Lessons learned
Dec 22, 2008
Lessons Learned...
As the Carolina Hurricanes board their bus this morning for the airport, they will leave Montreal not only having endured two major snowstorms in Boston and Quebec but as it's wheels up for St. Paul they will know that they have learned some valuable lessons. It was 48 hours of hard edged, grinding hockey against the Bruins and the Canadiens. In the process, they earned two points but most importantly it's how they went about it.
You see, the Canes could have easily won both games. They earned two points in Montreal but gave two away in Beantown. They were good early in Boston put could not put away a Bruins team that was there to be had. Sure the B's had won 12 straight at home and sit atop the East, but the early going was not that great for Claude Julien's team. Maybe they had expended too much energy shoveling out their driveways. Thanks to Joe Sakic's injury in Denver, all NHL players are required to use shovels now. But for whatever reason the Bruins were not clicking on all cylinders. The Canes game plan was exemplary and they were in control of the game. Early in the second the Bruins had their wake up call and the Hurricanes came off their game. The third period was more of the same. The breakdowns were not glaring, when Ray Whitney scored they still had a chance to win, but they did not. In this bottom line business where they are still chasing a playoff spot they need those games.
So it was back to work at the Bell Centre on Sunday. The Canes prepared for a Montreal team that has some key injuries and was playing their last game before Christmas. Last night it was the Canes who would do their best to be the "Grinch's" that would attempt to steal two points. They came out committed and play a solid first 20. In the second period, the Habs were better and started get themselves into the game physically. The Canes never back down and after a lapse cost them a goal against they got back on the "horse". The third period was one for the ages, great goaltending, a Montreal tying sequence and then the Canes ability to Ruutu one home for the win in overtime.
It was their style of play that again was impressive. Their game is grinding and true. When there is a problem, Cam Ward takes a care of it. The were many individual superlatives in this game. Ward, Samsonov, Ruutu, Staal, Corvo etc all come to mind. But one guy epitomizes the game in a nutshell. That guy would be Chad LaRose. Larose was rewarded by the coaches for his game in Boston and promoted to the third line. With Matt Cullen and Justin Williams they as line had a fine game. LaRose worked for every bit of his ice time and played more than he has in quite some time. He almost notched the game winner if not an incredible save by Carey Price.
It hasn't been easy for LaRose under the new coach. His ice time had been diminished, he even had to sit out one as a healthy extra. To his credit he stayed positive and has worked his way back into good favor. His spirit is much like the team's. They collectively have earned their lessons to this point. One more test in St. Paul before they can celebrate their holiday. As the team leaves the ice box that is Montreal they do so knowing that they have learned their lessons. It's time to set up shop in a warmer cozy place like St. Paul, Minn.. By the way the temperature is said to be 10-15 degrees cooler than the 12 Fahrenheit temp of today. Oh well, ideal conditions for an honest night's work, right !!!!!
Bon jour!
