Suddenly the Canadian powerhouse is just a big old pile of rubble. The rag tag bunch of second tier NHL players from the ol' US of A beat the hometown favorites in a 5-3 game that held more emotion, passion and power than any regular season NHL game (and a lot of playoff games) I've ever seen.
But they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so why don't we let the pictures do the talking?
Tee hee. In all seriousness, I almost feel bad for Brodeur. Note I said almost which means a donut joke is not out of the question, but I want to be considered a gracious winner so I will resist.
It's ok Eric. Most of America can't believe it either. :) Although I will go ahead and give you props on your goal and trying to make it easier for America by taking out some of your own teammates. Dude...focus and I don't mean on duck hunting.
No words are necessary. None.
My oh my. That place sure did empty oot quickly eh?
Ok so I couldn't resist the donut joke. I'm sorry. I'm weak...very much like a certain team's...oh never mind, that's almost as easy as scoring on Canada. Thank you ladies and gentlemen, I'll be here all week. Try the veal.
Congratulations goes out to all the members of Team USA for giving us one heck of an Olympic memory. USA!! USA!! USA!!
The Hurricanes announced today yet another Cup holdover is saying "hasta la vista" to Raleigh. Matt Cullen was dealt to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Alexandre Picard and a 2nd round draft pick (perhaps another example of JR's pimp hand holding strong). Unlike Wallin (and Ray Whitney), Cullen didn't have that pesky NTC so there's not telling if he's ok with the move, although quotes like this (courtesy of the N&O) make me think it wasn't his first choice:
"We have a home here and love it, and obviously have some great friends and great memories here," he said. "Certainly this is the place where I really like playing, but we'll just have to see how it plays out."
But, one thing is certain, his fans and teammates will undoubtedly miss Ol' Blue Eyes.
Cullen always went about his business quietly, but he's had significant succes in his 2 stints with the 'Canes, putting up 181 points in 266 games played. He's a defensively sound forward who played in all positions and was trusted by his coaches immensely.
His career with the Hurricanes has given us some great moments. We witnessed his first career hattrick. We watched Scott Walker get in trouble for defending his little fuzzy face not once, but twice. We learned that he likes to hang out in hot tubs with other guys, that Ray Whitney peed himself during the anthem and that Scotty walks around naked too often for his liking (yeah clearly Matty has a bit of a sharing problem). We've even gotten to see his unique playoff facial hair choices. But above all else, we've been lucky enough to watch Matt Cullen battle back from injury to become a significant part of franchise history.
So best of luck to you Matt and may Ottawa be all you want it to be. Know that you will be greatly missed and always welcome in Raleigh!
As you may have read/heard/seen written in the sky, Niclas Wallin was traded to the San Jose Sharks today in a move that, while not entirely shocking, is still sad for those of us who remember some of the Secret Weapon's best moments.
An original draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2000, Wallin has been a staple on the blueline in Raleigh putting up 69 points in 517 games played. But when it comes to Wallin, perhaps the quality of points is more important than the quantity. No one will ever forget Wallin's playoff OT heroics (3 goals is a franchise record!) against Montreal and New Jersey which led to him being dubbed "the Secret Weapon" by Caniac faithful.
But again, there is more to Wallin than meets the eye, especially in terms of what he brings to his team. He is the ultimate team guy who always puts the group above the individual, even if it means taking some good natured ribbing in the process as was the case with his goal against...well against the Hurricanes:
"In fact, former coach Peter Laviolette used Wallin’s gaffe on a highlight reel of bloopers to loosen up the team before the playoffs. 'We did a voice-over saying what a great move by Wallin to make the game close,' Forslund said. 'He took it all in stride -- he’s been a terrific Hurricane.'"
That he has John. That he has.
Wallin is just one of those all-around good guys. He's not flashy, but he has created moments that will live in Hurricanes' lore forever. He does his job, but doesn't need his coaches to babysit him. He's a man of few words, but is always quick with a joke (or an invitation to wrestle) to lighten the mood in a sometimes very tense locker room. He is a leader, but doesn't ask for any recognition. He's a hockey player who knows how to arrange his priorities (winning a game 7 the night before doesn't mean he can't take his son to hockey practice the next morning). He's the kind of guy that will bring a PR intern a pizza in a hotel lobby and then sit and eat with him. He is a man that loves his job and takes nothing for granted.
"I love to come to the rink, and whether you win or lose this is something that not many people get a chance to do and you’ve got to enjoy that. All the history and all the overtime Secret Weapon stuff, I will look back when I’m done playing."
His teammates adore him (especially his "brother from another mother"), his coaches trust him and his fans will always remember him. Thank you Nic for everything you've given to this organization. You will be missed and never be forgotten. Best of luck wherever life takes you.
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!
Tee hee. In all seriousness, I almost feel bad for Brodeur. Note I said almost which means a donut joke is not out of the question, but I want to be considered a gracious winner so I will resist. 
It's ok Eric. Most of America can't believe it either. :) Although I will go ahead and give you props on your goal and trying to make it easier for America by taking out some of your own teammates. Dude...focus and I don't mean on duck hunting. 
No words are necessary. None. 
My oh my. That place sure did empty oot quickly eh? 
Ok so I couldn't resist the donut joke. I'm sorry. I'm weak...very much like a certain team's...oh never mind, that's almost as easy as scoring on Canada. Thank you ladies and gentlemen, I'll be here all week. Try the veal. 
