Emotional night not enough for Carolina
Feb 18, 2009
Tags: Hockey, Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes retired Glen Wesley's No. 2 to the RBC Center rafters and played 55 minutes of hockey that would make their former teammate proud. Unfortunately the last five minutes will lead people to believe this game was a blow out. The Canes again were plagued by lack of offense and a power play that generated only 1 shot in 5 opportunities. Carolina has only managed 2 goals in the past three games at home and given up 15 in the process.
To put this in perspective, Boston is the best team in the NHL statistically and the Hurricanes played a one-goal game until the final four minutes, but the Canes still only had one marker on the board. Maybe the answer is treating home games like road games, staying in a hotel the night before a game and taking a team bus to the RBC Center? While those theatrics might get a small jump, it is more serious than just motivational ploys, the team needs to play with the desperation of a team fighting every night for the playoffs.
One positive note: the Canes are just five points out of fifth place in the Eastern conference, however they need one of four teams to fall off the mountain, and with the inconsistent offense they have shown, even that might not be enough.
One negative note: the Canes are five points out of the eighth and final playoff spot.
Parting note: If you missed the Glen Wesley retirement ceremony, you missed a top notch sendoff for a special individual. I only had the opportunity of covering Wesley's career for one season, but he always had time for a word and always handled his business as a true professional. The pre-game was a fitting way to pay tribute to the man who helped bring hockey to Carolina.
