Catching up...

Well, I decided to take a week off from the blog and it turned into a month...go figure.

Fortunately not a whole lot going on in the meantime. Here's some late summer house cleaning as we get ready to head into training camp. September cannot get here fast enough.

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Jeff O'Neal invited to camp. Former Hurricane Jeff O'Neal, who "retired" at the end of the '06/07 season after two somewhat lackluster campaigns in Toronto, has been offered an invitation to attend the Canes training camp. At the moment, no contract has been offered, but conventional wisdom is that if O'Neal shows flashes of his once immense potential, he could be offered a two-way contract between Carolina and Albany. Always a lightning rod during his previous stint with Carolina/Hartford (as demonstrated by the comments section over at Lord Stanley's Blog), O'Neal always had immense talent coupled with sometimes questionable work habits. He was Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford's first ever first round draft pick (Hartford Whalers - 1994) and currently ranks third in franchise history in points (416), fourth in games played (673) and goals (198) and fifth in fifth in assists (218). He posted 41 goals for the Hurricanes in 2000-2001, a number that has been topped only once since (Eric Staal - 45 - 2005/2006). O'Neal was traded to the Maple Leafs in August 2005, not long after the death of his brother - a traumatic event that led Jeff to consider retiring back then. His two seasons with the Maple Leafs were largely uninspiring. During his Hurricanes tenure, O'Neal seemed to enjoy the local nightlife a bit more than he did practice, leading to several run-ins with then head coach Paul Maurice (who, ironically, was also his coach in Toronto). But Jeff was a always talented player, whose apparent battles with a few personal demons sometimes affected his performance on the ice (or so the story goes). All in all this seems like a no-lose situation for the Canes. They invite him to camp without a contract and see if his skills are still there, and his head is in the right place. If so, they sign him for depth. If not, no harm done, and you've done right by giving a former player a shot.

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- Lord Stanley's All-Time Hurricanes. All summer Luke DeCock of the News & Observer has been opening up the discussion every Monday on his Lord Stanley's Blog to topics suggested by readers. It has been incredibly successful based on the number of contributions/comments. Recently the topic was selecting an All-Hurricanes team based on the franchise's history in NC (all-time great Whalers were excluded). Here's what the readers came up with:


First Team:

C Ron Francis
LW Sami Kapanen
RW Erik Cole
D Glen Wesley
D Aaron Ward
G Arturs Irbe

Second Team:

C Rod Brind'Amour
LW Ray Whitney
RW Jeff O'Neill
D Sean Hill
D Bret Hedican
G Cam Ward

Honorable Mention: Kevin Dineen, Martin Gelinas, Sergei Samsonov, Ray Sheppard, Eric Staal, Niclas Wallin, Justin Williams

Pretty tough crowd putting Eric Staal on the honorable mention (though obviously Francis and Brind A'mour are tough competition if you are selecting by position) and Cam Ward on the second team with a Con Smythe (but I guess if you go by overall career so far, Irbe is more solid than Ward, who is still growing into an everyday goal tender). Overall I think the second team could definitely give the first team a run for it's money. This week's debate/topic is "What Made You A Fan", so join in if you are so inspired.

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Ron Francis NHL Insider Interview. Ronnie Franchise recently did a Q&A with NHL.com that, while not featuring any breaking news or saucy tidbits, was an interesting read nonetheless. Two things that relate to the Hurricanes immediate past, present and future:



NHL.com: It’s been two straight seasons now that the Hurricanes have missed the playoffs. What has to change this season for the team to get back?


RF: “I think there is so much parity in the League now and it’s so tough to get from October to April and accomplish what you want to do. We got off to a tremendous start last year and we struggled through November, December and half of January. That is ultimately what cost us, but along the way we also lost Rod Brind’Amour, Justin Williams, Chad LaRose, Matt Cullen and numerous other guys. We used 40 different guys on the roster last year and it came down to losing the last game of the season to miss the playoffs. Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup and anything short of that is not successful. We feel we got better on the blue line, where we needed to get better. And, we have enough firepower up front to score goals and our goaltending is good. At least on paper we’re comfortable where we’re at.”


NHL.com: People want to know if Brandon Sutter is going to make the team. Do you think he will?


RF: “I think he can do it. Whether he does or not, we’ll have to see that at training camp. He is an exceptionally smart player. His hockey sense is tremendous and he’s played at some pretty high levels at the World Junior Championship and in the Canada-Russia series last year, which was pretty unique. He stepped into Albany after his junior season was done and looked like he had been there all year. He worked hard to put some muscle on. He’s up in the 180s. We think he’s big enough. He’s gotten strong enough. We think he’s ready.”

-m

WINTER CLASSIC 2009

With today's unveiling of the complete 2008/2009 league schedules, the NHL made official what had been reported unofficially for a few weeks now - the 2009 NHL Winter Classic will take place at Wrigley Field in Chicago on January 1st. Two original 6 teams, Chicago and Detroit, will take part.

Coming off one of their better seasons in years, with a talented young nucleus of players and some eye opening free agent signings - Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet, for example - fortunes are looking up for the Blackhawk faithful. Many of the early prognosticators look for the Hawks to contend in the Central Division this year. The awarding of the Winter Classic seems to be the icing on the cake in an eventful offseason for Blackhawks fans.

Long time rivals, the Blackhawks and the Red Wings have played 701 times in their storied histories, more than any other two teams in the NHL.

2008's inaugural Winter Classic was met with some skepticism when it was first announced, but turned out to be a ratings and PR bonanza. The Buffalo Sabres (natch, Banana Slugs) and Pittsburgh Penguins (natch, Chosen Ones) played to a shootout in the snow in front of a record crowd of over 71,000 fans at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium, with the NHL's golden boy Sidney Crosby scoring the game winner for Pittsburgh. Afterwards, the reviews were raves as skeptical media members who attended or (more likely) watched the game on TV, suddenly forgot their complaints about the folly of the NHL trying to stage such an event on the Hallowed Day of big college football bowl games (seemingly these same folks forgot that the silly BCS bowl system has led to most "big" college bowl games - with the exception of the Rose Bowl, which by law has to be referred to as "the grandaddy of them all - being moved away from New Year's Day). The NHL had seemingly scored a coup, despite itself. And besides, those snowflakes looked pretty on TV.

Anytime you commit to playing a hockey game outdoors south of the U.S./Canadian border, your biggest concern is the weather and how well the ice will hold up (don't look for this game to be held at Carter Findley Stadium or in Phoenix anytime soon). In Buffalo, the ice held up relatively well, but the snow became a bit of a problem. But all in all things went well. Chicago in January promises average temperatures between 18 and 32 degrees (fahrenheit), which if it holds true, should be just about perfect for the ice. Of course, there's always the chance of snow, but the more likely to have a possible adverse effect on the conditions in Chicago are the winds howling off of Lake Michigan. But that's part of what makes these sort of things fun - for the fans at least.

Wrigley Field is a bit more intimate ("the friendly confines") at around 40,000 seats, than Ralph Wilson Stadium, but obviously has a bit more character and history than most NFL stadiums. Overall I think this is a good choice. I know I will be watching.

Most of all, I'm very glad that this tradition is continuing as I think it's a fun thing to do for the fans, both those who attend the game and those watching from the warmth of their homes while nursing a hangover. If this Winter Classic concept was originally Gary Bettman's idea (which I somehow doubt), it has to be the best one he has had in his reign as commissioner - not that there's a lot of competition. Let's just hope they don't try to cash in on a good thing and start scheduling a whole slate of these games every season. Sometimes novelty is a good thing.

NOTES:

- Bettman, ever the (slimy?) politician, tried to make nice with the folks in NYC who had also been bidding to host the game at either Yankee Stadium or The Meadowlands. He was quick to "acknowledge the interest and efforts of the New York Yankees and the City of New York throughout the NHL Winter Classic 2009 site selection process. We look forward to continuing discussions regarding the possibility of a future Winter Classic game at the new Yankee Stadium." Thanks Gary. Now what about that All Star Game you promised to the Hurricanes? Gary? Hello. Gary? You still there?

- Brian Campbell of the Blackhawks will be playing in his second straight Winter Classic having taken the ice for Buffalo on New Years Day 2008. Maybe if the Rangers want to host the 2010 Classic they should look at a trade deadline deal. Campbell gave a thumbs up to NHL.com in regards to taking part in last January's festivities:

"The city was all wrapped up in it. It was, 'How do you get tickets?' 'What are you doing to get prepared?' 'What's your tailgate going to be like?' It was mayhem, a lot of fun, and something you take a lot of pride in."

"I was on the ice for a goal against (21 seconds into the game) because my defensive partner tried to pass it and there was too much snow on the ice and it wasn't going anywhere. I personally did not like the game at that point. Then I scored and the game was the best thing ever."



-m

NHL/CANES announce 2008/2009 Schedule

The NHL officially released its 2008/2007 schedule this afternoon. The Canes open the season on Oct 10th, 2008 at home against the Florida Panthers. For the full story and a downloadable PDF of the schedule you can check out the Hurricanes' Website.

Quick Initial Observations/Comments:

- The Canes get to kick off the season against the team that essentially assured that they would stay home from playoffs last season. The Florida Panthers' won in Carolina and then lost in DC the following evening sealing the Canes' fate on the last weekend of the regular season. The Carolina/Florida division rivalry has had a lot of spark over the last few years, even though the Canes have dominated for the most part in the W-L column, especially at home. Unfortunately, Cane hater and all around cry baby Olli Jokinen has been traded away to Phoenix, but there still should be some juice between these two teams. This game will see the return to Raleigh of former Cane Cory Stillman, who signed with the Panthers as a free agent this summer.

- 14 back-to-backs on the schedule, which seems a bit more manageable that in seasons past. But the Canes get their first one right out the gate as they open the season with Florida and then quickly hop on a plane for a game at new-look Tampa Bay on Saturday 10/11/08.

- The Canes will get to test their meddle early as the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings visit the RBC Center on 10/13/08. Immediately after that, the Canes head out of town for 6 straight road games - their traditional early season road trip to make way for the State Fair. This year's opponents on the swing: Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pittsburgh, NY Islanders, Montreal and St. Louis. A tough trip for sure, with lots of frequent flyer miles. Should provide a stern early test. Supposedly this is the annual trip where the team "really comes together as a unit" (or at least that's what John Forsland and Tripp Tracy tell me every year).

- Canes fans will not have to wait long to see Erik Cole back on the RBC Center ice as the Edmonton Oilers pay a visit to Raleigh on November 1st for a 3pm Saturday Matinee. Something tells me that might be a sellout, and I'm sure Cole will receive a warm welcome.

- The first match up between the Hurricanes and last year's SE Division Champion Washington Capitals will come on the road 11/6/08. The Caps then travel to Raleigh the very next week for a tilt on 11/12/08. The final regular season match up between the two will come on March 21st, in Raleigh.

- Personally, I always look forward to the Philadelphia Flyers coming to town, and this year the two teams first meet on 11/26 in Raleigh. The teams then clash in Philadelphia two days later (11/28) with the Thanksgiving Holiday sandwiched in between. In fact, all 4 games between the Canes and Flyers this season occur over a two week span.

- FIVE Sunday home games for the Canes in November (Toronto, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Nashville and Anaheim).

- The Canes will be hosting their annual New Year's Eve game, with division rivals Atlanta Thrashers providing the opposition this season.

- The Buffalo Banana Slugs do not show up on the Canes' home schedule until February 26th, and then return for the final home game of the regular season on April 9th. The Canes end the season on the road with a 4/13 tilt against the NJ Devils. I would recommend that the Canes not put themselves in a position to have to win a game against Martin Brodeur on the road in order to make the playoffs. If memory serves, the last time we finished our home schedule with Buffalo, the Canes went on to win the Cup. I'm just sayin'.

- Looking at the stretch run: 5 of Carolina's first 7 games in March are on the road, but they finish out the season with 8 of 11 at home. In an interesting twist, of the Hurricanes final 34 games, after the All-Star Break (Jan 25th), only 10 are against the Southeast Division, and only 2 of the last 10 games are against Southeast foes. This is probably in large part due to the NHL adjusting it's schedule and reducing inter-divisional games from 8 to 6 in order to make room for additional games against the opposing conference. It's interesting in that should the Canes be in a tight divisional race down the stretch, they will have to do a lot of scoreboard watching and not count on head-to-head 2 (or 4) point games.

- As part of the new expanded Eastern Conference vs Western Conference play this season, the NHL assigned each team 3 "wildcards" from the opposing conference. A team plays it's "wildcard" opponents twice in a home and home series. The Canes' wildcard opponents for 2008/2009 are Anaheim, Phoenix and St. Louis. That's a pretty boring slate if you ask me, but then again, no one asked me. The Canes will play one game against every other team in the Western Conference, 4 games against each Eastern Conference (non-divisional) team and 6 games against each divisional rival.

I'm sure I'll come up with more useless anecdotes and comments regarding the schedule once I've had a chance to absorb it a bit more. I've become just that much of a geek. Until again...

-m

Catching Up With The Kids...

A few of the Hurricanes young prospects have been in Raleigh over the last few days taking part in what has become an annual right of passage - Pete Friesen's Prospect Conditioning Camp. Participants this year include prized prospects Brandon Sutter and Jamie McBain as well as this year's draft picks including Zach Boychuk, Zac Dalpe, and Samuel Morneau. Newly signed back-up goalie Micheal Leighton has been taking part as well.

Luke DeCock has been providing updates over on Lord Stanley's Blog, including a short interview today (Thursday) with Jamie McBain.

I'm hoping to be able to make it over to the Rec Zone tomorrow (Friday) to catch some of the on ice "action". Meanwhile Bubba over at Canes Country is rubbing elbows with the real media types and scoring a Q&A with Brandon Sutter. He will be unstoppable if he ever learns how to operate a video camera. The always entertaining WufPirate over at Carolina On Ice was also on hand to check on the kids and give his take on the proceedings.

Also of note in the offseason updates department, Tim Conboy, recent recipient of a new 2 year contract, has a Q&A over on the Albany River Rats website. Some of my favorite nuggets:


You told me earlier, and you’re not the only one to say it, that the Hurricanes have really treated you well and it is the only place you want to be. How come so many people say great things about the ‘Canes organization and how they treat their players?

Top to bottom, you look at the organization and it’s everything you want. A class organization. The general manager, the coaching staff, the equipment staff, everything from top to bottom, you just couldn’t ask for anything better. They got a great thing working right now; they’re doing the right things.

You made your debut with the Canes last year and it seemed like you became an instant fan favorite as well. Were you at all surprised at how quickly the fan base really seemed to take to you?

Yeah, it was crazy. I think the first fight I had against Scott Parker they were playing that old trucker song “You Got a Great Big Convoy”. (Laughs) I remember hearing that and thinking ‘Wow that was fast, I can’t believe they even knew that song was out already.’ It was definitely surprising to see that many people cheering for me every night, it was nice.

Obviously, you’re where you want to be which is in the NHL. And to play in such a great atmosphere at the RBC Center, is that the pinnacle of what a hockey player dreams about?

Yeah, it’s unbelievable. Going out there, you throw the littlest body check--it doesn’t even have to be a big check, you can just be rubbing out a guy--and the place goes nuts. It’s a pretty intense atmosphere to be in and something I think every kid dreams of when they step on the ice for the first time.

Does the big crowd add to your play? You have always been a pretty fiery, energetic guy. Does that just fuel your passion and hunger?

Definitely. You hear the roar of the crowd and it just puts a fire in your belly. You want to go out there and do something so they get loud again.

The other part of your first stint with Carolina was playing as a forward. Do you think that really makes a difference in your appeal to the team because of your versatility of being able to play both forward and defense?

You know I was telling everybody I probably don’t even need to use a stick out there, so just stick me wherever and I’ll just try to run guys over. (Laughs) But no, it was fun playing forward; it’s something I’ve gotten to do a little bit before in my pro career. I’m glad they trust me enough to think I’m able to go back and forth like that. I just think it’s a great asset for me to have.

If you so desire, you can also check out Offseason Q&As with Casey Boerer and Michael Leighton as well.

LaRose Is Back In The Fold

I've been away from my computer for the last few days, but I was happy to read in yesterday's News & Observer that the Canes have come to terms on a new 1 year contract with sparkplug forward Chad LaRose.

LaRose was a restricted free agent, who just last week had filed for arbitration. The Canes had originally offered a qualifying offer of $550,000, but the contract signed on Wednesday was for one year at $875,000. There had been some concern amongst Canes fans (myself included) that the team would not be able to resign LaRose under their current budget restrictions. Rumor had it that the LaRose camp was seeking 3rd line money, while the Canes do not project him above a 4th line forward in the upcoming season. Adding to the concern was the fact that with their recent trades and free agent signings, the Canes were already (and still are) well above their projected salary budget of $45 million. But with LaRose now securely back in the fold for at least one more season, the Canes can look to trim that budget a bit, most likely through a trade on defense.

LaRose, 26, is coming off his most productive campaign in 3 NHL level seasons with the Hurricanes. Known primarily as an energy guy and penalty killer for most of his NHL career, a rash of injuries to the Hurricanes forward corps resulted in LaRose playing on the second and third lines for the first time in his career. He responded t the additional ice time by posting NHL and career highs in goals (11) and total points (23)*, even though he himself was limited to 57 games due to an injury of his own (a broken leg) 3/4 of the way through the season. LaRose came back from what many thought could be a season ending injury in just 4 weeks, and was strong down the stretch for the Canes, notching his first NHL career hat-trick (and the game winning goal) on April 2nd against Tampa Bay.

A prolific scorer in juniors (he once notched a 117 point season in just 67 games for Plymouth in 2002-2003) and in the minors, LaRose has never found a prolific or consistent scoring touch on the NHL level, but he has more than made up for it with hard work, character, energy and grit, making him a definite fan favorite and an asset in the Canes' locker room.

Hopefully LaRose's offensive game will continue to develop, although with the glut of forwards on the Carolina roster heading into 2008/2009 it will be difficult to see him cracking the top 3 lines. Most likely the Canes will rely on him for his energy, grit and defensive skills on the 4th line and the penalty kill, barring significant injury in their top 9 forwards. Still, LaRose is a fighter and will surely make anyone ahead of him on the depth chart fight for their minutes on the ice. And having him as insurance in the depth department is a great thing.

Overall a good signing for the Canes, both from an on-ice perspective and from a PR perspective. Having already lost one fan favorite in Erik Cole, some Caniacs would have gotten pretty restless losing LaRose as well.

-m

* Interesting Note: LaRose has notched exactly 12 assists in each of his 3 seasons with the Hurricanes. His goal totals in those 3 seasons have increased from 1 (2005/2006) to 6 (2006/2007) to 12 (2007/2008).

Seidenberg Signs, LaRose Files for Arbitration

With the big splashes via free agency and trades likely done, the Hurricanes announced a little bit of house keeping over the weekend.

Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg has signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Canes for next season. Seidenberg made $850,000 last season for the Canes, and as a RFA was tendered a qualifying offer of $935,000 late last month. With Siedenberg's signing, the Canes now have 8 defensemen under contract at the NHL level for next season (Joni Pikanen, Joe Korvo, Tim Gleason, Frank Kaberle, Niclas Wallin, Josef Malichar, Anton Babchuck and Seidenberg). So we should still be looking for at least one of those players to be moved via trade to dump some salary (the Canes are now around $2.5 to $3 million over their proposed salary cap of $45-46 million). The most likely trade possibilities are Frank Kaberle ($2.2 million) and, yes, Seidenberg. It's quite possible that the Canes signing him to a contract makes him more attractive in a trade, as teams now know exactly what they would be getting in salary (as opposed to trading for and then having to negotiate with an unsigned RFA).


That leaves only Chad LaRose unsigned amongst the Cane's RFAs. As expected, LaRose was one of 15 NHL players to file for arbitration on Friday (Seidenberg did not file, which led to speculation that a deal was near). The Canes qualified LaRose at $550,000, a $50,000 raise over last season. The sticking point in negotiations with LaRose is RUMORED (obviously none of us knows for sure) to be that he is asking for 3rd line money, but the Hurricanes, with their abundance of forwards under contract - and with Brandon Sutter waiting in the wings and likely to get a real shot of making the team at some point next season - still see LaRose as a 4th line player. They've already signed Ryan Bayda and Wade Brookbank as depth guys. GM Jim Rutherford, in commenting on the LaRose negotiations had this to say last week:

"I don't think his (contract) number is out of line with what he's done. His number is out of line with where we're going to use him on our team."

I love Chad LaRose, but I tend to agree with Rutherford on this one. He is not worth 3rd line money to this team. With the exception of a few spurts last season the guy has been chronically unable to put the puck in the net on the NHL level. He brings great grit, energy, hustle and fire to the ice night in and night out, and is solid on the penalty kill - all of which are qualities you want in a fourth line checking forward. But they are not worth $1 million (plus) 3rd line money. I'm sorry. Which is why LaRose is not likely to get anything more than 4th line money in arbitration anyway, as arbitration hearings tend to focus purely on numbers, not intangibles. My (completely uneducated) guess is that he will be slotted somewhere between the $550,000 the Canes have offered and around $700,000 (on the high end). Of course none of us knows the actual numbers that have been bandied about between the Canes and LaRose. We will all just have to wait and see.

The NHL's arbitration hearings are scheduled to take place this year from July 20th - August 4th. Teams and players can continue to negotiate up until a hearing takes place.

Back to the situation on defense. Personally, I hope the Canes keep Seidenberg. He's still a relatively young player (26) who is still coming into his own as a defenseman. When healthy (and that has been a big IF) he has shown signs of being a solid depth guy on the blueline, not a top line D-man, but a solid, physical presence who can skate deceptively well, has a decent shot and shows toughness. Sure, there can be lapses, but I tend to think that these come from rust and not being on the ice consistently. The more he plays, the better he seems to be. His best years are still ahead of him. The same cannot necessarily be said for Kaberle, who seems like he would be the most marketable trade option. I've got nothing against Frankie, but with the current corp of defensemen it just seems like he is the odd man out. Both Corvo and Pitkanen are younger and (perhaps at this point) more skilled as puck moving offensive defensemen. Kaberle, when healthy, still has a lot to offer a team looking for a savvy veteran who can provide offense from the blue line. On the Hurricanes, at this point, he is redundant.

Of course, Nic Wallin would also be on the list of trade possibilities, but we all know that the "Secret Weapon" has that not-so-secret NTC which he has exercised before and one can only assume he would do so again.

Stay tuned...

-m

The Guy You Love To Hate, Now in Big D

Not sure why this is suddenly becoming a NY Rangers sub-blog today, but the interesting moves just keep coming. The Rangers are definitely wheeling and dealing, in a attempt to remake their team with moves both upfront and on the blueline.

One of those moves sees the guy we all love to hate, Sean Avery, signing a free agent deal with the Dallas Stars. Mr Nasty will get $15.5 millon over 4 years in Dallas. Not bad for a guy who notched 33 points in 57 games. Granted, the Rangers were much better with him on the ice than there were without.

Thankfully (??) this means that we as Canes fans won't see as much of Avery. But isn't it always more fun to have opposing players that you love to hate?

-m

Ottawa Might Be Interested in Kaberle?

Luke @ LSB points to an article in the Ottawa Sun today, intimating that the Sens might be interested in Carolina's Frankie Kaberle.

It's all just speculation at this point, but the Sens have been decimated on the blue line and with all the big money free agent signings of defensemen and trades over the last few days, most of the "big names" are gone, and for more $$$ than the Sens were willing to pay. The Sun speculates that Kaberle and Vancouver's Kevin Bieska could be targets in Ottawa. The Cannucks reportedly want RFA Antoine Vermette in exchange for Bieksa, who is slotted to make $3.5 million per over the next 3 seasons. Kaberle is under contract to Carolina at $2.2 million per for the next 2 seasons.

With their trades and free agent signings over the last 3 days (Joni Pitkanen, Anton Babchuck, Josef Melichar), the Hurricanes now have 7 defensemen under contract for next season, with Dennis Siedenberg waiting in the wings as an RFA. It seems apparent that the Canes will try to move at least one of those defensemen via trade to bring their salary cap down into the $45-46 million range. Most speculation trends towards Kaberle, Nic Wallin or Dennis Seidenberg being dangled as possible trade bait. Wallin has a NTC, which he has exercised in the past.

Of the three defensemen rumored to be on the block, I think Kaberle makes the sense to move. His salary, based on the silly money that has been thrown around so far, now seems reasonably affordable. If he can get back to being healthy he offers a lot as a puck moving defenseman who can score on the powerplay. The Canes have gotten younger at his position, so he has become obsolete on this team, but I would guess there are plenty of teams out there still looking for puck moving defensemen. There always are. When healthy Frankie has been solid as a Cane, and who could ever forget his integral role during the Cup run and game winning goal in game 7 against Edmonton? The last 2 seasons have been marred by nagging injuries, which have obviously affected his play and decimated his confidence. Now, with Corvo and Pitkanen on board, there just doesn't seem to be a slot for him on this team at the moment. Perhaps it would be the best thing for both parties for Kaberle to get a fresh start elsewhere, and the Cane to pick up some depth or draft picks.

I'm hoping that we can keep Seidenberg. He has been steady when healthy and given the chance to play. Not outstanding, but solid as a depth guy on defense. Those are good guys to have around at the right price.


Stay tuned.

-m

Jagr Signs with Russian Super League

Jaromir Jagr parted ways with the NY Rangers on Thursday after 3 years in the Big Apple, signing a contract with Omsk Vanguard of the Russian Super League according to reports on the Russian team's website.

No financial details of the deal have been officially announced, but according to media reports Jagr stands to make a cool $35 million over 2 years, with an option for a third. Sounds like that might cover his moving expenses.

Jagr played for Omsk during the 2005 NHL lockout and became a fan favorite for the Hawks.

Jagr had a down year, by his standards, in 2007/2008 scoring only 71 points while adjusting to new line mates after the Rangers lost center Michael Nylander to free agency last summer. He never seemed to mesh with his new centermen - being paired first with Scott Gomez, then Chris Drury and finally Brandon Dubinsky. Had Jagr scored 84 points or more, his contract would have automatically been renewed. Instead the Rangers, who have spent freely in the free agent market (Surprise!!) thus far, acquiring the likes of Wade Redden (D), Dmitri Kalinin (D) and Markus Naslund (F), had informed Jagr that he was no longer part of their future plans.

Jagr led New York to three straight playoff births in his tenure with the Rangers, after the team had missed the post-season 7 straight years prior to his arrival. In 18 NHL seasons Jagr played in 1273 regular season games and notched 1599 points (646 goals, 943 assists). In the playoffs he appeared 169 games and scored 181 points (77 goals and 104 assists). He played in 9 All-Star game, earned 5 Art Ross Trophies (NHL scoring leader), 3 Lester B. Pearson Awards (MVP - as voted on by players) and was named the league MVP (Hart Memorial Trophy - awarded by writers) in 1999.


The NY POST has some quotes from Jagr concerning the move:

"I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be in New York, but I've always believed in my life that things happen for a reason, and that's how I look at this. Coming to the Rangers was great for me, and I owe Glen thanks for making the trade with Washington to bring me here.

"I can't say I regret anything that happened here. We didn't win the Stanley Cup, but there's a lot of luck that goes into that, too, even if you have a great team. Well, I guess I regret that I didn't get 84 points this season. If that had happened, I'd still be here."

"With the contracts for Scotty, Dru and Hank [Henrik Lundqvist], and then signing [Wade] Redden, they have almost $30M in four players, so there wasn't enough for me after that. The Rangers wanted to get better on defense and they spent a lot of money on Redden.

"That's OK. That's what they thought would make them a better team. If I did a better job with Scotty or Dru, it might be different."

"People think that it's better to have a lot of choices, but sometimes having one choice is best because you can't make the wrong one. I don't know what I'm going to do now, but I'll make that choice when it's time.

"I want to thank Glen and Tom and the Rangers. I want to thank all the people who supported me. Being in New York was special."

And then there was this zinger:

"And I also want to say to the people like Mike Milbury who made their living by criticizing me all the time, that they can kiss my [butt]."


Stay classy San Diego.

Having Jagr leave for Europe means the end to one of my all time favorite crowd chants to float around the upper deck of the RBC Center:

"Who ate all the pie? Who ate all the pie? Jaromir Jagr you fat bastard you ate all the pie!!"

-m

A few Rangers Blogs:

My Blueshirt Heaven
Hockey Bird
Hockey Rodent
Ranger Land
Blueshirt Bulletin
5-Hole
The Dark Ranger

Canes Sign Pitkanen, Melichar

Well, that didn't take long.

For all those ready to jump off ledges all over the Triangle, wondering why JR would trade their favorite player for an unsigned RESTRICTED Free agent, well, you can rest a little easier. There will be no long, drawn out negotiations and/or offer sheets from other teams.

Luke at over at the N&O announced today that the Canes have signed defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a 3 year deal worth $12 million. Thankfully, this deal was wrapped up in a hurry. The 24 year old Finn was acquired on Tuesday in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers, who picked up long time fan favorite Erik Cole. Cole was due $4 million for the last year of his contract and Pitkanen has bascially moved into that salary slot - $3.5 million in 2008/2009, $4 million in 2009/2010, and $4.5 million in the last year of the deal. This makes Pitkanen the highest paid Canes defenseman but quite a large margin. Joe Corvo is second on that list at $2.5 million.

JR obviously believes in this kid, and thinks he can blossom into the player he has always been projected to be. Let's hope he's right. JR has made some moves in the past that seemed questionable at the time, but they seem to work out for him more often than not. This decision could be a defining one.



But the Canes did not stop there, and moved to shore up their blue line even more by announcing another signing today. Josef Melichar has signed on to a one year contract at $1 million. Melichar played in 310 NHL games with the Pittsbugh Penguins from 2000/2001 through 2006/2007. He spent last season in Europe playing for Linkoping of the Swedish Elite League. Known as a defensive defenseman, the 6'2", 220 lb Czech has 7 goals and 33 assists in his NHL career. JR had this to say about the 29 year old Melchair:

Josef is a big, strong and experienced defensive defenseman who will be a shut-down player for us...

Melichar's signing makes 3 defensemen added to the roster in the last 48 hours.
So you've got to give Rutherford and company some credit. They said that they needed and would be targeting defensive help (obviously), and they went out and got it.
Now only time will tell if they made the right moves.

The payroll now stands at around $46.7 million for 2008/2009, which is slightly above the Cane's projected budget of $45-46 million. There are currently 7 (Corvo, Pitkanen, Gleason, Kaberle, Wallin, Babchuk, Melichar) defensemen under contract to the Hurricanes at the NHL level, with Dennis Siedenburg waiting in the wings as a restricted free agent who has been given a qualifying offer. Don't be surprised to see a salary-dump trade soon involving one or more of these defensemen (Kaberle? Wallin? Seidenberg?).

Stay tuned.

-m

More Moves on a Busy Day...

And we're likely just getting started...

Luke has announced over on Lord Stanley's Blog that the Canes have re-upped Ryan Bayda, Wade Brookbank and Tim Conboy. All three were part of the mid-season call-ups from Albany that helped the injury plagued Hurricanes stay in the playoff race all the way to the last weekend of the season.

Bayda was a key ingredient to the Canes' late season surge, teaming with Scott Walker and Keith Aucoin (also a call-up from Albany) to form perhaps the Canes' most consistent line, bringing energy, speed and effort every nite. The line's efforts were not always reflected on the scoreboard, but they set the tone for the rest of the team night in and night out. Bayda finished the season having appeared in 31 games, tallying 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists). His new deal is a one year contract worth $475,000.

Brookbank also signed a one year, $475,000 deal today. He was brought up from Albany in mid-December to serve as the team's "nuclear weapon" on the bench. His role was pretty simple, stand up for teammates and drop the gloves whenever necessary. He notched 76 penalty minutes in 32 games for the Canes last season.

Conboy was signed to a two year deal that will be two-way in 2008-2009 ($475,000 NHL/ $100,000 AHL) and NHL-only in 2009-2010 ($500,000). Last season was Conboy's first in the Canes' organization, and he made his NHL debut against Colorado on Jan. 12th. Conboy quickly became a fan favorite with his grit, hard work and willingness to scrap, hit and drop the gloves (60 PIM in just 19 games) despite his somewhat diminutive stature. He skated as both a forward and defenseman, chipping in with 6 assists, and providing valuable backup on a injury-depleted Canes' roster.

-m

Cole to Edmonton; Babchuck Re-signed

Cannot say that it comes as a surprise, nor can I say that I am completely against it, but it was still a bit of a bummer to learn that Erik Cole was traded today to the Edmonton Oilers, straight up, for defenseman Joni Pitkanen.

Cole was entering into the last year of a contract that is due to pay him $4million this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2008-2009. This made him an obvious trade commodity, and his name had been mentioned in trade rumors as far back as the 2007 draft, and again at the trading deadline last season. Still, I'll be bummed to see him go.

Here's wishing Erik and his family nothing but the best. UTTR will be keeping tabs and pulling hard for you in Edmonton.

Pitkanen is a 24 year old (offensive) defenseman who will hopefully add some scoring punch to the blue line, especially on the power-play. The terms "potential" and "upside" have been thrown around a lot regarding Pitkanen who was the 4th overall pick (Philadelphia) in the 2002 NHL draft, but he is now going to his third team in 5 seasons. Having not really lived up to the hype so far, his 2007-2008 season was marred by several nagging injuries (knee, hip). He appeared in 63 games for the Oilers, notching 26 points (8 goals, 18 assists). His best season in Philadelphia was 2005-2006, scoring 46 points (13 goals, 33 assists) in only 58 games. He was on the sidelines for 21 straight games that season with a torn abdominal muscle.

It seems that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has been high on Pitkanen for a while, as it was rumor that the Canes were in the running to acquire his services last summer as well. Pitkanen is currently a Restricted Free Agent.

I completely understand the necessity to trade a forward to get what we need on defense, and I completely understand that our most "marketable" assets at forward included Cole, Justin Williams and perhaps Ray Whitney and/or Tuomo Ruutu. I'm just a little bit skeptical that a Cole for Pitkanen is straight up fair value for the Hurricanes. I just have not been all that impressed with Pitkanen on the ice (forget the numbers) in the few times I've been able to watch him closely. But of course, its not my job to evaluate talent, and it's only a hobby at best to second guess. Pitkanen is young and has skills. Let's hope he puts it all together in a Canes uniform (Sergei Samsonov, anyone?). If not he is going to have a hard time living up to a trade that sent one of Carolina's most popular players away. Fans can tend to be a little impatient in such situations.


................................

Also in the news, the Hurricanes have announced that the have re-signed/agreed to terms with defenseman Anton Babchuck, who was with the team for two seasons before playing last year in his native Russis (Superliga - Avangard Omsk). Babchuck was embroiled in a bit of controversy when he initially refused to report when the Hurricanes assigned him to the minors (Albany), mid way though the 2006-2007 season. He eventually did report and play out the season with the River Rats, and from most accounts was not a bad apple. But the public spat with the front office was a bit, shall we say, messy.

Babchuck then left to play a season in Russia's top league, where he was fifth amongst defensemen in scoring with 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists) in 57 games played. So far in his NHL career Babchuck has scored 26 points and racked up 54 penalty minutes in 96 games with the Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks (drafted in 1st round - 21st overall - 2002). The new contract is for one season and will pay Babchuck $1million.

-m

Glen Wesley Announces His Retirement

After spending most of my day away from modern conveniences such as internet access, radio or TV, I decided to sit down late tonight and check in on Lord Stanley's Blog to see what was what. Maybe I missed another signing, or some news from the organizational meetings taking place over in Raleigh-wood. Boy Howdy!

After 20 years in the NHL, and 13 with the Carolina Hurricanes, Glen Wesley has decided to call it a career. I cannot say that this announcement was completely unexpected, but it was still bittersweet. Wesley was/is a classy guy. A quiet warrior and leader on the ice and a gentleman off it. He will be missed, but I certainly do not begrudge him his the right to end his career on his own terms.

Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford announced that though his playing days may be over, Wesley will be staying with the team in a new front office position created just for him - Director Of Defensive Development. This is both a classy and SMART move by the organization. Classy in that they are keeping one of their long tenured and most respected players involved with the team after their playing days are over (see Ron Francis as well), and smart in that not many folks could claim better expertise on how to get the most out of your talents as a defenseman in the NHL than Glen Wesley. He already has the respect and admiration of the youngsters on the Cane's blueline, especially Tim Gleason who has always been quick to point out the influence of Wesley's leadership and counsel in his development over the last two seasons.

Rutherford also announced that Wesley's number 2 will be the second Canes' jersey to be raised Up To The Rafters next season. A well deserved and hard earned honor. As a fan, you could always count on one thing when it came to Glen Wesley - that he was going to give you everything he had every time he stepped onto the ice. It may sound cliched, but that's really all you can ask of any player.

Congratulations to Glen Wesley on a stellar career. UTTR wishes you and your family nothing but the best for the future. We will miss seeing you on the ice, but are looking forward to having you as a "neighbor" for hopefully a long long time.


NOTES:
-Wesley finished his career in 6th place on the all time games played (1497) list amongst NHL defensemen.
-Wesley was the last remaining player who was on the Canes' roster from their inaugural season in North Carolina.
-Wesley played in 4 Stanley Cup Finals, 2 with the Hurricanes and 2 with the Boston Bruins.
-Drafted third overall in the 1987 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, Wesley made the NHL straight out of juniors and was named to the All-Rookie team in 1987 with 37 points (7g, 30 assists)and a +/- rating of +21. He was also named to the the All Star game in 1989 and was considered one of the up and coming offensive defensemen in the league.
-Wesley was traded from the Bruins to the Hartford Whalers in 1994 in exchange for 3 draft picks, one of which ironically turned out to be Sergei Samsonov (1997).
-Once with the Whalers, Wesley was asked to be a number one, shut-down defenseman, and in the selfless way that would come to signify his career, he gave up his personal offensive numbers (which had been quite impressive up to that point) for the good of the team.
-Wesley's 913 games played for the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise is second only to Ron Francis in team history, and his 728 games in a Hurricanes jersey are the most by any player.

There are a couple of nice stories up on the Canes' website regarding Wesley's retirement (which is where I culled a lot of this notes/statistics). You can check them out HERE and HERE.


-m


(photo: schultzimages.com)

Former Cane Sami Kapanen Announces Retirement

The Phildelphia Flyers announced on Wednesday that former Hurricane Sami Kapanen has decided to retire after 12 seasons in the NHL at age 34.

Kapanen was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the fourth round of the 1995 NHL Draft. He played 8 seasons with Hartford/Carolina before being traded to the Flyers in February of 2003 in a deal that sent Pavel Brendl and Bruno St. Jacques to the Hurricanes.

Kapanen was best known for his speed on the wing and his gritty play despite his somewhat diminutive size. A fan favorite in both Carolina and Philadelphia, Sami registered career totals of: 189 goals and 269 assists for 458 points and 175 penalty minutes in 831 regular season games. He posted 35 points (13G,22A) and 22 penalty minutes in 87 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.

I always loved Sami, and was amazed over the last few years at how much he had rounded out his game, especially on defense. His role with the Flyers of late had been mainly as a fourth line checker and penalty killer. Surely he had more left in the tank, but look for Kapanen to finish out his pro career in Finland. He is part owner of the KalPa Kuopio club in his hometown of Vantaa, and will likely play for them next season.

UTTR wishes you all the best Sami!

Check out the full story from the N&O HERE.

-m

Canes Ink Eaves To a New Deal

In the first of what is likely to be a series of announcements over the next few weeks leading up to the July 1st free agency deadline, the Carolina Hurricanes announced on Wednesday that they have inked forward Patrick Eaves, a restricted free agent acquired from Ottawa in February, to a new 3 year deal. Eaves, 24, will get $4.2 million over the life of the contract - $1.1 million in 2008-09, $1.4 million in 2009-10 and $1.7 million in 2010-11.

Eaves, who spent most of 2008 battling shoulder and neck injuries, was acquired along with defenseman Joe Corvo in the Feb 11th trade that sent Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore to the Senators. He missed a grand total of 42 games to injury in 2007-2008, and notched a goal and 4 assists in 11 games for the Hurricanes after the trade. To my eyes he showed flashes of speed and grit in his limited action for the Canes that could definitely prove valuable in the long haul.

Hurricanes president and general manager Jim Rutherford has this to say about today's signing:

Patrick is an important part of our forward corps going forward. He just turned 24 years old and already has a 20-goal season under his belt. He battled through some injuries this past season, but we are looking forward to having him back and healthy this fall.

Eaves underwent shoulder surgery on March 28th.

You can read the full story HERE.

-m

The Inevitable

Well, it has finally come to pass.

The Detroit Red Wings are Stanley Cup Champions again, proving that not much has changed post-lockout afterall. (Just kidding, but with next year's league salary cap creeping towards $60 million...). Once again, Hockey Town is the center of the NHL universe. And I have to admit, they definitely deserve it.

The Penguins gave the desperate last second comeback one more try, but came up just short, as Marian Hossa's lunging stab at a rebound trickled just parallel to the goal line as time expired. Pittsburgh took advantage of a power play with under 2:00 minutes to play (so much for the refs swallowing their whistles, eh) to pull within one. But as it turns out Henik Zetterberg's shot that trickled slow-mo like through the legs of Marc-Andre Fluery's legs early in the third turned out to be the game winner. Zetterberg got the Con Smythe, as much for his stellar defense as his offense, even though he tallied more playoff points than any Red Wing in history. And that's saying something.

All in all it was a game effort by the Pens, but the Wings were obviously the better team. Exceptionally skilled both offensively and defensively and exceptionally deep as well. They once again dominated the third period, managing to escape the last second heroics this time around. It was not as dominating as their Game 6 win over Dallas on road ice in the conference finals, but it was impressive nonetheless. Once again the only thing standing between the Wings and a blowout was Fluery, who seems to have taken giant steps towards the greatness that has been expected of him for so long.

An exciting series over all, and I hope a lot of people got to see it. Guess we can take a look at the overall TV numbers tomorrow or Friday. Either way I think the NHL got the showcase they were looking for. And I don't think there's much doubt that the Pens, with their core of ridiculously young stars (Fluery is long in the tooth with this bunch and he's only 24), will be a force for years to come in the East.

I'm a little sad to see the year come to a close, and am already looking forward to September. Until then I guess we can have fun with all the speculation and craziness of the off season and free agency to come.

Man, I love this game.

Go Canes!

-m

For The Love Of The Game...

I was not born and raised a hockey fan. Far from it. I was raised on baseball and college hoops on Tobacco Road.

Youth hockey did not exist for me. And if it had, I nor the adults at the Eden Boy's Club, would not have known what to do with it (I remember being taught soccer by a coach who was reading out of a book at practice). It's hard to pinpoint exactly when I was first exposed to hockey and when I officially "became a fan". I vaguely remember the Montreal Canadians from the mid-seventies, and perhaps a little more clearly the Islanders run of 4 straight Cups in the late 70's (for some reason I cannot quite pinpoint now, I pulled against them every time). Then there was the Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid, where I vividly remember me and my Dad (who was never a hockey fan at all and now only holds a passing interest) cheering loudly in our living room as Al Michaels asked "Do you believe in miracles?" Yes! Perhaps that was the moment.

Or perhaps it came when some kids named Messier and Gretzky from a Canadian oil town finally vanquished the Isles and started an amazing dynastic run of their own? I remember that those Oilers teams were the first that I followed regularly and it was through them that I became a "fan". I also pulled for the Rangers because they were the hard-luck kids (similar to my beloved Red Sox), and because they were the Islander's rivals (again, I'm not sure what it was that turned me off about the Isles - maybe their brutish physical play, or just their run of dominance that turned me towards the underdogs). In college I would attend minor league games in Greensboro and Raleigh but did not have a team of "my own". But my fan hood grew and when Peter Karmanos came calling from Connecticut, I felt bad for the fans in Hartford, but ecstatic that I would finally have a team to call my own.

But through it all something was happening that was almost imperceptible. I was falling in love with the game. It was starting to tug at my allegiances that had always fallen solidly with baseball and basketball.

Today, I would have to say that I am a hockey fan above all else. When the Red Sox won the World Series, especially coming from behind to beat the Yankees in historic fashion it was an amazing feeling. But it was more a feeling of deliverance and relief. Like a weight being lifted. When they did it again last year it was almost like ho-hum. I was happy, but I was no longer emotionally invested. And in neither case did it come close to the feeling of Game 7 of the 2006 finals and watching Rod Brind A'mour lift that Cup above his head and jump around like a little kid.

I no longer get (as) upset when the Yankees beat the Red Sox or Duke loses to UNC. But the Hurricanes missing the playoffs can send me into a funk that lasts for weeks. I know it doesn't make any sense. But I know that it makes me a hockey fan. First and foremost.

And as a hockey fan tonight's EPIC Game 5 between the Red Wings and Penguins was absolutely amazing. I don't have a rooting interest. I'm not pulling for or against either team. I just want to see good hockey on TV for a little while longer. And it does not get much better than this.

I don't think anyone expected Pittsburgh to win this game. As talented as they are, Detroit has just been too good this playoff season. But the Pens jumped out to a two goal lead and suddenly things got interesting again. However, by the third period, the Wings were absolutely dominating the play and the Pens' lead quickly disappeared. The Cup was in the house and I fully expected it to be skated around the ice by the guys in Red. But then we were all reminded of how truly great this game can be.
It was a joy to watch - the skill, the stamina, the determination, the desperation.
And in the end the sheer jubilation of a Penguins team that after 5 1/2 periods of elimination hockey will live to fight at least one more day.

I'm sure the game will be analyzed and lionized by folks far more eloquent than I.
But all I know is that it's after 1am and I'm jubilant and exhausted. And I did not even have a dog in this fight. I can only imagine what the fans in Detroit and Pittsburgh are feeling.

And that's why we love this game.

-m

Dance Dance Dance

As all of the free world probably knows by now, Kristi Yamaguchi took home the title Tuesday night on Dancing With The Stars. The N&O has a story here. Apparently she garnered the most points through the competition in the history of the show. Congrats to Kristi. Though I have to admit I did not see a minute of the show.

Also of note, a few days ago the N&O ran a story about how Mr. and Mrs. Yamaguchi were making plans to put down roots in California in the not so distant future. Hmmm...guess that's something to mull over as Brett returns to Raleigh to have a sit down with JR...natch, pack up his belongings?

Whatever Brett decides to do, UTTR wishes him nothing but the best.
He's earned it. We just like to kid...


-m

Off Season Game Plan

Well I'm back from my temporary sabbatical, which ended up lasting a lot longer than I expected. Turns out looking for a job, a little bit of travel and attending weddings took up a bit longer than I expected. But hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things quickly.

Was psyched to see that the (manufactured?) melodrama over Coach Peter Laviolette's job status seems to have been settled, for now at least. I found Jim Rutherford's comment - "This became a bigger issue than it needed to be" - somewhat amusing as it was JR's bristly refusal to give any thing resembling even a lukewarm endorsement of Laviolette that led to all the speculation in the first place.

Also today, over on TSN.com, Scott Cullen has posted his "Off Season Game Plan" for the Hurricanes. I had been waiting on this, since I had enjoyed Cullen's prognosis for other teams in the league so far. Have to say that I think he got things right for the most part, but it would be hard not to know what the Canes need most (defense, defense) assuming an even passing glance at their shortcomings last season. Erik Cole and Justing Williams are still offered up as possible trade bait for a top line defenseman, which is not surprising I guess, but I really hope it does not come to that in either case. There are also some free agent options listed. Check it out. Perhaps I'll offer up some of my own, completely uninformed, opinions on this stuff soon. I know you will be on the edge of your seats for that!


-martin

Blogroll please...

As I become more and more fixated (natch, obsessed) with actually updating and maintaining this blog on a more regular basis, I've also been trying to tinker with the look and layout as best as my feeble skills allow.

TO that end, I spent a ridiculous amount of time updating the blogrolls (over there on the right) this evening with some of my favorite places to read about the Canes and Hockey in general.

Check them out if you are so inclined.

Now I've got to get to bed.

-m

Ol' Roy Out of The Outhouse

Roy Williams seems to be out of the shitter with Kansas fans...so to speak...or, literally.

From an AP news story today:

The large sketch of the former Kansas basketball coach was removed from the men's room of the Downtown Barbershop on Monday where it had hung as a symbol of fan anger since he departed for North Carolina in 2003.

Now "Ol' Roy" is back where he used to be, prominently displayed among the hundreds of sketches, photographs and memorabilia that make the landmark little shop near the campus a shrine to Jayhawks athletics. Instead of facing the urinal in the back of the building, the man who coached the Jayhawks to nine conference titles is facing customers out front..."The hatchet is buried," owner Jon Amyx said. "I think most people would tell you that now"...Amyx surveyed customers and ended Williams' exile to "the Roy Room," now just the men's room.

Now if Ol' Roy can just bring all those Tarheel fans in off the ledge after his Final Four fiasco(s).

Full story HERE.

NHL on Sean Avery Being Sean Avery

There are a lot of words one can use to describe Sean Avery of the NY Rangers.

Let's see...a few that come to mind...

gritty
hard working
instigator
thorn in the side
douchebag
assclown

But even by Avery standards, his performance on Sunday against the Devils was considered by the suits and hats at NHL HQ to be across the line...thus, we now have the Sean Avery Rule. According to an edict handed down from on high (or somewhere near Toronto), (Sir) Colin Campbell, grand poobah of NHL Crimes and Misdemeanors (natch, Senior Executive Vice President and Director of League Operations...yadda yadda yadda), the league has sprung into action to counter this shameful blight on the image of the NHL:

"An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."

Thanks Colin. But while we have you, anything you want to add about violent hits to the head, or excessive boarding that leads to injury? ... Colin? ... Hello?...Ok, I guess we've lost Colin.

While I have often expressed concern over the NHL "making up the rules as they go along", I have to applaud them in this case. Sean Avery definitely deserves to have an unsportsmanlike conduct rule named after him.

Don't get me wrong, the guy is a heck of a player (and has possibly the single greatest head shot on any team's roster), who plays with an edge and is incredibly effective for his team. Since he arrived from the LA Kings in a trade last year, the Rangers are 50-20-6 with Avery in the line-up and 9-13-3 in games that he's missed. It's just too bad that he crosses the line between effective instigator and clownish asshat so often. There are a lot of guys in the league that I love to hate, but would love to have on my team. I would not want Sean Avery on my team (or at least that's my position from my current perch of sactimony!).

I'll let the legendary Don Cherry sum it up for me:

I've known this kid since he was about 16 years old," Cherry told Toronto radio station The FAN 590. "Once a jerk, always a jerk. You can't blame the referee, because . he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Could you believe what you were seeing? I've never seen anything like that and I've been in every league that's ever existed."

Gleason named to Team USA

Hurricanes defenceman Tim Gleason, after posting the best overall season of his career thus far, has been added to the Team USA roster for the IIHF World Championships this summer. Kudos to Timmy!

Tampa Bay's head coach John Tortorella will be behind the bench for Team USA, and you can see other additions to the roster here.

Team USA will play a pre-tournament exhibition against Sweden in Portland, ME on April 27th before heading to Halifax, NS for their tourney opener against Latvia. The U.S. will also face Slovenia (5/4) and tournament host Canada (5/6) in the preliminary round.

Eight other Hurricanes have been named to play for their national teams at the World Championships this year:

Eric Staal (F, Canada)
Cam Ward (G, Canada)
Ray Whitney (F, Canada)
Denis Seidenberg (D, Germany)
Niclas Wallin (D, Sweden)
Tuomo Ruutu (F/C, Finland)
Daniel Manzato (G, Switzerland)



-m

A Bitter Pill...

Panthers 4
Canes 3

Man, that was a tough one.

(Maybe) I'll have a lot more to say on this later, but right now it's just gut wrenching. Have to say I had a bad feeling coming into this one, knowing that the Panthers would love nothing more than to spoil the Canes' season on RBC Center ice.

I'll be watching the Caps/Panthers game tonight, but have to admit I don't have much hope for a miracle. And to be honest, the Canes went 1-3 over their last 4 with the division and the playoffs on the line, when in retrospect one more win would have iced it. The Caps have won 6 straight playing catch-up. At this point, as much as it pains me to say it, the Caps deserve it, and I just don't see them choking this one away.
(not that I wouldn't take a backdoor into the playoffs, but it just would not be as sweet)

Shit.

I'm very proud of this team over all, but just very disappointed on this rainy April Saturday.

-m

Just Win Baby

After 81 games, it all comes down to this. Again.

If the Canes can pull off a win tonight against the Kitty Cats at the RBC Center, the Southeast division is theirs.

Following an inspired bounce-back performance on Wednesday against Tampa Bay, bouyed by an inspiring performances from Chad LaRose (first career hat trick) and Eric Staal (who scored on the first shift of the game), the Hurricanes have their destiny in their own hands.

Washington held serve last night with a 4-1 win over Tampa Bay and, despite falling behind 1-0 just 30 seconds into the game, show no real signs of going gently into that good night (against Florida on Saturday).

Tonight's game figures to be a tough one. One would suspect that nothing would make another playoff-less campaign from the Panthers a little more palatable than knocking the Canes off their perch at the top of the Southeast. The Panthers have not beaten the Canes in Raleigh since December...of 2002!!!...and the kitties always seem to play with a chip on their shoulder against the Canes...or is that an inferiority complex??

Man, I really wish I could be there.

Here's hoping that the Caniacs are in full throat tonight and that the team comes out with a killer instinct from the start. Put away the Panthers early, and don't give them any reason to fight to the end. Perhaps easier said than done. I feel like my nerves are shot already. And we haven't even gotten into the playoofs yet. Geez.

GO Canes!

-m

Move On

As far as I’m concerned, we need to move on, we’ve got a game tomorrow night, two games left in the season at home, we need to play well and we need to win ‘em both. -Erik Cole (post-game, Washington 4 - Carolina 1)

I could not have summed it up better myself.

The Cane's situation is simple...win two straight games on home ice and you are in the playoffs. One opportunity has been wasted. Two more await.

Tuesday night was not the Hurricanes finest hour, but despite those looking to jump off a ledge this morning, it wasn't the end of the world either.

The Caps out-skated, out-hustled, out-hit, out-shot (by a ridiculous margin of 39-22) and basically outplayed the Canes in a 4-1 win on Tuesday night in DC. It was a win that brought the Caps into a points tie (90) with the Hurricanes at the top of the Southeast division with 2 games left to play. Carolina holds the tie-breakers of total wins and overall record head-to-head.

Both teams finish the season with two home games, against the same teams - Tampa and Florida - with Washington having the slight advantage of getting the 'Ning and Panthers on the back-end of back to backs. The Canes get the 'Ning at home tonight, on the back end of a back to back.

It's really simple at this point. If the Canes beat the Lightning and Panthers at home, they are in the playoffs as the Southeast Division champs and will secure the third seed in the East. If they lose either game, and Washington wins their matchup, the Caps are division champs. Both Washington and Carolina are still in the running for a playoff spot (currently 1 point behind 8th place Boston), but to be honest I don't even want to think about that.

The Canes win two and they are in. If they don't they need help, and that's not an enviable position to be in. You work to have the puck on your stick to control your destiny, and the Canes have that. Now they just have to go out and take care of business at home against two teams who are out of the playoffs.

Notes from last night:

- The Caps took control from the start, dominated the game for the most part. The first 7-8 minutes werea blitzkreig, and only Cam Ward's stellar play kept the Canes in the game.

- Washington's first two goals - from Matt Cooke and Brooks Laich respectively - were both probably something the Canes would like to have another crack at. On Cooke's tally Ward gave up a juicy rebound off of a Mike Green blast from the point which fell right at Cooke's feet between the circles. And Laich scored on nifty forehand-to-backhand move in front of the crease that seemed to hypnotize both Ward and defenseman Tim Gleason.

-Cristobol Huet made a stunning save on a Scott Walker short-handed breakaway in the 2nd that would have tied the score at 2, and probably changed the entire complexion of the game. Instead, Washington scored later in the same power play (a 4 minute minor to Trevor Letowski for high sticking) to essentially ice the game.

-Much was made on the radio call-in shows last night and in the blogosphere this morning about the officiating in last night's game, and some sort of perceived conspiracy theories about the NHL wanting the Caps in the playoffs over the Canes.
To this end I would like to make a few points:

1) The officiating did not lose the game for the Canes last night. They were beaten by a team that played better and worked harder.

2) NHL officiating, on the whole, is indeed atrocious, but is usually atrocious both ways. My big beef with NHL officiating is that it is so inconsistent from game to game, period to period, shift to shift. Sometimes I could swear they are just making things up as they go along.

3) That said, the way a game is being played by the teams on the ice has a lot to do with how a game is being called...i.e. the Caps were contorling play for most of the game last night, setting the tempo and putting the Canes on the defensive. This naturally leads to the aggressive team getting the benefit of the calls. When the Canes are pressing the action, controlling the flow of the game I've seen them get the benefit of calls on many occasions.

4) Referees don't usually decide games, players on the ice do. Last night the Canes got rattled, started worrying about the refs and the calls instead of focusing on controlling the game on the ice. They were outplayed. This is why they lost.

5) Of curse the NHL would love to see the Caps/Ovechkin in the playoffs! Duh. But to somehow infer that they would actually, specifically, cheat the Canes to get them there is a bit out there. Just reaks of homer fan insecurity to me. Do you think the Canes would have ever met Edmonton in the Stanley Cup Finals if the league operated this way? And even if they had, don't you think the fix would have been in for more tradition laden Oilers in such a situation?

One other note on Alex Ovechkin and some perceived notion that he gets the star treatment...OF COURSE HE DOES...he is a star...stars get preferential treatment in every sports league known to man...Does he sometime cross the line from hard nosed and gritty to "dirty"?...ABSOLUTELY...but I would argue it is his willingness, as a player of exceptional skill, to even approach that line that makes him the world class hockey player that he is...and a joy to watch as long as it's not against your team...should he get called for leaving his feet on checks, or brings his elbow up on a check along the boards?...ABSOLUTELY...but until the pansies in the striped shirts do something about it, there's no deterrent...the only deterrent I see is some goon getting sick of it all and taking a serious run at Ovie...then the NHL can think about it while one of their superstars sits on the shelf for a month or so...that would suck...because I would love to have a guy who plays as hard and with as much skill as Ovechkin on my team any day...


Canes vs Tampa tonight.

Let's Go Canes!