A Season Ends

Last night, my good friend H and I went to the last game of the Carolina Hurricanes season. We had hoped it would not be the final game, but it was.

The Canes were swept, losing 4 games to none, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Canes had pulled off some miraculous play in the post season, beating both New Jersey and Boston (both higher seeded teams) in seven games. I suppose there are only so many miracle to go around. The Canes never seemed to get it together in this round. The Penguins certainly found their stride and simply outplayed the Canes four games in a row. I wish them luck in The Stanley Cup Finals and really do hope they bring the win back to the Eastern Conference.

The thing I love the most about our team and our fans is that despite the fact that the game signified the end of the season, the fans gave the players a standing ovation for the final 1:30 minutes of the season. We were cheering equally as loud as we had in the beginning of the game. I think it is really nice to send the boys off to the summer vacation knowing we love them and we appreciate the ride, even if they didn't nab the Cup. I hope it gave them some solace in the face of defeat.

My Heart is Intact

Yes, the Cardiac Canes struck again!! My team did win Game 7 last night (as they have won every game 7). They won it in spectacular fashion - in overtime. Scott Walker was the hero - the same man who nearly got suspended for throwing a big punch in game 5. I know the Boston fans must have been doubly upset. Me - I am happy as can be.

My Canes continue to play on. Beginning on Monday, they will start the Eastern Conference Championship round against Pittsburgh. Who knows what the Cardiac Canes will do next? I just hope they continue to win and to thrill the fans. I hope I get to be there to see at least one game.

Four teams remain - the Pittsburgh Penguins, The Detroit Red Wings, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Carolina Hurricanes. One will capture the Cup. It could be my team.

Canes: Don't Break my Heart

Well, the Carolina Hurricanes had done the unbelievable. They were leading the top team in the Eastern Conference 3 games to 1 in the second round of the playoffs. It was totally unexpected. Boston had swept Montreal in the first round, and had beaten Carolina all 4 times they met in the regular season. Now, the underdog had the upper hand.

That was last Friday. Now, the Canes have lost 2 games in a row. The series is now tied and Game 7 is tonight. I was at game 6. I paid my money, wore my lucky earrings, sat of the left side of my best hockey buddy, Heather, and they lost. There was a chance to put away the series at home, and they lost. It just looked to me like they had no fire, no urgency to win. Despite the 30+ shots on goal to Boston's 19, the Canes just looked tired. Tonight, they go back to Boston and now each team is desperate for the win. One team will play Pittsburgh for the Eastern Conference Championship, and the other team will start summer vacation.

On Tuesday, my gut was 100% certain that the Canes would win at home. Now, my gut is 100% certain that the Canes will lose in Boston. The Carolina Hurricanes have never lost a Game 7 in franchise history. I am told that the Bruins have never won a Game 7.

My gut is usually wrong. Let's hope the streak continues tonight.

Cardiac Canes are at it Again

Back in the '02 Stanley Cup run, the Caroline Hurricanes earned the nickname "Cardiac Canes" because of their many games that went to overtime and the many comebacks they earned. I think they are bringing it back for the 2008-09 season.

Last night, the Canes beat the Boston Bruins in overtime to take the series lead 2-1. It was a great overtime. It was very hard fought, and I thought for sure the Bruins were going to score at one point. However, our Canes took the victory with a great follow through from Jossi Jokinen (the hero of Game 4 in the New Jersey series). Jokinen is quickly establishing himself as the go-to guy for the playoff series. I am starting to really like the guy.

Game 4 is tomorrow night. I am trying to see if I can score some last minute tickets for 2 (let me know if you happen to know anything about tickets). I would love to be able to go to one game in each round. I can really see the possibility of another round.

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

Canes Win Series and Make History

So, I know this is a little dated, but the Carolina Hurricanes beat New Jersey Tuesday night to win the first round of Th Stanley Cup Playoffs. They accomplished this goal in historic fashion. They came from behind to win, and scored two goals with less than two minutes remaining in the game, the latest a team has ever come from behind to win a Game 7. The winning goal came with 31.7 seconds left in the game.

I don't know this information from watching the actual game. I was too chicken to watch. I went to Game 3 of the series (the Canes lost in OT), and it just tore up my tummy. I know, I'm weak. So, I didn't watch games 6 or 7 of this series - two must win games. It worked out. It seems that if I expect them to lose, they win. Usually, they do win in spectacular fashion. They won the Eastern Conference Championship in 2006 after I turned off the TV convinced the whole thing was over. Maybe I need to stop watching any deciding games...

I did watch the highlights of the game yesterday on the Internet. I was shaking by the end of the highlight show, I knew what was going to happen, but the spectacular saves and the amazing goals still got to me. Imagine if I had been watching the thing live!!

A Busy Spring Weekend

This weekend is the first of two packed weekends.

Yesterday was so lovely, we just had to be outside. So, we decided to go for a bike ride to go get some lunch. It was a short ride, but so nice to be outside. I wished we had more time to ride, but I needed to get home to go to yoga workshop.

I participated in a 2 hour yoga workshop specifically geared for runners. It was a great time - much more informal than an actual class. We learned 5 different routines, and were able to practice as well as get any help we needed. It was a great add on to my normal weekly classes.

Last night, we went to a performance of modern dance pieces. A friend of ours choreographed a piece with dance and a photo presentation that she and her husband did. I don't know much about modern dance, but I did like her piece. I will admit that I did not get or like the first piece of the show, but luckily the remainder of the 4 total dances were good.

Today, I am at home with the pups. Hubby went to Virginia International Raceway for races with a friend, and I am home for most of the day. I will be attending the Carolina Hurricanes playoff game tonight with my friend who scored us some tickets. I am hopeful that the Canes will do well tonight after their great victory in New Jersey Friday night. There is nothing like playoff hockey, so it should be a fun night. GO CANES!!

It will be a busy week leading to another busy weekend, but I shall leave that for my next post.

Canes Win Again!

My very last season ticket hockey games was a blowout. The Carolina Hurricanes beat the NY Islanders 9-0. Yep, that's not a typo. I have never seen the Canes score that many goals. The best I can remember is an 8-2 win in the playoffs back in 2002. It was a sad game, though. The Isle were so utterly defeated. They just could not get going, then it got to the point where they just didn't seem to even want to get anything going. The Canes out shot them 57-12.

It was the 12th straight home win for the Canes. I believe it was the 7th win overall. Cam Ward became the winningest goalie in the Canes regular season history with 39 wins. Overall, it was a great way to end my season. The Canes will be going to the playoffs.

I am now thinking about ending my career as a fan. I think it is time to retire from season ticket holding. As much as I like hockey, I am no longer as interested as I once was. It costs a lot of money and it takes time. I think I will enjoy the Canes from newspapers and TV, at least for the time being.

Canes Tie a Team Record

Last night, I attended my second to last hockey game. It was a grudge match between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Ottawa Senators. After two periods, there was no score. I know I was a bit nervous, and maybe others were, too. There was a lot at stake - not only a playoff spot, but also a record. I should not have worried. Ottawa did come out and score the first goal of the game, but the Canes soon answered. The score remained tied for a few minutes until Anton Babchuck let go one of his great booming shots. With some good defense and great saves by Cam Ward, the Carolina Hurricanes won. They remained in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They also tied a franchise record - nine straight wins at home.

It seems that as soon as I decided to quit my season tickets, the Canes started to pick up their game. Attending hockey games has actually become fun again. Still, I have decided to retire. I just hope I go out on a good note with a strong season finish by my team. I would not mind a new record for games won at home, either.

Where have you guys been?

The Carolina Hurricanes play tonight, and I will be in the stands to see them with my friend Heather. I am very hopeful that we might see a won tonight against the NY Rangers considering the events of the past few games.

Carolina seems to be on fire. They have outscored opponents in the past three games 20-6. It is like it has finally sunk in that their post season is hanging in the balance. A day ago, this recent surge put them in a 3 way tie for 6th place. As most things go, this placement did not last long, and they are back to #9 - watching the playoffs from the outside.

The tide has really seemed to turn in the past few games. The Canes have been playing quicker, smarter hockey. If only they had been playing like this since October...

So, how long will the Canes on fire last? At least through tonight, I would hope.

Fair Weather Fan?

I am beginning to wonder if I am a fair weather fan. I have not been very interested in the Canes season this year. For the first time, I bought a season ticket package for just myself. I don't mind going to the games by myself. I take a magazine for the intermissions, and that is really the part of the game when I would miss others. I am starting to find that intermissions are my favorite part of the game.

I am starting to get bored with the hockey. It seems like the same thing over and over again. During the last game I attended, I didn't even stand when the Canes scored. I used to go crazy when I heard that horn. I also didn't stay for the whole game. I left with minutes remaining in the third period while the game was tied. The Canes did win the game -I heard it on the way home. I didn't even miss missing the end. I was just glad to be on my way home.

It sounds to me like the nine year run of being a season ticket holder is coming to an end.

Canes Win 3-2

I went to my first hockey game of 2009 last night. It was a battle between old rivals, the New Jersey Devils and The Carolina Hurricanes. These are usually good games, and last night was no exception.

The score really doesn't reflect the dominance of the Canes in this game. They came out in the first period with so much pep and drive. It was one of the best periods of hockey I have seen from the Canes in a long time. The game was actually 3-0 Canes until about 10 minutes left in the 3rd period.

The Devils did something I haven't seen before last night. They went on a power play with less than 10 minutes left in the 3rd period. At that point, they were still down by 3 goals. They pulled their goalie for a sixth attacker. They didn't score on that PP, but did on the following. Usually, you would only see the goalie pulled in the last minutes of a game, and normally when there is only a 1 goal difference. Apparently, this is a new strategy being tried in the NHL. It made the game interesting. Time will tell if this idea sticks.

Canes, Christmas, and Craziness

My good friend, Heather, scored tickets to Thursday night's Carolina Hurricanes game. Not just any tickets, though. These tickets were on the club level. We were seated at center ice, right on the red line, in the most expensive level of the arena. We were right above the penalty boxes. Let me tell you, I have sat in many different seats in the arena, but these were by far the best seats in the house. You could see the whole length on the ice, and every part of it. In my normal seat, you really can't see anything along the boards near the goal. I had no problems on Thursday. I could also watch the action on the bench, another thing I can't see from my regular seat. It was a great game, and the Canes won 2-1 in OT. It will be hard to go back to section 338 after this experience.

Christmas is 4 days away. Things are going OK, but I still have to buy 3 more gifts. I have nothing for my brother-in-law. What is even worse, I really have no idea what to get him. We don't get to see each other very often, so I really don't know what he likes and dislikes. It is getting close to go time, so a decision will need to be made soon. Luckily, I got Tuesday off, and we are already closed 12/24 to 12/26. I hope we will be able to come up with something soon. At least I have most of the presents wrapped. Progress is happening, just slowly.

What was old is new again

Yesterday, the Carolina Hurricanes announced that they fired the winningest US born hockey coach of all time, Peter Laviolette, and have replaced him with the guy they fired 4 years ago. How weird!

I think Coach Laviolette is a great guy and I am sorry to see him go. Yes, the Canes have not done so well so far this season, but it is early. It's not like they are in last place in the division either - they are currently in second place, only 3 points behind the leaders. This is one thing that I dislike about the Canes. They are constantly jumping the gun and firing or trading someone as a "quick" fix. I know this game is all about the money, and you don't make money if you lose. Still, it feels like they never give players or coaches a fair chance to do better.

So, they have hired back Paul Maurice who was the coach until 2004. He did take the Canes to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002, but he also took the Canes to dead last place in the whole league in 2003. He was also fired by Toronto earlier this year. I like the guy, but can you imagine how that negotiation went?

Hey, Paul. We know we fired you a few years back, but we're in a bit
of a pickle now. So, since you're not doing anything, do you want to come
back to us? Oh, and we will probably fire you again later in the
season. Great - welcome back!!

First Canes Game!

I am going to my first Carolina Hurricanes game of the season tonight. The boys will wear their new "third" jerseys - they are black with the waving flag logo on the front. They will need to extra intimidation...the Detroit Red Wings are in town. So far, the guys have done well by winning their first two games. In both games, the Canes were down by at least 2 goals, then mounted a comeback to win. I hope that they win tonight, but I could do without the drama.

Today has been the perfect fall day. I hate that I had to sit inside all day when it was sunny and crisp outside. I guess I was able to take advantage of the beautiful weather yesterday when Bill and I rode our bikes downtown for lunch. It just seems that work should be waived on days as gorgeous as this one.

Got My Canes Tickets This Week

My mini season tickets arrived from the Carolina Hurricanes this week. Since Bill will not be attending the games with me this year, I opted for the weeknight package. I will be going to 12 games from October to April. I have some pretty good match-ups, too. I see Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, The angers, and Ottawa just to name a few.

Of course, the excitement of getting the tickets was tempered by the news that one of the top forwards and one of my favorite players, Justin Williams, Will be out 4-6 months for a torn Achilles tendon. This news is doubly horrible since he was just coming back from being out most of last season. I really hope this situation is not an indication of how the Canes season will be this year.

The only good news is that former Cane and one of my all time favorite players, Jeff O'Neill, returned to Raleigh for training camp. With Williams not out, there is a chance that "O" could be back with the team if he has a good camp. Gosh, it would be great to see #92 on the ice again.

So Slammed!!

Sorry it has been so long!

I have been so busy, I have not been able to write.

1. Work - my supervisor accepted a new internal position, so my colleague, Rebecca, and I have been trying to split her workload and learn all of our new duties. In addition to that, it is month end closing and we have a huge IT integration underway that is affecting our computer systems.

2. - The Flying Saucer - Bill did earn his plate and we had a party on Wednesday. His plate looked good, and we got a $100.00 tab to share with our friends. We didn't spend it all, and it surprised our waitress. She said usually no one had problems blowing $100.00!!

3. Tonight - We are going to The Saucer again tonight for Jon and Michelle's pre-wedding party. It will be fun to share the last night of their singledom with them.

4. Tomorrow - We have a Galloway run tomorrow morning at 7:00 am. We are supposed to run 8 miles. It has been near 100 degrees every day since Tuesday this week (I know because we went to a minor league baseball game last night - it was 101 at 7:00 pm). It will be tough. At 4:00 pm, we have the wedding. The wedding is supposed to be outside. I hope I do not sweat through my silk dress.

5. Sunday - We have brunch with Jon and Michelle, then heading to Southern Pines. Bill's dad is back from his hospital/physical therapy rehab stay, so it will be great to see him at home.

6. Samantha - Sammy had her teeth cleaned and toenails clipped this week. She also had a spot removed from her leg. She is doing well, but has been a little bit dopey on meds.

7. Detroit won the Stanley Cup. Very disappointing. I thought perhaps Pittsburgh had a chance after Game 5. Oh well.

8. Wesley retired from the Canes (yeah!), but it looks like Hedican is going, too (boo!), Darn Kristi for winning DWTS!! They are moving to California.

OK, I have to get back to work. I have a lot to do before I get out of here tonight.

Have a great weekend (and watch out for the heat!!)

Random Ramblings

1. Bill did reach 200 beers last Wednesday at The Flying Saucer. We are going to see what that means tonight. I am guessing he will get to fill out what he wants on his plate, then in a week or two we will get our $100.00 tab. I am very excited!! I still have about 42 more to go.

2. My office mate moved out today. A single office with a window became open. Since she has seniority, she had the option to take it. I guess it all works out, cause now I have a double office to myself. No window, but a lot of space. I have had my speakers on today. It doesn't make up for losing my friend, but it is nice to have music again.

3. I tried a modified Galloway run yesterday. I ran for 10 minutes and took a 1 minute walk. I think it worked pretty well, and I did feel good. A walker who I often pass even mentioned to me that I was really slimming down. I don't know if that is true, but it sure was nice to hear!

4. I am wearing my new shirt that I bought at the Nordstrom sale today. I have received several compliments on it. I hope I can wear my new shoes soon!

5. Guess experience trumps youth as the Red Wings are leading the series 2-0 (heck, Pittsburgh has not even scored a goal in the finals yet). I hope Pittsburgh can win one in the Igloo tonight. Go Pens!

Young Penguins, Old Wings

The Stanley Cup Finals are now set with the Pittsburgh Penguins getting read to take on the Detroit Red Wings. I will have to admit that I have not been watching the playoffs since my beloved Canes were eliminated from the playoff picture, but this match up does intrigue me.

The Penguins are a very young team. Their captain, Sidney "the Kid" Crosby is just 20 years old. He is joined by a slightly older Evgeni Malkin. These two players made be young, but they are among the most talented players in the NHL. Pair them with veterans Marian Hossa, Darryl Sydor, and Sergei Gonchar, and you can see why the Penguins won the Eastern Conference. Heck, they even have a Staal (Jordan) on their team.

The Red Wings are old school. They have been here and they have won it all many times. Their roster is like a who's who of the best of the NHL. They dominated the Western Conference for most of the regular season, and had a relatively easy path in the playoffs.

Will youth trump experience? Will the veterans show the young ones how a Cup is won? I don't know, but I sure think it will be interesting. I just may have to watch.

The Stanley Cup Finals begin Saturday.

Cheap Ass Canes

Since the Canes did not make the playoffs, I was able to ask for a refund for the ticket I had already purchased. I made the request, and was surprised to receive a check in the mail (I had made a payment on my credit card and thought they would refund it). The check was for $10.00 less than the amount I paid. I reviewed the authorization form that I sent for permission to charge my card, and did not see anything about a refund fee. So, I contacted my ticket manager.

Karen is a lovely person. She kindly explained that the $10.00 was a handling fee for the tickets that were sent to me. I told her how much I appreciated her getting the refund for me so quickly, but I was objecting to the withholding of $10.00.

My feeling is that I did receive the tickets. However, those tickets are completely useless now. I was thinking of putting them on the wall as decorative streamers - that is all they are good for at this point. I told Karen that I held up my end of the deal. I went to all of the games and cheered as loudly as I could. I don't feel that it is right that I be penalized for the team's inability to make the playoffs. It doesn't seem like an appropriate way to treat season ticket holders.

I am awaiting a response. I have a feeling I will be getting my $10.00 left.

One win, One to go

Heather and I were very happy to watch the Canes beat the Lightning last night with a final score of 6-2. It was a great game for Caniacs. Chad LaRose returned last week from a broken leg, and he scored a hat trick in this game. It was a great thing to see. Now the Canes need to finish off Florida tomorrow night, and it's all good.

The funny thing about last night - while the women were at the hockey game, our husbands were out enjoying a sports-free evening of their own. They went to several bars and seemed to really enjoy themselves. Heather and I spoke about getting season tickets together next year. It would be great to have someone to share the games with, and I think the guys would like it, too.

EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE CANES FRIDAY NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!