Bobby Sanguinetti extends his point streak to nine games with a goal against OKC (Photo: Renee Kalicicki)

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. … [visit site to read more]

Down On The Farm – Checkers Defeat First Place Barons - Cardiac Cane - Cardiac Cane - A Carolina Hurricanes Blog

Jeff Skinner is congratulated by (sniff, sniff) Erik Cole after scoring his first NHL goal. (Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

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.

Anyway, the Canes are coming off an epic win against the Boston Bruins with two new franchise records (Ward’s 47 stops and series sweep of Boston). The team executed tight, short shifts and played an aggressive 60 minutes. They will need to repeat that performance to defeat this Western Conference team. The Kings are second in the Pacific Division with 60 points (25-17-10). The Los Angeles team is 10-6-6 on the road while the Canes are 13-12-3 at home and 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. … [visit site to read more]

East Coast vs West Coast: Canes vs Kings - Cardiac Cane - Cardiac Cane - A Carolina Hurricanes Blog

Bad a** Tim Gleason (Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE)

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 as a goon or instigator. For example, when the frustrated Boston Bruins were throwing bodies like a bunch of cranky toddlers in an October 19, 2011 game Gleason fought for his teammate’s respect when required and refrained when he knew it no longer benefited the team.

The 6’0” and 217-pound defenseman joined the Canes’ crew on September 29, 2006 in an exchange with the L.A. Kings. The Ottawa Senators originally drafted him in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft (1st round, 23rd overall). Last season, Gleason led Carolina and ranked fifth among NHL defenseman in hits (215). He also led Canes in blocked shots (141) and penalty minutes (85). … [visit site to read more]

Icing on the Cake: Tim Gleason - Cardiac Cane - Cardiac Cane - A Carolina Hurricanes Blog