Carolina Hurricanes

  Last night saw a battle between the top two teams in the AHL’s Western Conference. The second place Charlotte Checkers (tops in their Midwest Division) were in Oklahoma City to take on the first place Barons. The Barons entered the contest riding an impressive seven-game win streak, but the Checkers turned in an impressive performance of their own to bring home a 3-1 victory. Charlotte now leads the season series between the clubs at 4-1-1.

The Carolina Hurricanes have not defeated the L.A. Kings since February 13, 2007. That record can cause a little angst, think Biggie versus 2Pac. That would make Canes like Bad Boy Records for those who need a refresher course on the 90’s hip-hop feud. So, it only seems appropriate I write this game preview in a lyrical rap… Throw your hands in the air, if youse a true player! Ok, that isn’t going to fly. It would be like Betty White donning a gold chain and spitting words about snagging some dough. Actually, she could probably pull it off better than me. [...]

Carolina Hurricanes’ birthday boy, Tim Gleason, was born on this day in 1983 in Clawson, Michigan. Gleason has an “A” stitched to his sweater and another embedded on his heart. He isn’t one of those charismatic players that smiles often or goofs around at practice, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t a passionate, key player to his organization. The quiet leader is a feisty blueliner that was once quoted as saying his teeth would be grounded to dust if not for the protection of his mouth guard. The quick-tempered Irishman may be known for dropping the gloves, but I wouldn’t label him [...]

The Charlotte Checkers seem to have a knack this season for taking games that they appear to have in their back pocket and then blowing the leads to allow their opponents a chance to get back in. Last night was no exception as the Rockford Icehogs took advantage of some Charlotte miscues to claw their way back into a game they had no business being in. In true nailbiter fashion, the contest went into a shootout where the Checkers were thankfully able to bring home the 4-3 victory.

  The Winnipeg Jets  are in Raleigh and looking to defeat the Canes for a fourth consecutive loss, whereas Carolina is aiming for their third straight home victory. Carolina has gone 7-2-1 over 10 games played at the RBC Center. These Eastern Conference teams are 7 points apart in the standings. Jets are in 10th place with 50 points while Canes are playing the caboose with 43 marks. Last season the Hurricanes went 5-0-1 against then Thrashers’ team. No doubt, we are due for a victory this year. When it comes to goaltending against Winnipeg, it is the Curse of the [...]

Carolina gave up an early lead Saturday and fell 2-1 in overtime to the Islanders just a day after the exhilarating shutout over the Washington Capitals. It was a fast and smart game by the Canes, but good wasn’t good enough. It has been a common theme throughout this roller coaster season. The highs and low can give you emotional whiplash. I’m a visual person, so allow me to demonstrate… Points earned are represented along the left side and games are listed chronologically along the bottom. I guess you can say Canes have been consistently inconsistent. However (yes, there is a but), results [...]

  The Charlotte Checkers offense has been firing on all cylinders lately. Averaging five goals per game over their last two, the Checkers were able to keep that pace last night with a 5-0 shutout of the Abbotsford Heat. Charlotte’s offensive output was certainly a big question going into last night’s game. Zac Dalpe, the hottest Checker over the last few weeks, was on a six game point streak (5G, 3A) prior to his recall to the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. On the same day, leading scorer Jon Matsumoto was traded to the Florida Panthers. The loss of those two [...]

I hope the elastic in your underpants was reliable last night Caniacs, because the storm that destroyed Washington may have blown you right out of your breezers. It was the second shutout by the Hurricanes this season, both claimed by Cam “I’m Back” Ward. Jussi Jokinen whipped successful wristers past Caps’ goalie, Vokoun, in the first and second period. Jiri Tlusty added the third and final goal of the night with just 30 seconds remaining in the contest. Captain, Eric Staal, also claimed two assists. He boasts 6 points in the past 5 games. Both teams were a bit lackluster [...]