In the department of congratulatory gushing, The Hurricane Siren would like to officially congratulate Tim Gleason for being named to the USA Olympic squad to replace the injured Mike Komisarek. Rock on Timmy, go to Vancouver and kick some butt (especially if it's Russian and toothless). We are beyond proud of you.
Some random quotes from the day that I thought were just perfect:
"He's a different player in terms of his psychological makeup -- he's more of a guy who speaks with his actions. He’s not chatty," said Burke, who worked with Gleason while GM of last summer’s American entry at the IIHF World Championship. "Your worst nightmare might be to get stuck in a fishing boat with Tim Gleason for an afternoon."
Jeez Burke, even when you're right you're wrong. I, for one, would LOVE to be stuck on a boat with Timmy. Although I do suppose I should semi-apologize for the "self-portrait" of you from New Year's Day. So maybe we'll call this one even.
”He’s a guy that will go to war for us, and that’s exactly what this team needs,” added Poile.
Oy. You should have asked Hurricanes' fans a month ago and we would have saved the Olympic Committee this whole big headache.
Clearly, JR is cool with the decision. And by "cool" I clearly mean "in the midst of a little man crush on the Timster".
"If Eric Staal wasn't the new captain of the Hurricanes, Tim Gleason would be," Rutherford told NHL.com.
And finally a word from the Emperor himself:
"It's an awesome thing. It's something to play for I guess, other than the Stanley Cup. And it's always been a goal of mine; a dream of mine and it's finally come true. It's a great opportunity for myself."
In the department of massive depression and the horror that is being a seller at the trade deadline, the rumor has been floating around all day today that Niclas Wallin has waived his NTC to go to San Jose. John Forslund is reporting that he waived his NTC in an effort to remain in the NHL next season; a contract extension is supposedly part of the deal. JR has confirmed that a deal is in the works, but declined to say where the Big Swede would be headed.
To further add to the rumor mill, Jiri "Nakey Boy" Tlusty was reassigned to Albany where he can terrorize another fan base with his...errr...ummm...passion for photography. Either a forward is coming off the injured list although tweets suggest it won't be in time for tomorrow night or a trade is in the works and Nakey Boy's spot was needed. UPDATE: JR has attributed Tlusty's return to Albany as a development move saying that they want him to play all the way through the Olympic break. Still no word on who will take his spot against Buffalo tomorrow night.
This is just a sign of things to come for Hurricanes’ fans. The next few weeks will be beyond tough for the diehards as many players are expected to leave North Carolina for greener, and likely colder, pastures. This is the tough side of hockey, the business side that leaves a sour taste in all fans’ mouths and unfortunately it is where this season has taken us.
It's official people-everyone loves Raymond! Everyone's favorite mighty mite (or munchkin) notched two goals and that was all the Canes would need to hold on for a 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. By the way, this puts the Canes at over .500 in 2010! Whoop whoop!
Tonight was a fairly decent game for the entire team once they stopped the endless procession to the penalty box. 9 first period penalties including 2 fighting majors (TKO who is still "0 for" in his career and Ruutu) isn't going to get you a win very often. Overall discipline needs to be better no matter what the other team is trying to pull because at some point the opponent is going to capitalize on those freebie chances.
The Six Pack of Rats played with passion and heart which is all you can really ask for at this point in the season. Rod had an assist on the first Whitney goal and A.Ward had one on the second so that's a step in the right direction.
Major props goes to our Campion Wardolie for stopping 29 out of 30 shots while his team managed to only get 20 on Peter Budaj. That's another thing that needs to get fixed and quickly. In the past 4 games, they've only averaged around 23 SOG and have gotten out shot in every single one. That's asking for too much from your defense and goalie. Please guys, shoot the puck. Just do it.
Insane props goes to the Wizard for scoring quite possibly the most beautiful goal of the season:
Holy crap Ray. I didn't even know you still had moves like that (and apparently neither did Colorado)! Keep it up little man.
Ok so as is the case with just about anything, and especially the Canes this season, every yin has a yang. Tonight's yang? Tuomo Ruutu. After sticking up for himself against Darcy Tucker early in the first period, the fabulous Finn left the game with an upper body injury. From the sound of things he'll be out a while. I hope he's back sooner rather than later because we are running out of Rats up there in Albany. Jeff Daniels must just cringe everytime the phone rings.
Ok one last thing before we call it a night. The Emperor got into a fight tonight (yeah I know-NOT THE FACE) and things didn't really...well they didn't go as well as he had probably hoped: Oh Timmy, maybe next time you could just pull your arms in and slip out of your jersey? You're a tough man no doubt about it, but it's hard to take you seriously when your look is less snarl and more... Thanks to Jenniwa30 for pointing out the likeness.
The Canes have one day to enjoy their win and heal any minor bumps and bruises before Ottawa and the newly engaged Mike Fisher come to town. Let's make it 3 wins in four games eh?
Ah...Fenway Park at roughly 4:20. The Bruins had just won the 3rd annual Winter Classic and it was now time to announce the mens' hockey roster for Team USA (aka the team hoping to hold off the rest of the world for fourth behind Canada, Russia and Sweden). This announcement wasn't as hyped up as the Canadian roster announcement (in fact the US accomplished in about 5 minutes what it took Canada 30 minutes and two channels to do), but it had importance for those of us born in the US of A. They trotted out the little mighty mites wearing replica jerseys with player names on the back and everyone not already freezing to death held their breath.
They started with the forwards and there wasn't really much surprise as the talent pool wasn't exactly Mariana Trench deep (yeah that's your nerdy joke of the day). Then they got to the defensemen and my blood pressure shot through the roof. Each name they announced was more puzzling than the last. But what was more shocking was the name they left off. That's right folks, our very own Timmo Gleasonen was passed over for the likes of Paul Martin, Mike Komisarek and Jack Flippin' Johnson.
Let's do a little comparison shall we?
First off Tim Gleason's stats: Not great, but not bad either. For him this is a career year despite playing for the worst team in hockey. Plus you can't discount the leadership and heart he brings.
How about that Paul Martin eh? He's really tearing it up. Oh wait... Stats don't really tell the whole picture here because Martin has been injured for almost the entire season. In fact, as of December 23, he was listed as being out for four more weeks due to complications from a broken arm. That gives him what? Two weeks of games before he's thrown into Olympic play? Oh yeah that should work out well. He may not make it back at all, in which case he'd have to be replaced, something Burke is already acknowledging. Good choice. :rolls eyes:
Then you have Mike Komisarek: His stats are worse than Gleason's while playing for a team that is also statistically a better team than Carolina (but who isn't these days?). It should be noted that he plays for Brian Burke's Toronto Maple Leafs. Yes that's right I am facilitating conspiracy theories. Plus when you have quotes like this it's hard not to:
Burke is president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the defenseman on Team USA is the Leafs' Mike Komisarek. "He's my kind of guy," Burke said.
Finally we have Mr. Jack Johnson who is a -53 for his career and has not fared much better this season: Keep in mind that LA is one of the better teams in the league as they sit at 13th league wide and 8th in the West. While he's put up more points than Tim has (16 to 12), he's shaky at best in his own end. Hopefully he brings that high quality defense with him to Vancouver.
Perhaps Brian Burke was too busy trying to figure out the definition of truculence (which by the way could be used to describe Gleason's game) to actually watch any of Gleason's games this season. Perhaps he missed where Tim Gleason neutralized the world's best players both in the regular season and the playoffs. Maybe he slept through Tim's sisu filled games against Washington. Or maybe Burke already knew who he wanted prior to the season starting; actual play be darned.
Whatever the reason, whatever the rationale, Brian Burke made a mistake when he chose to leave Tim Gleason off the roster. He wants a hard working, gritty team who'll play their butts off? Well guess what, "B": the guy that embodies those qualities is still sitting in Raleigh and his name is Tim Gleason. Best of luck in Vancouver.
Ed. note-thanks to Jenniwa30 for Burke's self-portrait.
Now is the time of year that we look back and relive all of our accomplishments from the past 12 months (things like yes, I did manage to remember to feed the fish every day and didn't burn down my apartment building while making popcorn from scratch-it can be done people). It's also the time of year that we randomly pick a few things to improve upon for next year (I will not procrastinate anymore and I will stop calling certain players by mean and derogatory nicknames). If you're a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, chances are there is a lot to improve upon (we only have 10 wins after all) and the Hurricane Siren was lucky enough to get a list of those resolutions straight from the guys in red. (Note-these are entirely made up by yours truly.)
Andrew Alberts: I resolve to continue to fly under the radar in the hopes that people won't hate me as much as they do A.Ward. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 8-no one could ever hate him as much as they do A.Ward, but he may not escape Caniac wrath forever.)
Rod Brind'amour: I resolve to retire gracefully at the end of the season to spare fans and teammates the awkwardness of my continued presence on the 4th line. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 2-we all know Rod will be carried kicking and screaming from the rink. But there is always the hope and promise of a new year.)
Brett Carson: I resolve never to return to Albany. It's cold up there and I don't like riding buses. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 6-Corvo's eventual return will make it harder for Carson to stick, but there is always the potential for certain defensemen who shall remain nameless to be struck with the "flu" come gamedays.)
Erik Cole: I resolve to spend less time hanging with E.Staal and more time shaving/healing. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 3-Binky loves him some E.Staal.) Joe Corvo: I resolve to return to the game as soon as possible with a positive attitude and cheerful disposition. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 6-he may heal quickly, but Jose Cuervo is neither positive nor cheerful.)
Matt Cullen: I resolve to no longer take hot tub trips with my teammates. Or at the very least make sure Tripp doesn't find out about them. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 4-TRIPP KNOWS ALL!)
Patrick Dwyer: I resolve to practice my “falling with grace” face. Oh and to keep on the lookout for flying hockey players. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 8-chances are he’ll be able to avoid Steve Ott for a while, but there’s no guarantee that he is even safe during practice with the A squad out there and all.)
Tim Gleason: I resolve to continue being fan-freaking-tastic. I also resolve to knock Ovenchicken on his [keister] the next time he acts like a [punk]. (Note-this content has been edited for language.) (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 10. It’s Tim Gleason. Enough said. GLEASON FOR EMPEROR!)
Jussi Jokinen: I resolve to show those jokers over at Team Finland what they’re missing as I make goalies look foolish night after night. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 9-the Staal-Cullen-Jokinen line is pure money for the Canes right now and Jokinen is a huge part of that. Note-one point was deducted because there is the chance that a spot may open up for the Juice.)
Tom K-something: I resolve to decisively win a fight before the season ends. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 3-we’ve seen what TKO has to offer in the fight department and well I think the proof is in the pudding…errr video:
Chad LaRose: I resolve to heal quickly and start earning that ridonkulous amount of money I’ve got coming to me. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 4-almost no one is earning their money this season, ridonkulous amounts or otherwise.)
Manny Legace: Editors note-Unfortunately, Manny could not be reached for comment as he was far too short to reach the pen. Joni Pitkanen: I resolve to stop skating with my tongue sticking out. It’s dangerous and makes me look like Stitch from that Disney movie. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 1. It’s his thing. It’s weird and creepy, but it’s his thing.)
Tuomo Ruutu: I resolve to teach Tripp the proper meaning of sisu or get him to stop saying it altogether. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 5-he’ll try, but we’re talking about Tripp and therefore he may be too late.)
Sergei Samsonov: I resolve to no longer stickhandle for an eon before either shooting it into the goalie's logo or passing it to a teammate who’s long since fallen asleep from boredom. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale from 1 to 10: 2.5-he didn’t get the nickname “Happy Hands” because of his proficiency in the time honored art of jazz hands and spirit fingers.)
Eric Staal: I resolve to no longer pout when a call does not go my way. Instead I will hustle to get back in the play and help my team. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 3-maybe Stevie Y. can beat it out of him during the Olympics, but I’m not holding my breath.)
Brandon Sutter: I resolve to do nothing but eat over the Olympic break in an effort to gain some weight so that I don’t look like four toothpicks tied in the middle. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 4-he may eat, but he won’t gain any weight.)
Scott Walker: I resolve to punch Aaron Ward in the other eye in hopes of fixing him. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: in reality, probably a 1, but in terms of desire it’s at least a 100.)
Niclas Wallin: I resolve to relish in the fact that I am no longer the scapegoat when things go wrong on defense. Woo hoo! (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 9-with A.Ward on the team, Wallin’s naysayers have found a new target and rightfully so. But what happens if we manage to dump A.Ward?)
Cam Ward: I resolve to continue my career year in terms of points-3 assists and counting. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 7-with 3 points in 24 games played, he’s already doing better than the big Swede and Yelle.)
Aaron Ward: I resolve to no longer take a penalty in the defensive zone then stop playing once I've been caught for it allowing the opposing team to have a top notch scoring chance. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: -17 which oddly enough is his actual +/-. Huh. Go figure.)
Ray Whitney: I resolve to be slightly less of a media tramp and play hard to get during interviews. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 0-I think Ray Whitney may actually translate into “seeks attention” in other languages.)
Stephane Yelle: I resolve to infuse youth and speed into the fourth line. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 7-Yelle’s 34 years on this planet make him the youngest member of the Geritol line, but no amount of infusing is going to help that bunch regain their stride.)
Paul Maurice: I resolve to have my ties match my team’s play. (Chances of actually accomplishing this on a scale of 1 to 10: 9-Mo’s ties are ugly and on most nights so is the hockey being played over at Edwards Mill Road.)
Happy New Year Caniacs! Let's hope 2010 is kinder to our boys!
What says holiday cheer better than sub-.500 hockey?! Oh I know! Satirical Christmas carols filled with bitterness and disappointment. Happy holidays Caniacs and remember the draft is only 195 days away! Ahem. Sound of pitch pipe in background.
On the first day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me a netminder named Manny
On the second day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
On the third day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me three fabulous Finns, two freak injures and a netminder named Manny
On the fourth day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injures and a netminder named Manny
On the fifth day of Christmas, my hurricanes sent to me five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
On the sixth day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me six overtime losses, five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
On the seventh day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me seven Olympic tryouts, six overtime losses, five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
On the eighth day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me eight expiring contracts, seven Olympic tryouts, six overtime losses, five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
On the ninth day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me nine nets a’gaping, eight expiring contracts, seven Olympic tryouts, six overtime losses, five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
On the tenth day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me ten bucks for parking, nine nets a’gaping, eight expiring contracts, seven Olympic tryouts, six overtime losses, five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me eleven limping players, ten bucks for parking, nine nets a’gaping, eight expiring contracts, seven Olympic tryouts, six overtime losses, five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny On the twelfth day of Christmas, my Hurricanes sent to me twelve points from Sutter, eleven limping players, ten bucks for parking, nine nets a’gaping, eight expiring contracts, seven Olympic tryouts, six overtime losses, five goals against, four goals from E.Staal, three fabulous Finns, two freak injuries and a netminder named Manny
In probably the least surprising moment of the year thus far, the Canes dropped their 12th in a row to Columbus last night. But no one is talking about that today. Instead everyone is insanely concerned about the fate of our Campion Wardolie who was taken to the hospital after getting cut by Rick Nash's skate. Calamity Cam remains in the hospital and is out for, as JR put it, a "fairly long period of time." Ouch. My heart hurts.
Let us all take a moment to offer a prayer to the hockey gods (or the diety of your choice) for Cam's speedy recovery.
Ahem Dear merciful and benevolent hockey gods, I would like to apologize on behalf of all Canes' fans for our blatant disregard of your power and excellence. We shouldn't have cursed you when things didn't go our team's way. We had no right to complain when we lost guys to injury and suspension. How dare we assume we were going to excel this year? That is for you and you alone to decide. We admit we've sinned and we will do anything to repent for these mistakes. If there is anything I can do personally to right this wrong, just send me a sign. I will no longer make fun of E.Staal. I will call Creepie by his real name. I will stop making suggestive comments about Tripp's preferences. But please for the love of Gretzky, give us Cam back. We will never again take him for granted nor shall we question your power over the hockey world if you will give us this one small bit of hope. Amen.
As bad as the Cam in the hospital thing is, what may be even worse is that the fate of goaltending for the Carolina Hurricanes is in the hands of one Michael Leighton. Dear god. Is it too early to cue the locusts and the 7 horsemen? No? Ok I didn't think so. Now to be fair to Leights, he did do admirably well during Cam's absence last season, but that was a much shorter period of time and with a much less fragile hockey club. This is a horse of a different color and it's an ugly one. Leighton is inheriting a mess of a team that usually looks to Cam to be their saving grace. Sadly, I'm not entirely convinced that Leighton has the ability to deal with that situation. And neither Justin Peters nor Mike Murphy are ready to make the leap to NHL level goalie.
So, other than crying (and possibly some heavy drinking-NOTE I am not condoning alcoholism!) what do we do? Should Tripper come out of the press box and mind the nets again? Because I don't know if you knew this, but Tripp used to be a goaltender. Yup that's right, The Hurricane Siren-breaking news first. ;) Should Tommy B. come out of retirement and trade designer suits for Nike-Bauer pads? As fun as both of those options would be, I don't think they're all that realistic. And it's a shame because I had even figured out the perfect tagline John could use when Tripp made a big save-"and the little leprechaun snatches back his lucky charms!" Hehehe. Err...Tripp, I apologize, that was mean and largely uncalled for.
So back to the real world here...I could see one of two things happening. Option 1-JR could do nothing and let Leighton fend for himself with guest appearances from Peters and Murphy as needed. This idea has some merit to it. The season is all but done (let's be honest here people-a MIRACLE would need to occur for this team to pull themselves out of the basement and we may have used up all of our miracles last season) and to make a desperate move to lock up a goaltender may do more harm than good. Why not let Leights earn his paycheck and prove whether he should be resigned next year or not? Is it really going to hurt our standings that much? FYI-we are in dead bang last so the answer is probably NO.
Option 2-JR could make one last ditch effort to get this team together and start their push for...29th? Ahhh...this appeasing the hockey gods thing isn't working so well for me today. He could trade for a current NHL goalie or bring someone in who doesn't have a team right now. Some suggestions-Manny Legace, Manny Fernandez or Kevin Weekes (JR LOVES TO RECYCLE!). I would still expect someone to get traded even if JR signed an out of work goalie. We are so close to the cap as it is that I don't think there would be room for anyone else (unless they are willing to work for delicious RBCC hotdogs and pulled pork sandwiches in which case-get them to Raleigh NOW).
Regardless of what happens with the goalie situation (Cam-heal like you've never healed before please) the rest of the team is going to need to step it up starting with the d-men. Cam will no longer be there to save their collective hineys and they cannot leave Leights hanging out to dry because he will fold like well...like wet laundry. And I think the D core goes the way of Timmy Gleason which leads me to my final thought for the day. I would like to officially endorse the Tim Gleason for Emperor campaign. Give that man a permanent A. Put him on the fast track for Captain. Heck maybe he and Sutter can co-coach the team while they're at it. (Thanks to Jenniwa30 for the picture.)
Well if there's one thing you can say about this team, it's that they're consistent. Unfortunately, it's consistently sucktastic and today was no exception. The addition of Binky and Ruu didn't help one iota. Not even Ray Whitney's 1000th game ceremony could cure them of being...well crappy. From top to bottom, they were outplayed, outworked and outhearted. And even the most diehard fans are left once again searching for a reason to cheer-something that should be clearly evident to management as there were almost as many empty seats as there were fans in the arena.
After a relatively decent 1st period (meaning they didn't give up 3 goals, pee themselves during the national anthem or hurt themselves coming over the boards), they just fell apart-physically, mentally, and emotionally (or maybe that was just me). But, in a continued effort to be positive, I will start with a few good things.
Good thing #1-BRANDON SUTTER. Period. Can we make him the first through third stars of the game? Heck why not throw captain and coach in there too? He continues to be the bright spot for all fans, especially this one, as he notched his second goal in as many games. For the record, he's tied for 5th on the team for goals scored behind only Cullen, Whitney, Staal and the Juice. Oh and he's only played 4 games. Yeah somehow I think he'll be around for a while. He has quite literally carried the offensive load for this team on his skinny little shoulders and frankly is the real deal. Hey Mo-here's a hint, don't wait until you're down by 2 before you move the best guy on the ice up a line. And yes, it was necessary to have two photos of his goal celebration mainly to make up for not having one yesterday. :)
Now-as for the rest of you. What in the name of god are you doing out there?!!! You're getting outplayed by a 20 year old kid who weighs 12.5 pounds. Man up all of you. Corvo, do us all a favor and either play like you want to be here or don't play at all. I'm firmly convinced A.Ward was sent here by the Bruins to enact revenge. Why else would he suddenly be SO bad and bring Yelle with him? Stop sucking A.Ward or I will totally let Scotty punch you again.
Cam. Dude. You know I love you right? Probably more than is normal for a strict goalie-fan relationship, but still, you have to know that you can practically do no wrong in my eyes. Well, you did wrong today. 5 goals worth of wrong, in fact. It's getting harder and harder to defend you especially when you don't stop ANYTHING glove side high. What is wrong with you? You aren't a new dad so you can't use that excuse. Where is the Cam from the second half of last season? I miss him. I want...nay I DEMAND him back. You've left me no choice, I had to take your Conn Smythe Trophy away. And you are now facing the wall with E.Staal sans stick. I will make you a dunce cap, don't push me Cam.
Speaking of dunce caps, Eric "I'm a pouter" Staal left the game with an upper body injury (maybe he went to see the Wizard of Oz for a heart-yeah low blow I know) and didn't return for the third period. At the risk of sounding harsh and unfeeling, my initial reaction was "so what?" Honestly, the team didn't look any different without him and there was some extra room on the bench so the guys could get good and comfy. I'd wish him a quick recovery, but chances are he'll play the next game, at less than 100% and be completely useless to us. So basically the norm.
I've had enough of the "the confidence just isn't there" and the ever present "we're getting better" baloney you feed us after the games. No more-I'm not buying it. It would be one thing if you were trying hard and the other teams were just better. But that's not the case; instead you're making the other teams better by not working hard. This isn't a systems issue or a confidence issue or even lucky bounce issue. It's a work ethic issue and it needs to be fixed now. If that means skating until you puke, then lace 'em up and pull out the buckets. If it takes trades to light a fire under your collective hiney, then make sure your bags are packed before you leave the house in the morning. If it means sitting superstars in favor of call-ups then enjoy the press box hot dogs and watch how it's done.
No matter what, this needs to turn around and turn around FAST. Because I don't know how much longer JR is going to sit and wait before he starts selling you off for parts. You're playing on borrowed time fellas as each game that goes by makes the playoffs, heck even a .500 season, more and more of a pipe dream. Get your act together boys. NOW.
In the department of congratulatory gushing, The Hurricane Siren would like to officially congratulate Tim Gleason for being named to the USA Olympic squad to replace the injured Mike Komisarek. Rock on Timmy, go to Vancouver and kick some butt (especially if it's Russian and toothless). We are beyond proud of you. 
In the department of massive depression and the horror that is being a seller at the trade deadline, the rumor has been floating around all day today that Niclas Wallin has waived his NTC to go to San Jose. John Forslund is reporting that he waived his NTC in an effort to remain in the NHL next season; a contract extension is supposedly part of the deal. JR has confirmed that a deal is in the works, but declined to say where the Big Swede would be headed. 
