Getting To Know...Alexandre Picard!

Our second installment of "Getting To Know..." features one Alexandre Picard who came to Raleigh in exchange for the Hurricanes' version of Ol' Blue Eyes prior to the Olympic break. The 24 (almost 25) year old from Quebec was drafted by Philadelphia in 2003 and helped the Philadelphia Phantoms win the Calder Cup in 2005 (along with Creepie...err Joni Pitkanen) before his rookie season in 2006. Picard has bounced around the NHL quite a bit with stops in Tampa Bay and Ottawa before finding a home (at least temporarily) in Carolina.

Born in Gatineau, Picard has a younger brother and learned to love the game while watching his father coach on the weekends. He's also a bit of a mama's boy, at least when it comes to food, citing his mother's lasagna as his favorite meal.

Some random facts about our newest David Tanabe look-a-like:
*His best trait is patience and he values honesty in other people. Don't worry Alex-we're nothing but honest in Carolina.
*He never goes on the road without a good book.
*His first job was a soccer referee and he wanted to be a hockey player or sports journalist when he was little.
*He'd like to learn how to play the guitar and travel through Europe at some point.
*His worst subject in school? Math. Best subject? French.
*He was quote "probably nervous as hell" during his first date.

Picard has never been an offensive dynamo (his career high in goals is 1), but his 15 points and 11 assists put him at third and tied for second respectively among Sens' d-men before being traded in March. But he brings a young body that MoRonRowe can mold into the kind of player they want on the blueline.

So welcome to Raleigh Alex! Try the BBQ, check out a college basketball game (just don't pick a favorite), stay away from Tripp and never, ever watch game footage of A.Ward unless it's for laughs.

Getting To Know...Brian Pothier!

After the trade deadline, the Hurricanes have a few new faces rocking the red and black which means it's time to introduce our newest feature-"Getting To Know..."- where we will learn a little bit more about some of the newest members of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Our first spotlight falls on 32 year old defenseman Brian Pothier (who clearly knows his audience here at the Siren-yes I know, it's a little much and I did get it from the Scarlet Caps website, but somehow it seemed better than a picture of him with the Capitals' logo on his chest). Brian was born in the good ol' US of A (seems fitting he should replace another US born d-man of similar age eh?) and started his career in Atlanta after signing as an undrafted free agent in 1999. But if he thought that signing a contract meant the rough times were over, Pothier was sadly mistaken.

After a vicious hit from Milan Lucic in early 2008, Pothier would learn firsthand just how fragile health is and the temporary nature of a career in the NHL. The d-man's fourth concussion sidelined him for 14 agonizing months during which time he struggled both on and off the ice with dizziness and vertigo. In what must have been a mixture of relief and confusion, Pothier was eventually diagnosed as having an astigmatism that was causing the majority of his symptoms previously attributed to post concussion syndrome. After being fit for a new pair of glasses in, you guessed it, North Cackalacky, Pothier began his dramatic comeback with an eye on a return to the NHL.

"It was, he said, like a 'light bulb turned on, and I was good to go. I'm a full-blown dad again. I'm functioning great. It's just been a great progression on and off the ice. On the ice and then at home as a dad, a husband and a family guy, too.'"

In March of 2009, Pothier got just that. He re-entered the Capitals' lineup and earned a roster spot for the team's playoff run. He played 41 games for the Capitals and put up a respectable 11 points and was an impressive +12 from the blueline prior to being traded to Raleigh. His no nonsense attitude to press interviews may be a treat for those of us who are tired of the same old sports cliches. But his biggest contribution to the Hurricanes, or any team for that matter, may be the added perspective that one gets from struggling against and eventually overcoming adversity.

So I'd like to be the first (well probably like the 400th) person to welcome Brian Pothier to Raleigh! Hopefully his time here is filled with much success and lots of Stanley Cups! Hey a girl can dream can't she? I heard that we still weren't out of this thing entirely...

It's a hockey miracle!!!!

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!!

Cullen's Now A Senator

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!

Thanks For The Memories

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.

Gleason to Vancouver (for Olympics), Wallin to San Jose (for good-maybe)

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.

The Wizard Wins It

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?