Every NHL season brings a new underdog team that attempts to play the role of Cinderella and bring a Stanley Cup home for their fans. Up to this point, it had seemed that this year's team was the 6th seeded Carolina Hurricanes. After back-to-back miracle series wins over New Jersey and top-seeded Boston, Hurricanes fans (locally referred to as "Caniacs") were excited for a chance to play the Pittsburgh Penguins for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Now, it is safe to say that the excitement has turned to disgust.
Three games in, and the 'Canes find themselves down three games to none. Not only that, but they have been doubled in goals (16-8) and flat-out out-classed to this point in the series. Evgeni Malkin has been the best player on the ice with 6 goals and 3 assists, and the 'Canes have had no answer for the Russian who has posted a plus/minus rating of 5.
But maybe what has frustrated Caniacs the most is the way that the 'Canes have lost these three games. In game 1, (a 3-2 loss) the 'Canes were inches away from tying the score in the final seconds when Eric Staal (who remains goal-less for the series) managed to shoot the puck nearly parallel with the goal-line from just atop the goal crease. The puck wound up under Penguin goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Pittsburgh held on for the win.
Games 2 and 3 followed a similar path. Both games were in reach for the 'Canes in the third period, only to lose by a large margin. In both games the 'Canes scored first in the third period.
In game 2, young winger Patrick Eaves scored for the 'Canes to tie the game at 4, only to collapse and fall 7-4.
In game 3, an early goal by winger Sergei Samsonov less than two minutes into the final period cut the Penguins lead to 3-2. Only to see a massive fall and drop the game 6-2.
The 'Canes will play for their season Monday night at the RBC Center. It is safe to say that the Caniacs will do their best to will their "Cardiac 'Canes" to victory and force a game 5 back in the Steel City. Look for a desperate squad in red to crash the net and go for broke to keep their season alive.
My prediction: Eric Staal finally finds the twine. Keep in mind that the 'Canes have not lost a game this post-season when Staal lights the lamp.
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JJ...this is awesome. I might have to join you and start discussing my own issues in the current sporting world. To comment on this article, I would have to agree with you and say that the PENS have jsut completely out-skated the Canes.
ReplyDeleteHowever this series ends up, I wish this would have been the final. At least both goalies are making it fun to watch. Both Fleury and Ward have been absolutely outstanding, even with the goals Ward has given up (but you gotta put some of that on nthe Canes D.)
So I am going to try to blog about my sports' issues just because I've got alot on my mind that I wanna discuss. Talk to you soon.
Thanks Justin. To continue reading my posts please become a follower of First & Short. I'd like to see what you've got on your mind, so start writing!
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