Round 1, Game #1 -- vs. Montreal /Sat., 4/22/06

[Canesluver]

I'm starting this thread now, as I'll be out-of-town for a few days, and it's questionable whether or not I'll have Internet access.

I'm staying positive, and counting on the guys' pride to get it done.

Let the games begin!

:nanner:

[Canesluver]

I'm starting this thread now, as I'll be out-of-town for a few days, and it's questionable whether or not I'll have Internet access.

I'm staying positive, and counting on the guys' pride to get it done.

Let the games begin!

:nanner:

[Canesluver]

I'm starting this thread now, as I'll be out-of-town for a few days, and it's questionable whether or not I'll have Internet access.

I'm staying positive, and counting on the guys' pride to get it done.

Let the games begin!

:nanner:

[CaniacKikiBB13]

The weekend is way too far away. I'm ready for some playoff hockey! And if you haven't seen it already,CH.com got it's playoff makeover tonight.

[CaniacKikiBB13]

The weekend is way too far away. I'm ready for some playoff hockey! And if you haven't seen it already,CH.com got it's playoff makeover tonight.

[CaniacKikiBB13]

The weekend is way too far away. I'm ready for some playoff hockey! And if you haven't seen it already,CH.com got it's playoff makeover tonight.

[KRAZYCANE05]

Well now we get to see if they can flip this magic switch?!?!?!? Because we have been flat for the most part for over a month. Hope we go out and beat the hell out of the Habs. Beating any team from Canada is great.

[KRAZYCANE05]

Well now we get to see if they can flip this magic switch?!?!?!? Because we have been flat for the most part for over a month. Hope we go out and beat the hell out of the Habs. Beating any team from Canada is great.

[KRAZYCANE05]

Well now we get to see if they can flip this magic switch?!?!?!? Because we have been flat for the most part for over a month. Hope we go out and beat the hell out of the Habs. Beating any team from Canada is great.

[MeanGene]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

[MeanGene]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

[MeanGene]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

[nccanes]

Woo hoo. That's (unofficially) awesome!

[nccanes]

Woo hoo. That's (unofficially) awesome!

[nccanes]

Woo hoo. That's (unofficially) awesome!

[caneshockeychick]

Like I said before, the flags (faded and threaded as they are) are on the vehicle...and they'll stay till the end.

I think the Canes can, and will come out fighting. I'm ready.

and If i win the FL lottery tomorrow, well the car will be in NC :D

[caneshockeychick]

Like I said before, the flags (faded and threaded as they are) are on the vehicle...and they'll stay till the end.

I think the Canes can, and will come out fighting. I'm ready.

and If i win the FL lottery tomorrow, well the car will be in NC :D

[caneshockeychick]

Like I said before, the flags (faded and threaded as they are) are on the vehicle...and they'll stay till the end.

I think the Canes can, and will come out fighting. I'm ready.

and If i win the FL lottery tomorrow, well the car will be in NC :D

[KRAZYCANE05]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

I hope you are wong that means we will play on Monday and I have a Final on monday night CRAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP :mad:

[KRAZYCANE05]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

I hope you are wong that means we will play on Monday and I have a Final on monday night CRAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP :mad:

[KRAZYCANE05]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

I hope you are wong that means we will play on Monday and I have a Final on monday night CRAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP :mad:

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I hope for a short break here. Perhaps we can rest and recoup a bit.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I hope for a short break here. Perhaps we can rest and recoup a bit.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I hope for a short break here. Perhaps we can rest and recoup a bit.

[wmangum35]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

I hope you are wong that means we will play on Monday and I have a Final on monday night CRAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP :mad:
I hope hes wrong as well. Devils play on Sat. :sick:

[wmangum35]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

I hope you are wong that means we will play on Monday and I have a Final on monday night CRAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP :mad:
I hope hes wrong as well. Devils play on Sat. :sick:

[wmangum35]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

I hope you are wong that means we will play on Monday and I have a Final on monday night CRAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP :mad:
I hope hes wrong as well. Devils play on Sat. :sick:

[KRAZYCANE05]

Game 1: Saturday, April 22nd 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 2: Monday, April 24th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 3: Wednesday, April 26th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 4: Friday, April 28th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 5: Sunday, April 30th 7:30 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 6: Tuesday, May 2nd 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 7: Thursday, May 4th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)

Well there it is. To add to this we are the only match up in the whole NHL that will not be on OLN or NBC. ZERO GAMES!! What a slap in the face!

[KRAZYCANE05]

Game 1: Saturday, April 22nd 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 2: Monday, April 24th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 3: Wednesday, April 26th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 4: Friday, April 28th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 5: Sunday, April 30th 7:30 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 6: Tuesday, May 2nd 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 7: Thursday, May 4th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)

Well there it is. To add to this we are the only match up in the whole NHL that will not be on OLN or NBC. ZERO GAMES!! What a slap in the face!

[KRAZYCANE05]

Game 1: Saturday, April 22nd 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 2: Monday, April 24th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 3: Wednesday, April 26th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 4: Friday, April 28th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 5: Sunday, April 30th 7:30 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 6: Tuesday, May 2nd 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 7: Thursday, May 4th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)

Well there it is. To add to this we are the only match up in the whole NHL that will not be on OLN or NBC. ZERO GAMES!! What a slap in the face!

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Look at the positives. We do our best when we are flying under the radar. That sure is flying under the radar.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Look at the positives. We do our best when we are flying under the radar. That sure is flying under the radar.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Look at the positives. We do our best when we are flying under the radar. That sure is flying under the radar.

[G-Vegas Caniac]

Any word if FSN will cover all of the 1st round games??

[G-Vegas Caniac]

Any word if FSN will cover all of the 1st round games??

[G-Vegas Caniac]

Any word if FSN will cover all of the 1st round games??

[JaroFan]

Oh my this stinks! We'll be at Mamma Mia Saturday night - our first date out since before Jackson. I really hope it's on tv and we can tape it. Ugh!

[JaroFan]

Oh my this stinks! We'll be at Mamma Mia Saturday night - our first date out since before Jackson. I really hope it's on tv and we can tape it. Ugh!

[JaroFan]

Oh my this stinks! We'll be at Mamma Mia Saturday night - our first date out since before Jackson. I really hope it's on tv and we can tape it. Ugh!

[nccanes]

I was going to say that all those networks listed are Canadian, so I'm not sure it's a complete broadcast schedule. Even the N/O says TV TBA. Honestly, I don't care if we're on OLN/NBC - go back to ignoring our guys, works for me. :D

[nccanes]

I was going to say that all those networks listed are Canadian, so I'm not sure it's a complete broadcast schedule. Even the N/O says TV TBA. Honestly, I don't care if we're on OLN/NBC - go back to ignoring our guys, works for me. :D

[nccanes]

I was going to say that all those networks listed are Canadian, so I'm not sure it's a complete broadcast schedule. Even the N/O says TV TBA. Honestly, I don't care if we're on OLN/NBC - go back to ignoring our guys, works for me. :D

[StormShaman]

With my luck, I'll get tickets to Games 1 and 2...and wind up having to work those nights. :mad:

[StormShaman]

With my luck, I'll get tickets to Games 1 and 2...and wind up having to work those nights. :mad:

[StormShaman]

With my luck, I'll get tickets to Games 1 and 2...and wind up having to work those nights. :mad:

[car3hur]

I'm starting this thread now, as I'll be out-of-town for a few days, and it's questionable whether or not I'll have Internet access.

I'm staying positive, and counting on the guys' pride to get it done.

Let the games begin!

:nanner:

Just got my tickets for game 1 on Saturday!!

How ya'll been, anyways?! I've been away for awhile, but I'mmmmm baaaaaack!!!!!!! :)

[car3hur]

I'm starting this thread now, as I'll be out-of-town for a few days, and it's questionable whether or not I'll have Internet access.

I'm staying positive, and counting on the guys' pride to get it done.

Let the games begin!

:nanner:

Just got my tickets for game 1 on Saturday!!

How ya'll been, anyways?! I've been away for awhile, but I'mmmmm baaaaaack!!!!!!! :)

[car3hur]

I'm starting this thread now, as I'll be out-of-town for a few days, and it's questionable whether or not I'll have Internet access.

I'm staying positive, and counting on the guys' pride to get it done.

Let the games begin!

:nanner:

Just got my tickets for game 1 on Saturday!!

How ya'll been, anyways?! I've been away for awhile, but I'mmmmm baaaaaack!!!!!!! :)

[corylav]

OK ... I can officially admit it now: I'm glad we're getting Montreal instead of TB. And not b/c I think we'll waltz through them, but b/c I think the team's confidence will be a little better going against a team they had success against.

Keys to Game 1 (and the series) is putting some doubt in the Habs' minds that they're set in goal. The guys need to rattle Huet or Aebischer early and make Montreal overthink in their own end. We then need Big Joe to take the body ... for the love of god!

I also wonder what kind of playoff guy Staal will be ... superstars are made in the postseason, and while the fresh-faced kid had a great regular season, he needs to step it up to the next level. One thing that's good is I always feel like he takes it up a notch when he feels slighted in some way, and playoff series hockey tends to lead to chipiness.

Go get 'em boys!!

[corylav]

OK ... I can officially admit it now: I'm glad we're getting Montreal instead of TB. And not b/c I think we'll waltz through them, but b/c I think the team's confidence will be a little better going against a team they had success against.

Keys to Game 1 (and the series) is putting some doubt in the Habs' minds that they're set in goal. The guys need to rattle Huet or Aebischer early and make Montreal overthink in their own end. We then need Big Joe to take the body ... for the love of god!

I also wonder what kind of playoff guy Staal will be ... superstars are made in the postseason, and while the fresh-faced kid had a great regular season, he needs to step it up to the next level. One thing that's good is I always feel like he takes it up a notch when he feels slighted in some way, and playoff series hockey tends to lead to chipiness.

Go get 'em boys!!

[corylav]

OK ... I can officially admit it now: I'm glad we're getting Montreal instead of TB. And not b/c I think we'll waltz through them, but b/c I think the team's confidence will be a little better going against a team they had success against.

Keys to Game 1 (and the series) is putting some doubt in the Habs' minds that they're set in goal. The guys need to rattle Huet or Aebischer early and make Montreal overthink in their own end. We then need Big Joe to take the body ... for the love of god!

I also wonder what kind of playoff guy Staal will be ... superstars are made in the postseason, and while the fresh-faced kid had a great regular season, he needs to step it up to the next level. One thing that's good is I always feel like he takes it up a notch when he feels slighted in some way, and playoff series hockey tends to lead to chipiness.

Go get 'em boys!!

[nccanes]

We need that little rain cloud to move to Sunday. ;)

http://images.ibsys.com/ral/images/weather/auto/5day_400x300.jpg

[nccanes]

We need that little rain cloud to move to Sunday. ;)

http://images.ibsys.com/ral/images/weather/auto/5day_400x300.jpg

[nccanes]

We need that little rain cloud to move to Sunday. ;)

http://images.ibsys.com/ral/images/weather/auto/5day_400x300.jpg

[SoCalcaniac]

Game 1: Saturday, April 22nd 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 2: Monday, April 24th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 3: Wednesday, April 26th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 4: Friday, April 28th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 5: Sunday, April 30th 7:30 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 6: Tuesday, May 2nd 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 7: Thursday, May 4th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)

Well there it is. To add to this we are the only match up in the whole NHL that will not be on OLN or NBC. ZERO GAMES!! What a slap in the face!

I wouldn't be going by this schedule since it is all for canadian television and they have yet to set the Canes TV schedule. No way are we not on TV- even if it's not carried by FSN or NBC/OLN, it's on TV, albeit the CBC feed would come via Center Ice. No need to freak yet folks.

[SoCalcaniac]

Game 1: Saturday, April 22nd 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 2: Monday, April 24th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 3: Wednesday, April 26th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 4: Friday, April 28th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 5: Sunday, April 30th 7:30 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 6: Tuesday, May 2nd 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 7: Thursday, May 4th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)

Well there it is. To add to this we are the only match up in the whole NHL that will not be on OLN or NBC. ZERO GAMES!! What a slap in the face!

I wouldn't be going by this schedule since it is all for canadian television and they have yet to set the Canes TV schedule. No way are we not on TV- even if it's not carried by FSN or NBC/OLN, it's on TV, albeit the CBC feed would come via Center Ice. No need to freak yet folks.

[SoCalcaniac]

Game 1: Saturday, April 22nd 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 2: Monday, April 24th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
Game 3: Wednesday, April 26th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 4: Friday, April 28th 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
Game 5: Sunday, April 30th 7:30 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 6: Tuesday, May 2nd 7:00 PM Carolina at Montreal CBC, RDS
(If necessary)
Game 7: Thursday, May 4th 7:00 PM Montreal at Carolina CBC, RDS
(If necessary)

Well there it is. To add to this we are the only match up in the whole NHL that will not be on OLN or NBC. ZERO GAMES!! What a slap in the face!

I wouldn't be going by this schedule since it is all for canadian television and they have yet to set the Canes TV schedule. No way are we not on TV- even if it's not carried by FSN or NBC/OLN, it's on TV, albeit the CBC feed would come via Center Ice. No need to freak yet folks.

[StormChaserBH]

That was from a page that also had all the OLN/NBC games assigned, so it's FSN or bust (or Center Ice) for the first round. They'll figure out how to get 'em on though...

[StormChaserBH]

That was from a page that also had all the OLN/NBC games assigned, so it's FSN or bust (or Center Ice) for the first round. They'll figure out how to get 'em on though...

[StormChaserBH]

That was from a page that also had all the OLN/NBC games assigned, so it's FSN or bust (or Center Ice) for the first round. They'll figure out how to get 'em on though...

[caveman]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

YEAH. So, what, like 1 PM we start with the drinking and the eating?

[caveman]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

YEAH. So, what, like 1 PM we start with the drinking and the eating?

[caveman]

Unofficially, Saturday Night @ 7:00.

YEAH. So, what, like 1 PM we start with the drinking and the eating?

[caneshockeychick]

Not bad...from ESPN

First-round breakdown: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes
By Scott Burnside
ESPN.com
Archive

How much fun is this going to be? Two teams that like to play hair-on-fire hockey that will try and beat the other with tempo and speed as opposed to dumbing down the game. This might be the most entertaining series of the first round, and both teams come into the playoffs with significant questions.


In Montreal, there are questions about whether French-born Cristobal Huet, who led the league in save percentage at .930 heading into play Tuesday, or Swiss-born David Aebischer would or should be the starter in net for the Habs. The questions in Carolina are of a broader, more esoteric nature -- like just how good are the Hurricanes, and how do they follow up a franchise-best regular season?


Even though there should be lots of offensive fireworks, Carolina holds a distinct advantage in terms of its offensive depth. When the Canes roll out a third line featuring Doug Weight, Mark Recchi and Ray Whitney, the Habs are going to be in trouble -- either giving up significantly more scoring chances or taking penalties in trying to slow Carolina down.


While Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette has never won an NHL playoff series, he has galvanized a Carolina team that has been the butt of many hockey jokes the past few seasons. In Montreal, there is the issue of how GM Bob Gainey handles the behind-the-bench duties in the postseason, having taken over as coach while good buddy and assistant Guy Carbonneau learns the coaching ropes.


"Bob will prepare his team to play to their strengths," one scout familiar with Gainey told ESPN.com. "He's not going to engage in a game that works against him."


For what it's worth (next to nothing, but we'll mention it anyway), the Hurricanes dominated the Canadiens in the regular season, winning all four games and outscoring them 25-9.


Why the Hurricanes will win: One pro scout told ESPN.com that what he liked about the Canes was that they "showed no slippage." They didn't hit the wall that some overachieving teams hit. The thing about the Hurricanes, picked by most to miss the playoffs, is that they had a radically different set of expectations from the get-go.


Eric Staal came to training camp and decided to become a superstar; Rod Brind'Amour decided to play like he was 10 years younger; Cory Stillman gets a point a game regardless of what jersey he puts on; and Justin Williams forgot he was washed up. All factors in a unique set of circumstances in Carolina, circumstances that point to a long playoff run.


A team that was the best in the NHL at raucous RBC Center should enter the playoffs as healthy as it's been all season, with the exception of Erik Cole, who remains sidelined with a broken neck. That means the Canes will simply be too much for the Habs to handle. If there is a weak spot, it will be along the blue line, but even there, Carolina is deep and dependable.


Because they have so much firepower up front, there isn't pressure on guys like Bret Hedican, Mike Commodore, Glen Wesley and Aaron Ward to jump too aggressively into the play, even if Laviolette gives them the green light to do it. In goal, the technically sound Martin Gerber should be more than the equal of either Aebischer or Huet.


Why the Canadiens will lose: If you watched the Canadiens hack up a three-goal lead and lose to the Devils on Tuesday night, then you'll know why the Hurricanes present a very difficult challenge for Montreal. Defensively, the Canadiens are prone to mistakes and are wildly streaky, having lost four of six to finish the regular season. That also goes for their goaltending, which has been mostly terrific but has developed the odd fissure.


As a result, the question that Gainey will have to answer is which netminder he turns to. Aebischer has the most playoff experience (13 games to Huet's zero), but Huet was the lifesaver when the Habs looked like they were headed over the playoff cliff a month ago. Gainey can obviously use both goalies, but he'll have to choose wisely. If Montreal gets down early to Carolina, this series could be over real quick.


The Habs have proven to be opportunistic on offense with the fifth-ranked power-play unit in the league. But they rely too heavily on leading scorer Alexei Kovalev to provide offense, especially with Saku Koivu suffering from a strange case of "big contract/little production" syndrome after signing a lucrative multiyear deal during the season. On the other side of the special teams, Montreal's 21st-ranked penalty-killing unit looks to be overmatched by a Carolina power play that will ice two potent units.


Prediction: Carolina in five.

Scott Burnside is an NHL writer for ESPN.com.

[caneshockeychick]

Not bad...from ESPN

First-round breakdown: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes
By Scott Burnside
ESPN.com
Archive

How much fun is this going to be? Two teams that like to play hair-on-fire hockey that will try and beat the other with tempo and speed as opposed to dumbing down the game. This might be the most entertaining series of the first round, and both teams come into the playoffs with significant questions.


In Montreal, there are questions about whether French-born Cristobal Huet, who led the league in save percentage at .930 heading into play Tuesday, or Swiss-born David Aebischer would or should be the starter in net for the Habs. The questions in Carolina are of a broader, more esoteric nature -- like just how good are the Hurricanes, and how do they follow up a franchise-best regular season?


Even though there should be lots of offensive fireworks, Carolina holds a distinct advantage in terms of its offensive depth. When the Canes roll out a third line featuring Doug Weight, Mark Recchi and Ray Whitney, the Habs are going to be in trouble -- either giving up significantly more scoring chances or taking penalties in trying to slow Carolina down.


While Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette has never won an NHL playoff series, he has galvanized a Carolina team that has been the butt of many hockey jokes the past few seasons. In Montreal, there is the issue of how GM Bob Gainey handles the behind-the-bench duties in the postseason, having taken over as coach while good buddy and assistant Guy Carbonneau learns the coaching ropes.


"Bob will prepare his team to play to their strengths," one scout familiar with Gainey told ESPN.com. "He's not going to engage in a game that works against him."


For what it's worth (next to nothing, but we'll mention it anyway), the Hurricanes dominated the Canadiens in the regular season, winning all four games and outscoring them 25-9.


Why the Hurricanes will win: One pro scout told ESPN.com that what he liked about the Canes was that they "showed no slippage." They didn't hit the wall that some overachieving teams hit. The thing about the Hurricanes, picked by most to miss the playoffs, is that they had a radically different set of expectations from the get-go.


Eric Staal came to training camp and decided to become a superstar; Rod Brind'Amour decided to play like he was 10 years younger; Cory Stillman gets a point a game regardless of what jersey he puts on; and Justin Williams forgot he was washed up. All factors in a unique set of circumstances in Carolina, circumstances that point to a long playoff run.


A team that was the best in the NHL at raucous RBC Center should enter the playoffs as healthy as it's been all season, with the exception of Erik Cole, who remains sidelined with a broken neck. That means the Canes will simply be too much for the Habs to handle. If there is a weak spot, it will be along the blue line, but even there, Carolina is deep and dependable.


Because they have so much firepower up front, there isn't pressure on guys like Bret Hedican, Mike Commodore, Glen Wesley and Aaron Ward to jump too aggressively into the play, even if Laviolette gives them the green light to do it. In goal, the technically sound Martin Gerber should be more than the equal of either Aebischer or Huet.


Why the Canadiens will lose: If you watched the Canadiens hack up a three-goal lead and lose to the Devils on Tuesday night, then you'll know why the Hurricanes present a very difficult challenge for Montreal. Defensively, the Canadiens are prone to mistakes and are wildly streaky, having lost four of six to finish the regular season. That also goes for their goaltending, which has been mostly terrific but has developed the odd fissure.


As a result, the question that Gainey will have to answer is which netminder he turns to. Aebischer has the most playoff experience (13 games to Huet's zero), but Huet was the lifesaver when the Habs looked like they were headed over the playoff cliff a month ago. Gainey can obviously use both goalies, but he'll have to choose wisely. If Montreal gets down early to Carolina, this series could be over real quick.


The Habs have proven to be opportunistic on offense with the fifth-ranked power-play unit in the league. But they rely too heavily on leading scorer Alexei Kovalev to provide offense, especially with Saku Koivu suffering from a strange case of "big contract/little production" syndrome after signing a lucrative multiyear deal during the season. On the other side of the special teams, Montreal's 21st-ranked penalty-killing unit looks to be overmatched by a Carolina power play that will ice two potent units.


Prediction: Carolina in five.

Scott Burnside is an NHL writer for ESPN.com.

[caneshockeychick]

Not bad...from ESPN

First-round breakdown: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes
By Scott Burnside
ESPN.com
Archive

How much fun is this going to be? Two teams that like to play hair-on-fire hockey that will try and beat the other with tempo and speed as opposed to dumbing down the game. This might be the most entertaining series of the first round, and both teams come into the playoffs with significant questions.


In Montreal, there are questions about whether French-born Cristobal Huet, who led the league in save percentage at .930 heading into play Tuesday, or Swiss-born David Aebischer would or should be the starter in net for the Habs. The questions in Carolina are of a broader, more esoteric nature -- like just how good are the Hurricanes, and how do they follow up a franchise-best regular season?


Even though there should be lots of offensive fireworks, Carolina holds a distinct advantage in terms of its offensive depth. When the Canes roll out a third line featuring Doug Weight, Mark Recchi and Ray Whitney, the Habs are going to be in trouble -- either giving up significantly more scoring chances or taking penalties in trying to slow Carolina down.


While Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette has never won an NHL playoff series, he has galvanized a Carolina team that has been the butt of many hockey jokes the past few seasons. In Montreal, there is the issue of how GM Bob Gainey handles the behind-the-bench duties in the postseason, having taken over as coach while good buddy and assistant Guy Carbonneau learns the coaching ropes.


"Bob will prepare his team to play to their strengths," one scout familiar with Gainey told ESPN.com. "He's not going to engage in a game that works against him."


For what it's worth (next to nothing, but we'll mention it anyway), the Hurricanes dominated the Canadiens in the regular season, winning all four games and outscoring them 25-9.


Why the Hurricanes will win: One pro scout told ESPN.com that what he liked about the Canes was that they "showed no slippage." They didn't hit the wall that some overachieving teams hit. The thing about the Hurricanes, picked by most to miss the playoffs, is that they had a radically different set of expectations from the get-go.


Eric Staal came to training camp and decided to become a superstar; Rod Brind'Amour decided to play like he was 10 years younger; Cory Stillman gets a point a game regardless of what jersey he puts on; and Justin Williams forgot he was washed up. All factors in a unique set of circumstances in Carolina, circumstances that point to a long playoff run.


A team that was the best in the NHL at raucous RBC Center should enter the playoffs as healthy as it's been all season, with the exception of Erik Cole, who remains sidelined with a broken neck. That means the Canes will simply be too much for the Habs to handle. If there is a weak spot, it will be along the blue line, but even there, Carolina is deep and dependable.


Because they have so much firepower up front, there isn't pressure on guys like Bret Hedican, Mike Commodore, Glen Wesley and Aaron Ward to jump too aggressively into the play, even if Laviolette gives them the green light to do it. In goal, the technically sound Martin Gerber should be more than the equal of either Aebischer or Huet.


Why the Canadiens will lose: If you watched the Canadiens hack up a three-goal lead and lose to the Devils on Tuesday night, then you'll know why the Hurricanes present a very difficult challenge for Montreal. Defensively, the Canadiens are prone to mistakes and are wildly streaky, having lost four of six to finish the regular season. That also goes for their goaltending, which has been mostly terrific but has developed the odd fissure.


As a result, the question that Gainey will have to answer is which netminder he turns to. Aebischer has the most playoff experience (13 games to Huet's zero), but Huet was the lifesaver when the Habs looked like they were headed over the playoff cliff a month ago. Gainey can obviously use both goalies, but he'll have to choose wisely. If Montreal gets down early to Carolina, this series could be over real quick.


The Habs have proven to be opportunistic on offense with the fifth-ranked power-play unit in the league. But they rely too heavily on leading scorer Alexei Kovalev to provide offense, especially with Saku Koivu suffering from a strange case of "big contract/little production" syndrome after signing a lucrative multiyear deal during the season. On the other side of the special teams, Montreal's 21st-ranked penalty-killing unit looks to be overmatched by a Carolina power play that will ice two potent units.


Prediction: Carolina in five.

Scott Burnside is an NHL writer for ESPN.com.

[car3hur]

Any word if FSN will cover all of the 1st round games??

There is now...and it's a resounding, "Nope." :mad:

From Caneshockey.com -

Canadian networks CBC and RDS will carry all seven potential matchups between the Hurricanes and Canadiens - stay tuned to CarolinaHurricanes.com for further information on regional broadcasts, as it becomes available.

[car3hur]

Any word if FSN will cover all of the 1st round games??

There is now...and it's a resounding, "Nope." :mad:

From Caneshockey.com -

Canadian networks CBC and RDS will carry all seven potential matchups between the Hurricanes and Canadiens - stay tuned to CarolinaHurricanes.com for further information on regional broadcasts, as it becomes available.

[car3hur]

Any word if FSN will cover all of the 1st round games??

There is now...and it's a resounding, "Nope." :mad:

From Caneshockey.com -

Canadian networks CBC and RDS will carry all seven potential matchups between the Hurricanes and Canadiens - stay tuned to CarolinaHurricanes.com for further information on regional broadcasts, as it becomes available.

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm a Burnside fan bigtime, even though he took the ESPN job, after having been a freelancer for them for awhile- he's written favorably about the Canes all season, which is great to have someone in our corner over there- I like his balanced assessment, and perhaps I'm being a little touchy, but is he serious?:

and Justin Williams forgot he was washed up

How is anyone washed up at 23? :crazy:

Overall very fair and good observations on both sides- so I won't complain right now considering how people are prediciting our demise in the 1st round.....

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm a Burnside fan bigtime, even though he took the ESPN job, after having been a freelancer for them for awhile- he's written favorably about the Canes all season, which is great to have someone in our corner over there- I like his balanced assessment, and perhaps I'm being a little touchy, but is he serious?:

and Justin Williams forgot he was washed up

How is anyone washed up at 23? :crazy:

Overall very fair and good observations on both sides- so I won't complain right now considering how people are prediciting our demise in the 1st round.....

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm a Burnside fan bigtime, even though he took the ESPN job, after having been a freelancer for them for awhile- he's written favorably about the Canes all season, which is great to have someone in our corner over there- I like his balanced assessment, and perhaps I'm being a little touchy, but is he serious?:

and Justin Williams forgot he was washed up

How is anyone washed up at 23? :crazy:

Overall very fair and good observations on both sides- so I won't complain right now considering how people are prediciting our demise in the 1st round.....

[Bob-in-Alberta]

Alright!! Being a Canes fan in western Canada is tough but finally I'll get to see them on the tube. With Vancouver and Toronto being out of the playoffs I can actually even turn up the volume (Explanation: Otherwise the Montreal games may have only been on the French version of CBC and my French is probably as good as any other Carolina fan - nil). Last night I was hoping for everything to work out to enable a Carolina - Montreal series and it cme true. Great!! Also, for some reason Tampa Bay scares me a lot more than the Habs. Go Canes!!

[Bob-in-Alberta]

Alright!! Being a Canes fan in western Canada is tough but finally I'll get to see them on the tube. With Vancouver and Toronto being out of the playoffs I can actually even turn up the volume (Explanation: Otherwise the Montreal games may have only been on the French version of CBC and my French is probably as good as any other Carolina fan - nil). Last night I was hoping for everything to work out to enable a Carolina - Montreal series and it cme true. Great!! Also, for some reason Tampa Bay scares me a lot more than the Habs. Go Canes!!

[Bob-in-Alberta]

Alright!! Being a Canes fan in western Canada is tough but finally I'll get to see them on the tube. With Vancouver and Toronto being out of the playoffs I can actually even turn up the volume (Explanation: Otherwise the Montreal games may have only been on the French version of CBC and my French is probably as good as any other Carolina fan - nil). Last night I was hoping for everything to work out to enable a Carolina - Montreal series and it cme true. Great!! Also, for some reason Tampa Bay scares me a lot more than the Habs. Go Canes!!

[e2ipiand1]

This is ridiculous! Fox Sports needs to show the games.

If they don't, Center Ice is offering the playoff round games for $49.

[e2ipiand1]

This is ridiculous! Fox Sports needs to show the games.

If they don't, Center Ice is offering the playoff round games for $49.

[e2ipiand1]

This is ridiculous! Fox Sports needs to show the games.

If they don't, Center Ice is offering the playoff round games for $49.

[caniac369]

Canadian networks CBC and RDS will carry all seven potential matchups between the Hurricanes and Canadiens - stay tuned to CarolinaHurricanes.com for further information on regional broadcasts, as it becomes available.

So, will it be syncing up the French TV broadcast with Chuck K? :spin:
Thank the hockey gods for Center Ice!

[caniac369]

Canadian networks CBC and RDS will carry all seven potential matchups between the Hurricanes and Canadiens - stay tuned to CarolinaHurricanes.com for further information on regional broadcasts, as it becomes available.

So, will it be syncing up the French TV broadcast with Chuck K? :spin:
Thank the hockey gods for Center Ice!

[caniac369]

Canadian networks CBC and RDS will carry all seven potential matchups between the Hurricanes and Canadiens - stay tuned to CarolinaHurricanes.com for further information on regional broadcasts, as it becomes available.

So, will it be syncing up the French TV broadcast with Chuck K? :spin:
Thank the hockey gods for Center Ice!

[nccanes]

Aren't we jumping the gun? I don't think FSNs plans have been announced yet.

[nccanes]

Aren't we jumping the gun? I don't think FSNs plans have been announced yet.

[nccanes]

Aren't we jumping the gun? I don't think FSNs plans have been announced yet.

[SoCalcaniac]

Forslund's on, he's reporting that all of the MTL games will be on FSNS, and will do both rounds 1 & 2 INCLUDING a pregame show(!! OMG it's a miracle a pregame show 30 minutes) NBC owns the 'rights' to round two, but he says they'll cross that when it comes.

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....

You can start rejoicing all! :D

[SoCalcaniac]

Forslund's on, he's reporting that all of the MTL games will be on FSNS, and will do both rounds 1 & 2 INCLUDING a pregame show(!! OMG it's a miracle a pregame show 30 minutes) NBC owns the 'rights' to round two, but he says they'll cross that when it comes.

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....

You can start rejoicing all! :D

[SoCalcaniac]

Forslund's on, he's reporting that all of the MTL games will be on FSNS, and will do both rounds 1 & 2 INCLUDING a pregame show(!! OMG it's a miracle a pregame show 30 minutes) NBC owns the 'rights' to round two, but he says they'll cross that when it comes.

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....

You can start rejoicing all! :D

[nccanes]

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....



And apparently a 3rd person (working the ice level presumably)! This could be fun! (or funny :beatup:)

[nccanes]

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....



And apparently a 3rd person (working the ice level presumably)! This could be fun! (or funny :beatup:)

[nccanes]

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....



And apparently a 3rd person (working the ice level presumably)! This could be fun! (or funny :beatup:)

[puck_it]

i heard it was going to be the guy that makes tripp's sandwiches

[puck_it]

i heard it was going to be the guy that makes tripp's sandwiches

[puck_it]

i heard it was going to be the guy that makes tripp's sandwiches

[caniac369]

Maybe it will be Cole?

[caniac369]

Maybe it will be Cole?

[caniac369]

Maybe it will be Cole?

[AbNormal27]

The Leafs are out and we get the Habs in the first round. That means Hockey Night In Canada will focus on our games! LOVE IT! Now if I could only do something about working straight afternoons.............

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

The Leafs are out and we get the Habs in the first round. That means Hockey Night In Canada will focus on our games! LOVE IT! Now if I could only do something about working straight afternoons.............

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

The Leafs are out and we get the Habs in the first round. That means Hockey Night In Canada will focus on our games! LOVE IT! Now if I could only do something about working straight afternoons.............

Aaryn

[sticker]

I like this matchup. Two teams that can skate and can score. I think the Canes are deeper and looks like everyone will be healthy, other than Cole. If Gerber can get back to form (no more softies), think we'll do the job and move on.

[sticker]

I like this matchup. Two teams that can skate and can score. I think the Canes are deeper and looks like everyone will be healthy, other than Cole. If Gerber can get back to form (no more softies), think we'll do the job and move on.

[sticker]

I like this matchup. Two teams that can skate and can score. I think the Canes are deeper and looks like everyone will be healthy, other than Cole. If Gerber can get back to form (no more softies), think we'll do the job and move on.

[Captain Slack]

The Leafs are out and we get the Habs in the first round. That means Hockey Night In Canada will focus on our games! LOVE IT! Now if I could only do something about working straight afternoons.............

Does this also mean tension in the Bechard household? ;)

[Captain Slack]

The Leafs are out and we get the Habs in the first round. That means Hockey Night In Canada will focus on our games! LOVE IT! Now if I could only do something about working straight afternoons.............

Does this also mean tension in the Bechard household? ;)

[Captain Slack]

The Leafs are out and we get the Habs in the first round. That means Hockey Night In Canada will focus on our games! LOVE IT! Now if I could only do something about working straight afternoons.............

Does this also mean tension in the Bechard household? ;)

[puck_it]

hahahah ive already pmed him and asked that

[puck_it]

hahahah ive already pmed him and asked that

[puck_it]

hahahah ive already pmed him and asked that

[AbNormal27]

Does this also mean tension in the Bechard household? ;)

It's like 2002 all over again!

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Does this also mean tension in the Bechard household? ;)

It's like 2002 all over again!

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Does this also mean tension in the Bechard household? ;)

It's like 2002 all over again!

Aaryn

[Alicia]

Canes in 6

[Alicia]

Canes in 6

[Alicia]

Canes in 6

[canes11]

any word on if any FSN games will be HD? It would be nice if the away games are, since I'll be at all the home games.

[canes11]

any word on if any FSN games will be HD? It would be nice if the away games are, since I'll be at all the home games.

[canes11]

any word on if any FSN games will be HD? It would be nice if the away games are, since I'll be at all the home games.

[SoCalcaniac]

I think at this point we should be glad FSN is carrying the games let alone the HD thing...... :eek:

[SoCalcaniac]

I think at this point we should be glad FSN is carrying the games let alone the HD thing...... :eek:

[SoCalcaniac]

I think at this point we should be glad FSN is carrying the games let alone the HD thing...... :eek:

[car3hur]

Canes in 6

Just like in '02! Of coruse, it was more like 5 1/2 games for Montreal, since we DESTROYED em in Game 6, but...hey!


Remember when Cole scored one of those goals, and jumped on into the glass in enjoyment?? I dunno if anyone else saw it, but there were two guys sitting right there whho proceeded to flip Erik off, and nail the glass back!! Classic stuff!!! :spin:

[car3hur]

Canes in 6

Just like in '02! Of coruse, it was more like 5 1/2 games for Montreal, since we DESTROYED em in Game 6, but...hey!


Remember when Cole scored one of those goals, and jumped on into the glass in enjoyment?? I dunno if anyone else saw it, but there were two guys sitting right there whho proceeded to flip Erik off, and nail the glass back!! Classic stuff!!! :spin:

[car3hur]

Canes in 6

Just like in '02! Of coruse, it was more like 5 1/2 games for Montreal, since we DESTROYED em in Game 6, but...hey!


Remember when Cole scored one of those goals, and jumped on into the glass in enjoyment?? I dunno if anyone else saw it, but there were two guys sitting right there whho proceeded to flip Erik off, and nail the glass back!! Classic stuff!!! :spin:

[nccanes]

Let's remember that in '02, the Habs and the Leafs thought they had the best matchup with our little ol' Canes - and that didn't work out for them.

It's gonna be a great battle! Woo hoo!

[nccanes]

Let's remember that in '02, the Habs and the Leafs thought they had the best matchup with our little ol' Canes - and that didn't work out for them.

It's gonna be a great battle! Woo hoo!

[nccanes]

Let's remember that in '02, the Habs and the Leafs thought they had the best matchup with our little ol' Canes - and that didn't work out for them.

It's gonna be a great battle! Woo hoo!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Forslund's on, he's reporting that all of the MTL games will be on FSNS, and will do both rounds 1 & 2 INCLUDING a pregame show(!! OMG it's a miracle a pregame show 30 minutes) NBC owns the 'rights' to round two, but he says they'll cross that when it comes.

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....

You can start rejoicing all! :D

That is the best news ever. I'd 85 million times rather have John doing the game than it be on OLN or NBC. Awesome.

Plus, I'm hoping all the media go back to ignored/snubbing us. I was getting too worried the guys were buying their own press.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Forslund's on, he's reporting that all of the MTL games will be on FSNS, and will do both rounds 1 & 2 INCLUDING a pregame show(!! OMG it's a miracle a pregame show 30 minutes) NBC owns the 'rights' to round two, but he says they'll cross that when it comes.

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....

You can start rejoicing all! :D

That is the best news ever. I'd 85 million times rather have John doing the game than it be on OLN or NBC. Awesome.

Plus, I'm hoping all the media go back to ignored/snubbing us. I was getting too worried the guys were buying their own press.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Forslund's on, he's reporting that all of the MTL games will be on FSNS, and will do both rounds 1 & 2 INCLUDING a pregame show(!! OMG it's a miracle a pregame show 30 minutes) NBC owns the 'rights' to round two, but he says they'll cross that when it comes.

SO it's done people, they've got it done and we'll have JF and Tripp on for the entire series....

You can start rejoicing all! :D

That is the best news ever. I'd 85 million times rather have John doing the game than it be on OLN or NBC. Awesome.

Plus, I'm hoping all the media go back to ignored/snubbing us. I was getting too worried the guys were buying their own press.

[nccanes]

More rally towels on the way!

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/Playoffs/2006/roundone_details.pdf

And those mother effing "bang sticks" for Game 5. :hurl:

Bogus that it's the "first 15k" :crazy:

[nccanes]

More rally towels on the way!

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/Playoffs/2006/roundone_details.pdf

And those mother effing "bang sticks" for Game 5. :hurl:

Bogus that it's the "first 15k" :crazy:

[nccanes]

More rally towels on the way!

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/Playoffs/2006/roundone_details.pdf

And those mother effing "bang sticks" for Game 5. :hurl:

Bogus that it's the "first 15k" :crazy:

[SoCalcaniac]

More rally towels on the way!

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/Playoffs/2006/roundone_details.pdf

And those mother effing "bang sticks" for Game 5. :hurl:

Bogus that it's the "first 15k" :crazy:

Oh, see, those bang sticks shoulda been the Pom Pom's they'll give out if there is a game 7- remember those red & white poms in 2001? and the white ones in 2002? the building looked great with everyone waving those things- you still see the photos and that gives you just a bit of an idea what our building was like! and shouldn't they have spaced out the 'rally towels'???

Oh crap who cares, everyone get your giveaways and make some noise!

[SoCalcaniac]

More rally towels on the way!

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/Playoffs/2006/roundone_details.pdf

And those mother effing "bang sticks" for Game 5. :hurl:

Bogus that it's the "first 15k" :crazy:

Oh, see, those bang sticks shoulda been the Pom Pom's they'll give out if there is a game 7- remember those red & white poms in 2001? and the white ones in 2002? the building looked great with everyone waving those things- you still see the photos and that gives you just a bit of an idea what our building was like! and shouldn't they have spaced out the 'rally towels'???

Oh crap who cares, everyone get your giveaways and make some noise!

[SoCalcaniac]

More rally towels on the way!

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/images/Playoffs/2006/roundone_details.pdf

And those mother effing "bang sticks" for Game 5. :hurl:

Bogus that it's the "first 15k" :crazy:

Oh, see, those bang sticks shoulda been the Pom Pom's they'll give out if there is a game 7- remember those red & white poms in 2001? and the white ones in 2002? the building looked great with everyone waving those things- you still see the photos and that gives you just a bit of an idea what our building was like! and shouldn't they have spaced out the 'rally towels'???

Oh crap who cares, everyone get your giveaways and make some noise!

[caniac369]

Oh crap who cares, everyone get your giveaways and make some noise!

Yeah baby!! :D

[caniac369]

Oh crap who cares, everyone get your giveaways and make some noise!

Yeah baby!! :D

[caniac369]

Oh crap who cares, everyone get your giveaways and make some noise!

Yeah baby!! :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I am so not a fan of the rally towels. First off, even my 6 foot 5 hubbie hits me in the dang head with it all night long. Secondly, it can make for one quiet crowd. Hard to clap with a towel in one hand. And mine always gets all tangled.....guess I lack the coordination necessary to be an effective towel twirler. :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I am so not a fan of the rally towels. First off, even my 6 foot 5 hubbie hits me in the dang head with it all night long. Secondly, it can make for one quiet crowd. Hard to clap with a towel in one hand. And mine always gets all tangled.....guess I lack the coordination necessary to be an effective towel twirler. :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I am so not a fan of the rally towels. First off, even my 6 foot 5 hubbie hits me in the dang head with it all night long. Secondly, it can make for one quiet crowd. Hard to clap with a towel in one hand. And mine always gets all tangled.....guess I lack the coordination necessary to be an effective towel twirler. :beatup:

[talkingcanes]

OK, so towels require belt loops because my coordination factor is about minus 15 and I'd be sure to put someone's eye out :beatup:

then there are the thundersticks, the most hated giveaway item since those damn clickers ;) at least the people directly behind me are fairly reserved and I don't think I'll have to kill them, but with the playoff spirit in them, who can tell :evil:

[talkingcanes]

OK, so towels require belt loops because my coordination factor is about minus 15 and I'd be sure to put someone's eye out :beatup:

then there are the thundersticks, the most hated giveaway item since those damn clickers ;) at least the people directly behind me are fairly reserved and I don't think I'll have to kill them, but with the playoff spirit in them, who can tell :evil:

[talkingcanes]

OK, so towels require belt loops because my coordination factor is about minus 15 and I'd be sure to put someone's eye out :beatup:

then there are the thundersticks, the most hated giveaway item since those damn clickers ;) at least the people directly behind me are fairly reserved and I don't think I'll have to kill them, but with the playoff spirit in them, who can tell :evil:

[nccanes]

Okay, but can we say the consensus WORST were those flaccid foam sticks? :lol: What the hell were you supposed to do with those. :lol:

[nccanes]

Okay, but can we say the consensus WORST were those flaccid foam sticks? :lol: What the hell were you supposed to do with those. :lol:

[nccanes]

Okay, but can we say the consensus WORST were those flaccid foam sticks? :lol: What the hell were you supposed to do with those. :lol:

[talkingcanes]

Okay, but can we say the consensus WORST were those flaccid foam sticks? :lol: What the hell were you supposed to do with those. :lol:

I had just blocked those things out :D They were really bad and totally useless. At least they didn't make wretched clicking noises, that is the only positive I can think of about them :laugh:

[talkingcanes]

Okay, but can we say the consensus WORST were those flaccid foam sticks? :lol: What the hell were you supposed to do with those. :lol:

I had just blocked those things out :D They were really bad and totally useless. At least they didn't make wretched clicking noises, that is the only positive I can think of about them :laugh:

[talkingcanes]

Okay, but can we say the consensus WORST were those flaccid foam sticks? :lol: What the hell were you supposed to do with those. :lol:

I had just blocked those things out :D They were really bad and totally useless. At least they didn't make wretched clicking noises, that is the only positive I can think of about them :laugh:

[goalie33]

Stat of the day:

As a starter in Raleigh, Cristobal Huet is 0-0-1-0 with a 1.00 SV% and a 0.00 GAA.

[goalie33]

Stat of the day:

As a starter in Raleigh, Cristobal Huet is 0-0-1-0 with a 1.00 SV% and a 0.00 GAA.

[goalie33]

Stat of the day:

As a starter in Raleigh, Cristobal Huet is 0-0-1-0 with a 1.00 SV% and a 0.00 GAA.

[tommy]

Stat of the day:

As a starter in Raleigh, Cristobal Huet is 0-0-1-0 with a 1.00 SV% and a 0.00 GAA.

Pitiful. Just pitiful.

[tommy]

Stat of the day:

As a starter in Raleigh, Cristobal Huet is 0-0-1-0 with a 1.00 SV% and a 0.00 GAA.

Pitiful. Just pitiful.

[tommy]

Stat of the day:

As a starter in Raleigh, Cristobal Huet is 0-0-1-0 with a 1.00 SV% and a 0.00 GAA.

Pitiful. Just pitiful.

[goalie33]

Even for a fan of goaltending, watching a double shutout was pretty pitiful.

[goalie33]

Even for a fan of goaltending, watching a double shutout was pretty pitiful.

[goalie33]

Even for a fan of goaltending, watching a double shutout was pretty pitiful.

[Canesluver]

then there are the thundersticks, the most hated giveaway item since those damn clickers ;)

I guess I'm in the minority, 'cause.... I just LOVE the thundersticks!! Anything to make noise makes me happy. I still have a couple of the Click It or Ticket clickers. Love those, too.

The whole time last night, I was-- should I applaud now, or wave the towel... applaud... or wave.... applaud?.... or wave? I do have a solution though. Put a ring on one corner, so you could slip it over you middle finger, then when you applaud the towel will move around.

Or sew cowbells in the corners!! :beatup:

[Canesluver]

then there are the thundersticks, the most hated giveaway item since those damn clickers ;)

I guess I'm in the minority, 'cause.... I just LOVE the thundersticks!! Anything to make noise makes me happy. I still have a couple of the Click It or Ticket clickers. Love those, too.

The whole time last night, I was-- should I applaud now, or wave the towel... applaud... or wave.... applaud?.... or wave? I do have a solution though. Put a ring on one corner, so you could slip it over you middle finger, then when you applaud the towel will move around.

Or sew cowbells in the corners!! :beatup:

[Canesluver]

then there are the thundersticks, the most hated giveaway item since those damn clickers ;)

I guess I'm in the minority, 'cause.... I just LOVE the thundersticks!! Anything to make noise makes me happy. I still have a couple of the Click It or Ticket clickers. Love those, too.

The whole time last night, I was-- should I applaud now, or wave the towel... applaud... or wave.... applaud?.... or wave? I do have a solution though. Put a ring on one corner, so you could slip it over you middle finger, then when you applaud the towel will move around.

Or sew cowbells in the corners!! :beatup:

[AbNormal27]

Or sew cowbells in the corners!! :beatup:

BINGO! Not only is she slim and sexy, but she has 'marts too!

Aaryn :kiss:

[AbNormal27]

Or sew cowbells in the corners!! :beatup:

BINGO! Not only is she slim and sexy, but she has 'marts too!

Aaryn :kiss:

[AbNormal27]

Or sew cowbells in the corners!! :beatup:

BINGO! Not only is she slim and sexy, but she has 'marts too!

Aaryn :kiss:

[shill22]

a few years ago when St Louis was in the playoffs, they gave away yellow foamy things-they announcers kept calling them 'french fries'! I still have some in my truck from 2002 playoffs. may have to bring them out-I really don' mind any of the playoff giveaways-it gets the crowd going-amd like someone said-they dont make noise! Holly

[shill22]

a few years ago when St Louis was in the playoffs, they gave away yellow foamy things-they announcers kept calling them 'french fries'! I still have some in my truck from 2002 playoffs. may have to bring them out-I really don' mind any of the playoff giveaways-it gets the crowd going-amd like someone said-they dont make noise! Holly

[shill22]

a few years ago when St Louis was in the playoffs, they gave away yellow foamy things-they announcers kept calling them 'french fries'! I still have some in my truck from 2002 playoffs. may have to bring them out-I really don' mind any of the playoff giveaways-it gets the crowd going-amd like someone said-they dont make noise! Holly

[corylav]

From the Montreal Gazette ... really not much more than we already know or have heard, but I thought it was worth a post:

Hurricanes gather strength with Weight, Recchi
Acquisitions, increased offensive freedom transform retooled Carolina into NHL force

PAT HICKEY
The Gazette

The Carolina Hurricanes created a stir when they acquired Doug Weight in January and then added Mark Recchi just before the National Hockey League trading deadline.

But Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour said the team's success this season is the result of deals general manager Jim Rutherford made last summer.

"He did a great job of putting this team together, adding the Matt Cullens, the Ray Whitneys and the Mike Commodores," Brind'Amour said yesterday, previewing the first-round Stanley Cup matchup between the Hurricanes and the Canadiens, which gets under way Saturday in Raleigh, N.C. (7 p.m., CBC, RDS, CJAD Radio-800).

"When we went into training camp, we knew we had a good team. And adding those guys at the deadline helped because they have great experience."

The Hurricanes are still waiting for Recchi and Weight to make their presence felt. Weight has scored four times in 22 games, while Recchi has four goals and is minus-7 in 19 games.

But the offseason acquisitions have played key roles. Cullen, Commodore and defenceman Frantisek Kaberle have enjoyed career seasons. Cory Stillman has come close to his best numbers and he and Recchi provide the perspective of guys who know what it's like to win the Stanley Cup. And newcomer Martin Gerber, who could face David Aebischer in an all-Swiss goaltending showdown, has provided stability in nets.

While Brind'Amour said the Hurricanes are similar to the team that beat the Canadiens en route to the Stanley Cup final in 2002, he noted there were differences that go beyond the change in personnel.

"We have a new coaching style," Brind'Amour said of bench boss Peter Laviolette, who has given the players more freedom on offence.

"We've gotten away from a really tight defensive style, but he's also brought more of a family atmosphere to the team. He brings his kids to practice and we bring our kids," Brind'Amour said.

Whatever the Hurricanes are doing, it works. After missing the playoffs in 2003 and 2004, Carolina finished with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference this season.

The Hurricanes are favoured to beat the Canadiens, but Brind'Amour and Montreal captain Saku Koivu downplayed the results of the regular season, which included Carolina's four-game sweep of the season series with Montreal.

"We've been playing better hockey since the Olympic break," said Koivu, enjoying a day off.

"That was the regular season and I don't even remember the games we played during the regular season," Brind'Amour said. "You have to look at the circumstances. Did we beat them on the second game of a back-to-back? Did we get them coming off a road trip? None of that matters now."

But it's difficult to ignore some facts. The Hurricanes outscored the Canadiens 25-9 and after a 5-3 loss on New Year's Eve, none of the games were close.

While the Canadiens did have an impressive post-Olympic run to grab a playoff spot, the record is a bit deceiving.

If you throw out the two wins against a battered Ottawa team, the Canadiens haven't beaten a playoff squad since they edged the New York Rangers 1-0 on March 11.

And starting the series in Carolina is a definite disadvantage. While the Canadiens managed to steal one of the first two games in Raleigh in 2002, the Hurricanes boasted the best home record in the NHL this season, capturing 64 of a possible 82 points at the RBC Centre.

[corylav]

From the Montreal Gazette ... really not much more than we already know or have heard, but I thought it was worth a post:

Hurricanes gather strength with Weight, Recchi
Acquisitions, increased offensive freedom transform retooled Carolina into NHL force

PAT HICKEY
The Gazette

The Carolina Hurricanes created a stir when they acquired Doug Weight in January and then added Mark Recchi just before the National Hockey League trading deadline.

But Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour said the team's success this season is the result of deals general manager Jim Rutherford made last summer.

"He did a great job of putting this team together, adding the Matt Cullens, the Ray Whitneys and the Mike Commodores," Brind'Amour said yesterday, previewing the first-round Stanley Cup matchup between the Hurricanes and the Canadiens, which gets under way Saturday in Raleigh, N.C. (7 p.m., CBC, RDS, CJAD Radio-800).

"When we went into training camp, we knew we had a good team. And adding those guys at the deadline helped because they have great experience."

The Hurricanes are still waiting for Recchi and Weight to make their presence felt. Weight has scored four times in 22 games, while Recchi has four goals and is minus-7 in 19 games.

But the offseason acquisitions have played key roles. Cullen, Commodore and defenceman Frantisek Kaberle have enjoyed career seasons. Cory Stillman has come close to his best numbers and he and Recchi provide the perspective of guys who know what it's like to win the Stanley Cup. And newcomer Martin Gerber, who could face David Aebischer in an all-Swiss goaltending showdown, has provided stability in nets.

While Brind'Amour said the Hurricanes are similar to the team that beat the Canadiens en route to the Stanley Cup final in 2002, he noted there were differences that go beyond the change in personnel.

"We have a new coaching style," Brind'Amour said of bench boss Peter Laviolette, who has given the players more freedom on offence.

"We've gotten away from a really tight defensive style, but he's also brought more of a family atmosphere to the team. He brings his kids to practice and we bring our kids," Brind'Amour said.

Whatever the Hurricanes are doing, it works. After missing the playoffs in 2003 and 2004, Carolina finished with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference this season.

The Hurricanes are favoured to beat the Canadiens, but Brind'Amour and Montreal captain Saku Koivu downplayed the results of the regular season, which included Carolina's four-game sweep of the season series with Montreal.

"We've been playing better hockey since the Olympic break," said Koivu, enjoying a day off.

"That was the regular season and I don't even remember the games we played during the regular season," Brind'Amour said. "You have to look at the circumstances. Did we beat them on the second game of a back-to-back? Did we get them coming off a road trip? None of that matters now."

But it's difficult to ignore some facts. The Hurricanes outscored the Canadiens 25-9 and after a 5-3 loss on New Year's Eve, none of the games were close.

While the Canadiens did have an impressive post-Olympic run to grab a playoff spot, the record is a bit deceiving.

If you throw out the two wins against a battered Ottawa team, the Canadiens haven't beaten a playoff squad since they edged the New York Rangers 1-0 on March 11.

And starting the series in Carolina is a definite disadvantage. While the Canadiens managed to steal one of the first two games in Raleigh in 2002, the Hurricanes boasted the best home record in the NHL this season, capturing 64 of a possible 82 points at the RBC Centre.

[corylav]

From the Montreal Gazette ... really not much more than we already know or have heard, but I thought it was worth a post:

Hurricanes gather strength with Weight, Recchi
Acquisitions, increased offensive freedom transform retooled Carolina into NHL force

PAT HICKEY
The Gazette

The Carolina Hurricanes created a stir when they acquired Doug Weight in January and then added Mark Recchi just before the National Hockey League trading deadline.

But Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour said the team's success this season is the result of deals general manager Jim Rutherford made last summer.

"He did a great job of putting this team together, adding the Matt Cullens, the Ray Whitneys and the Mike Commodores," Brind'Amour said yesterday, previewing the first-round Stanley Cup matchup between the Hurricanes and the Canadiens, which gets under way Saturday in Raleigh, N.C. (7 p.m., CBC, RDS, CJAD Radio-800).

"When we went into training camp, we knew we had a good team. And adding those guys at the deadline helped because they have great experience."

The Hurricanes are still waiting for Recchi and Weight to make their presence felt. Weight has scored four times in 22 games, while Recchi has four goals and is minus-7 in 19 games.

But the offseason acquisitions have played key roles. Cullen, Commodore and defenceman Frantisek Kaberle have enjoyed career seasons. Cory Stillman has come close to his best numbers and he and Recchi provide the perspective of guys who know what it's like to win the Stanley Cup. And newcomer Martin Gerber, who could face David Aebischer in an all-Swiss goaltending showdown, has provided stability in nets.

While Brind'Amour said the Hurricanes are similar to the team that beat the Canadiens en route to the Stanley Cup final in 2002, he noted there were differences that go beyond the change in personnel.

"We have a new coaching style," Brind'Amour said of bench boss Peter Laviolette, who has given the players more freedom on offence.

"We've gotten away from a really tight defensive style, but he's also brought more of a family atmosphere to the team. He brings his kids to practice and we bring our kids," Brind'Amour said.

Whatever the Hurricanes are doing, it works. After missing the playoffs in 2003 and 2004, Carolina finished with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference this season.

The Hurricanes are favoured to beat the Canadiens, but Brind'Amour and Montreal captain Saku Koivu downplayed the results of the regular season, which included Carolina's four-game sweep of the season series with Montreal.

"We've been playing better hockey since the Olympic break," said Koivu, enjoying a day off.

"That was the regular season and I don't even remember the games we played during the regular season," Brind'Amour said. "You have to look at the circumstances. Did we beat them on the second game of a back-to-back? Did we get them coming off a road trip? None of that matters now."

But it's difficult to ignore some facts. The Hurricanes outscored the Canadiens 25-9 and after a 5-3 loss on New Year's Eve, none of the games were close.

While the Canadiens did have an impressive post-Olympic run to grab a playoff spot, the record is a bit deceiving.

If you throw out the two wins against a battered Ottawa team, the Canadiens haven't beaten a playoff squad since they edged the New York Rangers 1-0 on March 11.

And starting the series in Carolina is a definite disadvantage. While the Canadiens managed to steal one of the first two games in Raleigh in 2002, the Hurricanes boasted the best home record in the NHL this season, capturing 64 of a possible 82 points at the RBC Centre.

[nccanes]

I didn't think (til cory posted that Gazette story) about my fave columnist from the '02 playoffs - Red Fisher.

He's picking us in 7 btw. (I don't know if I could take a game 7, lol)

Habs' playoff fate in goalies' hands
Published: Thursday, April 20, 2006

The first thing you should know about The Second Season in the new My NHL is that if I were part of the Eastern Conference mix, the team I would not want to meet in the first round would be the New Jersey Devils.

If you don't agree, you weren't watching while the Devils were winning 11 consecutive games in the final drive to stay alive, and you were aboard a flight to nowhere while the Devils were leaving your Montreal Canadiens in a shivering heap with three goals in the regular season's final 8:31 - an astonishing 4-3 comeback win after they trailed 3-0 halfway through it.

It's a game the Canadiens won't retain among their treasured memories, but as hockey people will tell you, this embarrassing loss is in the past. Time to look ahead.

So what awaits the Canadiens on Saturday when they open their first-round series with the Carolina Hurricanes?

The bad news is that the Hurricanes outscored the Canadiens 25-9 while sweeping the four-game season series, that their 112 points and 52 wins are franchise records, and that their 31-8-2 home record is No. 1 in the East.

The good news is that the Hurricanes have lost four of their last five games, that goaltender Martin Gerber has given up at least three goals in seven consecutive games and the Hurricanes have allowed 43 goals in their last 11 games.

Players and coaches will tell you that whatever happened during the regular season doesn't matter, that it's a new season and that anything can happen in the playoffs. They're only partially right. What's certain, however, is that the outcome of this series will be decided by goaltending, team speed and team defence - areas in which both teams have been less than admirable in their last few regular-season games.

Goaltending, as always, will be of paramount importance in the playoffs and particularly in this series, where postseason experience is a four-letter word. Does Bob Gainey go with Cristobal Huet instead of David Aebischer as his starter? Huet would have and should have been a lock for the assignment, but it's imagined that GM/coach Gainey is having second thoughts in view of Huet's meltdown in the season finale on Tuesday.

The Canadiens will need more defence as a team against the Hurricanes. Sloppy work on the power play will be costly against the speed of Carolina's forwards. Cute twists and twirls won't work. Applying pressure on a so-so Carolina defence is a priority, and so is rushing the net against an inexperienced Gerber.

Common sense dictates there's no real reason why the Hurricanes, who toyed with the Canadiens during the regular season, can't handle them in the playoffs. The Canadiens are - and should be - underdogs, but don't count 'em out yet.

Still ...

Hurricanes in seven.

[nccanes]

I didn't think (til cory posted that Gazette story) about my fave columnist from the '02 playoffs - Red Fisher.

He's picking us in 7 btw. (I don't know if I could take a game 7, lol)

Habs' playoff fate in goalies' hands
Published: Thursday, April 20, 2006

The first thing you should know about The Second Season in the new My NHL is that if I were part of the Eastern Conference mix, the team I would not want to meet in the first round would be the New Jersey Devils.

If you don't agree, you weren't watching while the Devils were winning 11 consecutive games in the final drive to stay alive, and you were aboard a flight to nowhere while the Devils were leaving your Montreal Canadiens in a shivering heap with three goals in the regular season's final 8:31 - an astonishing 4-3 comeback win after they trailed 3-0 halfway through it.

It's a game the Canadiens won't retain among their treasured memories, but as hockey people will tell you, this embarrassing loss is in the past. Time to look ahead.

So what awaits the Canadiens on Saturday when they open their first-round series with the Carolina Hurricanes?

The bad news is that the Hurricanes outscored the Canadiens 25-9 while sweeping the four-game season series, that their 112 points and 52 wins are franchise records, and that their 31-8-2 home record is No. 1 in the East.

The good news is that the Hurricanes have lost four of their last five games, that goaltender Martin Gerber has given up at least three goals in seven consecutive games and the Hurricanes have allowed 43 goals in their last 11 games.

Players and coaches will tell you that whatever happened during the regular season doesn't matter, that it's a new season and that anything can happen in the playoffs. They're only partially right. What's certain, however, is that the outcome of this series will be decided by goaltending, team speed and team defence - areas in which both teams have been less than admirable in their last few regular-season games.

Goaltending, as always, will be of paramount importance in the playoffs and particularly in this series, where postseason experience is a four-letter word. Does Bob Gainey go with Cristobal Huet instead of David Aebischer as his starter? Huet would have and should have been a lock for the assignment, but it's imagined that GM/coach Gainey is having second thoughts in view of Huet's meltdown in the season finale on Tuesday.

The Canadiens will need more defence as a team against the Hurricanes. Sloppy work on the power play will be costly against the speed of Carolina's forwards. Cute twists and twirls won't work. Applying pressure on a so-so Carolina defence is a priority, and so is rushing the net against an inexperienced Gerber.

Common sense dictates there's no real reason why the Hurricanes, who toyed with the Canadiens during the regular season, can't handle them in the playoffs. The Canadiens are - and should be - underdogs, but don't count 'em out yet.

Still ...

Hurricanes in seven.

[nccanes]

I didn't think (til cory posted that Gazette story) about my fave columnist from the '02 playoffs - Red Fisher.

He's picking us in 7 btw. (I don't know if I could take a game 7, lol)

Habs' playoff fate in goalies' hands
Published: Thursday, April 20, 2006

The first thing you should know about The Second Season in the new My NHL is that if I were part of the Eastern Conference mix, the team I would not want to meet in the first round would be the New Jersey Devils.

If you don't agree, you weren't watching while the Devils were winning 11 consecutive games in the final drive to stay alive, and you were aboard a flight to nowhere while the Devils were leaving your Montreal Canadiens in a shivering heap with three goals in the regular season's final 8:31 - an astonishing 4-3 comeback win after they trailed 3-0 halfway through it.

It's a game the Canadiens won't retain among their treasured memories, but as hockey people will tell you, this embarrassing loss is in the past. Time to look ahead.

So what awaits the Canadiens on Saturday when they open their first-round series with the Carolina Hurricanes?

The bad news is that the Hurricanes outscored the Canadiens 25-9 while sweeping the four-game season series, that their 112 points and 52 wins are franchise records, and that their 31-8-2 home record is No. 1 in the East.

The good news is that the Hurricanes have lost four of their last five games, that goaltender Martin Gerber has given up at least three goals in seven consecutive games and the Hurricanes have allowed 43 goals in their last 11 games.

Players and coaches will tell you that whatever happened during the regular season doesn't matter, that it's a new season and that anything can happen in the playoffs. They're only partially right. What's certain, however, is that the outcome of this series will be decided by goaltending, team speed and team defence - areas in which both teams have been less than admirable in their last few regular-season games.

Goaltending, as always, will be of paramount importance in the playoffs and particularly in this series, where postseason experience is a four-letter word. Does Bob Gainey go with Cristobal Huet instead of David Aebischer as his starter? Huet would have and should have been a lock for the assignment, but it's imagined that GM/coach Gainey is having second thoughts in view of Huet's meltdown in the season finale on Tuesday.

The Canadiens will need more defence as a team against the Hurricanes. Sloppy work on the power play will be costly against the speed of Carolina's forwards. Cute twists and twirls won't work. Applying pressure on a so-so Carolina defence is a priority, and so is rushing the net against an inexperienced Gerber.

Common sense dictates there's no real reason why the Hurricanes, who toyed with the Canadiens during the regular season, can't handle them in the playoffs. The Canadiens are - and should be - underdogs, but don't count 'em out yet.

Still ...

Hurricanes in seven.

[Guyute]

The good news is that the Hurricanes have lost four of their last five games, that goaltender Martin Gerber has given up at least three goals in seven consecutive games and the Hurricanes have allowed 43 goals in their last 11 games.


uhmm..... ouch.

[Guyute]

The good news is that the Hurricanes have lost four of their last five games, that goaltender Martin Gerber has given up at least three goals in seven consecutive games and the Hurricanes have allowed 43 goals in their last 11 games.


uhmm..... ouch.

[Guyute]

The good news is that the Hurricanes have lost four of their last five games, that goaltender Martin Gerber has given up at least three goals in seven consecutive games and the Hurricanes have allowed 43 goals in their last 11 games.


uhmm..... ouch.

[SoCalcaniac]

E, YAH! I almost "forgot" Mr. Fisher! I loved reading his perspective........... thanks for reminding us!

[SoCalcaniac]

E, YAH! I almost "forgot" Mr. Fisher! I loved reading his perspective........... thanks for reminding us!

[SoCalcaniac]

E, YAH! I almost "forgot" Mr. Fisher! I loved reading his perspective........... thanks for reminding us!

[caniac_26]

Sloppy work on the power play will be costly.

Cute twists and turns won't work.

Hate to say it, but the 'Canes could take the above comments to heart as well...

[caniac_26]

Sloppy work on the power play will be costly.

Cute twists and turns won't work.

Hate to say it, but the 'Canes could take the above comments to heart as well...

[caniac_26]

Sloppy work on the power play will be costly.

Cute twists and turns won't work.

Hate to say it, but the 'Canes could take the above comments to heart as well...

[Alicia]

Sloppy work on the power play will be costly.

Cute twists and turns won't work.

Hate to say it, but the 'Canes could take the above comments to heart as well...

Don't hate to speak the truth!

[Alicia]

Sloppy work on the power play will be costly.

Cute twists and turns won't work.

Hate to say it, but the 'Canes could take the above comments to heart as well...

Don't hate to speak the truth!

[Alicia]

Sloppy work on the power play will be costly.

Cute twists and turns won't work.

Hate to say it, but the 'Canes could take the above comments to heart as well...

Don't hate to speak the truth!

[caniac369]

Published: Apr 21, 2006 12:30 AM
Modified: Apr 21, 2006 03:31 AM

Whitney out, for now

Luke DeCock, Staff Writer
RALEIGH - The cloud of uncertainty surrounding Ray Whitney hasn't lifted, but there's one stone-cold lock: The Carolina Hurricanes forward won't be ready for Saturday's playoff opener against the Montreal Canadiens.
Whitney didn't practice on Thursday at the RecZone and hasn't skated with the team since leaving a game against the Washington Capitals on April 5.

The team will only say he has a "lower-body injury." He's listed as day-to-day, but with each passing day-to-day his status becomes more doubtful.

Whitney's absence is significant not only because he has 55 points in 63 games this season, but because of his importance to the Carolina power play.

The Canes have missed him lately, suffering through an erratic stretch that has seen them convert only 14.0 percent of their power play opportunities since March 16. Asked what needed to be fixed, Justin Williams joked, "I'd like to see Ray Whitney back on it."

The numbers don't tell the full story, either. Carolina has struggled particularly on early chances, scoring only one first-period power-play goal in April.

"We don't necessarily need to score in the first 30 seconds, but if we can score on our first or second power play, that should give us some confidence," Cory Stillman said.

Of course, the real problem with the power play may not have anything to do with Whitney or anyone healthy. Without Erik Cole, the Canes are 17-for-130 -- 13.1 percent.

"You take Erik and Ray out of the lineup, and we're a team that looks for offense and they're two of our more offensive guys, there's no way not to miss them," Carolina coach Peter Laviolette said. "For me, Ray is one of those creative players who's real slick on the puck. He's a right-handed shot and we miss that in special-teams situations. He's calm and experienced, and those are the things you miss on the power play."

[CaniacKikiBB13]

then there are the thundersticks, the most hated giveaway item since those damn clickers ;)

I guess I'm in the minority, 'cause.... I just LOVE the thundersticks!! Anything to make noise makes me happy. I still have a couple of the Click It or Ticket clickers. Love those, too.

Hey, I love 'em too! I remember in the '02 Playoffs, people's ummm...thunderstick 'musical stylings' cracked me up. I remember one time in particular, "In the Air Tonight" started playing before a game, the whole place was dead quiet, but as soon as the big drum solo came on the thundersticks came out of nowhere! :laugh: Everytime I hear that song, all I can think about are thundersticks!

[caveman]

Obviously no Cole; take Whitney out of the lineup and the rest of the guys are really, really going to have to step it up.

Cullen and Staal are DUE I'm telling you. Staal has got to be dying to prove he is a playoff performer, and I'm excited to see what kind of game Ladd can bring in the playoffs as well. In 3 games against Montreal, Ladd has a goal and 2 assists (but then again, so do just about everybody on the team...)

With NINE D-men on the roster... maybe we should play 4 defensive lines and 3 forward lines? Nah.

So... if you're Laviolette: who sits? Who plays?

[ontheglass]

Obviously no Cole; ...

Cole eats these guys up and I see his loss very big in this series, it sort of evens the field. Optimistically though and maybe even my aggrevation with the front office, but I'd like to see our boys drop 8 or 9 on these guys. That should get this second season off to the right start.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'm sorta thinking we lose tomorrow night. Just a feeling. I don't necessarily think it means anything if we do lose, but I think we might.

If we can just make it past this first round........

[SoCalcaniac]

Yikes, the sky is falling in here..... :eek2:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I said we were losing the game, not the series. :huh:


Also, we REALLY need a good look at Mark Recchi the Playoff Monster. Soon.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

No, people.

We're winning this game and we're winning the series.

I just have a FEELING.

[CanesChic]

I think we are going to see the January Canes tomorrow night.

And I feel a Staal blitz coming on....

5-2. Canes.

[IceSaber]

I'm going to the morning skate...can't help myself. i can normally tell Socal from the warm-up pics right before the game how the team will do...I'm gonna take some in the am and see. I've been frighteningly accurate. I'll make my call at 11:30 in the morning....

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oooooooh, I think I might go too. Hadn't thought about it til just now. Hopefully I'll see ya there, IS. :D

[IceSaber]

I'll keep my eyes peeled...they've been bad unless looking through that telephoto - so be sure to wave!!!

[AbNormal27]

OK, the battle lines have been drawn. As of midnight, I have issued my home as an anti-red-white-blue zone until further notice. Melanie is trying to mess with this issue. GO CANES GO!

Aaryn

[IceSaber]

You're being anti - american :angel: ?

[AbNormal27]

Nope, just making sure there's only Hurricanes mojo in the house.

Aaryn

[KRAZYCANE05]

God I hope the RBC Center is not over run by Montreal fans. I just look back to the crap from 02. UGH!!! was like little Canada in Raleigh.

GO CANES!!!!

[AbNormal27]

....little Canada in Raleigh.

GO CANES!!!!

...............imagining myself owning some property down there...........

Aaryn

[nccanes]

I'm calling out JWill - I think he's had 9 points in our games vs. the Habs. :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Referees Greg Kimmerly #18; Don Koharski #12
Linesmen Steve Miller #89; Pierre Racicot #65


Could be worse.

Nat'l Anthem Singer Holly Wilver

Not sure it could be worse. ;)

Just, please tell me she's been practicing!!

[StormChaserBH]

OK, the battle lines have been drawn. As of midnight, I have issued my home as an anti-red-white-blue zone until further notice. Melanie is trying to mess with this issue. GO CANES GO!

Aaryn


Hmmm, methinks someone may be sleeping in the garage before this series is over.....

[SoCalcaniac]

Nat'l Anthem Singer Holly Wilver

Not sure it could be worse. ;)

Just, please tell me she's been practicing!!

My worst fears are confirmed and I'm sure ssangste has jumped from the nearest building. I don't even know if practicing will even help that child.

I'll be on the concourse during this time if anyone needs me. :sick:

[Shattered]

Nat'l Anthem Singer Holly Wilver

Not sure it could be worse. ;)

Just, please tell me she's been practicing!!

My worst fears are confirmed and I'm sure ssangste has jumped from the nearest building. I don't even know if practicing will even help that child.

I'll be on the concourse during this time if anyone needs me. :sick:
An earbud with a recording of the anthems would do her a world of good.

I, however, shall resort to earplugs.

[guinevere]

Nat'l Anthem Singer Holly Wilver

Not sure it could be worse. ;)

Just, please tell me she's been practicing!!

My worst fears are confirmed and I'm sure ssangste has jumped from the nearest building. I don't even know if practicing will even help that child.

I'll be on the concourse during this time if anyone needs me. :sick:

How about the LGC chorus since it seems we have quite a few that can carry a tune.

[Solracer]

WE just need to get everyone to sing loud enough to dround her out and make her follow our tempo and stylins :)

[Canesluver]

It appears the game is now sold-out:

RALEIGH, NC – Bill Nowicki, Director of Ticket Operations for the National Hockey League Carolina Hurricanes, announced this afternoon that standing room tickets for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens at the RBC Center have been made available. Approximately 200 standing room tickets, which assign fans to one of several standing room areas in the RBC Center, are available for $95 each. All regular seating areas are sold out for Game 1, which begins at 7 p.m. tonight.

[wmangum35]

It appears the game is now sold-out:

RALEIGH, NC – Bill Nowicki, Director of Ticket Operations for the National Hockey League Carolina Hurricanes, announced this afternoon that standing room tickets for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens at the RBC Center have been made available. Approximately 200 standing room tickets, which assign fans to one of several standing room areas in the RBC Center, are available for $95 each. All regular seating areas are sold out for Game 1, which begins at 7 p.m. tonight.
$95? WHAT?! For standing the entire game? :eek2:

[caveman]

God I hope the RBC Center is not over run by Montreal fans. I just look back to the crap from 02. UGH!!! was like little Canada in Raleigh.

GO CANES!!!!

I think many more tickets were already sold this year than in 02. The day before we even were confirmed to be playing Montreal, pickings were already pretty slim.

[corylav]

Looks like the Habs will sit both of their Swiss players ... does that mean all of Switzerland will be behind us tonight?? And no, I won't allow any "they're neutral" comments! :mad:

Canadiens defenceman Mark Streit will probably watch Game 1 from the press box. Coach Bob Gainey dressed seven defencemen in the final game of the regular season, but said he would probably go back to the normal six because Francis Bouillon has recovered from a bruised ankle. Steve Begin is still recovering from a sprained knee and has yet to skate. - Montreal Gazette

[RIO]

Looks like the Habs will sit both of their Swiss players ... does that mean all of Switzerland will be behind us tonight?? And no, I won't allow any "they're neutral" comments! :mad:

But Cory, they make such handy knives for all the world to enjoy. :D

[caneshockeychick]

Well, I don't get the pregame show here in FL :( but at least the games on!!! and Its John and Tripp!!!

BEEP!! BEEP!!!
LET'S GO CANES!!!!!!!

[caneshockeychick]

and CULLEN get's the 1st goal 50 secs in!!! YEAH!!

<-----kicks rocks and wishes she was there :sad:

[tommy]

that was a nice way to start off eh?

[HF]

Who is this Katie chick announcing? Is she a Carolina staffer, or an FSN staffer? She was stumbling so bad I was actually hoping she'd just hush and put Tripp on.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

As soon as she showed up on the TV I thought she was growing a playoff beard. :evil: Maybe its just be but I saw a 5 o'clock shadow.

[tommy]

weak.

[caneshockeychick]

WHAT THE?????? :eek2:

[tommy]

this feels like preseason hockey. ahl preseason hockey.

are there really only three people not at the game tonight? sucks.

[caneshockeychick]

Yeah, so far, not looking pretty for our guys.

tommy, that sounds about right. I almost, almost drove up there but...my car not in the best condition. Couldn't find a cheap flight.

[StormShaman]

this feels like preseason hockey. ahl preseason hockey.

are there really only three people not at the game tonight? sucks.

Sadly, I'm one of those three. Car blowing up kinda pwnt my chances of getting playoff tickets. :sad:

[tommy]

5-on-3, come on...

good lord our power play sucks...

edit: good lord our team sucks...

[StormShaman]

MotherF**KER. :mad:

I'm so glad I'm not on a certain other board--I'm liable to virtually rip the heads off a few Habs fans and beat them with their own spinal columns right now. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Fernando da Silva]

Oh lord, Gerber is sucking tonight...

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

*sigh* This is pathetic.

[gocaneshockey]

this sucks!!!!!!

[caneshockeychick]

I think Montreal has just decided not to lose to the Canes. They are just outplaying us

[tommy]

i guess we were down by 3 after 2 periods when we had the molson miracle. never know what will happen...

[gocaneshockey]

we need to stop turning it over to them

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Just got home from work. Saw the score. Time to go drink.

Nuff' said.

[caneshockeychick]

Just one more Canes goal...please????

And the PP for the Habs...ugh...think i'll start drinking too.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Oh I'm gonna be ill when I get to work in a few...

[caneshockeychick]

I said CANES DANGIT!@!!!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Fernando da Silva]

OK, Habs 5-1. I must admit that this couldn't be worse. Could be even if i was the goalie... I'm saving more than Gerbs tonight...

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

WTF Gerbs?! W. T. F?!

[gocaneshockey]

we should put in Cam Ward and see if he can do any better than Gerber

[tommy]

i agree. start cam next game. can't hurt. if we're gonna start digging ourselves a hole, we may as well give the rookie some more experience.

my god that was horse****. shc predicted habs in 5 to give us mojo, but at this rate it looks like she might be right on.

[gocaneshockey]

its a disappointing loss, but hopefully we will bounce back for monday's game

[StormShaman]

Disappointing, but not surprising.

*sigh* Oh well. Go Canes.

[StormShaman]

And another thing, from the "take heart" file:

We got wtfpwnt in our first game of the regular season too, and damn near everybody and his uncle on this board and others were ready to get the gas cans and go out to immolate themselves in front of the RBC Center--and look how things turned out.

Take heart, friends and neighbours--it's one game in a seven game series. Yes, the 'Canes played like crap and got their heads handed to them on a platter. Fine. Take the lesson from it, and move on to Monday.

There's still a lot of hockey to be played, kids. Go Canes.

[gocaneshockey]

And another thing, from the "take heart" file:

We got wtfpwnt in our first game of the regular season too, and damn near everybody and his uncle on this board and others were ready to get the gas cans and go out to immolate themselves in front of the RBC Center--and look how things turned out.

Take heart, friends and neighbours--it's one game in a seven game series. Yes, the 'Canes played like crap and got their heads handed to them on a platter. Fine. Take the lesson from it, and move on to Monday.

There's still a lot of hockey to be played, kids. Go Canes.

good point

[VandyCane]

Wow, that was embarrassing. I hate to single out a particular player, but Gerber was really awful out there. He was totally out of psynch. I honestly would have put Cam in after the score was 3-1 because the writing was on the wall. Gerber wasn't the only MIA player on the ice, though. Vasicek was lost out there today. Couldn't hit anyone, had no idea where the puck was and couldn't receive a pass worth crap. Tverdovsky caused so many turnovers it made my head spin. :mad: And why in the world are we playing dump and chase hockey when we are losing?!?! :eek2:

Ahh....I feel a little better (not really) after writing that.

The only positives: the Wilv didn't embarrass herself or the Caniac Nation today. The Halo intro was mercifully cut short and the C'mon, C'mon lets go Canes montage with a dancing Forslund/Kaiton was a hoot.

The crowd tried for two periods, but then everyone left or booed. Oh, well. I doubt Monday will be a sellout now.

[guinevere]

Just some random thoughts....


We have only had one player get a single point in 6 periods of hockey. No assists, nothing in 6 periods of hockey. Unbelievable.

Gerber - at the end of the second period - had a .20 save percentage. I almost admire Lavi for showing his confidence in our number one - almost.

The line of Recchi, Weight and Vasicek is a monumental mistake - Ron the Ref could skate faster.

Have we gone back to shooting shots on goalie instead of shots on goal? The crest on the goaltenders chest is not a target.

I'm nauseous and need to lie down.

Oh and Vandycane, your littel girls are still adorable.

[raleighcanesfan]

Yeah--Big Joe and Oleg were the ones I noticed as lost up in 316 tonight. As I've said before, it's going to be a long night when KA and CA's line is the best. I liked Lavi putting KA, Rod, and J Will together, albeit late.

I just don't understand. Everyone knows the problem is they don't put a man in front of the net or crash the net. WHY don't they do it. MTL had our number, let's hope we rebound.

Scary position. Do you put in Cam, showing you lost trust in Gerber, or keep Gerber. Yuck.

At least I got to eat venison Italian Sausage. Now that's good tailgating!

[Staalgurl4ever]

Gerber needs help and I do not think he is playoff type. I wish we had gotten another goaltender when we had the chance.

[CaniacKikiBB13]

Blah. Ugly game...we came out strong, but it seemed like right around the time we got down by 2, our play went way downhill. We need to amp up the PP and cut down on the giveaways...what were they, 12-4 tonight? Anways it's one game...hopefully it'll wake the guys up and get 'em going for Monday. After hearing one of the players scream the f-bomb in the background of Matt Cullen's interview on the Aftermath (have no clue who it was, but it sounded like they threw something too :crazy: ), I think they'll come out ready on Monday.

On a different note: During the last 5 minutes of the game we got to see someone get arrested...which was more entertaining then the actual game. In one section over from us there were some Canadien fans who were a little crazy, I wouldn't say they were that overly obnoxious, but apparently some 'Canes fan decided to take it upon himself to shut them up. This idiot started chucking stuff at the Habs fans. Anyways, 'Canes fans were complaining the entire game because they keep getting hit. Towards the end of the game, the Habs fans had enough and got the usher yet again, this time security along with cops came on up. I didn't think it was that bad since all I saw was one of the guys get hit with a napkin, but then an usher came over to us to ask if we saw anything and said that somebody was throwing COINS at the Habs fans. One 'Canes fan got hit in the head and must've been cut since a cop was checking it out. Eventually someone must've fessed up to who did it, a security guy came up to the 'Canes fan who was throwing them and told him to come down. He refused, so the cops had to come up, go to the man's seat and almost had to drag him out. When we left, the 2 cops along with guys in suits were surrounding the guy in the hallway and questioning him. Don't know if he's the one who did it or not...but jeeze, what an idiotic thing to do.