Opportunity knocks
Dec 18, 2008
So here we go, the final home game before the Christmas Holiday. The Hurricanes won't be chilling with their egg nog anytime soon as they embark upon an arduous three-game road swing on Saturday. That's why tonight's divisional match with the Cats from Florida is a "biggie". The Canes have rounded out their team game under this coaching staff and there are certainly plenty of positive signs. But consistency in that game is vitally important.
The Hurricanes have garnered at least a point in every game but one under Paul Maurice. That in itself is good. Unfortunately the parity and point structure in this league can be a huge tease. As the Canes grind along and make some strides there have been little hiccups in their team and some individual game's that need to be righted. Maintaining their place in the standings is okay but in order to get back in a playoff position by the time St. Nick comes calling it will take more.
As you watch the Canes, you can see a strong commitment to the defensive side of the puck, which is good. Their forwards have stopped taking defensive shortcuts and the defense hasn't been as risky. At the same time the Canes still are susceptible to mistakes in their own end and goaltending NEEDS to be solid. The Canes power play coming off an zero for eight showing in the "Big Apple" on Saturday, broke through for three out of eleven on Tuesday. although they had their chances they did not produce a five-on-five marker. At times, the Canadiens were dominate on the attack and the Canes were chasing. Their best player had jump and notched two goals. He continues to show signs of life which lead you to believe that his worst times are behind him. Joe Corvo and Joni Pitkaknen are starting to display more confidence on both sides of the puck and made a strong difference against Montreal. Finally, the positive feel that the new coach alludes to seems to be permeating the dressing room and the Canes are starting to believe in their identity.
So now we have this game tonight with the Florida Panthers. The Panthers have been guided back to respectability by Coach Mo's best friend, Peter De Boer. Debor, 40 was Maurice's understudy in junior hockey. He was a "coach in waiting" (that's for you NCAA football freaks) at the OHL level. Then he took over for Paul as he was summoned to Hartford in 1995. De Boer, would then go on to run his own show and do it quite well. His first season in the world's best league got off to a shaky start. He then asked his team to commit to a work ethic and team concept, very similar to what the Canes have been doing. It has worked. The Panthers although beset by injuries have climbed back to the playoff hunt by recently winning five straight on the road. They will come to Raleigh healthier by adding the likes of Nathan Horton, David Booth and within the last week Cory Stillman. They have a strong defense corps and both of their goalies have been out of sight.
For the Canes, this is an opportunity to put it all together. A solid team game will be needed. They must continue to build on what that have been able to put in place. They must stay true to their system yet rid themselves of any lapses that may pop up. This game tonight is a must have. The next three on the road will be tough. To garner three of a possible six in Boston, Montreal and Minnesota will be looked at as acceptable given the opponents and spacing of games. It's the two points on the front end that they need. It's never good to set foot on the road with any self doubt. The Canes have been a marginal team at home this season. Under this coaching staff they are 2-1-1 at RBC. Opportunity is knocking for them to put it all together against a divisional enemy. Blow the door open guys, you're working too hard to pass it up!
Congrats to Trevor Linden who has his Number 16 retired in Vancouver. He truly exemplifies all the traits of a hockey player, on and off. Among his accomplishments is the selfless dedication he gave to the game during it's darkest time during the 04-05 work stoppage. Thanks, Trevor we loved watching you work, even from the NHL's far east.
Cheers !
