Well its official the Hurricanes are the worst team in the NHL.  Last night reminded me a lot of the Florida game.  The Hurricanes came out playing great in the first period and actually had something to show for it with only their second lead after the first period this year.  However, then the second period started, Toronto got the first goal and the air went out of the team.  Once the Leafs tied the game at two I could feel it was just a matter of time before the Leafs took the lead and the game.  That’s exactly what happened with the Leafs getting a goal from Jeff Blake with just under ten minutes left in the third period.  It would be the final goal of the hockey game and put the Hurricanes in last place.

Once again there were some bright spots such as Brandon Sutter and Zack Boychuk.  Boychuk played a lot like Sutter has been playing, full of energy and speed.  This is exactly what the Hurricanes need to get back on track tonight.  If the Hurricanes can produce more speed this streak could end tonight.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are at the top of the central division, the division that contains last year’s western conference finalists.  The Blue Jackets are led by their second year goalie Steve Mason.  In the scoring department the Jackets are led by their captain Rick Nash.  Nash has been the teams top goal scorer the last couple of years and is a pure goal scorer.  The Jackets are fighting injuries just like the Hurricanes so far as Kristian Huselius is on injured reserve.  The hottest Blue Jacket right now is Raffi Torres.  Torres has a pair of two goal games this week.

The keys to a Carolina victory are much easier said than done.  The only way the Hurricanes are going to be able to get out of this losing streak is to play a complete game.  If the Hurricanes can put three periods together like they have been playing in the first period this week the Hurricanes can beat Columbus.  A key contribution to that would have to be team speed.  Sutter and Boychuk have definitely added to the team speed this week.  Hopefully the Hurricanes will be able to get Ray Whitney back tonight.

Prediction

CBJ 4 CAR 2 F

News & Notes:  Ray Whitney visits the team he once captioned

The Hurricanes and Blue Jackets have never played more than 60 minutes

Injuries:  CBJ Derek Dorsett Knee

CBJ Kristian Huselius Upper Body

CAR Ray Whitney Upper Body (Game Time Decision)

CAR Eric Staal Upper Body

Postgame Comments against Toronto (Brandon Sutter)

Crazy Goal by Rick Nash