he has the same kind of slump next season.

In any case, Luke doesn't caption the pictures that go with his argh-ticles--in fact, none of the writers caption any of the pictures on their argh-ticles. The editorial staff does all that.

<soapbox>
Look, peeps. A lot of us complain about Luke DeCock's articles in the N&O and get angry when we feel he's taking unjustified shots at our favorites--but please, let's all take a reality pill and calm down. Luke can be a little dry, and he can even be a wee bit on the snide side--but he's not that bad. Seriously.

I have followed the N&O's coverage of the 'Canes from the days of Steve "I'm an unabashed Rangers homer so I'll take shots at the 'Canes every chance I get" Politi through Cecil "I hate hockey and I'm going to make sure everybody knows it" Harris, and let me tell you--ever since they got Luke DeCock and J.P. Giglio in there the coverage has been improved by amazing leaps and bounds over the way it was before.

Both these guys like hockey, and they like the team too--but we can't seriously expect them to be shiny-happy about everything all the time. That's unrealistic, and it's certainly not what you'll find anywhere else. Even the Detroit frickin' Free bloody Press takes potshots at random Wings from time to time. And as for coaching? Luke's questioned Chairman Mo's coaching on several occasions--so he doesn't just pick on players.

Poo-poo occurs. Take it with some grains of salt and don't let it get to you.
</soapbox>

[StormShaman]

I apologize--not the article, but the picture caption on the front page. Sir Slump...

Well it's true--sad, but true--and it's far FAR kinder than what he'll get in the Denver papers if he has the same kind of slump next season.

In any case, Luke doesn't caption the pictures that go with his argh-ticles--in fact, none of the writers caption any of the pictures on their argh-ticles. The editorial staff does all that.

<soapbox>
Look, peeps. A lot of us complain about Luke DeCock's articles in the N&O and get angry when we feel he's taking unjustified shots at our favorites--but please, let's all take a reality pill and calm down. Luke can be a little dry, and he can even be a wee bit on the snide side--but he's not that bad. Seriously.

I have followed the N&O's coverage of the 'Canes from the days of Steve "I'm an unabashed Rangers homer so I'll take shots at the 'Canes every chance I get" Politi through Cecil "I hate hockey and I'm going to make sure everybody knows it" Harris, and let me tell you--ever since they got Luke DeCock and J.P. Giglio in there the coverage has been improved by amazing leaps and bounds over the way it was before.

Both these guys like hockey, and they like the team too--but we can't seriously expect them to be shiny-happy about everything all the time. That's unrealistic, and it's certainly not what you'll find anywhere else. Even the Detroit frickin' Free bloody Press takes potshots at random Wings from time to time. And as for coaching? Luke's questioned Chairman Mo's coaching on several occasions--so he doesn't just pick on players.

Poo-poo occurs. Take it with some grains of salt and don't let it get to you.
</soapbox>

[raleighcanesfan]

First--good luck folgers...that car is a sweet ride...

Onto the other issue...the article/newspaper coverage...I've seen papers with hockey towns. I know things can be harsher other places. Still, we here can't have it both ways. Luke may have questioned Mo, but not to the point where he has with players.

Not to play the conspiracy card, but as a beat reporter, I won't question the coach and management as long as I know the coach will never go. After awhile, it gets old.

I think Luke has many biases to the management. That's my opinion...I'm not going to back it up with dates of articles, etc. Just what I feel. I feel the same toward Tripp and Foslund, although they do have more ties to the management.

Look at it this way...nothing regarding the system ever gets questioned. We can't score, so we blame it on Bates and Big Joe, two role players. Yes, that's all the are. They are not the type to score many goals. Never will. Sami deserved the criticism, but not these two. When our offense is anemic, we trade or bring up a lot of Europeans, and we play the same trapping, dump-and-chase system, what gives? That is what I'd like persued by my newspaper reporter.

[raleighcanesfan]

First--good luck folgers...that car is a sweet ride...

Onto the other issue...the article/newspaper coverage...I've seen papers with hockey towns. I know things can be harsher other places. Still, we here can't have it both ways. Luke may have questioned Mo, but not to the point where he has with players.

Not to play the conspiracy card, but as a beat reporter, I won't question the coach and management as long as I know the coach will never go. After awhile, it gets old.

I think Luke has many biases to the management. That's my opinion...I'm not going to back it up with dates of articles, etc. Just what I feel. I feel the same toward Tripp and Foslund, although they do have more ties to the management.

Look at it this way...nothing regarding the system ever gets questioned. We can't score, so we blame it on Bates and Big Joe, two role players. Yes, that's all the are. They are not the type to score many goals. Never will. Sami deserved the criticism, but not these two. When our offense is anemic, we trade or bring up a lot of Europeans, and we play the same trapping, dump-and-chase system, what gives? That is what I'd like persued by my newspaper reporter.

[raleighcanesfan]

First--good luck folgers...that car is a sweet ride...

Onto the other issue...the article/newspaper coverage...I've seen papers with hockey towns. I know things can be harsher other places. Still, we here can't have it both ways. Luke may have questioned Mo, but not to the point where he has with players.

Not to play the conspiracy card, but as a beat reporter, I won't question the coach and management as long as I know the coach will never go. After awhile, it gets old.

I think Luke has many biases to the management. That's my opinion...I'm not going to back it up with dates of articles, etc. Just what I feel. I feel the same toward Tripp and Foslund, although they do have more ties to the management.

Look at it this way...nothing regarding the system ever gets questioned. We can't score, so we blame it on Bates and Big Joe, two role players. Yes, that's all the are. They are not the type to score many goals. Never will. Sami deserved the criticism, but not these two. When our offense is anemic, we trade or bring up a lot of Europeans, and we play the same trapping, dump-and-chase system, what gives? That is what I'd like persued by my newspaper reporter.

[CaniacPanther]

The Islanders are 0-4-1 in their last five, so we have a good shot at giving them a bloody nose before they head into to playoffs.

I don't care how many points we have (or don't have) in the standings, this is a MUST WIN today. We don't want to end the season on a 11-game winless streak and have an even worse taste in our mouth all summer.

So, one last time...

LET'S GO 'CANES!

[CaniacPanther]

The Islanders are 0-4-1 in their last five, so we have a good shot at giving them a bloody nose before they head into to playoffs.

I don't care how many points we have (or don't have) in the standings, this is a MUST WIN today. We don't want to end the season on a 11-game winless streak and have an even worse taste in our mouth all summer.

So, one last time...

LET'S GO 'CANES!

[CaniacPanther]

The Islanders are 0-4-1 in their last five, so we have a good shot at giving them a bloody nose before they head into to playoffs.

I don't care how many points we have (or don't have) in the standings, this is a MUST WIN today. We don't want to end the season on a 11-game winless streak and have an even worse taste in our mouth all summer.

So, one last time...

LET'S GO 'CANES!

[mikus]

go irbe! :smoke:
this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

[mikus]

go irbe! :smoke:
this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

[mikus]

go irbe! :smoke:
this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

[tommy]

this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

Hope you enjoy listening to the WHOLE THING, Mikus!!! :D

[tommy]

this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

Hope you enjoy listening to the WHOLE THING, Mikus!!! :D

[tommy]

this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

Hope you enjoy listening to the WHOLE THING, Mikus!!! :D

[mikus]

this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

Hope you enjoy listening to the WHOLE THING, Mikus!!! :D
yeaajjjj :smoke: :D :angel: :eek: :crazy: :cry: :eek2: :evil: :mad: :kiss: :sad: :eek: :roll: :sick: :smoke: :spin: :p :vamp: ;)

[mikus]

this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

Hope you enjoy listening to the WHOLE THING, Mikus!!! :D
yeaajjjj :smoke: :D :angel: :eek: :crazy: :cry: :eek2: :evil: :mad: :kiss: :sad: :eek: :roll: :sick: :smoke: :spin: :p :vamp: ;)

[mikus]

this is the first ENTIRE nhl game i can listen to live :smoke: :) :spin:

Hope you enjoy listening to the WHOLE THING, Mikus!!! :D
yeaajjjj :smoke: :D :angel: :eek: :crazy: :cry: :eek2: :evil: :mad: :kiss: :sad: :eek: :roll: :sick: :smoke: :spin: :p :vamp: ;)

[StormShaman]

Onto the other issue...the article/newspaper coverage...I've seen papers with hockey towns.

If that is indeed the case, then I fail to see why you harp on the N&O as being so horrible.

I know things can be harsher other places. Still, we here can't have it both ways.

Perhaps it's just me, but that made no sense.

Luke may have questioned Mo, but not to the point where he has with players.

Wanna bet?

Not to play the conspiracy card, but as a beat reporter, I won't question the coach and management as long as I know the coach will never go. After awhile, it gets old.

Dude, my cats are getting sick of red herring. Please stop tossing it out.

I think Luke has many biases to the management.

Huh? I don't understand this statement.

I'm not going to back it up with dates of articles, etc.

Which is probably why you're being quite hasty to say that it's your opinion.

I feel the same toward Tripp and Foslund, although they do have more ties to the management.

No offense, but how long have you been watching hockey? I challenge you to show me a hometown broadcast crew that DOESN'T kiss the hiney of a team's manglement--and Chuck-and-the-letter-K doesn't count.

Look at it this way...nothing regarding the system ever gets questioned.

You're 100% certain of that?

We can't score, so we blame it on Bates and Big Joe, two role players.

I challenge you to show me where Bates and Joe were blamed for our lack of scoring.

And then I challenge you to show me ANY reporting crew in ANY NHL city that does what you feel the N&O should be doing.

[StormShaman]

Onto the other issue...the article/newspaper coverage...I've seen papers with hockey towns.

If that is indeed the case, then I fail to see why you harp on the N&O as being so horrible.

I know things can be harsher other places. Still, we here can't have it both ways.

Perhaps it's just me, but that made no sense.

Luke may have questioned Mo, but not to the point where he has with players.

Wanna bet?

Not to play the conspiracy card, but as a beat reporter, I won't question the coach and management as long as I know the coach will never go. After awhile, it gets old.

Dude, my cats are getting sick of red herring. Please stop tossing it out.

I think Luke has many biases to the management.

Huh? I don't understand this statement.

I'm not going to back it up with dates of articles, etc.

Which is probably why you're being quite hasty to say that it's your opinion.

I feel the same toward Tripp and Foslund, although they do have more ties to the management.

No offense, but how long have you been watching hockey? I challenge you to show me a hometown broadcast crew that DOESN'T kiss the hiney of a team's manglement--and Chuck-and-the-letter-K doesn't count.

Look at it this way...nothing regarding the system ever gets questioned.

You're 100% certain of that?

We can't score, so we blame it on Bates and Big Joe, two role players.

I challenge you to show me where Bates and Joe were blamed for our lack of scoring.

And then I challenge you to show me ANY reporting crew in ANY NHL city that does what you feel the N&O should be doing.

[StormShaman]

Onto the other issue...the article/newspaper coverage...I've seen papers with hockey towns.

If that is indeed the case, then I fail to see why you harp on the N&O as being so horrible.

I know things can be harsher other places. Still, we here can't have it both ways.

Perhaps it's just me, but that made no sense.

Luke may have questioned Mo, but not to the point where he has with players.

Wanna bet?

Not to play the conspiracy card, but as a beat reporter, I won't question the coach and management as long as I know the coach will never go. After awhile, it gets old.

Dude, my cats are getting sick of red herring. Please stop tossing it out.

I think Luke has many biases to the management.

Huh? I don't understand this statement.

I'm not going to back it up with dates of articles, etc.

Which is probably why you're being quite hasty to say that it's your opinion.

I feel the same toward Tripp and Foslund, although they do have more ties to the management.

No offense, but how long have you been watching hockey? I challenge you to show me a hometown broadcast crew that DOESN'T kiss the hiney of a team's manglement--and Chuck-and-the-letter-K doesn't count.

Look at it this way...nothing regarding the system ever gets questioned.

You're 100% certain of that?

We can't score, so we blame it on Bates and Big Joe, two role players.

I challenge you to show me where Bates and Joe were blamed for our lack of scoring.

And then I challenge you to show me ANY reporting crew in ANY NHL city that does what you feel the N&O should be doing.

[mikus]

Mike Hasenfratz
wasn't that the one... :beatup:

[mikus]

Mike Hasenfratz
wasn't that the one... :beatup:

[mikus]

Mike Hasenfratz
wasn't that the one... :beatup:

[mikus]

how was the damn goal? :sad: :sad: :crazy:

[mikus]

how was the damn goal? :sad: :sad: :crazy:

[mikus]

how was the damn goal? :sad: :sad: :crazy:

[Stormbringer]

Didn't see it Mikus (Listening to Chuck K/Canes radio on my stereo.)...but I do know that the puck either bounced off Irbe or fell out of his glove and the Islander batted it in. Either way, Irbe messed up, I hate to say. :sad:

[Stormbringer]

Didn't see it Mikus (Listening to Chuck K/Canes radio on my stereo.)...but I do know that the puck either bounced off Irbe or fell out of his glove and the Islander batted it in. Either way, Irbe messed up, I hate to say. :sad:

[Stormbringer]

Didn't see it Mikus (Listening to Chuck K/Canes radio on my stereo.)...but I do know that the puck either bounced off Irbe or fell out of his glove and the Islander batted it in. Either way, Irbe messed up, I hate to say. :sad:

[mikus]

Didn't see it Mikus (Listening to Chuck K/Canes radio on my stereo.)...but I do know that the puck either bounced off Irbe or fell out of his glove and the Islander batted it in. Either way, Irbe messed up, I hate to say. :sad:
:(:(:(:(
i'm listening to it on WKXU

[mikus]

Didn't see it Mikus (Listening to Chuck K/Canes radio on my stereo.)...but I do know that the puck either bounced off Irbe or fell out of his glove and the Islander batted it in. Either way, Irbe messed up, I hate to say. :sad:
:(:(:(:(
i'm listening to it on WKXU

[mikus]

Didn't see it Mikus (Listening to Chuck K/Canes radio on my stereo.)...but I do know that the puck either bounced off Irbe or fell out of his glove and the Islander batted it in. Either way, Irbe messed up, I hate to say. :sad:
:(:(:(:(
i'm listening to it on WKXU

[Stormbringer]

NO SHUTOUT FOR YOU SNOW!! YOOOOOUUUUUU!!

Great goal by Bayda, with a little help from Ronnie and O! :D :smoke:

[Stormbringer]

NO SHUTOUT FOR YOU SNOW!! YOOOOOUUUUUU!!

Great goal by Bayda, with a little help from Ronnie and O! :D :smoke:

[Stormbringer]

NO SHUTOUT FOR YOU SNOW!! YOOOOOUUUUUU!!

Great goal by Bayda, with a little help from Ronnie and O! :D :smoke:

[Stormbringer]

So much for the Canes having that final game spark...well, they actually did. But, even with that, this game was not only another classic example of this overall season, but was also good, bad, and ugly.

The Good:

Ittttt's Bayda! - Mmmmm...bacon. Oh! Sorry about that...it is so close to dinner time. :) Speaking of bacon, the goal scored by Bayda and assisted by O and Ronnie that cancelled Snow's shutout was certainly that.

Lookin' Out For Number One - The only reason the Islanders won was because of a mistake made by Irbe on his very first save...despite that, I am not blaming you for the loss, dude. You played just as great a game as Snow did. Just like your team, the hockey gods have had it in for you all season long. With that said, put this season behind you, and come out roaring next season...be it with the Canes or another team.

Ten - And Ronnie Franchise reaches yet another milestone in his illustrious career...as of today, he has become only the sixth player in NHL history to play all eighty-two games in a season at the age of forty. Congratulations dude. :cool:

The End - I have said this before and I will say it once again...this could not have come soon enough. The Canes desperately need the post-season to rest and get really well-conditioned for next season. As outstanding as the playoff run last season was, it is quite obvious that it hurt the Canes in taking away much needed time to rest, relax, and get prepared for the then upcoming season. The effects this had on the Canes really has shown in not only this overall season, but also the preseason in not only losses to Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa Bay, but also the good majority of players sustaining minor injuries of all sorts. Hopefully, such conditions and results will not be the case next preseason with the Canes getting that much needed ton of time to recuperate.

The Bad and the Ugly:

Shoot! - And there's no better exclamation to describe the Canes' woes this game. Over forty shots on goal, and only one went in...talk about having horrible luck in all forms. More of those shots really should have gone in. The Canes had a ton of power plays and good looks...a lot of teams would swear they were dreaming if they had the great luck the Canes had in getting power plays with Hasenfratz doing the refereeing duties.

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Despite what the main score says, the Canes were easily the better team with not only shots-on-goal, but also number of penalties, and overall playing. Despite the problems, this season has had its moments...moments that I nor any other Caniac will not dare to forget. As Bob Hope would somewhat say, thanks for the memories, my beloved Canes. Now take five... ;)

[Stormbringer]

So much for the Canes having that final game spark...well, they actually did. But, even with that, this game was not only another classic example of this overall season, but was also good, bad, and ugly.

The Good:

Ittttt's Bayda! - Mmmmm...bacon. Oh! Sorry about that...it is so close to dinner time. :) Speaking of bacon, the goal scored by Bayda and assisted by O and Ronnie that cancelled Snow's shutout was certainly that.

Lookin' Out For Number One - The only reason the Islanders won was because of a mistake made by Irbe on his very first save...despite that, I am not blaming you for the loss, dude. You played just as great a game as Snow did. Just like your team, the hockey gods have had it in for you all season long. With that said, put this season behind you, and come out roaring next season...be it with the Canes or another team.

Ten - And Ronnie Franchise reaches yet another milestone in his illustrious career...as of today, he has become only the sixth player in NHL history to play all eighty-two games in a season at the age of forty. Congratulations dude. :cool:

The End - I have said this before and I will say it once again...this could not have come soon enough. The Canes desperately need the post-season to rest and get really well-conditioned for next season. As outstanding as the playoff run last season was, it is quite obvious that it hurt the Canes in taking away much needed time to rest, relax, and get prepared for the then upcoming season. The effects this had on the Canes really has shown in not only this overall season, but also the preseason in not only losses to Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa Bay, but also the good majority of players sustaining minor injuries of all sorts. Hopefully, such conditions and results will not be the case next preseason with the Canes getting that much needed ton of time to recuperate.

The Bad and the Ugly:

Shoot! - And there's no better exclamation to describe the Canes' woes this game. Over forty shots on goal, and only one went in...talk about having horrible luck in all forms. More of those shots really should have gone in. The Canes had a ton of power plays and good looks...a lot of teams would swear they were dreaming if they had the great luck the Canes had in getting power plays with Hasenfratz doing the refereeing duties.

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Despite what the main score says, the Canes were easily the better team with not only shots-on-goal, but also number of penalties, and overall playing. Despite the problems, this season has had its moments...moments that I nor any other Caniac will not dare to forget. As Bob Hope would somewhat say, thanks for the memories, my beloved Canes. Now take five... ;)

[Stormbringer]

So much for the Canes having that final game spark...well, they actually did. But, even with that, this game was not only another classic example of this overall season, but was also good, bad, and ugly.

The Good:

Ittttt's Bayda! - Mmmmm...bacon. Oh! Sorry about that...it is so close to dinner time. :) Speaking of bacon, the goal scored by Bayda and assisted by O and Ronnie that cancelled Snow's shutout was certainly that.

Lookin' Out For Number One - The only reason the Islanders won was because of a mistake made by Irbe on his very first save...despite that, I am not blaming you for the loss, dude. You played just as great a game as Snow did. Just like your team, the hockey gods have had it in for you all season long. With that said, put this season behind you, and come out roaring next season...be it with the Canes or another team.

Ten - And Ronnie Franchise reaches yet another milestone in his illustrious career...as of today, he has become only the sixth player in NHL history to play all eighty-two games in a season at the age of forty. Congratulations dude. :cool:

The End - I have said this before and I will say it once again...this could not have come soon enough. The Canes desperately need the post-season to rest and get really well-conditioned for next season. As outstanding as the playoff run last season was, it is quite obvious that it hurt the Canes in taking away much needed time to rest, relax, and get prepared for the then upcoming season. The effects this had on the Canes really has shown in not only this overall season, but also the preseason in not only losses to Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa Bay, but also the good majority of players sustaining minor injuries of all sorts. Hopefully, such conditions and results will not be the case next preseason with the Canes getting that much needed ton of time to recuperate.

The Bad and the Ugly:

Shoot! - And there's no better exclamation to describe the Canes' woes this game. Over forty shots on goal, and only one went in...talk about having horrible luck in all forms. More of those shots really should have gone in. The Canes had a ton of power plays and good looks...a lot of teams would swear they were dreaming if they had the great luck the Canes had in getting power plays with Hasenfratz doing the refereeing duties.

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Despite what the main score says, the Canes were easily the better team with not only shots-on-goal, but also number of penalties, and overall playing. Despite the problems, this season has had its moments...moments that I nor any other Caniac will not dare to forget. As Bob Hope would somewhat say, thanks for the memories, my beloved Canes. Now take five... ;)

[StormShaman]

At long last, our long national nightmare is over.

Now we find out where we pick in the draft, and we get ready for the Long Hot Summer.

[StormShaman]

At long last, our long national nightmare is over.

Now we find out where we pick in the draft, and we get ready for the Long Hot Summer.

[StormShaman]

At long last, our long national nightmare is over.

Now we find out where we pick in the draft, and we get ready for the Long Hot Summer.

[talkingcanes]

I think the picture that tells the story of this season was when the players came out for the jersey off the back deal and half of them were in suits :sad:

[talkingcanes]

I think the picture that tells the story of this season was when the players came out for the jersey off the back deal and half of them were in suits :sad:

[talkingcanes]

I think the picture that tells the story of this season was when the players came out for the jersey off the back deal and half of them were in suits :sad:

[Turbulence]

What a fun 3rd period to watch...and I especially enjoyed the view from high up-section 329 :sick: . Better than not being there, I suppose.
Same old, same old. An inablilty to score on a large amount of shots creeps up on us (didn't know we had 40+ until the end of the game...the 1974 ACC tourney banner was in my way and had to ask a neighbor :mad: ), and a very early goal sets the tone for the entire game. Can't say I'm suprised...
Fun game, though. Let the offseason personnel changes begin. Should be an exciting offseason. We'll be back next year.

[Turbulence]

What a fun 3rd period to watch...and I especially enjoyed the view from high up-section 329 :sick: . Better than not being there, I suppose.
Same old, same old. An inablilty to score on a large amount of shots creeps up on us (didn't know we had 40+ until the end of the game...the 1974 ACC tourney banner was in my way and had to ask a neighbor :mad: ), and a very early goal sets the tone for the entire game. Can't say I'm suprised...
Fun game, though. Let the offseason personnel changes begin. Should be an exciting offseason. We'll be back next year.

[Turbulence]

What a fun 3rd period to watch...and I especially enjoyed the view from high up-section 329 :sick: . Better than not being there, I suppose.
Same old, same old. An inablilty to score on a large amount of shots creeps up on us (didn't know we had 40+ until the end of the game...the 1974 ACC tourney banner was in my way and had to ask a neighbor :mad: ), and a very early goal sets the tone for the entire game. Can't say I'm suprised...
Fun game, though. Let the offseason personnel changes begin. Should be an exciting offseason. We'll be back next year.

[CzechIt]

I was at the game. Who would have thought with 40+ shots by the Canes to the Islanders 13 (I believe--last check) that the game score would be a 1-2 loss for the Canes. Ah well.... there is always next year! :cry: Can we wait that long?

My final shout out for the season... LET'S GO CANES will that be enough to get through till next season?

[CzechIt]

I was at the game. Who would have thought with 40+ shots by the Canes to the Islanders 13 (I believe--last check) that the game score would be a 1-2 loss for the Canes. Ah well.... there is always next year! :cry: Can we wait that long?

My final shout out for the season... LET'S GO CANES will that be enough to get through till next season?

[CzechIt]

I was at the game. Who would have thought with 40+ shots by the Canes to the Islanders 13 (I believe--last check) that the game score would be a 1-2 loss for the Canes. Ah well.... there is always next year! :cry: Can we wait that long?

My final shout out for the season... LET'S GO CANES will that be enough to get through till next season?

[nccanes]

I'll post my thought/comments when things are a bit clearer, but I do want to know this - the Caniacs were GREAT today. Please tell me that it was noticeable. :sad: :) The Canes HAVE to know how much we care!!

[nccanes]

I'll post my thought/comments when things are a bit clearer, but I do want to know this - the Caniacs were GREAT today. Please tell me that it was noticeable. :sad: :) The Canes HAVE to know how much we care!!

[nccanes]

I'll post my thought/comments when things are a bit clearer, but I do want to know this - the Caniacs were GREAT today. Please tell me that it was noticeable. :sad: :) The Canes HAVE to know how much we care!!

[nccanes]

Excerpt from Yahoo:

Fans flocked to the RBC Center on a sunny day to tailgate in the parking lot like a season ago as 16,918 came to see the worst team in the league lose yet another close one.

``I feel sorry for them, they're ready and unfortunately we couldn't deliver for them,'' defenseman Bret Hedican said.

The Hurricanes are guaranteed the first or second pick when the league holds its draft lottery Monday.

Arturs Irbe, last year's hero in Carolina's first-ever run to the Stanley cup finals, closed on a 10-game losing streak. Kevin Weekes set a franchise mark earlier in the season with an 11-game skid in net as the Hurricanes finished 7-31-6-3 since Dec. 22.

At one point, Carolina had 25 consecutive shots on Snow from early in the first period until midway through the second, but couldn't score in what has been a season of offensive frustration.

``I was just sitting there shaking my head,'' Francis said. ``It was like a mini capsule of our season. At one point the shots were 26-4 and we're losing 1-0.''

New York was outshot 12-4 in the first, but took a 1-0 lead when Asham poked in a rebound 1:31 in. The Islanders also hit two posts in the period, including Eric Cairns' drive at the tail end of a Carolina power play.

Martinek beat Irbe late in the second to give his team a two-goal lead, scoring for the first time since Dec. 17 with a low shot to the stick side of the Carolina goalie.

``It's expected for us to be in the playoffs,'' Snow said. ``There is no reason to be celebrating or feeling good about ourselves because we haven't done anything. We lost in the first round last year.''

The Hurricanes were unsuccessful on five power plays, going 0-for-29 with the man advantage to finish the season.

``We played hard, but at the end of the day it's a miserable ending to amiserable year,'' forward Jeff O'Neill said.

[nccanes]

Excerpt from Yahoo:

Fans flocked to the RBC Center on a sunny day to tailgate in the parking lot like a season ago as 16,918 came to see the worst team in the league lose yet another close one.

``I feel sorry for them, they're ready and unfortunately we couldn't deliver for them,'' defenseman Bret Hedican said.

The Hurricanes are guaranteed the first or second pick when the league holds its draft lottery Monday.

Arturs Irbe, last year's hero in Carolina's first-ever run to the Stanley cup finals, closed on a 10-game losing streak. Kevin Weekes set a franchise mark earlier in the season with an 11-game skid in net as the Hurricanes finished 7-31-6-3 since Dec. 22.

At one point, Carolina had 25 consecutive shots on Snow from early in the first period until midway through the second, but couldn't score in what has been a season of offensive frustration.

``I was just sitting there shaking my head,'' Francis said. ``It was like a mini capsule of our season. At one point the shots were 26-4 and we're losing 1-0.''

New York was outshot 12-4 in the first, but took a 1-0 lead when Asham poked in a rebound 1:31 in. The Islanders also hit two posts in the period, including Eric Cairns' drive at the tail end of a Carolina power play.

Martinek beat Irbe late in the second to give his team a two-goal lead, scoring for the first time since Dec. 17 with a low shot to the stick side of the Carolina goalie.

``It's expected for us to be in the playoffs,'' Snow said. ``There is no reason to be celebrating or feeling good about ourselves because we haven't done anything. We lost in the first round last year.''

The Hurricanes were unsuccessful on five power plays, going 0-for-29 with the man advantage to finish the season.

``We played hard, but at the end of the day it's a miserable ending to amiserable year,'' forward Jeff O'Neill said.

[nccanes]

Excerpt from Yahoo:

Fans flocked to the RBC Center on a sunny day to tailgate in the parking lot like a season ago as 16,918 came to see the worst team in the league lose yet another close one.

``I feel sorry for them, they're ready and unfortunately we couldn't deliver for them,'' defenseman Bret Hedican said.

The Hurricanes are guaranteed the first or second pick when the league holds its draft lottery Monday.

Arturs Irbe, last year's hero in Carolina's first-ever run to the Stanley cup finals, closed on a 10-game losing streak. Kevin Weekes set a franchise mark earlier in the season with an 11-game skid in net as the Hurricanes finished 7-31-6-3 since Dec. 22.

At one point, Carolina had 25 consecutive shots on Snow from early in the first period until midway through the second, but couldn't score in what has been a season of offensive frustration.

``I was just sitting there shaking my head,'' Francis said. ``It was like a mini capsule of our season. At one point the shots were 26-4 and we're losing 1-0.''

New York was outshot 12-4 in the first, but took a 1-0 lead when Asham poked in a rebound 1:31 in. The Islanders also hit two posts in the period, including Eric Cairns' drive at the tail end of a Carolina power play.

Martinek beat Irbe late in the second to give his team a two-goal lead, scoring for the first time since Dec. 17 with a low shot to the stick side of the Carolina goalie.

``It's expected for us to be in the playoffs,'' Snow said. ``There is no reason to be celebrating or feeling good about ourselves because we haven't done anything. We lost in the first round last year.''

The Hurricanes were unsuccessful on five power plays, going 0-for-29 with the man advantage to finish the season.

``We played hard, but at the end of the day it's a miserable ending to amiserable year,'' forward Jeff O'Neill said.

[nccanes]

Oops again (double post):

Here's some photos:

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/SecondImages/82_10_big.jpg

http://www.caneshockey.com/images/snapshots/02-03/82_front.jpg


I love my Canes! :)

[nccanes]

Oops again (double post):

Here's some photos:

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/SecondImages/82_10_big.jpg

http://www.caneshockey.com/images/snapshots/02-03/82_front.jpg


I love my Canes! :)

[nccanes]

Oops again (double post):

Here's some photos:

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/SecondImages/82_10_big.jpg

http://www.caneshockey.com/images/snapshots/02-03/82_front.jpg


I love my Canes! :)

[nccanes]

Go ahead Ronnie!!

"There were a lot of people in the parking lot [tailgating] today," said Hurricanes captain Ron Francis. "It certainly brough back a lot of good memories.

;) :) :) :)

[nccanes]

Go ahead Ronnie!!

"There were a lot of people in the parking lot [tailgating] today," said Hurricanes captain Ron Francis. "It certainly brough back a lot of good memories.

;) :) :) :)

[nccanes]

Go ahead Ronnie!!

"There were a lot of people in the parking lot [tailgating] today," said Hurricanes captain Ron Francis. "It certainly brough back a lot of good memories.

;) :) :) :)

[Stormbringer]

I love my Canes! :)

As I said before, you and me Eileen, you and me! :spin: Thanks for posting the photos and quotes. :)

[Stormbringer]

I love my Canes! :)

As I said before, you and me Eileen, you and me! :spin: Thanks for posting the photos and quotes. :)

[Stormbringer]

I love my Canes! :)

As I said before, you and me Eileen, you and me! :spin: Thanks for posting the photos and quotes. :)

[RIO]

Not a half bad game. I watched the last little bit of it on the edge of my seat hoping against all hope that we'd see a face-off goal. And all the penaltys made for an interesting power balance. :D


Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

[RIO]

Not a half bad game. I watched the last little bit of it on the edge of my seat hoping against all hope that we'd see a face-off goal. And all the penaltys made for an interesting power balance. :D


Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

[RIO]

Not a half bad game. I watched the last little bit of it on the edge of my seat hoping against all hope that we'd see a face-off goal. And all the penaltys made for an interesting power balance. :D


Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

[KevynFan14]

I was kind of disappointed that it wasn't a sell-out today, but I thought the crowd did a great job. It was a fun game to be at and the third period was really exciting. I can't believe the season is over already.. :cry:

Oh, btw, my Dad said someone came over to our car and borrowed matches I think from him. Somehow you guys got on the topic of posting on this board and he mentioned that I posted on here, but that he didn't know my screen name. I was just wondering who it was, it may not even be anyone from here.

[KevynFan14]

I was kind of disappointed that it wasn't a sell-out today, but I thought the crowd did a great job. It was a fun game to be at and the third period was really exciting. I can't believe the season is over already.. :cry:

Oh, btw, my Dad said someone came over to our car and borrowed matches I think from him. Somehow you guys got on the topic of posting on this board and he mentioned that I posted on here, but that he didn't know my screen name. I was just wondering who it was, it may not even be anyone from here.

[KevynFan14]

I was kind of disappointed that it wasn't a sell-out today, but I thought the crowd did a great job. It was a fun game to be at and the third period was really exciting. I can't believe the season is over already.. :cry:

Oh, btw, my Dad said someone came over to our car and borrowed matches I think from him. Somehow you guys got on the topic of posting on this board and he mentioned that I posted on here, but that he didn't know my screen name. I was just wondering who it was, it may not even be anyone from here.

[raleighcanesfan]

Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

Yeah--heard it too...although I wanted to ignore it. Darren Pang is one of few I trust...and I agree he loves our team and Arch...

I am bothered on two fronts:

1. Irbe really did bother the team with the remarks

2. That there are a few whiners in high leadership on the team. Any speculation? I want to suggest people, but I don't want to be ragged for it as well...

[raleighcanesfan]

Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

Yeah--heard it too...although I wanted to ignore it. Darren Pang is one of few I trust...and I agree he loves our team and Arch...

I am bothered on two fronts:

1. Irbe really did bother the team with the remarks

2. That there are a few whiners in high leadership on the team. Any speculation? I want to suggest people, but I don't want to be ragged for it as well...

[raleighcanesfan]

Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

Yeah--heard it too...although I wanted to ignore it. Darren Pang is one of few I trust...and I agree he loves our team and Arch...

I am bothered on two fronts:

1. Irbe really did bother the team with the remarks

2. That there are a few whiners in high leadership on the team. Any speculation? I want to suggest people, but I don't want to be ragged for it as well...

[nccanes]

Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

I just skimmed thru the game on tape Rio. I was thinking the exact same thing. Darren Pang respects this team (in addition to the respect he's given them over the last 18 months, he said he thought they could be a top 6 EC team next year) and then mentioned what you describe. I have to say, I totally agree that I believe it. Of course, it could be the devil that was this season talking, but in any event, I'm thinking the Irbe years are over. And if what he said was true, then I hope so (as much as I admire Irbe!!).

[nccanes]

Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

I just skimmed thru the game on tape Rio. I was thinking the exact same thing. Darren Pang respects this team (in addition to the respect he's given them over the last 18 months, he said he thought they could be a top 6 EC team next year) and then mentioned what you describe. I have to say, I totally agree that I believe it. Of course, it could be the devil that was this season talking, but in any event, I'm thinking the Irbe years are over. And if what he said was true, then I hope so (as much as I admire Irbe!!).

[nccanes]

Anyone else catch Panger's comments about Arch? He said he'd heard it straight from a few of the Canes players that they wouldn't be too jazzed if Irbe came back next year. Then Darren said he thought that it all stemmed from the way Arch tried to bail "when things were starting to go bad". Darren Pang is a big fan of the team and of Irbe's in particular, so I don't think he woulda said this if it hadn't bothered him on some level.

I just skimmed thru the game on tape Rio. I was thinking the exact same thing. Darren Pang respects this team (in addition to the respect he's given them over the last 18 months, he said he thought they could be a top 6 EC team next year) and then mentioned what you describe. I have to say, I totally agree that I believe it. Of course, it could be the devil that was this season talking, but in any event, I'm thinking the Irbe years are over. And if what he said was true, then I hope so (as much as I admire Irbe!!).

[nccanes]

Yeah--heard it too...although I wanted to ignore it. Darren Pang is one of few I trust...and I agree he loves our team and Arch...

I am bothered on two fronts:

1. Irbe really did bother the team with the remarks

2. That there are a few whiners in high leadership on the team. Any speculation? I want to suggest people, but I don't want to be ragged for it as well...

Sorry rcf, maybe I'm tired but.... I don't even understand what you're saying.... Can you be more specific. :)

[nccanes]

Yeah--heard it too...although I wanted to ignore it. Darren Pang is one of few I trust...and I agree he loves our team and Arch...

I am bothered on two fronts:

1. Irbe really did bother the team with the remarks

2. That there are a few whiners in high leadership on the team. Any speculation? I want to suggest people, but I don't want to be ragged for it as well...

Sorry rcf, maybe I'm tired but.... I don't even understand what you're saying.... Can you be more specific. :)

[nccanes]

Yeah--heard it too...although I wanted to ignore it. Darren Pang is one of few I trust...and I agree he loves our team and Arch...

I am bothered on two fronts:

1. Irbe really did bother the team with the remarks

2. That there are a few whiners in high leadership on the team. Any speculation? I want to suggest people, but I don't want to be ragged for it as well...

Sorry rcf, maybe I'm tired but.... I don't even understand what you're saying.... Can you be more specific. :)

[talkingcanes]

RCF.........maybe it's a bit of both. Irbe's remarks could have been an irritation to the team and some of his teammates were unable or unwilling to let it go and talked about it.

Panger is a big fan of Irbe and was so happy last year when we won the ECF that I don't think he would say anything if he didn't really think it to be true.

[talkingcanes]

RCF.........maybe it's a bit of both. Irbe's remarks could have been an irritation to the team and some of his teammates were unable or unwilling to let it go and talked about it.

Panger is a big fan of Irbe and was so happy last year when we won the ECF that I don't think he would say anything if he didn't really think it to be true.

[talkingcanes]

RCF.........maybe it's a bit of both. Irbe's remarks could have been an irritation to the team and some of his teammates were unable or unwilling to let it go and talked about it.

Panger is a big fan of Irbe and was so happy last year when we won the ECF that I don't think he would say anything if he didn't really think it to be true.

[nccanes]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

[nccanes]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

[nccanes]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

[raleighcanesfan]

Sorry rcf, maybe I'm tired but.... I don't even understand what you're saying.... Can you be more specific. :)

I don't think I'm having the best posting day...sorry...

I just am concerned that maybe Arch did have an effect on the season. I guess I've blocked that out all year and been stubborn, but maybe his early comments did make some major distractions.

Also--I'm not please that now some of our leaders are accused by Pang of speaking up against another player. Yes, I feel they should say something, but if Pang is correct in his inference that they spoke out to management (which if I am making the wrong inference, forgive me), then they are out of line. That is what scares me. If our leadership is that shaky, the rest of them are bound to be as well.

[raleighcanesfan]

Sorry rcf, maybe I'm tired but.... I don't even understand what you're saying.... Can you be more specific. :)

I don't think I'm having the best posting day...sorry...

I just am concerned that maybe Arch did have an effect on the season. I guess I've blocked that out all year and been stubborn, but maybe his early comments did make some major distractions.

Also--I'm not please that now some of our leaders are accused by Pang of speaking up against another player. Yes, I feel they should say something, but if Pang is correct in his inference that they spoke out to management (which if I am making the wrong inference, forgive me), then they are out of line. That is what scares me. If our leadership is that shaky, the rest of them are bound to be as well.

[raleighcanesfan]

Sorry rcf, maybe I'm tired but.... I don't even understand what you're saying.... Can you be more specific. :)

I don't think I'm having the best posting day...sorry...

I just am concerned that maybe Arch did have an effect on the season. I guess I've blocked that out all year and been stubborn, but maybe his early comments did make some major distractions.

Also--I'm not please that now some of our leaders are accused by Pang of speaking up against another player. Yes, I feel they should say something, but if Pang is correct in his inference that they spoke out to management (which if I am making the wrong inference, forgive me), then they are out of line. That is what scares me. If our leadership is that shaky, the rest of them are bound to be as well.

[RIO]

Well, if that sentiment had been expressed by the players to management, then I wouldn't be surprised. What took me off guard was I thought I heard Darren say that the players had expressed their discontent straight to HIM. That made me sit up and wonder.

[RIO]

Well, if that sentiment had been expressed by the players to management, then I wouldn't be surprised. What took me off guard was I thought I heard Darren say that the players had expressed their discontent straight to HIM. That made me sit up and wonder.

[RIO]

Well, if that sentiment had been expressed by the players to management, then I wouldn't be surprised. What took me off guard was I thought I heard Darren say that the players had expressed their discontent straight to HIM. That made me sit up and wonder.

[talkingcanes]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

[talkingcanes]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

[talkingcanes]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

[StormShaman]

BTW, for those that want to send Panger a nice e-maul to thank him for the love he gives us, his e-maul address is darren.pang(at)espn.com.

(address made spam-resistant--swap an @ for the (at))

If you're going to ask him about the Irbe comments, please be nice about it. Thanks. :)

[StormShaman]

BTW, for those that want to send Panger a nice e-maul to thank him for the love he gives us, his e-maul address is darren.pang(at)espn.com.

(address made spam-resistant--swap an @ for the (at))

If you're going to ask him about the Irbe comments, please be nice about it. Thanks. :)

[StormShaman]

BTW, for those that want to send Panger a nice e-maul to thank him for the love he gives us, his e-maul address is darren.pang(at)espn.com.

(address made spam-resistant--swap an @ for the (at))

If you're going to ask him about the Irbe comments, please be nice about it. Thanks. :)

[KevynFan14]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

[KevynFan14]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

[KevynFan14]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am so sad right now...it is over and we lost....but we went out back today and waited for the players for the first time this year...it was great to see everyone and wish them well...Kevyn Adams is the best..he came out carrying his baby girl and everyone cheered and waved..he smiled and said..I'll be back..and a man true to his word...he did come back...the guys looked thrilled to see the crowd..even though they were tired and weary by the end of the line...

Thanks guys for making this year easier to take...I look forward to seeing you all in here on a daily basis...to help sustain me til at least August!! :cry: ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am so sad right now...it is over and we lost....but we went out back today and waited for the players for the first time this year...it was great to see everyone and wish them well...Kevyn Adams is the best..he came out carrying his baby girl and everyone cheered and waved..he smiled and said..I'll be back..and a man true to his word...he did come back...the guys looked thrilled to see the crowd..even though they were tired and weary by the end of the line...

Thanks guys for making this year easier to take...I look forward to seeing you all in here on a daily basis...to help sustain me til at least August!! :cry: ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am so sad right now...it is over and we lost....but we went out back today and waited for the players for the first time this year...it was great to see everyone and wish them well...Kevyn Adams is the best..he came out carrying his baby girl and everyone cheered and waved..he smiled and said..I'll be back..and a man true to his word...he did come back...the guys looked thrilled to see the crowd..even though they were tired and weary by the end of the line...

Thanks guys for making this year easier to take...I look forward to seeing you all in here on a daily basis...to help sustain me til at least August!! :cry: ;)

[nccanes]

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

Me too!! When the Jumbotron said they were going to present it, I IMMEDIATELY said "Kevyn Adams", forgetting that they actually give this award - I was glad I was right!!

And I must say, after the very nice Caniac Choice Award that Ronnie got, I'm not sure how important the "Hurricanes Booster Club Favorite Player Award" was. I LOVE Rod Brind'Amour and what he does for the Canes, but I think very few people outside of the Booster Club know exactly what they are about and what they do and might be puzzled by why there was "another" award being given out. I believe that the voting has something to with a fund raising event (do you have to contribute to vote?), so it's probably a great cause, but the Booster Club needs to make some big improvements in PR so we all understand what they are about. I know my husband said "didn't they just give that award to Ronnie?".

[nccanes]

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

Me too!! When the Jumbotron said they were going to present it, I IMMEDIATELY said "Kevyn Adams", forgetting that they actually give this award - I was glad I was right!!

And I must say, after the very nice Caniac Choice Award that Ronnie got, I'm not sure how important the "Hurricanes Booster Club Favorite Player Award" was. I LOVE Rod Brind'Amour and what he does for the Canes, but I think very few people outside of the Booster Club know exactly what they are about and what they do and might be puzzled by why there was "another" award being given out. I believe that the voting has something to with a fund raising event (do you have to contribute to vote?), so it's probably a great cause, but the Booster Club needs to make some big improvements in PR so we all understand what they are about. I know my husband said "didn't they just give that award to Ronnie?".

[nccanes]

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

Me too!! When the Jumbotron said they were going to present it, I IMMEDIATELY said "Kevyn Adams", forgetting that they actually give this award - I was glad I was right!!

And I must say, after the very nice Caniac Choice Award that Ronnie got, I'm not sure how important the "Hurricanes Booster Club Favorite Player Award" was. I LOVE Rod Brind'Amour and what he does for the Canes, but I think very few people outside of the Booster Club know exactly what they are about and what they do and might be puzzled by why there was "another" award being given out. I believe that the voting has something to with a fund raising event (do you have to contribute to vote?), so it's probably a great cause, but the Booster Club needs to make some big improvements in PR so we all understand what they are about. I know my husband said "didn't they just give that award to Ronnie?".

[nccanes]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

[nccanes]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

[nccanes]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

:cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

:cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

:cry:

[Alicia]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

It was actually more of them than that; most of the ones on the bench at that time did the stick banging in some manner. I teared up myself. :cry:

[Alicia]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

It was actually more of them than that; most of the ones on the bench at that time did the stick banging in some manner. I teared up myself. :cry:

[Alicia]

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

It was actually more of them than that; most of the ones on the bench at that time did the stick banging in some manner. I teared up myself. :cry:

[folgersnyourcup]

I saw that too....really heart-warming moment. I won't be redundant, disappointing loss but great crowd that was behind the Canes the whole way through. Unbelievable beginning to end domination in the shots department by the Canes but only one goal to show for it...... Ah well, I still certainly enjoyed the game!

The Caniac convertible thing was pretty neat as well. I was 7th (dad was 7th man, lucky number 7, etc.) and after the first 5 people went and didn't win I was feeling pretty good about it. But number 6 came and wound up being the winner. Big congratulations to her! The signed stick all the runner's up got is really awesome though. It looks to be signed by every player on the team, there are a TON of signatures on it. It came in a bag with a Canes pendant, Stormy doll, and two Canes mug thingies. Oh, and they let me keep the key I would have used to attempt to turn on the car also. Maybe I can take it to the Ford dealership and start trying it on random cars? Perhaps it's bound to start one of them! :)

The Canes season's finally over and I have great anticipation for next year. Seeing Cole and Brindamour come out there all dressed up for the shirt off the back promotion really gave me hope. We'll all find out very soon about the draft pick number though....

I'm looking forward to discussing the playoffs as they progress though. Should be a wild playoff year! And man oh man, the Avs captured the division title.... I really thought the Canucks would be able to hang on to it. What a turnaround the Avs had!

[folgersnyourcup]

I saw that too....really heart-warming moment. I won't be redundant, disappointing loss but great crowd that was behind the Canes the whole way through. Unbelievable beginning to end domination in the shots department by the Canes but only one goal to show for it...... Ah well, I still certainly enjoyed the game!

The Caniac convertible thing was pretty neat as well. I was 7th (dad was 7th man, lucky number 7, etc.) and after the first 5 people went and didn't win I was feeling pretty good about it. But number 6 came and wound up being the winner. Big congratulations to her! The signed stick all the runner's up got is really awesome though. It looks to be signed by every player on the team, there are a TON of signatures on it. It came in a bag with a Canes pendant, Stormy doll, and two Canes mug thingies. Oh, and they let me keep the key I would have used to attempt to turn on the car also. Maybe I can take it to the Ford dealership and start trying it on random cars? Perhaps it's bound to start one of them! :)

The Canes season's finally over and I have great anticipation for next year. Seeing Cole and Brindamour come out there all dressed up for the shirt off the back promotion really gave me hope. We'll all find out very soon about the draft pick number though....

I'm looking forward to discussing the playoffs as they progress though. Should be a wild playoff year! And man oh man, the Avs captured the division title.... I really thought the Canucks would be able to hang on to it. What a turnaround the Avs had!

[folgersnyourcup]

I saw that too....really heart-warming moment. I won't be redundant, disappointing loss but great crowd that was behind the Canes the whole way through. Unbelievable beginning to end domination in the shots department by the Canes but only one goal to show for it...... Ah well, I still certainly enjoyed the game!

The Caniac convertible thing was pretty neat as well. I was 7th (dad was 7th man, lucky number 7, etc.) and after the first 5 people went and didn't win I was feeling pretty good about it. But number 6 came and wound up being the winner. Big congratulations to her! The signed stick all the runner's up got is really awesome though. It looks to be signed by every player on the team, there are a TON of signatures on it. It came in a bag with a Canes pendant, Stormy doll, and two Canes mug thingies. Oh, and they let me keep the key I would have used to attempt to turn on the car also. Maybe I can take it to the Ford dealership and start trying it on random cars? Perhaps it's bound to start one of them! :)

The Canes season's finally over and I have great anticipation for next year. Seeing Cole and Brindamour come out there all dressed up for the shirt off the back promotion really gave me hope. We'll all find out very soon about the draft pick number though....

I'm looking forward to discussing the playoffs as they progress though. Should be a wild playoff year! And man oh man, the Avs captured the division title.... I really thought the Canucks would be able to hang on to it. What a turnaround the Avs had!

[hyena]

i just want to echo what everyone else has said. i was so proud of the Caniacs today. :cry:

[hyena]

i just want to echo what everyone else has said. i was so proud of the Caniacs today. :cry:

[hyena]

i just want to echo what everyone else has said. i was so proud of the Caniacs today. :cry:

[Stormbringer]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

It was actually more of them than that; most of the ones on the bench at that time did the stick banging in some manner. I teared up myself. :cry:

Didn't know what else to do except echo all the above sentiments. Congratulations to all the players for the awards they won...and a HUGE thanks to those players and the entire Canes team for acknowledging what a devoted fanbase they have. A team that acknowledges and respects the fans like the Canes is truly a special one...one team that I am very proud to have here in Raleigh and support with all my might. Here's to a much better season and seeing you during then Canes... :spin:

[Stormbringer]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

It was actually more of them than that; most of the ones on the bench at that time did the stick banging in some manner. I teared up myself. :cry:

Didn't know what else to do except echo all the above sentiments. Congratulations to all the players for the awards they won...and a HUGE thanks to those players and the entire Canes team for acknowledging what a devoted fanbase they have. A team that acknowledges and respects the fans like the Canes is truly a special one...one team that I am very proud to have here in Raleigh and support with all my might. Here's to a much better season and seeing you during then Canes... :spin:

[Stormbringer]

I forgot to mention earlier.........

Congratulations to Kevyn Adams for receiving the Chiasson Award. It's great to see that his teammates appreciate his heart, effort and contributions as much as we do :spin:

And to Ron Francis for being the Fan's Choice Award winner and to Rod Brind'Amour for winning the Booster Club Award.

Agreed and a big congrats to them. All three players were well deserving of their awards, but I was really happy to see Kevyn receive the Chiasson. He earned it this season. ;) :spin:

I thought I would gather my final home game thoughts into one post, but I haven't managed to do that. I did want you all to know (those that didn't get to the game) that the Forslund Focus this afternoon was on the Caniacs. It left a lump in my throat that remained for the rest of the game. Of course, it was entirely appropriate for Fan Appreciation Day, but nonetheless, it brought a great smile to my face.

I know there have been times that people have mentioned that kids, over enthusiastic or pains in the butt, can diminish your experience, but I have to say the highlight film of Caniacs made me smile and laugh. Kids dancing, kids making their stomachs undulate, kids making their armpits fart, kids doing all sorts of crazy dances (cabbage patch, water sprinkler). Grown ups too. Our fans and arena have a great personality - one that I wouldn't wish to change one bit!!

Thanks everyone!! :) :)

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

It was actually more of them than that; most of the ones on the bench at that time did the stick banging in some manner. I teared up myself. :cry:

Didn't know what else to do except echo all the above sentiments. Congratulations to all the players for the awards they won...and a HUGE thanks to those players and the entire Canes team for acknowledging what a devoted fanbase they have. A team that acknowledges and respects the fans like the Canes is truly a special one...one team that I am very proud to have here in Raleigh and support with all my might. Here's to a much better season and seeing you during then Canes... :spin:

[Alicia]

And I forgot to mention nice to meet chandongirl and hubby, even though it was out in the parking lot after the game!

[Alicia]

And I forgot to mention nice to meet chandongirl and hubby, even though it was out in the parking lot after the game!

[Alicia]

And I forgot to mention nice to meet chandongirl and hubby, even though it was out in the parking lot after the game!

[crazy4canes]

Disappointing loss to end a disappointing season. :cry: But it won't stop me from counting the days till the next opening faceoff. :beatup:

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat

Same here. :cry: I know Kevin Weekes was one of them. He was banging his stick on the glass beside him.

And thanks Shawn, for posting the game thread! :spin: Hard to believe it's the last one for a while.

[crazy4canes]

Disappointing loss to end a disappointing season. :cry: But it won't stop me from counting the days till the next opening faceoff. :beatup:

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat

Same here. :cry: I know Kevin Weekes was one of them. He was banging his stick on the glass beside him.

And thanks Shawn, for posting the game thread! :spin: Hard to believe it's the last one for a while.

[crazy4canes]

Disappointing loss to end a disappointing season. :cry: But it won't stop me from counting the days till the next opening faceoff. :beatup:

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat

Same here. :cry: I know Kevin Weekes was one of them. He was banging his stick on the glass beside him.

And thanks Shawn, for posting the game thread! :spin: Hard to believe it's the last one for a while.

[nccanes]

A really nice article from DeCock in today's paper. And what great comments from Hedican.

Fans find fun even in final loss
Canes' horrendous season wraps up with a little spring tailgating and 45 shots
By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

RALEIGH -- Outside, a lovely spring day, the sun achingly warm.
Balmy breezes carried the scent of charcoal through the parking lots, which were filling quickly even two hours before the game.

Flags waved overhead as kids on in-line skates stickhandled between cars looking for open pavement suitable for street hockey.

Inside, inflatable noisemakers added to the din as ESPN broadcast the Carolina Hurricanes' final game of the regular season.

For one final, glorious afternoon, it was the playoffs all over again.

"That's exactly what I thought when I drove to the rink today," Carolina center Kevyn Adams said. "I got here at 12:30 and there were people tailgating out with the chairs and it really reminded me of last year.

"Then it kind of sets in that we're not going to be playing in the playoffs, and that's tough to swallow."

The fans were ready for the postseason. All they were missing was a playoff hockey team.

The Canes betrayed the best intentions of their fans with a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

This was a little different from three years ago, when the Canes received word on the bench during their final game that they had been eliminated.

The Canes have known since March 18 they weren't making the postseason, and since Wednesday that they would finish 30th, the first since World War II to go from the finals to dead last.

With 171 goals, they broke the franchise record for offensive futility by 29.

"We're not the first go to down that path, but you would have hoped that you could have learned from it a little bit and survived a little bit better," Carolina coach Paul Maurice said. "There's not a lot of good feeling to be found right now. I don't think you're going to look at it any other way than a very disappointing season."

Their fans, not a sellout but a boisterous 16,918 nonetheless, seemed willing to ignore that.

They seemed willing to ignore that New York left Alexei Yashin, Michael Peca, Roman Hamrlik, Adrian Aucoin and Dave Scatchard at home yet took the lead 91 seconds in. They could only hope the second period was good, too.

They seemed willing to ignore that the Canes took the next 25 shots on goal but couldn't score, utterly true to seasonal form.

And if their patience began to fray when Radek Martinek scored on a four-on-four in the second to make it 2-0 even as the Islanders were being outshot 28-10, who could blame them?

After all, the Canes wrapped up this dismal excuse for a season by extending their fourth five-game losing streak of the season to six games and going winless in their final 11 games (0-9-2-0).

Rookie Ryan Bayda picked up his fourth goal by finishing off a nice bit of passing from Jeff O'Neill and Ron Francis early in the third period. But the Canes took 45 shots and scored just once. The Islanders scored on two of their 14 on Arturs Irbe. To the end, the Canes' recipe for defeat never changed.

There's something about hockey in the spring in the Triangle, especially with no ACC team in the Final Four. Tailgating and hockey fit like chocolate and espresso beans -- unexpected, but delightful.

"That's the only hockey in Raleigh I know," Carolina defenseman Bret Hedican said. "It happened from the time I got here to the last game this season.

"You see fans at the rink before I get here, and it's just a great feeling knowing that there are fans in the parking lot getting ready for our games and feeling a passion for what we're doing."

In a season gone dreadfully wrong, that's the real shame. It was over long before the fun ever got a chance to start.


Staff writer Luke DeCock can be reached at 829-8947 or ldecock@newsobserver.com

[nccanes]

A really nice article from DeCock in today's paper. And what great comments from Hedican.

Fans find fun even in final loss
Canes' horrendous season wraps up with a little spring tailgating and 45 shots
By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

RALEIGH -- Outside, a lovely spring day, the sun achingly warm.
Balmy breezes carried the scent of charcoal through the parking lots, which were filling quickly even two hours before the game.

Flags waved overhead as kids on in-line skates stickhandled between cars looking for open pavement suitable for street hockey.

Inside, inflatable noisemakers added to the din as ESPN broadcast the Carolina Hurricanes' final game of the regular season.

For one final, glorious afternoon, it was the playoffs all over again.

"That's exactly what I thought when I drove to the rink today," Carolina center Kevyn Adams said. "I got here at 12:30 and there were people tailgating out with the chairs and it really reminded me of last year.

"Then it kind of sets in that we're not going to be playing in the playoffs, and that's tough to swallow."

The fans were ready for the postseason. All they were missing was a playoff hockey team.

The Canes betrayed the best intentions of their fans with a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

This was a little different from three years ago, when the Canes received word on the bench during their final game that they had been eliminated.

The Canes have known since March 18 they weren't making the postseason, and since Wednesday that they would finish 30th, the first since World War II to go from the finals to dead last.

With 171 goals, they broke the franchise record for offensive futility by 29.

"We're not the first go to down that path, but you would have hoped that you could have learned from it a little bit and survived a little bit better," Carolina coach Paul Maurice said. "There's not a lot of good feeling to be found right now. I don't think you're going to look at it any other way than a very disappointing season."

Their fans, not a sellout but a boisterous 16,918 nonetheless, seemed willing to ignore that.

They seemed willing to ignore that New York left Alexei Yashin, Michael Peca, Roman Hamrlik, Adrian Aucoin and Dave Scatchard at home yet took the lead 91 seconds in. They could only hope the second period was good, too.

They seemed willing to ignore that the Canes took the next 25 shots on goal but couldn't score, utterly true to seasonal form.

And if their patience began to fray when Radek Martinek scored on a four-on-four in the second to make it 2-0 even as the Islanders were being outshot 28-10, who could blame them?

After all, the Canes wrapped up this dismal excuse for a season by extending their fourth five-game losing streak of the season to six games and going winless in their final 11 games (0-9-2-0).

Rookie Ryan Bayda picked up his fourth goal by finishing off a nice bit of passing from Jeff O'Neill and Ron Francis early in the third period. But the Canes took 45 shots and scored just once. The Islanders scored on two of their 14 on Arturs Irbe. To the end, the Canes' recipe for defeat never changed.

There's something about hockey in the spring in the Triangle, especially with no ACC team in the Final Four. Tailgating and hockey fit like chocolate and espresso beans -- unexpected, but delightful.

"That's the only hockey in Raleigh I know," Carolina defenseman Bret Hedican said. "It happened from the time I got here to the last game this season.

"You see fans at the rink before I get here, and it's just a great feeling knowing that there are fans in the parking lot getting ready for our games and feeling a passion for what we're doing."

In a season gone dreadfully wrong, that's the real shame. It was over long before the fun ever got a chance to start.


Staff writer Luke DeCock can be reached at 829-8947 or ldecock@newsobserver.com

[nccanes]

A really nice article from DeCock in today's paper. And what great comments from Hedican.

Fans find fun even in final loss
Canes' horrendous season wraps up with a little spring tailgating and 45 shots
By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

RALEIGH -- Outside, a lovely spring day, the sun achingly warm.
Balmy breezes carried the scent of charcoal through the parking lots, which were filling quickly even two hours before the game.

Flags waved overhead as kids on in-line skates stickhandled between cars looking for open pavement suitable for street hockey.

Inside, inflatable noisemakers added to the din as ESPN broadcast the Carolina Hurricanes' final game of the regular season.

For one final, glorious afternoon, it was the playoffs all over again.

"That's exactly what I thought when I drove to the rink today," Carolina center Kevyn Adams said. "I got here at 12:30 and there were people tailgating out with the chairs and it really reminded me of last year.

"Then it kind of sets in that we're not going to be playing in the playoffs, and that's tough to swallow."

The fans were ready for the postseason. All they were missing was a playoff hockey team.

The Canes betrayed the best intentions of their fans with a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

This was a little different from three years ago, when the Canes received word on the bench during their final game that they had been eliminated.

The Canes have known since March 18 they weren't making the postseason, and since Wednesday that they would finish 30th, the first since World War II to go from the finals to dead last.

With 171 goals, they broke the franchise record for offensive futility by 29.

"We're not the first go to down that path, but you would have hoped that you could have learned from it a little bit and survived a little bit better," Carolina coach Paul Maurice said. "There's not a lot of good feeling to be found right now. I don't think you're going to look at it any other way than a very disappointing season."

Their fans, not a sellout but a boisterous 16,918 nonetheless, seemed willing to ignore that.

They seemed willing to ignore that New York left Alexei Yashin, Michael Peca, Roman Hamrlik, Adrian Aucoin and Dave Scatchard at home yet took the lead 91 seconds in. They could only hope the second period was good, too.

They seemed willing to ignore that the Canes took the next 25 shots on goal but couldn't score, utterly true to seasonal form.

And if their patience began to fray when Radek Martinek scored on a four-on-four in the second to make it 2-0 even as the Islanders were being outshot 28-10, who could blame them?

After all, the Canes wrapped up this dismal excuse for a season by extending their fourth five-game losing streak of the season to six games and going winless in their final 11 games (0-9-2-0).

Rookie Ryan Bayda picked up his fourth goal by finishing off a nice bit of passing from Jeff O'Neill and Ron Francis early in the third period. But the Canes took 45 shots and scored just once. The Islanders scored on two of their 14 on Arturs Irbe. To the end, the Canes' recipe for defeat never changed.

There's something about hockey in the spring in the Triangle, especially with no ACC team in the Final Four. Tailgating and hockey fit like chocolate and espresso beans -- unexpected, but delightful.

"That's the only hockey in Raleigh I know," Carolina defenseman Bret Hedican said. "It happened from the time I got here to the last game this season.

"You see fans at the rink before I get here, and it's just a great feeling knowing that there are fans in the parking lot getting ready for our games and feeling a passion for what we're doing."

In a season gone dreadfully wrong, that's the real shame. It was over long before the fun ever got a chance to start.


Staff writer Luke DeCock can be reached at 829-8947 or ldecock@newsobserver.com

[nccanes]

And from the Herald-Sun. More nice comments from KAdams this time.

Mercifully, Canes' season over
By MIKE POTTER : The Herald-Sun
mpotter@heraldsun.com
Apr 6, 2003 : 11:41 pm ET

RALEIGH -- It was a microcosm of the second half of the season. In Sunday’s Fan Appreciation Day regular-season finale at the RBC Center, the Carolina Hurricanes outshot the visiting New York Islanders 45-14, but that was meaningful only in the pride department as the Hurricanes lost 2-1.

Islanders goalie Garth Snow (16-17-5), who earned the game’s first star, certainly accredited himself well, but the puck hasn’t been going into the net for Carolina for quite some time as the Hurricanes ended the season on a six-game losing streak and an 11-game (0-9-2-1) winless streak.

As had been official since Wednesday night’s loss at Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes finished last in the Eastern Conference one season after winning it and playing the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals.

"Well, it wasn’t completely different from a number of games that we’ve played this year," said Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice, who completed his first losing season (22-43-11-6) in five years. "I think, probably up until that Montreal game [six days earlier], it probably set in a little more in the last week. You’ve seen the kids enough and you’ve made your assessments of them and you realize your season’s over, and I think it sank in this week.

"I’ve done a really, really good job of not looking at the standings for about a month and a half."

The Islanders, who finished in eighth place in the conference for the final playoff spot, will open their first-round best-of-7 series against the Ottawa Senators on the road. Islanders coach Peter Laviolette decided to sit three regular centers — Michael Peca, Dave Scatchard and Alexei Yashin — to give them a bit of rest before the playoffs begin.

Carolina finished the season with six key players on injured reserve: center and alternate captain Rod Brind’Amour (hand, out since Jan. 22); left winger Erik Cole (broken leg, out since Feb. 5); rookie right winger Jeff Heerema (broken wrist, out since Feb 9); rookie enforcer right winger Jesse Boulerice (concussion, out since Feb. 14); rookie left winger Jaro Svoboda (shoulder, out since Feb. 14) and right winger Pavel Brendl (knee, out since Feb. 26).

Hurricanes goalie Arturs Irbe (7-24-2) made 12 saves. No. 1 goalie Kevin Weekes, who played into April with tendon and ligament damage in his right stick hand, said after the game that it would be "a matter of hours" before he went into surgery to repair his hand.

Captain Ron Francis, who recently turned 40, linemate Jeff O’Neill and defenseman Sean Hill were the only Carolina players to play every game this season. Forward Craig Adams was a healthy scratch in the season opener and played in all 81 remaining games.

"That’s probably an accurate statement," Francis, who took the No. 2 star while O’Neill claimed the third, said when he was asked if it was the toughest of his 22 NHL seasons. "At least the young guys got some experience, and that should give them a little more confidence. I’m going to rest for a while and get some R&R."

Added O’Neill, "I thought their goaltender played well, and other than the first five minutes of the game we played hard.

"But our best player is 40 years old and he’s been carrying us every night. We need a lot of guys to step up [next season], myself included."

New York led 1-0 after the first period despite being outshot 12-4. Irbe got big breaks in the period when the Islanders hit his glove-side post twice.

The Islanders, who finished a game over .500 with the win, scored at even strength just 1:31 into the game when Arron Asham followed the rebound of Justin Papineau’s shot with Oleg Kvasha on the second assist.

The visitors made it 2-0 on a power play at 15:31 of the second as Radek Martinek beat Irbe in transition from the right circle. Mark Parrish and Janne Niinimaa collected the assists.

Carolina cut the lead in half at 4:44 of the third. O’Neill fed the puck to the front of the crease to Francis, who deflected the puck through his own legs to rookie Ryan Bayda, who beat Snow glove side for his fourth career goal. It was the 31st assist of the season and 35th for Francis, who is second on the NHL’s career assist list with 1,221 and fifth in points with 1,756.

The Hurricanes outshot the Islanders 16-2 in the third period but couldn’t get the equalizer.

Still, they got a huge ovation when they left the ice and on into postgame ceremonies, during which they gave their game jerseys to lottery-winning fans.

"I got traded here in January of last year and you could feel the difference with the fans," Kevyn Adams said. "They were unbelievable this year. We didn’t give them a lot to cheer about and they were loyal anyway. It makes us anxious to be back next year."

NOTES — Francis won the team MVP award for the second straight season on a vote by the Carolina chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Kevyn Adams, who has been named a temporary alternate captain, won the chapter’s annual "good guy" award for cooperation with the media. ... Francis also won the team-sponsored "Fan Favorite" Award in a fan vote. Brind’Amour won a similar award from the Hurricanes’ booster club, while Adams won the fourth annual "Steve Chiasson Award" for hustle and determination as selected by his teammates. ... Attendance was announced at 16,918, giving the Hurricanes a record total of 642,973 for the season’s 41 home games. The previous high was 635,868 in 2002. ... In addition to the players on injured reserve, Carolina left winger Jan Hlavac missed his 17th straight game with a broken finger while backup goalie Patrick DesRochers missed his eighth straight with a broken elbow. Rookie left winger Brad DeFauw was Carolina’s only healthy scratch.

[nccanes]

And from the Herald-Sun. More nice comments from KAdams this time.

Mercifully, Canes' season over
By MIKE POTTER : The Herald-Sun
mpotter@heraldsun.com
Apr 6, 2003 : 11:41 pm ET

RALEIGH -- It was a microcosm of the second half of the season. In Sunday’s Fan Appreciation Day regular-season finale at the RBC Center, the Carolina Hurricanes outshot the visiting New York Islanders 45-14, but that was meaningful only in the pride department as the Hurricanes lost 2-1.

Islanders goalie Garth Snow (16-17-5), who earned the game’s first star, certainly accredited himself well, but the puck hasn’t been going into the net for Carolina for quite some time as the Hurricanes ended the season on a six-game losing streak and an 11-game (0-9-2-1) winless streak.

As had been official since Wednesday night’s loss at Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes finished last in the Eastern Conference one season after winning it and playing the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals.

"Well, it wasn’t completely different from a number of games that we’ve played this year," said Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice, who completed his first losing season (22-43-11-6) in five years. "I think, probably up until that Montreal game [six days earlier], it probably set in a little more in the last week. You’ve seen the kids enough and you’ve made your assessments of them and you realize your season’s over, and I think it sank in this week.

"I’ve done a really, really good job of not looking at the standings for about a month and a half."

The Islanders, who finished in eighth place in the conference for the final playoff spot, will open their first-round best-of-7 series against the Ottawa Senators on the road. Islanders coach Peter Laviolette decided to sit three regular centers — Michael Peca, Dave Scatchard and Alexei Yashin — to give them a bit of rest before the playoffs begin.

Carolina finished the season with six key players on injured reserve: center and alternate captain Rod Brind’Amour (hand, out since Jan. 22); left winger Erik Cole (broken leg, out since Feb. 5); rookie right winger Jeff Heerema (broken wrist, out since Feb 9); rookie enforcer right winger Jesse Boulerice (concussion, out since Feb. 14); rookie left winger Jaro Svoboda (shoulder, out since Feb. 14) and right winger Pavel Brendl (knee, out since Feb. 26).

Hurricanes goalie Arturs Irbe (7-24-2) made 12 saves. No. 1 goalie Kevin Weekes, who played into April with tendon and ligament damage in his right stick hand, said after the game that it would be "a matter of hours" before he went into surgery to repair his hand.

Captain Ron Francis, who recently turned 40, linemate Jeff O’Neill and defenseman Sean Hill were the only Carolina players to play every game this season. Forward Craig Adams was a healthy scratch in the season opener and played in all 81 remaining games.

"That’s probably an accurate statement," Francis, who took the No. 2 star while O’Neill claimed the third, said when he was asked if it was the toughest of his 22 NHL seasons. "At least the young guys got some experience, and that should give them a little more confidence. I’m going to rest for a while and get some R&R."

Added O’Neill, "I thought their goaltender played well, and other than the first five minutes of the game we played hard.

"But our best player is 40 years old and he’s been carrying us every night. We need a lot of guys to step up [next season], myself included."

New York led 1-0 after the first period despite being outshot 12-4. Irbe got big breaks in the period when the Islanders hit his glove-side post twice.

The Islanders, who finished a game over .500 with the win, scored at even strength just 1:31 into the game when Arron Asham followed the rebound of Justin Papineau’s shot with Oleg Kvasha on the second assist.

The visitors made it 2-0 on a power play at 15:31 of the second as Radek Martinek beat Irbe in transition from the right circle. Mark Parrish and Janne Niinimaa collected the assists.

Carolina cut the lead in half at 4:44 of the third. O’Neill fed the puck to the front of the crease to Francis, who deflected the puck through his own legs to rookie Ryan Bayda, who beat Snow glove side for his fourth career goal. It was the 31st assist of the season and 35th for Francis, who is second on the NHL’s career assist list with 1,221 and fifth in points with 1,756.

The Hurricanes outshot the Islanders 16-2 in the third period but couldn’t get the equalizer.

Still, they got a huge ovation when they left the ice and on into postgame ceremonies, during which they gave their game jerseys to lottery-winning fans.

"I got traded here in January of last year and you could feel the difference with the fans," Kevyn Adams said. "They were unbelievable this year. We didn’t give them a lot to cheer about and they were loyal anyway. It makes us anxious to be back next year."

NOTES — Francis won the team MVP award for the second straight season on a vote by the Carolina chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Kevyn Adams, who has been named a temporary alternate captain, won the chapter’s annual "good guy" award for cooperation with the media. ... Francis also won the team-sponsored "Fan Favorite" Award in a fan vote. Brind’Amour won a similar award from the Hurricanes’ booster club, while Adams won the fourth annual "Steve Chiasson Award" for hustle and determination as selected by his teammates. ... Attendance was announced at 16,918, giving the Hurricanes a record total of 642,973 for the season’s 41 home games. The previous high was 635,868 in 2002. ... In addition to the players on injured reserve, Carolina left winger Jan Hlavac missed his 17th straight game with a broken finger while backup goalie Patrick DesRochers missed his eighth straight with a broken elbow. Rookie left winger Brad DeFauw was Carolina’s only healthy scratch.

[nccanes]

And from the Herald-Sun. More nice comments from KAdams this time.

Mercifully, Canes' season over
By MIKE POTTER : The Herald-Sun
mpotter@heraldsun.com
Apr 6, 2003 : 11:41 pm ET

RALEIGH -- It was a microcosm of the second half of the season. In Sunday’s Fan Appreciation Day regular-season finale at the RBC Center, the Carolina Hurricanes outshot the visiting New York Islanders 45-14, but that was meaningful only in the pride department as the Hurricanes lost 2-1.

Islanders goalie Garth Snow (16-17-5), who earned the game’s first star, certainly accredited himself well, but the puck hasn’t been going into the net for Carolina for quite some time as the Hurricanes ended the season on a six-game losing streak and an 11-game (0-9-2-1) winless streak.

As had been official since Wednesday night’s loss at Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes finished last in the Eastern Conference one season after winning it and playing the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals.

"Well, it wasn’t completely different from a number of games that we’ve played this year," said Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice, who completed his first losing season (22-43-11-6) in five years. "I think, probably up until that Montreal game [six days earlier], it probably set in a little more in the last week. You’ve seen the kids enough and you’ve made your assessments of them and you realize your season’s over, and I think it sank in this week.

"I’ve done a really, really good job of not looking at the standings for about a month and a half."

The Islanders, who finished in eighth place in the conference for the final playoff spot, will open their first-round best-of-7 series against the Ottawa Senators on the road. Islanders coach Peter Laviolette decided to sit three regular centers — Michael Peca, Dave Scatchard and Alexei Yashin — to give them a bit of rest before the playoffs begin.

Carolina finished the season with six key players on injured reserve: center and alternate captain Rod Brind’Amour (hand, out since Jan. 22); left winger Erik Cole (broken leg, out since Feb. 5); rookie right winger Jeff Heerema (broken wrist, out since Feb 9); rookie enforcer right winger Jesse Boulerice (concussion, out since Feb. 14); rookie left winger Jaro Svoboda (shoulder, out since Feb. 14) and right winger Pavel Brendl (knee, out since Feb. 26).

Hurricanes goalie Arturs Irbe (7-24-2) made 12 saves. No. 1 goalie Kevin Weekes, who played into April with tendon and ligament damage in his right stick hand, said after the game that it would be "a matter of hours" before he went into surgery to repair his hand.

Captain Ron Francis, who recently turned 40, linemate Jeff O’Neill and defenseman Sean Hill were the only Carolina players to play every game this season. Forward Craig Adams was a healthy scratch in the season opener and played in all 81 remaining games.

"That’s probably an accurate statement," Francis, who took the No. 2 star while O’Neill claimed the third, said when he was asked if it was the toughest of his 22 NHL seasons. "At least the young guys got some experience, and that should give them a little more confidence. I’m going to rest for a while and get some R&R."

Added O’Neill, "I thought their goaltender played well, and other than the first five minutes of the game we played hard.

"But our best player is 40 years old and he’s been carrying us every night. We need a lot of guys to step up [next season], myself included."

New York led 1-0 after the first period despite being outshot 12-4. Irbe got big breaks in the period when the Islanders hit his glove-side post twice.

The Islanders, who finished a game over .500 with the win, scored at even strength just 1:31 into the game when Arron Asham followed the rebound of Justin Papineau’s shot with Oleg Kvasha on the second assist.

The visitors made it 2-0 on a power play at 15:31 of the second as Radek Martinek beat Irbe in transition from the right circle. Mark Parrish and Janne Niinimaa collected the assists.

Carolina cut the lead in half at 4:44 of the third. O’Neill fed the puck to the front of the crease to Francis, who deflected the puck through his own legs to rookie Ryan Bayda, who beat Snow glove side for his fourth career goal. It was the 31st assist of the season and 35th for Francis, who is second on the NHL’s career assist list with 1,221 and fifth in points with 1,756.

The Hurricanes outshot the Islanders 16-2 in the third period but couldn’t get the equalizer.

Still, they got a huge ovation when they left the ice and on into postgame ceremonies, during which they gave their game jerseys to lottery-winning fans.

"I got traded here in January of last year and you could feel the difference with the fans," Kevyn Adams said. "They were unbelievable this year. We didn’t give them a lot to cheer about and they were loyal anyway. It makes us anxious to be back next year."

NOTES — Francis won the team MVP award for the second straight season on a vote by the Carolina chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Kevyn Adams, who has been named a temporary alternate captain, won the chapter’s annual "good guy" award for cooperation with the media. ... Francis also won the team-sponsored "Fan Favorite" Award in a fan vote. Brind’Amour won a similar award from the Hurricanes’ booster club, while Adams won the fourth annual "Steve Chiasson Award" for hustle and determination as selected by his teammates. ... Attendance was announced at 16,918, giving the Hurricanes a record total of 642,973 for the season’s 41 home games. The previous high was 635,868 in 2002. ... In addition to the players on injured reserve, Carolina left winger Jan Hlavac missed his 17th straight game with a broken finger while backup goalie Patrick DesRochers missed his eighth straight with a broken elbow. Rookie left winger Brad DeFauw was Carolina’s only healthy scratch.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am so glad they know how much we love them..and they appreciate us!! :cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am so glad they know how much we love them..and they appreciate us!! :cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I am so glad they know how much we love them..and they appreciate us!! :cry:

[craigadamstheman]

I was so proud of our team....I am looking forward to next season and will stand behind our team no matter what may come..... :sad:

[craigadamstheman]

I was so proud of our team....I am looking forward to next season and will stand behind our team no matter what may come..... :sad:

[craigadamstheman]

I was so proud of our team....I am looking forward to next season and will stand behind our team no matter what may come..... :sad:

[raleighcanesfan]

I was so proud of our team....I am looking forward to next season and will stand behind our team no matter what may come..... :sad:

Here, here!! Good point...

[raleighcanesfan]

I was so proud of our team....I am looking forward to next season and will stand behind our team no matter what may come..... :sad:

Here, here!! Good point...

[raleighcanesfan]

I was so proud of our team....I am looking forward to next season and will stand behind our team no matter what may come..... :sad:

Here, here!! Good point...

[crazy4canes]

Somebody had a sign saying something like "proud to be a caniac no matter what" that they hung over the railing so the team could see it on the way into the dressing room after the game. Was that someone here? If it has already been discussed, I'm sorry but I'm really only half awake today. Anyway, I thought it was a great sign and I'm glad whoever it was got to show it to the players.

[crazy4canes]

Somebody had a sign saying something like "proud to be a caniac no matter what" that they hung over the railing so the team could see it on the way into the dressing room after the game. Was that someone here? If it has already been discussed, I'm sorry but I'm really only half awake today. Anyway, I thought it was a great sign and I'm glad whoever it was got to show it to the players.

[crazy4canes]

Somebody had a sign saying something like "proud to be a caniac no matter what" that they hung over the railing so the team could see it on the way into the dressing room after the game. Was that someone here? If it has already been discussed, I'm sorry but I'm really only half awake today. Anyway, I thought it was a great sign and I'm glad whoever it was got to show it to the players.

[Guyute]

yeah, saw that several times on the jumbotron. I've seen the guy, during previous seasons... don't know him, just his face- albeit, painted. hehe

[Guyute]

yeah, saw that several times on the jumbotron. I've seen the guy, during previous seasons... don't know him, just his face- albeit, painted. hehe

[Guyute]

yeah, saw that several times on the jumbotron. I've seen the guy, during previous seasons... don't know him, just his face- albeit, painted. hehe

[rons#1fan]

How the emotions jumped from super high; watching all the action and loving the fan reaction - to low; the loss of the last game and knowing that there would be no more hurricane hockey for awhile. :sad:

However, seeing the fans waiting to greet the players out in the back - awesome. How each player just creeped along the long line of fans (except for one player in a confertible mercedes :eek: ) signing whatever was tossed their way...and those players that just walked down the line shaking hands and signing posters and shirts. I left with a good feeling and I'm looking forward to another season of my favorite sport, hockey ! :beatup: :D

[rons#1fan]

How the emotions jumped from super high; watching all the action and loving the fan reaction - to low; the loss of the last game and knowing that there would be no more hurricane hockey for awhile. :sad:

However, seeing the fans waiting to greet the players out in the back - awesome. How each player just creeped along the long line of fans (except for one player in a confertible mercedes :eek: ) signing whatever was tossed their way...and those players that just walked down the line shaking hands and signing posters and shirts. I left with a good feeling and I'm looking forward to another season of my favorite sport, hockey ! :beatup: :D

[rons#1fan]

How the emotions jumped from super high; watching all the action and loving the fan reaction - to low; the loss of the last game and knowing that there would be no more hurricane hockey for awhile. :sad:

However, seeing the fans waiting to greet the players out in the back - awesome. How each player just creeped along the long line of fans (except for one player in a confertible mercedes :eek: ) signing whatever was tossed their way...and those players that just walked down the line shaking hands and signing posters and shirts. I left with a good feeling and I'm looking forward to another season of my favorite sport, hockey ! :beatup: :D

[CaniacKikiBB13]

i know this is kinda off the subject, but did anyone else see ronnie pick up the puck at the end of the game yesterday? A guy in the row in front of me said it wasn't a good sign and that this may of been his last season. I really don't believe that and know it can't be true, but it would be pretty scary ( and shocking :eek: ) if it were...

[CaniacKikiBB13]

i know this is kinda off the subject, but did anyone else see ronnie pick up the puck at the end of the game yesterday? A guy in the row in front of me said it wasn't a good sign and that this may of been his last season. I really don't believe that and know it can't be true, but it would be pretty scary ( and shocking :eek: ) if it were...

[CaniacKikiBB13]

i know this is kinda off the subject, but did anyone else see ronnie pick up the puck at the end of the game yesterday? A guy in the row in front of me said it wasn't a good sign and that this may of been his last season. I really don't believe that and know it can't be true, but it would be pretty scary ( and shocking :eek: ) if it were...

[Guyute]

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

[Guyute]

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

[Guyute]

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

[tommy]

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

I agree. Who the hell would want to retire after losing 43 games??? lol; I think he's got two season left.

[tommy]

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

I agree. Who the hell would want to retire after losing 43 games??? lol; I think he's got two season left.

[tommy]

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

I agree. Who the hell would want to retire after losing 43 games??? lol; I think he's got two season left.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Maybe he picked up that puck for Irbe. Just a thought....

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Maybe he picked up that puck for Irbe. Just a thought....

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Maybe he picked up that puck for Irbe. Just a thought....

[CaniacKikiBB13]

I agree. Who the hell would want to retire after losing 43 games??? lol; I think he's got two season left.

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

Exactly what I thought when I heard what he was saying, I was so close to laughing in his face :D ...I mean Ronnie's got at least one season left in him..

Maybe he picked up that puck for Irbe. Just a thought....

might be, since next season doesn't look too good for Irbe :sad: ..

[CaniacKikiBB13]

I agree. Who the hell would want to retire after losing 43 games??? lol; I think he's got two season left.

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

Exactly what I thought when I heard what he was saying, I was so close to laughing in his face :D ...I mean Ronnie's got at least one season left in him..

Maybe he picked up that puck for Irbe. Just a thought....

might be, since next season doesn't look too good for Irbe :sad: ..

[CaniacKikiBB13]

I agree. Who the hell would want to retire after losing 43 games??? lol; I think he's got two season left.

I can't imagine wanting to end on a season like that.....

jmo.

Exactly what I thought when I heard what he was saying, I was so close to laughing in his face :D ...I mean Ronnie's got at least one season left in him..

Maybe he picked up that puck for Irbe. Just a thought....

might be, since next season doesn't look too good for Irbe :sad: ..

[Kat]

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Sorry, I just have to disagree here... I feel that this problem is called lack of offense. Sure, they had a ton of shots on goal, but a lot of them were right at the logo. Hopefully Vrbata and some of the Baby Canes can help out next year, and Brindy and Cole will add to that, and our GF will be way up. :)

Oh, and the pre- and post-game stuff rocked even if the game didn't. Tailgating with y'all was awesome. :D

[Kat]

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Sorry, I just have to disagree here... I feel that this problem is called lack of offense. Sure, they had a ton of shots on goal, but a lot of them were right at the logo. Hopefully Vrbata and some of the Baby Canes can help out next year, and Brindy and Cole will add to that, and our GF will be way up. :)

Oh, and the pre- and post-game stuff rocked even if the game didn't. Tailgating with y'all was awesome. :D

[Kat]

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Sorry, I just have to disagree here... I feel that this problem is called lack of offense. Sure, they had a ton of shots on goal, but a lot of them were right at the logo. Hopefully Vrbata and some of the Baby Canes can help out next year, and Brindy and Cole will add to that, and our GF will be way up. :)

Oh, and the pre- and post-game stuff rocked even if the game didn't. Tailgating with y'all was awesome. :D

[Stormbringer]

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Sorry, I just have to disagree here... I feel that this problem is called lack of offense. Sure, they had a ton of shots on goal, but a lot of them were right at the logo. Hopefully Vrbata and some of the Baby Canes can help out next year, and Brindy and Cole will add to that, and our GF will be way up. :)

Oh, and the pre- and post-game stuff rocked even if the game didn't. Tailgating with y'all was awesome. :D

Ok...I was listening to the game on the radio, so it was rather hard to see the shots. :) Thanks for your comments, Kat.

[Stormbringer]

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Sorry, I just have to disagree here... I feel that this problem is called lack of offense. Sure, they had a ton of shots on goal, but a lot of them were right at the logo. Hopefully Vrbata and some of the Baby Canes can help out next year, and Brindy and Cole will add to that, and our GF will be way up. :)

Oh, and the pre- and post-game stuff rocked even if the game didn't. Tailgating with y'all was awesome. :D

Ok...I was listening to the game on the radio, so it was rather hard to see the shots. :) Thanks for your comments, Kat.

[Stormbringer]

Snowed In - But once again, the Canes ran into a wall of Snow. I have asked this before and I will ask again...what is with these so-so goalies getting hot against the Canes? The way it has happened all season long, it is one joke the hockey gods have never seemed to get tired of. Boy, do those gods have a weird and cruel sense of humor.

Sorry, I just have to disagree here... I feel that this problem is called lack of offense. Sure, they had a ton of shots on goal, but a lot of them were right at the logo. Hopefully Vrbata and some of the Baby Canes can help out next year, and Brindy and Cole will add to that, and our GF will be way up. :)

Oh, and the pre- and post-game stuff rocked even if the game didn't. Tailgating with y'all was awesome. :D

Ok...I was listening to the game on the radio, so it was rather hard to see the shots. :) Thanks for your comments, Kat.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I agree guyute and Tommy about Ronnie retiring...I have said all along that he won't go out a loser...Ronnie will come back and take the Canes back to the playoffs :)

...if they were deep into the playoffs this year, I would be really concerned...but he will be back!! ;)

Did you guys see Arturs looking at all sides of the arena when he was skating off yesterday...and he blew us a kiss as we cheered for him!! :) It was like he was taking one last look!! :sad: :cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I agree guyute and Tommy about Ronnie retiring...I have said all along that he won't go out a loser...Ronnie will come back and take the Canes back to the playoffs :)

...if they were deep into the playoffs this year, I would be really concerned...but he will be back!! ;)

Did you guys see Arturs looking at all sides of the arena when he was skating off yesterday...and he blew us a kiss as we cheered for him!! :) It was like he was taking one last look!! :sad: :cry:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I agree guyute and Tommy about Ronnie retiring...I have said all along that he won't go out a loser...Ronnie will come back and take the Canes back to the playoffs :)

...if they were deep into the playoffs this year, I would be really concerned...but he will be back!! ;)

Did you guys see Arturs looking at all sides of the arena when he was skating off yesterday...and he blew us a kiss as we cheered for him!! :) It was like he was taking one last look!! :sad: :cry:

[caniac369]

Canes vs. Islanders off-ice highlights...
- Having Jen stearnly tell me to hurry up and get ready or I'd be late for school, er, the practice...
- Consuming a pot of coffee along with Kat plus all that gravy at the Bob Evans in Cary... plus all the weird looks Kat & I got b/c we where wearing jerseys
- Jen making the observation that everytime her, myself and Kat go eat somewhere there are always massive amounts of food and alcohol involved...
- Being the second car to get to the tailgate (woohoo!!!)
- Between 2 hikes up to the RBC to use the bathroom, Kat & I timing our alcohol consumption so that we ran out of beer 20 minutes before we headed into the RBC
- The AWESOME food everyone brought (that was some darn good chicken!)
- Me pissing off that guy at the tailgate by mockingly cheering for him (hey- he asked for it and everyone there can vouch...)
- Realizing once again and being reminded by Kat and snobby woman that I am the loudest Caniac- and today I have the hoarse voice and sore throut to prove it!!
- seeing Cole walk out onto the ice unassisted
- watching Ronnie pick up the puck after the game and wondering as to what it could mean...
- seeing everyone and hanging out after the game even though I had been running on 4 hours sleep, caffeine and adrenaline and by the time we got out to the car I was ready for a nap
- Going to sleep and dreaming about opening day next season...

TO BE CONINUED JUNE 2004 AFTER WE WIN THE STANLEY CUP

[caniac369]

Canes vs. Islanders off-ice highlights...
- Having Jen stearnly tell me to hurry up and get ready or I'd be late for school, er, the practice...
- Consuming a pot of coffee along with Kat plus all that gravy at the Bob Evans in Cary... plus all the weird looks Kat & I got b/c we where wearing jerseys
- Jen making the observation that everytime her, myself and Kat go eat somewhere there are always massive amounts of food and alcohol involved...
- Being the second car to get to the tailgate (woohoo!!!)
- Between 2 hikes up to the RBC to use the bathroom, Kat & I timing our alcohol consumption so that we ran out of beer 20 minutes before we headed into the RBC
- The AWESOME food everyone brought (that was some darn good chicken!)
- Me pissing off that guy at the tailgate by mockingly cheering for him (hey- he asked for it and everyone there can vouch...)
- Realizing once again and being reminded by Kat and snobby woman that I am the loudest Caniac- and today I have the hoarse voice and sore throut to prove it!!
- seeing Cole walk out onto the ice unassisted
- watching Ronnie pick up the puck after the game and wondering as to what it could mean...
- seeing everyone and hanging out after the game even though I had been running on 4 hours sleep, caffeine and adrenaline and by the time we got out to the car I was ready for a nap
- Going to sleep and dreaming about opening day next season...

TO BE CONINUED JUNE 2004 AFTER WE WIN THE STANLEY CUP

[caniac369]

Canes vs. Islanders off-ice highlights...
- Having Jen stearnly tell me to hurry up and get ready or I'd be late for school, er, the practice...
- Consuming a pot of coffee along with Kat plus all that gravy at the Bob Evans in Cary... plus all the weird looks Kat & I got b/c we where wearing jerseys
- Jen making the observation that everytime her, myself and Kat go eat somewhere there are always massive amounts of food and alcohol involved...
- Being the second car to get to the tailgate (woohoo!!!)
- Between 2 hikes up to the RBC to use the bathroom, Kat & I timing our alcohol consumption so that we ran out of beer 20 minutes before we headed into the RBC
- The AWESOME food everyone brought (that was some darn good chicken!)
- Me pissing off that guy at the tailgate by mockingly cheering for him (hey- he asked for it and everyone there can vouch...)
- Realizing once again and being reminded by Kat and snobby woman that I am the loudest Caniac- and today I have the hoarse voice and sore throut to prove it!!
- seeing Cole walk out onto the ice unassisted
- watching Ronnie pick up the puck after the game and wondering as to what it could mean...
- seeing everyone and hanging out after the game even though I had been running on 4 hours sleep, caffeine and adrenaline and by the time we got out to the car I was ready for a nap
- Going to sleep and dreaming about opening day next season...

TO BE CONINUED JUNE 2004 AFTER WE WIN THE STANLEY CUP

[CaniacKikiBB13]

TO BE CONINUED JUNE 2004 AFTER WE WIN THE STANLEY CUP
Next season, the cup is ours!!:D...kick butt next season, canes!! :) :spin:

[CaniacKikiBB13]

TO BE CONINUED JUNE 2004 AFTER WE WIN THE STANLEY CUP
Next season, the cup is ours!!:D...kick butt next season, canes!! :) :spin:

[CaniacKikiBB13]

TO BE CONINUED JUNE 2004 AFTER WE WIN THE STANLEY CUP
Next season, the cup is ours!!:D...kick butt next season, canes!! :) :spin:

[Stormbringer]

- watching Ronnie pick up the puck after the game and wondering as to what it could mean...

Who knows...perhaps he actually wanted a souvenir of what was not only a sorry season overall for the Canes (IIRC, this was the worst season in the history of the Whalers/Canes franchise.), but also a pretty good season for him. Here's what Ronnie did and/or achieved this season...

Reached twenty twenty goal seasons. (Only two seasons behind Gordie Howe!)
Reached twenty-two fifty point seasons. (Only tied with Gordie Howe for first!)
Reached second behind Gretzky on the all-time assists leaders.
Became the sixth player in NHL history to play all 82 games in a season at the age of forty.
Got the Caniac Choice award.

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

[Stormbringer]

- watching Ronnie pick up the puck after the game and wondering as to what it could mean...

Who knows...perhaps he actually wanted a souvenir of what was not only a sorry season overall for the Canes (IIRC, this was the worst season in the history of the Whalers/Canes franchise.), but also a pretty good season for him. Here's what Ronnie did and/or achieved this season...

Reached twenty twenty goal seasons. (Only two seasons behind Gordie Howe!)
Reached twenty-two fifty point seasons. (Only tied with Gordie Howe for first!)
Reached second behind Gretzky on the all-time assists leaders.
Became the sixth player in NHL history to play all 82 games in a season at the age of forty.
Got the Caniac Choice award.

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

[Stormbringer]

- watching Ronnie pick up the puck after the game and wondering as to what it could mean...

Who knows...perhaps he actually wanted a souvenir of what was not only a sorry season overall for the Canes (IIRC, this was the worst season in the history of the Whalers/Canes franchise.), but also a pretty good season for him. Here's what Ronnie did and/or achieved this season...

Reached twenty twenty goal seasons. (Only two seasons behind Gordie Howe!)
Reached twenty-two fifty point seasons. (Only tied with Gordie Howe for first!)
Reached second behind Gretzky on the all-time assists leaders.
Became the sixth player in NHL history to play all 82 games in a season at the age of forty.
Got the Caniac Choice award.

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

[nccanes]

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

I know Ronnie has said that you NEVER pick up your own puck after you score a "milestone" goal - bad luck.

I'm hoping Ronnie picked up that sucker and plans to have a bonfire and melt the mofo into oblivion!

(But man, y'all are kinda freakin' me out with that stuff.)

[nccanes]

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

I know Ronnie has said that you NEVER pick up your own puck after you score a "milestone" goal - bad luck.

I'm hoping Ronnie picked up that sucker and plans to have a bonfire and melt the mofo into oblivion!

(But man, y'all are kinda freakin' me out with that stuff.)

[nccanes]

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

I know Ronnie has said that you NEVER pick up your own puck after you score a "milestone" goal - bad luck.

I'm hoping Ronnie picked up that sucker and plans to have a bonfire and melt the mofo into oblivion!

(But man, y'all are kinda freakin' me out with that stuff.)

[1Irbegirlforever]

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: I know what you mean...

also noticed they DID mention those who showed up for airport visits...hmmm....could it be true? Could it actually mean something to them to see us caniacs at the airport? (sorry about the sarcasm...long story from CH.COM.)

[1Irbegirlforever]

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: I know what you mean...

also noticed they DID mention those who showed up for airport visits...hmmm....could it be true? Could it actually mean something to them to see us caniacs at the airport? (sorry about the sarcasm...long story from CH.COM.)

[1Irbegirlforever]

I forgot one (important thing) about the Forslund Focus. At the end, while the fans were giving themselves nice applause, I noticed that at least 4 players reached over the bench wall and banged their sticks on the boards to acknowledge the Caniacs. I wish I could tell you which Canes they were, but that was the thing that put a lump in my throat. :) :sad:

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: I know what you mean...

also noticed they DID mention those who showed up for airport visits...hmmm....could it be true? Could it actually mean something to them to see us caniacs at the airport? (sorry about the sarcasm...long story from CH.COM.)

[Stormbringer]

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

I know Ronnie has said that you NEVER pick up your own puck after you score a "milestone" goal - bad luck.

I'm hoping Ronnie picked up that sucker and plans to have a bonfire and melt the mofo into oblivion!

(But man, y'all are kinda freakin' me out with that stuff.)

Ooooo...never heard Ronnie say that. (insert Twilight Zone theme here) But y'know, perhaps he figured that the best way to get rid of horrible luck is to get more bad luck...kind of like fight fire with fire.

I've wanting to bring the following up for sometime, and this may be the best place to do it...

When I was coming back from the 3/29 Buffalo game with my friend in his friend's Jeep Cherokee, we were talking about the Stanley Cup playoffs, Ronnie, and other Canes related stuff. Well, we started talking about hockey superstitions, and my friend's friend mentioned a very interesting superstition: Supposedly, a team captain or player is to never pick up the Prince of Wales trophy (Or the Western Conference equivalent.) because that dooms their team to lose the Stanley Cup Finals. And, we all know what Ronnie did when he and the Canes became the Eastern Conference Champs...he immediately picked up the Prince of Wales trophy. I really don't blame Ronnie for doing what he did, I'd be ecstatic enough myself to pick up the trophy (I still love to look at that picture of him on the 2002-2003 media guide...easily one of the happiest faces I've ever seen on anyone.). But, it is one of those "Things that make you go hmmmm..." situations...

[Stormbringer]

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

I know Ronnie has said that you NEVER pick up your own puck after you score a "milestone" goal - bad luck.

I'm hoping Ronnie picked up that sucker and plans to have a bonfire and melt the mofo into oblivion!

(But man, y'all are kinda freakin' me out with that stuff.)

Ooooo...never heard Ronnie say that. (insert Twilight Zone theme here) But y'know, perhaps he figured that the best way to get rid of horrible luck is to get more bad luck...kind of like fight fire with fire.

I've wanting to bring the following up for sometime, and this may be the best place to do it...

When I was coming back from the 3/29 Buffalo game with my friend in his friend's Jeep Cherokee, we were talking about the Stanley Cup playoffs, Ronnie, and other Canes related stuff. Well, we started talking about hockey superstitions, and my friend's friend mentioned a very interesting superstition: Supposedly, a team captain or player is to never pick up the Prince of Wales trophy (Or the Western Conference equivalent.) because that dooms their team to lose the Stanley Cup Finals. And, we all know what Ronnie did when he and the Canes became the Eastern Conference Champs...he immediately picked up the Prince of Wales trophy. I really don't blame Ronnie for doing what he did, I'd be ecstatic enough myself to pick up the trophy (I still love to look at that picture of him on the 2002-2003 media guide...easily one of the happiest faces I've ever seen on anyone.). But, it is one of those "Things that make you go hmmmm..." situations...

[Stormbringer]

There's probably one or two things I left out, but overall, I say that definitely justifies keeping the puck from the final game of the season. ;) :cool:

I know Ronnie has said that you NEVER pick up your own puck after you score a "milestone" goal - bad luck.

I'm hoping Ronnie picked up that sucker and plans to have a bonfire and melt the mofo into oblivion!

(But man, y'all are kinda freakin' me out with that stuff.)

Ooooo...never heard Ronnie say that. (insert Twilight Zone theme here) But y'know, perhaps he figured that the best way to get rid of horrible luck is to get more bad luck...kind of like fight fire with fire.

I've wanting to bring the following up for sometime, and this may be the best place to do it...

When I was coming back from the 3/29 Buffalo game with my friend in his friend's Jeep Cherokee, we were talking about the Stanley Cup playoffs, Ronnie, and other Canes related stuff. Well, we started talking about hockey superstitions, and my friend's friend mentioned a very interesting superstition: Supposedly, a team captain or player is to never pick up the Prince of Wales trophy (Or the Western Conference equivalent.) because that dooms their team to lose the Stanley Cup Finals. And, we all know what Ronnie did when he and the Canes became the Eastern Conference Champs...he immediately picked up the Prince of Wales trophy. I really don't blame Ronnie for doing what he did, I'd be ecstatic enough myself to pick up the trophy (I still love to look at that picture of him on the 2002-2003 media guide...easily one of the happiest faces I've ever seen on anyone.). But, it is one of those "Things that make you go hmmmm..." situations...

[Shell]

I don't know.. Buffalo was sure not to touch it and lost the finals due to a bad call...

Sabres Seal Series, Surge to Cup Finals
By Vic Carucci
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, June 1, 1999; Page D1

TORONTO, May 31 – The Prince of Wales Trophy sat there, on a table at center ice, after the Buffalo Sabres' 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight that clinched the Eastern Conference title.

For all of the attention it was getting, this glistening piece of hardware might as well have contained radioactive material. Sabres captain Michael Peca briefly posed in front of it while shaking hands with NHL Vice President Colin Campbell. But Peca refused to touch it. In fact, not a single Buffalo player or coach would put so much as a finger on a prize the franchise had won only once before – and that was 24 years ago.

"That didn't look like the Stanley Cup, so I wasn't too keen on wanting to pick it up," Peca said. "There's a lot of work left."

Indeed, there is the Stanley Cup finals, against either Colorado or Dallas. And as happy as the Sabres might have been about winning their best-of-seven series with the Maple Leafs, 4-1, their focus has always been on a much larger goal.

After losing the Eastern Conference finals to the Washington Capitals last season, the Sabres were determined to go not one, but two steps further this season. After all, they had seen what happened to the Capitals after they enthusiastically hoisted the Wales Trophy after eliminating the Sabres in Buffalo.

"That's a great sign," Sabres winger and former Capital Joe Juneau said of his team's refusal to make contact with the trophy. "Last year, the first time there, you're happy, you're pumped and it's the first trophy you maybe win in this league. But this trophy doesn't mean much, really. I think all the guys understand what's left and the work that's going to need to be done."

Said Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff: "We're going to the dance and we're not going to stand on the sidelines. We're hoping to find a partner, and then we'll hold the big one up."

The Sabres boast the greatest goaltender in the world in Dominik Hasek (20 saves). But they won this series on the strength of an offensive explosion that they hadn't shown until the Toronto series.

"We realized they were a good hockey team," Maple Leafs Coach Pat Quinn said. "Usually, all the credit went to Dominik, and he is terrific. But they allowed their team to grow and I think they got little credit as a team."

Although tonight's victory seemed like a foregone conclusion after the way the Sabres dominated the lethargic Leafs Saturday night to take a 3-1 series lead, it took some hard work to achieve.

The teams played a tight, scoreless first period. Then came a wild second period in which the Leafs scored two goals – the first of which went off the stick of Buffalo defenseman Alexei Zhitnik – and the Sabres had an answer for each.

It looked as if Toronto would take a 2-0 lead, but a goal was disallowed because Toronto captain Mats Sundin was ruled in the crease.

At 9 minutes 23 seconds of the third period, winger Vaclav Varada, who had tied the game at 2-2 in the second, seemed to give the Sabres their go-ahead goal. But after a lengthy review, it was determined he had kicked the puck past goaltender Curtis Joseph.

No problem.

Enter young Erik Rasmussen, who had spent most of this season with Rochester of the American Hockey League. He knocked in a rebound off a shot by Brian Holzinger, who skated the length of the ice during a Toronto line change, to put the Sabres in front to stay at 11:35 of the third.

Holzinger "drove their 'D' wide on the left boards and turned up and fired a shot on net," Rasmussen said. "The puck just came to the other side. I was just going to the net and it was just lying there. I just swatted at it, and it ended up going in."

Seven minutes later, Dixon Ward added an empty-netter.

"The longer it went as a close game, the better for us," Rasmussen said. "We wanted to give ourselves a chance in the third period to win the game. All we wanted was a chance.

Coming out of the second period, we said, 'Hey, we've got 20 minutes to win the series.'"


© Copyright 1999 The Washington Post Company

[Shell]

I don't know.. Buffalo was sure not to touch it and lost the finals due to a bad call...

Sabres Seal Series, Surge to Cup Finals
By Vic Carucci
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, June 1, 1999; Page D1

TORONTO, May 31 – The Prince of Wales Trophy sat there, on a table at center ice, after the Buffalo Sabres' 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight that clinched the Eastern Conference title.

For all of the attention it was getting, this glistening piece of hardware might as well have contained radioactive material. Sabres captain Michael Peca briefly posed in front of it while shaking hands with NHL Vice President Colin Campbell. But Peca refused to touch it. In fact, not a single Buffalo player or coach would put so much as a finger on a prize the franchise had won only once before – and that was 24 years ago.

"That didn't look like the Stanley Cup, so I wasn't too keen on wanting to pick it up," Peca said. "There's a lot of work left."

Indeed, there is the Stanley Cup finals, against either Colorado or Dallas. And as happy as the Sabres might have been about winning their best-of-seven series with the Maple Leafs, 4-1, their focus has always been on a much larger goal.

After losing the Eastern Conference finals to the Washington Capitals last season, the Sabres were determined to go not one, but two steps further this season. After all, they had seen what happened to the Capitals after they enthusiastically hoisted the Wales Trophy after eliminating the Sabres in Buffalo.

"That's a great sign," Sabres winger and former Capital Joe Juneau said of his team's refusal to make contact with the trophy. "Last year, the first time there, you're happy, you're pumped and it's the first trophy you maybe win in this league. But this trophy doesn't mean much, really. I think all the guys understand what's left and the work that's going to need to be done."

Said Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff: "We're going to the dance and we're not going to stand on the sidelines. We're hoping to find a partner, and then we'll hold the big one up."

The Sabres boast the greatest goaltender in the world in Dominik Hasek (20 saves). But they won this series on the strength of an offensive explosion that they hadn't shown until the Toronto series.

"We realized they were a good hockey team," Maple Leafs Coach Pat Quinn said. "Usually, all the credit went to Dominik, and he is terrific. But they allowed their team to grow and I think they got little credit as a team."

Although tonight's victory seemed like a foregone conclusion after the way the Sabres dominated the lethargic Leafs Saturday night to take a 3-1 series lead, it took some hard work to achieve.

The teams played a tight, scoreless first period. Then came a wild second period in which the Leafs scored two goals – the first of which went off the stick of Buffalo defenseman Alexei Zhitnik – and the Sabres had an answer for each.

It looked as if Toronto would take a 2-0 lead, but a goal was disallowed because Toronto captain Mats Sundin was ruled in the crease.

At 9 minutes 23 seconds of the third period, winger Vaclav Varada, who had tied the game at 2-2 in the second, seemed to give the Sabres their go-ahead goal. But after a lengthy review, it was determined he had kicked the puck past goaltender Curtis Joseph.

No problem.

Enter young Erik Rasmussen, who had spent most of this season with Rochester of the American Hockey League. He knocked in a rebound off a shot by Brian Holzinger, who skated the length of the ice during a Toronto line change, to put the Sabres in front to stay at 11:35 of the third.

Holzinger "drove their 'D' wide on the left boards and turned up and fired a shot on net," Rasmussen said. "The puck just came to the other side. I was just going to the net and it was just lying there. I just swatted at it, and it ended up going in."

Seven minutes later, Dixon Ward added an empty-netter.

"The longer it went as a close game, the better for us," Rasmussen said. "We wanted to give ourselves a chance in the third period to win the game. All we wanted was a chance.

Coming out of the second period, we said, 'Hey, we've got 20 minutes to win the series.'"


© Copyright 1999 The Washington Post Company

[Shell]

I don't know.. Buffalo was sure not to touch it and lost the finals due to a bad call...

Sabres Seal Series, Surge to Cup Finals
By Vic Carucci
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, June 1, 1999; Page D1

TORONTO, May 31 – The Prince of Wales Trophy sat there, on a table at center ice, after the Buffalo Sabres' 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight that clinched the Eastern Conference title.

For all of the attention it was getting, this glistening piece of hardware might as well have contained radioactive material. Sabres captain Michael Peca briefly posed in front of it while shaking hands with NHL Vice President Colin Campbell. But Peca refused to touch it. In fact, not a single Buffalo player or coach would put so much as a finger on a prize the franchise had won only once before – and that was 24 years ago.

"That didn't look like the Stanley Cup, so I wasn't too keen on wanting to pick it up," Peca said. "There's a lot of work left."

Indeed, there is the Stanley Cup finals, against either Colorado or Dallas. And as happy as the Sabres might have been about winning their best-of-seven series with the Maple Leafs, 4-1, their focus has always been on a much larger goal.

After losing the Eastern Conference finals to the Washington Capitals last season, the Sabres were determined to go not one, but two steps further this season. After all, they had seen what happened to the Capitals after they enthusiastically hoisted the Wales Trophy after eliminating the Sabres in Buffalo.

"That's a great sign," Sabres winger and former Capital Joe Juneau said of his team's refusal to make contact with the trophy. "Last year, the first time there, you're happy, you're pumped and it's the first trophy you maybe win in this league. But this trophy doesn't mean much, really. I think all the guys understand what's left and the work that's going to need to be done."

Said Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff: "We're going to the dance and we're not going to stand on the sidelines. We're hoping to find a partner, and then we'll hold the big one up."

The Sabres boast the greatest goaltender in the world in Dominik Hasek (20 saves). But they won this series on the strength of an offensive explosion that they hadn't shown until the Toronto series.

"We realized they were a good hockey team," Maple Leafs Coach Pat Quinn said. "Usually, all the credit went to Dominik, and he is terrific. But they allowed their team to grow and I think they got little credit as a team."

Although tonight's victory seemed like a foregone conclusion after the way the Sabres dominated the lethargic Leafs Saturday night to take a 3-1 series lead, it took some hard work to achieve.

The teams played a tight, scoreless first period. Then came a wild second period in which the Leafs scored two goals – the first of which went off the stick of Buffalo defenseman Alexei Zhitnik – and the Sabres had an answer for each.

It looked as if Toronto would take a 2-0 lead, but a goal was disallowed because Toronto captain Mats Sundin was ruled in the crease.

At 9 minutes 23 seconds of the third period, winger Vaclav Varada, who had tied the game at 2-2 in the second, seemed to give the Sabres their go-ahead goal. But after a lengthy review, it was determined he had kicked the puck past goaltender Curtis Joseph.

No problem.

Enter young Erik Rasmussen, who had spent most of this season with Rochester of the American Hockey League. He knocked in a rebound off a shot by Brian Holzinger, who skated the length of the ice during a Toronto line change, to put the Sabres in front to stay at 11:35 of the third.

Holzinger "drove their 'D' wide on the left boards and turned up and fired a shot on net," Rasmussen said. "The puck just came to the other side. I was just going to the net and it was just lying there. I just swatted at it, and it ended up going in."

Seven minutes later, Dixon Ward added an empty-netter.

"The longer it went as a close game, the better for us," Rasmussen said. "We wanted to give ourselves a chance in the third period to win the game. All we wanted was a chance.

Coming out of the second period, we said, 'Hey, we've got 20 minutes to win the series.'"


© Copyright 1999 The Washington Post Company

[folgersnyourcup]

SB, a lot of times after the team wins the conference championship the captain doesn't celebrate with the cup and just takes it quickly and goes off ice with it. It's supposed to symbolize that you aren't there yet and this isn't what you were trying to get, your goal is the Stanley cup. I remember moments after Gelinas put that goal in my father starting talking about how he couldn't wait to see what Francis would do with it, whether he would just quickly take it and walk away or celebrate. When the celebrating began he was a bit intrigued. Toronto and Detroit papers even took potshots at it saying the reason Ronnie celebrated with it was because "He knew it's the only trophy Carolina was going to get". That's obviously not true at all. Obviously from watching the series, Carolina had more of a chance to win that series than anyone outside of Raleigh gave them. A little more than a minute and that series would have been so unbelievably different it's simply unimaginable.....(game 3)

To be honest though, I never heard that if you celebrated with the trophy you were doomed to lose in the finals.....I just thought it was something most captains did to keep their players focused.

[folgersnyourcup]

SB, a lot of times after the team wins the conference championship the captain doesn't celebrate with the cup and just takes it quickly and goes off ice with it. It's supposed to symbolize that you aren't there yet and this isn't what you were trying to get, your goal is the Stanley cup. I remember moments after Gelinas put that goal in my father starting talking about how he couldn't wait to see what Francis would do with it, whether he would just quickly take it and walk away or celebrate. When the celebrating began he was a bit intrigued. Toronto and Detroit papers even took potshots at it saying the reason Ronnie celebrated with it was because "He knew it's the only trophy Carolina was going to get". That's obviously not true at all. Obviously from watching the series, Carolina had more of a chance to win that series than anyone outside of Raleigh gave them. A little more than a minute and that series would have been so unbelievably different it's simply unimaginable.....(game 3)

To be honest though, I never heard that if you celebrated with the trophy you were doomed to lose in the finals.....I just thought it was something most captains did to keep their players focused.

[folgersnyourcup]

SB, a lot of times after the team wins the conference championship the captain doesn't celebrate with the cup and just takes it quickly and goes off ice with it. It's supposed to symbolize that you aren't there yet and this isn't what you were trying to get, your goal is the Stanley cup. I remember moments after Gelinas put that goal in my father starting talking about how he couldn't wait to see what Francis would do with it, whether he would just quickly take it and walk away or celebrate. When the celebrating began he was a bit intrigued. Toronto and Detroit papers even took potshots at it saying the reason Ronnie celebrated with it was because "He knew it's the only trophy Carolina was going to get". That's obviously not true at all. Obviously from watching the series, Carolina had more of a chance to win that series than anyone outside of Raleigh gave them. A little more than a minute and that series would have been so unbelievably different it's simply unimaginable.....(game 3)

To be honest though, I never heard that if you celebrated with the trophy you were doomed to lose in the finals.....I just thought it was something most captains did to keep their players focused.

[StormShaman]

You don't raise it over your head (ever) and you never EVER skate it around. Those honors are the sole province of the Holy Cup.

I and some dude on the ch.com boards went around and around about this last season (I tagged out of the conversation when the guy went off on some wierd "you're just picking on me because I'm a Wolfpack fan!" jag).

But anyway. the captain is the only one on the team that is to touch the conference trophy. Anything else is an offense to the hockey gods (which is why I cringed when I saw pictures of guys not named Ron Francis toting the thing around).

[StormShaman]

You don't raise it over your head (ever) and you never EVER skate it around. Those honors are the sole province of the Holy Cup.

I and some dude on the ch.com boards went around and around about this last season (I tagged out of the conversation when the guy went off on some wierd "you're just picking on me because I'm a Wolfpack fan!" jag).

But anyway. the captain is the only one on the team that is to touch the conference trophy. Anything else is an offense to the hockey gods (which is why I cringed when I saw pictures of guys not named Ron Francis toting the thing around).

[StormShaman]

You don't raise it over your head (ever) and you never EVER skate it around. Those honors are the sole province of the Holy Cup.

I and some dude on the ch.com boards went around and around about this last season (I tagged out of the conversation when the guy went off on some wierd "you're just picking on me because I'm a Wolfpack fan!" jag).

But anyway. the captain is the only one on the team that is to touch the conference trophy. Anything else is an offense to the hockey gods (which is why I cringed when I saw pictures of guys not named Ron Francis toting the thing around).

[folgersnyourcup]

Thanks for the story Shell. I had forgotten about that. I read your post after I posted mine. Sundin's disallowed goal helped them there but Bret Hull's goal that wasn't disallowed cost them a possible chance at the cup. Hull's goal is so.....unbelievably......ridiculous. It's just simply absurd for them not to disallow that. Just..........UGH. And just think, if Hasek and the Sabres had gone on and won game 7 and taken the cup he probably would have retired then. And that means the Canes wouldn't have had to deal with him! :( Blech. My personal take on this? I think trophies are meant to be celebrated with. The Sabres didn't touch it and they got screwed on a call that everybody in the world that wasn't a Stars fan knew was bad. IT WAS NOT A GOAL!!!!

Hehe, enough of that.