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!!

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.

No Playoffs for Me

Well, it's old news by now, but it has taken several days for me to be able to write about it. My beloved Canes did not make the playoffs. They had to win their last game of the season - beat the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center. They had beaten the Panthers 14 straight times at home, but it was not to be last Friday night. The Canes finished the season, where they lead their division for all but 14 days, in 9th place. On the day it mattered, they were no longer in the lead.

Needless to say I am disappointed. I have my playoff tickets here at my desk. I am trying to decide if I should throw them out or use them as some sort of streaming decoration. That's all they are good for now. On the bright side, I do get my money back and my schedule is free for the next 2 months. I am trying to be positive.

I will be back in the stands next season. Let's hope it goes a little bit better that this disappointing end.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They control their own destiny

It's up to them now. The Canes MUST win the next (last) two home games to make the playoffs. They have lead the Southeast Division for all but 14 days since the beginning of the season (October).

I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to jinx it. I am going to the game tonight. I may be sick.

Headline: Whitney, Williams Look Ready to Go

It almost brought tears to my eyes!! To get back two stars like Ray Whitney and Justin Williams is a godsend right now. Tomorrow, the Canes have a chance to put away the Southeastern Conference with a win against the Capitals. It will be a tough game. The Caps have nothing to lose and everything to win. I know they will be trying with everything they have to win that game and bring the SE to even, at least points wise. With 3 games left in the regular season, this game will have huge playoff implications.

We are going to the game here on Wednesday. Please, please let it be an icing game and not a must win

GO CANES - BEAT THE CAPITALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Got my Playoff ticket yesterday!

I am happy to say that I received my playoff ticket (yep, that's one ticket) yesterday. Now, I start the 9 day wait to see how the playoffs will work out.

The Hurricanes are currently leading the Southeast Division by 4 points over The Washington Capitals. The Canes and the Caps played last night in a nail biter that went all the way to the final skater of the shoot out. Unfortunately, that final skater was a Cap, and the only one to score. The Caps gained one point on the Canes, but it is better than 2 points. The Canes have a good chance to pick up 4 points before they squared off against the Caps again next week. If the Canes can hold the lead in the Southeast, they will go into the playoffs as a #3 seed. If they don't win the division, they will likely still make the playoffs, but at a lower seed (currently, the would be a #6).

Rank does matter. The first time the Canes got to The Stanley Cup Finals, they were a #3 seed. That year, the #1 and the #2 seeds both fell in the first round. The Canes maintained home advantage throughout the playoffs after that, and met teams ranked lower than they were ranked. It is good to have the dirty work done for you.

It's still too close to call this year, but we are coming down the home stretch. I hope the Canes pull off the victory Friday night against the Thrashers. I will be screaming for them from section 338 - my home for now and the playoffs.

Can't seem to focus

I have been having a lot of problems the last few days trying to focus. It seems that the reminders of the past brought up this weekend are bouncing around in my head.

I like to deal with my emotions in a straight forward simple way - I roll them up tight in a little ball and push that ball as far down in my psyche as I can get it. Then, I deny that any emotions are there and do not allow myself to think about them. It has worked for years. Now, though, my mind seems to be all over the place - here, 20 years ago, the future, 10 years ago. It has caused some problems.

I bought my playoff tickets yesterday for the Carolina Hurricanes. They are playing so well, it seems that they will definitely get a playoff spot. I passed on tickets the first time through, but the Canes extended the offer again in an e-mail I got yesterday. I decided to buy myself a ticket, then hours later I realized that I am a total idiot. There is no schedule for the playoffs yet, as no team in the NHL has actually secured a spot. I know they will start in April, but I have no idea which days it will be. I have class every Tuesday night through the end of April. I have already purchased tickets for the APS Gala on April 19. I have plans for various dates in May. What will happen if I have a game on the same night? It's not like they are regular season tickets - they are much more expensive. I also won't have two to sell - just one, lone ticket. I'm not sure if I would even be able to get rid of it if I needed to in a pinch.

Darn these emotions!! Get back in your corner so I can get back to life.

I am such a bad fan!!

A few weeks ago, the Carolina Hurricanes sent out the playoff ticket request forms to all of the season ticket holders. I held ours for awhile, then threw it out after they traded away Stillman and Roddy went down. I figured there was no way they were even going to make the playoffs and I didn't want my money tied up with the organization until next year.

Fast forward to today - The Canes have now won 6 of their past 7, and are looking really good. They still have 5 points on the Caps (although the Caps loaded up on trade day and made it very clear that they are gunning for the lead). I had to go to the website today and say that I "misplaced" by ticket form, and could I pay for the games online? Of course, I also need only one ticket as my dear husband is no longer interested in hockey. I wish I had more time to watch hockey.

Going to the Canes Games tonight

My favorite Cane tore his ACL in the game two night ago. He's out for 4-6 months. Not a good thing when you are heading down the stretch for the playoffs. He joins about 10 other players who are injured. Top that off with the fact that we traded a great forward and a team leader earlier this week (Cory Stillman is no dummy - he waived his no trade clause for the #1 team in the East), and it is going to be a tough way to end the season.

I don't know what to think about the team now, but I am kind of glad I did not send in my playoff request yet.