HockeyFan
05-26-2003, 07:11 AM
This is my rough draft....please tell me if there are any dates I got wrong or misspelled words. I did this all from memory so...let me know what you think! Also, this is my season flashback...so there are personnal notes in here too. LOL. Here it is...
A Travel Back In Time
“It can now be said, The Detroit Red Wings are Stanley Cup champions.” And that is how it ended on June 14, 2002. The Wings beating the Canes 3-1 in game 5 to win hockey’s ultimate prize. Even though the Canes ended up on the wrong side of the series, the Canes came out winners to everyone in and around the Raleigh area. They provided us with some memories that will last a lifetime, but for me it was a little more special. Along the incredible journey I met a wonderful person on a message board. Her name was Rebecca and together we made memories that will live on forever. Now it is time to take a look back one last time at a season that was full of memories. The 2001-2002 Carolina Hurricanes!
The Season started off with a bang as Sandis Ozolinsh tapped in the first goal of the season just 28 seconds into the game. That tied a Canes record for the fastest goal ever score to open up a game. Rookie Erik Cole picked up his first NHL point on his first shift with an assist on the Ozolinsh goal. The barrage on Rangers goalie, Mike Richter continued as Darren Langdon and Sami Kapanen added insurance goals to secure a 3-1 win to open the season. The Canes followed that up with a 2-0 whitewash of the mighty Dallas Stars. The Canes were off and running.
Towards the end of November, the line of Ron Francis, Jeff O’Neill and Sami Kapanen blossomed into one of the most feared lines in the NHL. We were also beginning to see the emergence of Canes rookie, Erik Cole as a star player in this league. “No one had expected this kid to come out of training camp and play like he did. He was unbelievable”, Ron Francis said. “I just gave it all every night and tried to prove myself that I belonged in this league,” Erik said. The Canes finished November with a commanding lead in the Southeast division.
December didn’t start out to kind for the Canes as they were hit with a four game losing streak. Something had to be done, so the Canes traded Steve Halko to the St. Louis Blues for former fan favorite, Sean Hill. “No one was in a good mood having lost four straight. After the trade our spirits rose and Sean walks into the dressing room and looks around and says what’s the problem guys? You could just tell he was a perfect fit for this team.” Coach Maurice said. With the addition of Sean Hill, the Canes went on a to a record setting December and didn’t ever look back.
January would become Ron Francis month in Carolina. On a cold, snowy January 2nd night, Ron Francis notched his 500th goal playing in his 1000th game as a player. “That night was special for me. Not just because of the record but it was nice that my dad was there to witness it as well. That made the night a bit more special.” Francis said. A few days later in Philadelphia, he posted his 1170th assist on a goal by Jeff O’Neill. That moved Francis into second place all time only behind Ray Bourque in terms of assists. On January 29th, the ‘Canes organization put together “Ron Francis Night”, A night to pay tribute to the man who has become synonymous to the franchise. He was presented with a silver hockey stick, two crystal peaces and a solid oak chest and a surprise visit from his best friend, Ulf Sammeulson that was arranged by his wife Mary-Lou . The Canes tied the Sabres that night 2-2 and Ron Francis recorded an assist on the goal.
With February came the all-star break and the Olympic break. Sami Kapanen represented the Canes well in L.A. getting a goal and an assist. Late February, the Olympics finally came and that gave some players a much-needed rest. But for others it was a time to represent their country. The Canes sent three players to Salt Lake. Arturs Irbe for Latvia, Sami Kapanen for Finland and Tom Barrasso for the USA. Tom brought home the silver medal, which was on display at the ESA for a few weeks. With the Olympics out of the way, the Canes now focused on the stretch run. However, there were still some changes needed to be made.
On March 5th, Jim Rutherford traded Shane Willis and Chris Dingman to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for goalie, Kevin Weekes. This was a trade that didn’t set well with some fans, but would turn out to be a lifesaver for our Canes. Now, this kind of gets a little off subject, but this is my season flashback. A day after Shane was traded this girl posted a message on a message board I had been reading for a long time, saying a final farewell to Mr. Willis…one of her best friends. So I posted a little note to cheer her up and tell her things would get better. After I posted that, she replied and wanted me to email her. So I did. We began to talk and started to fall in love. A few days later on March 21st, I met Rebecca at a game against the Florida Panthers and from then on, we have shared a spark that hasn’t died one bit. The game against the Panthers was a spirited battled and a very important one at that. The ‘Canes were on the verge of setting an NHL record for consecutive ties at home with 8. So the ‘Canes knew they had to end it now. In front of a rockin’ sell-out crowd the ‘Canes came out on fire. Rod Brind’Amour lit the lamp just 3 minutes into the contest. A few minutes later, ex-cane, Sandis Ozolinsh came in and scored on Kevin Weekes who was making his ‘Canes debut. However, the ‘Canes would add two insurance goals by Gelinas and McDonald to lift the ‘Canes 3-2 over the Panthers. After the game, hundreds of neckties came raining down from the stands. The streak had been broken finally. It was a night that I will never forget and it was also the start of some even greater moments. March 26th, against the Boston Bruins was a weird night for everyone in the ESA. With 5:05 left in the first period, Rod Brind’Amour scored on a 3 on 1 but just twelve seconds after the goal, the lights went out in the ESA. There was a tremendous storm outside and lightning had hit a transformer near the arena causing it to lose power for about 45 minutes. The ‘Canes ended up losing the game 2-1 but it was still a fun night. April 7th was fan appreciation day and how fitting it was that Rebecca and I watched it together with our hands in each other’s. As we looked on, we knew it had been a great season but we also knew that it wasn’t about to end quickly. However, that is a completely new story, which is about to unfold right now before your eyes. The playoffs were on the horizon now and the Devils from New Jersey loomed.
Round #1: (6) New Jersey vs. (3) Carolina
The ‘Canes first round opponent was the New Jersey Devils. Could the Canes knock off the team that had eliminated them the year before? Game one, with the home crowd rockin’ Rod Brind’Amour slammed home the first goal of the game mid-way through the first period on the power play. The 28 seconds later, star rookie, Erik Cole crossed the blue line and wristed a shot through Brodeur’s 5-hole sending the crowd into a frenzy. Archie was strong in net, stopping everything the Devils had. He built a bunker to preserve a 2-1 Canes win.
Game two saw more of the same. Physical play on both sides and awesome goaltending. The teams remained scoreless through the first period but in the second, Joe Nieuwendyk scored to give the Devs a 1-0 lead. But mid-way through the second period the Canes were given a power play and Erik Cole cashed in on a beautiful pass from Bates Battaglia. The game would venture into overtime where Bates Battaglia became the hero deflecting a shot upstairs past Brodeur to give the Canes and there fans something to cheer about heading back to the swamps of New Jersey up 2-0 in the series.
There the Devils took games 3 and 4 to tie the series. Returning home for game 5, the Canes had a new goalie. His name was Kevin Weekes and he sure proved to be the difference in the game. Making key saves and key moments. The Canes were down 2-1 with a little over a minute to play. Jeff O’Neill found the puck lying between the post and Broduers skate and dug it in the net to send the crowd into a frenzy and send the game into overtime where Kevin Weekes made THE save of the playoffs. “I can remember seeing all that net and Madden stepping into the pocket then almost turning to go because there was no chance he would stop that puck. Then I listened for that sound when you get scored on. There is this deadly silence before the sadness of the crowd sets in. Then when I heard the cheers I said to myself, my god, how did he stop that puck? And even now I look at it. There is no way he should’ve had that puck but he did.” Coach Maurice said. Kevin Weekes had just made a save that every goalie dreams of. John Madden had the puck in the slot with an open net. He shot the puck and Kevin Weekes dove and gloved it. The only thing left for Madden to do was exhale and wonder why. A few minutes later the big Czech condor, Joe Vasicek scored upstairs on Brodeur to lift the Canes over the Devils 3-2 and take a commanding 3-2 lead in the series.
One Shot, that is all it takes in the playoffs and that is exactly what happened in game 6. The line of Francis, Kapanen and O’Neill all touched the puck on this play and it was fitting that Ronnie finished it off. He scored on Brodeur to give the Canes a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish. When it was all over, the Canes were moving on to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. They had beat the Devils in 6 games and with Kevin Weekes playing like a man on fire, the Canes had plenty of confidence heading to the next round.
Round Two: (8) Montreal Canadians vs. (3) Carolina Hurricanes
This was a match up of Cinderella’s. The Canadian had just beat the #1 seeded Boston Bruins and goalie Jose Theodore (zhoo-say) was outstanding in the series. The series opened with a bang, in front of a record crowd at the ESA (18,809). Just four minutes into the game, the Canes leading scorer was ejected for a hitting from behind call that injured the Habs Sheldon Surray. To the Canes, it didn’t matter that O’Neill was gone. Kevin Weekes stopped 25 shots for his second career playoff shutout (2nd in a row) and Ron Francis along with Erik Cole scored third period goals as the Canes whitewashed the Habs 2-0 and grabbed the series lead 1-0.
Game 2 saw the Canes throw 46 shots at Jose Theodore but only could score once. Theodore was looking invincible and so were the Canadians who had just lit up Kevin Weekes scoring 4 goals. They headed back to Montreal brimming with confidence.
With home ice advantage now on the side of the Canadians, the Canes went into Montreal knowing that these next two games were the ‘statement’ games for them. The Canes were down 2-1 late in game 3 but Bates Battaglia’s deflection sent the game to overtime. However, Stephan Quintal’s blast off the face-off escaped Kevin Weekes and the Habs won game three, 3-2 and grabbed a 2-1 series lead.
In game 4, the Canadians came out firing on all cylinders. The scored 3 goals in the first period, which chased Kevin Weekes from the net. Going to the 3rd period down 3-0 the Canes could have easily given up but they never did. This time the Canes displayed a talent that we had all seen this year. The ability to never give up. Mid way through the 3rd period the Canes were given a 5-3 power play. John Forslund has the call, “Francis to Battaglia. Passes to Sean Hill and they SCORE! Sean Hill gets one by Theodore and Carolina will stay put on the power play.” The Carolina struck again. Brind’Amour this time and the Canes had new life. You could see it in the team. It was like they all knew something that we didn’t. When Erik tied the game with 28 seconds left, it was like you shouldn’t be surprised, like you knew it was going to happen. Erik had tied the game at 3 and the Canes had done the impossible. The solved “superman” and grabbed the momentum from the Habs. Nick Wallin’s the perfect guy to score that goal and Jeff O’Neill who had struggled a bit in the series wins a key face off and Nick Wallin scores that goal. It was off of a face off and the Canes won game 4, 4-3 and tied the series. The game is now known as the “Miracle in Molson” and is considered the greatest comeback in Hurricanes history.
The Canes game home to a rockin’ ESA and treated the mothers on Mother’s Day with a 5-1 win. The Canes got goals from Francis, Gelinas, Brind’Amour, Westlund, and Battaglia. The Canes continued the massacre by beating the Habs 8-2 in game 6 to win the series. In the final three games, the Canes had outscored the Canadians 17-2 and were on fire heading to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The ESA Becomes “Hockey Town South”
It was said in the previous series that the fans in Montreal were wild and that they had the loudest fans in the NHL. However, that was all about to change. Right before Game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, a new king was crowned. The loudest fans were right here in the triangle and the noise generated in the ESA was deafening. However, it wasn’t just the noise. It was the passion and support that gave the Caniacs the title “Best Fans in the NHL.” A few thousand people lined the fences at RDU airport at 2am whenever the team came back from the road. They were there with home made Stanley Cups, rally towels, flags, signs, everything! Around Raleigh, the atmosphere was incredible. The statues downtown were decorated with Canes jerseys and everywhere you looked, you would see Car flags on cars and cars that were painted red and white. It was incredible. It was something that you don’t see very often.
Round 3: Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes
With the sound levels surpassing 120 decibels, the Eastern Conference finals opened in Raleigh. Jeff O’Neill got the Canes off and running on a deflection. However, that would be the only goal the Canes would score and ended up losing game one 2-1.
The Leaf fans were out in full force for game 2 and they were predicting a sweep. But the Canes had other plans. The score remained 0-0 through two periods but in the third period, Bret Hedican scored from an impossible angle to give the Canes a 1-0 lead. Then with just under a minute remaining, the Leafs scored to tie the game. The game went to overtime and once again, the Canes big Swede, Nick Wallin came through. He unloaded a huge blast from the blue line that escaped Curtis Joseph and the Canes won the game 2-1. Nick Wallin had become Mr. Overtime and the Canes headed to the great white north tied at one in the series. In game 3, a puck hit Jeff O’Neill late in the first period giving him a shiner that became the trend of fashion all over the U.S. The game went to overtime where our “One-eyed Jeff” scored an incredible goal to give the Canes a 2-1 series lead. The Canes took game 4 and headed back to Raleigh with a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 set a Hurricanes' attendance record of 19,016, and Game 6 featured Martin Gelinas' last goal as a Cane. However, this one was probably the most famous goal in Hurricanes' history. Quote Chuck Kaiton (Radio play-by-play) (which I am doing by memory here):
"Vasicek steals it, feeds it to the slot, and they SCORRRRRRE! It was tipped in by Marty Gelinas, I believe! Marty Gelinas converts at 8:05 of overtime! Vasicek stole the puck along the far boards, fed it to the top of the crease, and at 8:05 of overtime, the Hurricanes have done it again! They're going to the STANLEY CUP FINALS! Unbelievable!!"
Scary thing is, I get goose bumps typing that. I will never forget that night...I was jumping up and down in the living room screaming my lungs out. I was getting so many phone calls that night. One I remember most was by my friend Autumn Massey. The phone rang and I picked up and I quote
“KENNY KENNY OMG I AM CRYING! AHHHHHH YES!!! I WOKE MY PARENTS UP….ooops.”
She really was in tears of joy. And I was too…it was a night I will never ever forget. It was the night we landed a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Stanley Cup Finals: Detroit Red Wings vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The city of Raleigh had become Hockey Town south and people started to line up at 11pm in front of the RBC Center waiting for tickets, which went on sale the following day. People were even sleeping outside the ESA. Being in Raleigh last year and being a Caniac is something very special to me. I never could have guessed that we would see a Finals game in Raleigh so soon.
The series opened up in Detroit where the Canes kept coming. The game went to overtime where it was Ronnie Franchise delivering the goods, a game-winner at 58 seconds of overtime on the same play Gelinas scored on to clinch the Eastern title. The Wings took game two on a power-play goal by Nicky Lidstrom.
Finally, it was time to live out a dream. Mom had surprised me by getting a ticket to Game three of the Stanley Cup Finals because I did so well on my exams and passed my first year in high school. So it was off to the ESA. I never could have guessed what happened that night. The crowed was defining! It was a see of white towels everywhere and as the Canes took to the ice, I thought to myself, enjoy this while you can…you might not see it again. The puck dropped to opened game 3. The Canes came out hitting like it was no ones business. The late in the first period, the Czech Condor, Joe Vasicek makes an incredible move to SCORE the first goal of the game. The Wings tied the game on a goal by Igor Larionov. In the third, the Canes came gunning again. “Big O” scored on a break away to lift the canes up 2-1. The crowd smelled victory but with just over a minute remaining, Brett Hull scored on a deflection and that sent the game to overtime. The Canes came out flat in the first overtime but got it going in overtime #2. However, that STILL wasn’t enough. It was take three overtimes to decide a winner. It was the Red Wings winning the game 3-2 on a goal by Larionov. The game was the 3rd longest game in Finals history and also became the turning point of the series. The Wings took game 4 3-0 and headed back to Detroit with a chance to wrap the series up. However, it would take all 62 million for the Wings to hoist the cup. The Canes lost 2-1 (3-1 if you count the empty net goal).
Final Thoughts
Even though the Canes came up short, the same cannot be said for the team and their community. What the Carolina Hurricanes did that season is something amazing that no one expected. They truly had captured the hearts and imaginations of all in the hockey world, especially us Caniacs. Now we have the challenge of getting back to the finals and winning the cup. However, everyone now knows we are a great team so the Canes will have to put forth the effort each night to be successful. I am truly honored to be a Caniac. The bond made between the Hurricanes and their fans is special, unique, and passionate. It is a bond that will live forever. It is a bond that will only grow stronger in the years to come. Thank you Hurricanes players and staff for giving us the best moments of our lives.
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A Travel Back In Time
“It can now be said, The Detroit Red Wings are Stanley Cup champions.” And that is how it ended on June 14, 2002. The Wings beating the Canes 3-1 in game 5 to win hockey’s ultimate prize. Even though the Canes ended up on the wrong side of the series, the Canes came out winners to everyone in and around the Raleigh area. They provided us with some memories that will last a lifetime, but for me it was a little more special. Along the incredible journey I met a wonderful person on a message board. Her name was Rebecca and together we made memories that will live on forever. Now it is time to take a look back one last time at a season that was full of memories. The 2001-2002 Carolina Hurricanes!
The Season started off with a bang as Sandis Ozolinsh tapped in the first goal of the season just 28 seconds into the game. That tied a Canes record for the fastest goal ever score to open up a game. Rookie Erik Cole picked up his first NHL point on his first shift with an assist on the Ozolinsh goal. The barrage on Rangers goalie, Mike Richter continued as Darren Langdon and Sami Kapanen added insurance goals to secure a 3-1 win to open the season. The Canes followed that up with a 2-0 whitewash of the mighty Dallas Stars. The Canes were off and running.
Towards the end of November, the line of Ron Francis, Jeff O’Neill and Sami Kapanen blossomed into one of the most feared lines in the NHL. We were also beginning to see the emergence of Canes rookie, Erik Cole as a star player in this league. “No one had expected this kid to come out of training camp and play like he did. He was unbelievable”, Ron Francis said. “I just gave it all every night and tried to prove myself that I belonged in this league,” Erik said. The Canes finished November with a commanding lead in the Southeast division.
December didn’t start out to kind for the Canes as they were hit with a four game losing streak. Something had to be done, so the Canes traded Steve Halko to the St. Louis Blues for former fan favorite, Sean Hill. “No one was in a good mood having lost four straight. After the trade our spirits rose and Sean walks into the dressing room and looks around and says what’s the problem guys? You could just tell he was a perfect fit for this team.” Coach Maurice said. With the addition of Sean Hill, the Canes went on a to a record setting December and didn’t ever look back.
January would become Ron Francis month in Carolina. On a cold, snowy January 2nd night, Ron Francis notched his 500th goal playing in his 1000th game as a player. “That night was special for me. Not just because of the record but it was nice that my dad was there to witness it as well. That made the night a bit more special.” Francis said. A few days later in Philadelphia, he posted his 1170th assist on a goal by Jeff O’Neill. That moved Francis into second place all time only behind Ray Bourque in terms of assists. On January 29th, the ‘Canes organization put together “Ron Francis Night”, A night to pay tribute to the man who has become synonymous to the franchise. He was presented with a silver hockey stick, two crystal peaces and a solid oak chest and a surprise visit from his best friend, Ulf Sammeulson that was arranged by his wife Mary-Lou . The Canes tied the Sabres that night 2-2 and Ron Francis recorded an assist on the goal.
With February came the all-star break and the Olympic break. Sami Kapanen represented the Canes well in L.A. getting a goal and an assist. Late February, the Olympics finally came and that gave some players a much-needed rest. But for others it was a time to represent their country. The Canes sent three players to Salt Lake. Arturs Irbe for Latvia, Sami Kapanen for Finland and Tom Barrasso for the USA. Tom brought home the silver medal, which was on display at the ESA for a few weeks. With the Olympics out of the way, the Canes now focused on the stretch run. However, there were still some changes needed to be made.
On March 5th, Jim Rutherford traded Shane Willis and Chris Dingman to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for goalie, Kevin Weekes. This was a trade that didn’t set well with some fans, but would turn out to be a lifesaver for our Canes. Now, this kind of gets a little off subject, but this is my season flashback. A day after Shane was traded this girl posted a message on a message board I had been reading for a long time, saying a final farewell to Mr. Willis…one of her best friends. So I posted a little note to cheer her up and tell her things would get better. After I posted that, she replied and wanted me to email her. So I did. We began to talk and started to fall in love. A few days later on March 21st, I met Rebecca at a game against the Florida Panthers and from then on, we have shared a spark that hasn’t died one bit. The game against the Panthers was a spirited battled and a very important one at that. The ‘Canes were on the verge of setting an NHL record for consecutive ties at home with 8. So the ‘Canes knew they had to end it now. In front of a rockin’ sell-out crowd the ‘Canes came out on fire. Rod Brind’Amour lit the lamp just 3 minutes into the contest. A few minutes later, ex-cane, Sandis Ozolinsh came in and scored on Kevin Weekes who was making his ‘Canes debut. However, the ‘Canes would add two insurance goals by Gelinas and McDonald to lift the ‘Canes 3-2 over the Panthers. After the game, hundreds of neckties came raining down from the stands. The streak had been broken finally. It was a night that I will never forget and it was also the start of some even greater moments. March 26th, against the Boston Bruins was a weird night for everyone in the ESA. With 5:05 left in the first period, Rod Brind’Amour scored on a 3 on 1 but just twelve seconds after the goal, the lights went out in the ESA. There was a tremendous storm outside and lightning had hit a transformer near the arena causing it to lose power for about 45 minutes. The ‘Canes ended up losing the game 2-1 but it was still a fun night. April 7th was fan appreciation day and how fitting it was that Rebecca and I watched it together with our hands in each other’s. As we looked on, we knew it had been a great season but we also knew that it wasn’t about to end quickly. However, that is a completely new story, which is about to unfold right now before your eyes. The playoffs were on the horizon now and the Devils from New Jersey loomed.
Round #1: (6) New Jersey vs. (3) Carolina
The ‘Canes first round opponent was the New Jersey Devils. Could the Canes knock off the team that had eliminated them the year before? Game one, with the home crowd rockin’ Rod Brind’Amour slammed home the first goal of the game mid-way through the first period on the power play. The 28 seconds later, star rookie, Erik Cole crossed the blue line and wristed a shot through Brodeur’s 5-hole sending the crowd into a frenzy. Archie was strong in net, stopping everything the Devils had. He built a bunker to preserve a 2-1 Canes win.
Game two saw more of the same. Physical play on both sides and awesome goaltending. The teams remained scoreless through the first period but in the second, Joe Nieuwendyk scored to give the Devs a 1-0 lead. But mid-way through the second period the Canes were given a power play and Erik Cole cashed in on a beautiful pass from Bates Battaglia. The game would venture into overtime where Bates Battaglia became the hero deflecting a shot upstairs past Brodeur to give the Canes and there fans something to cheer about heading back to the swamps of New Jersey up 2-0 in the series.
There the Devils took games 3 and 4 to tie the series. Returning home for game 5, the Canes had a new goalie. His name was Kevin Weekes and he sure proved to be the difference in the game. Making key saves and key moments. The Canes were down 2-1 with a little over a minute to play. Jeff O’Neill found the puck lying between the post and Broduers skate and dug it in the net to send the crowd into a frenzy and send the game into overtime where Kevin Weekes made THE save of the playoffs. “I can remember seeing all that net and Madden stepping into the pocket then almost turning to go because there was no chance he would stop that puck. Then I listened for that sound when you get scored on. There is this deadly silence before the sadness of the crowd sets in. Then when I heard the cheers I said to myself, my god, how did he stop that puck? And even now I look at it. There is no way he should’ve had that puck but he did.” Coach Maurice said. Kevin Weekes had just made a save that every goalie dreams of. John Madden had the puck in the slot with an open net. He shot the puck and Kevin Weekes dove and gloved it. The only thing left for Madden to do was exhale and wonder why. A few minutes later the big Czech condor, Joe Vasicek scored upstairs on Brodeur to lift the Canes over the Devils 3-2 and take a commanding 3-2 lead in the series.
One Shot, that is all it takes in the playoffs and that is exactly what happened in game 6. The line of Francis, Kapanen and O’Neill all touched the puck on this play and it was fitting that Ronnie finished it off. He scored on Brodeur to give the Canes a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish. When it was all over, the Canes were moving on to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. They had beat the Devils in 6 games and with Kevin Weekes playing like a man on fire, the Canes had plenty of confidence heading to the next round.
Round Two: (8) Montreal Canadians vs. (3) Carolina Hurricanes
This was a match up of Cinderella’s. The Canadian had just beat the #1 seeded Boston Bruins and goalie Jose Theodore (zhoo-say) was outstanding in the series. The series opened with a bang, in front of a record crowd at the ESA (18,809). Just four minutes into the game, the Canes leading scorer was ejected for a hitting from behind call that injured the Habs Sheldon Surray. To the Canes, it didn’t matter that O’Neill was gone. Kevin Weekes stopped 25 shots for his second career playoff shutout (2nd in a row) and Ron Francis along with Erik Cole scored third period goals as the Canes whitewashed the Habs 2-0 and grabbed the series lead 1-0.
Game 2 saw the Canes throw 46 shots at Jose Theodore but only could score once. Theodore was looking invincible and so were the Canadians who had just lit up Kevin Weekes scoring 4 goals. They headed back to Montreal brimming with confidence.
With home ice advantage now on the side of the Canadians, the Canes went into Montreal knowing that these next two games were the ‘statement’ games for them. The Canes were down 2-1 late in game 3 but Bates Battaglia’s deflection sent the game to overtime. However, Stephan Quintal’s blast off the face-off escaped Kevin Weekes and the Habs won game three, 3-2 and grabbed a 2-1 series lead.
In game 4, the Canadians came out firing on all cylinders. The scored 3 goals in the first period, which chased Kevin Weekes from the net. Going to the 3rd period down 3-0 the Canes could have easily given up but they never did. This time the Canes displayed a talent that we had all seen this year. The ability to never give up. Mid way through the 3rd period the Canes were given a 5-3 power play. John Forslund has the call, “Francis to Battaglia. Passes to Sean Hill and they SCORE! Sean Hill gets one by Theodore and Carolina will stay put on the power play.” The Carolina struck again. Brind’Amour this time and the Canes had new life. You could see it in the team. It was like they all knew something that we didn’t. When Erik tied the game with 28 seconds left, it was like you shouldn’t be surprised, like you knew it was going to happen. Erik had tied the game at 3 and the Canes had done the impossible. The solved “superman” and grabbed the momentum from the Habs. Nick Wallin’s the perfect guy to score that goal and Jeff O’Neill who had struggled a bit in the series wins a key face off and Nick Wallin scores that goal. It was off of a face off and the Canes won game 4, 4-3 and tied the series. The game is now known as the “Miracle in Molson” and is considered the greatest comeback in Hurricanes history.
The Canes game home to a rockin’ ESA and treated the mothers on Mother’s Day with a 5-1 win. The Canes got goals from Francis, Gelinas, Brind’Amour, Westlund, and Battaglia. The Canes continued the massacre by beating the Habs 8-2 in game 6 to win the series. In the final three games, the Canes had outscored the Canadians 17-2 and were on fire heading to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The ESA Becomes “Hockey Town South”
It was said in the previous series that the fans in Montreal were wild and that they had the loudest fans in the NHL. However, that was all about to change. Right before Game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, a new king was crowned. The loudest fans were right here in the triangle and the noise generated in the ESA was deafening. However, it wasn’t just the noise. It was the passion and support that gave the Caniacs the title “Best Fans in the NHL.” A few thousand people lined the fences at RDU airport at 2am whenever the team came back from the road. They were there with home made Stanley Cups, rally towels, flags, signs, everything! Around Raleigh, the atmosphere was incredible. The statues downtown were decorated with Canes jerseys and everywhere you looked, you would see Car flags on cars and cars that were painted red and white. It was incredible. It was something that you don’t see very often.
Round 3: Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes
With the sound levels surpassing 120 decibels, the Eastern Conference finals opened in Raleigh. Jeff O’Neill got the Canes off and running on a deflection. However, that would be the only goal the Canes would score and ended up losing game one 2-1.
The Leaf fans were out in full force for game 2 and they were predicting a sweep. But the Canes had other plans. The score remained 0-0 through two periods but in the third period, Bret Hedican scored from an impossible angle to give the Canes a 1-0 lead. Then with just under a minute remaining, the Leafs scored to tie the game. The game went to overtime and once again, the Canes big Swede, Nick Wallin came through. He unloaded a huge blast from the blue line that escaped Curtis Joseph and the Canes won the game 2-1. Nick Wallin had become Mr. Overtime and the Canes headed to the great white north tied at one in the series. In game 3, a puck hit Jeff O’Neill late in the first period giving him a shiner that became the trend of fashion all over the U.S. The game went to overtime where our “One-eyed Jeff” scored an incredible goal to give the Canes a 2-1 series lead. The Canes took game 4 and headed back to Raleigh with a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 set a Hurricanes' attendance record of 19,016, and Game 6 featured Martin Gelinas' last goal as a Cane. However, this one was probably the most famous goal in Hurricanes' history. Quote Chuck Kaiton (Radio play-by-play) (which I am doing by memory here):
"Vasicek steals it, feeds it to the slot, and they SCORRRRRRE! It was tipped in by Marty Gelinas, I believe! Marty Gelinas converts at 8:05 of overtime! Vasicek stole the puck along the far boards, fed it to the top of the crease, and at 8:05 of overtime, the Hurricanes have done it again! They're going to the STANLEY CUP FINALS! Unbelievable!!"
Scary thing is, I get goose bumps typing that. I will never forget that night...I was jumping up and down in the living room screaming my lungs out. I was getting so many phone calls that night. One I remember most was by my friend Autumn Massey. The phone rang and I picked up and I quote
“KENNY KENNY OMG I AM CRYING! AHHHHHH YES!!! I WOKE MY PARENTS UP….ooops.”
She really was in tears of joy. And I was too…it was a night I will never ever forget. It was the night we landed a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Stanley Cup Finals: Detroit Red Wings vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The city of Raleigh had become Hockey Town south and people started to line up at 11pm in front of the RBC Center waiting for tickets, which went on sale the following day. People were even sleeping outside the ESA. Being in Raleigh last year and being a Caniac is something very special to me. I never could have guessed that we would see a Finals game in Raleigh so soon.
The series opened up in Detroit where the Canes kept coming. The game went to overtime where it was Ronnie Franchise delivering the goods, a game-winner at 58 seconds of overtime on the same play Gelinas scored on to clinch the Eastern title. The Wings took game two on a power-play goal by Nicky Lidstrom.
Finally, it was time to live out a dream. Mom had surprised me by getting a ticket to Game three of the Stanley Cup Finals because I did so well on my exams and passed my first year in high school. So it was off to the ESA. I never could have guessed what happened that night. The crowed was defining! It was a see of white towels everywhere and as the Canes took to the ice, I thought to myself, enjoy this while you can…you might not see it again. The puck dropped to opened game 3. The Canes came out hitting like it was no ones business. The late in the first period, the Czech Condor, Joe Vasicek makes an incredible move to SCORE the first goal of the game. The Wings tied the game on a goal by Igor Larionov. In the third, the Canes came gunning again. “Big O” scored on a break away to lift the canes up 2-1. The crowd smelled victory but with just over a minute remaining, Brett Hull scored on a deflection and that sent the game to overtime. The Canes came out flat in the first overtime but got it going in overtime #2. However, that STILL wasn’t enough. It was take three overtimes to decide a winner. It was the Red Wings winning the game 3-2 on a goal by Larionov. The game was the 3rd longest game in Finals history and also became the turning point of the series. The Wings took game 4 3-0 and headed back to Detroit with a chance to wrap the series up. However, it would take all 62 million for the Wings to hoist the cup. The Canes lost 2-1 (3-1 if you count the empty net goal).
Final Thoughts
Even though the Canes came up short, the same cannot be said for the team and their community. What the Carolina Hurricanes did that season is something amazing that no one expected. They truly had captured the hearts and imaginations of all in the hockey world, especially us Caniacs. Now we have the challenge of getting back to the finals and winning the cup. However, everyone now knows we are a great team so the Canes will have to put forth the effort each night to be successful. I am truly honored to be a Caniac. The bond made between the Hurricanes and their fans is special, unique, and passionate. It is a bond that will live forever. It is a bond that will only grow stronger in the years to come. Thank you Hurricanes players and staff for giving us the best moments of our lives.
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