Red & Black Hockey
Entries with the tag: Florida+Panthers
Canes get it going against Cats
by David Lee on 10/10/09 at 09:16 AM ET
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On Friday night against the visiting Florida Panthers, the Hurricanes finally figured out how to get the puck in the net. Seven different guys scored goals and twelve different guys had scoring points in a 7-2 romp of the Cats. The Canes continued to have success in the black sweaters as they wore them for the first time this season.
While the penalty killers got better, the power play units did not, and that continues to be a major area of concern. The Canes were limited to three power play chances, and failed to score even in a minute of five-on-three. On the other side, the Canes killed off all six shorthanded situations including 40 seconds of a two man disadvantage.
Tom Kostopoulos scored the game’s first goal on a shorthanded situation after forcing a turnover in the Florida zone. The unassisted goal came at 7:00 of the first. After that, it was all gravy.
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Tags: Andrew+Alberts., Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, Jussi+Jokinen, Tuomo+Ruutu,
Canes hope to get going against Florida
by David Lee on 10/09/09 at 04:40 AM ET
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On Friday night at the RBC Center, the Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers for the first time this season. It’s sandwiched between two Tampa Bay games and is the front end of Carolina’s second back-to-back of the season.
So far this season, Carolina has been unable to find the back of the net with a compass, a road map and a native guide. In three games, they’ve scored a total of just three goals. There are eight individual players throughout the league who have scored more goals this season than the entire Hurricanes roster. Hopefully tonight’s the night when the Canes figure out how to score.
Tonight, Carolina will be donning their third unis, the all-black outfit for the first time this season. They’re scheduled to wear them for 15 home games, and will probably wear them for at least one road game as well. Last season, the Hurricanes were 10-5-2 whilst wearing the third sweater, including 10-5-0 at home.
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Tags: Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers,
Canes continue to roll: Carolina 3-Florida 2
by David Lee on 03/23/09 at 10:46 PM ET
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On Monday night, the Hurricanes traveled to Sunrise for a big game against division rival and playoff contender Florida. Due to league regulations, the best look we had at it was the closed-circuit video feed from the arena coupled with the Panthers radio feed. The Canes needed just over a minute of overtime to take a 3-2 win and the extra standings point. They now have 87 with seven games to play. They’ve also jumped over Pittsburgh in the standings to grab hold of fifth place.
I don’t know if it’s just when the Panthers play the Hurricanes, or if it’s all the time, but the announcers complained about the officiating a lot. The South Florida newspapers always complain about the Hurricanes, claiming that they dive to get penalties. In this game, they got the officiating crew they wanted, they got the penalty calls going their way, but they still couldn’t win the game. Ray Whitney put on a one-man show in the overtime and sealed the deal with a little wrister from the left circle at 1:37 of the extra frame.
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Tags: Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, playoff+picture.,
The homestretch
by David Lee on 03/16/09 at 09:13 PM ET
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I’ve just taken a couple of days away from the blog, as I am forced to do twice a year when work puts everything else on hold for an entire weekend. Now, back to the hockey business.
Carolina has eleven games remaining and they are clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot. Both Florida and Buffalo, who are chasing, have games in hand and could easily catch the Canes. There is a possibility that the Rangers or even Montréal could collapse down the stretch and fall out of the race. However, Carolina should keep their focus on taking care of their own business.
I figure they’ll need 95 points to guarantee a spot in the playoffs, which means they’ll have to earn 16 out of 22 points down the stretch. 7-2-2. 8-3-0. 6-1-4. Whatever. They may be able to do it with 93, but either way, it’s going to be tough. They’re going to have to win, and it isn’t going to be easy. Of their 11 remaining games, three are against the Devils, and two of those are in the swamp. They will have home games against playoff teams Washington, Rangers and the smokin’ hot Penguins. Sure, they have two home games against the lowly Islanders, but that doesn’t do much to soften the blow of having to play three against the Devils.
Carolina is, without a doubt, going to have to “steal” some of their final games and they won’t be able to give any away.
Filed in: | Red and Black Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, Montreal+Canadiens, New+York+Rangers, playoff+picture,
Canes suffer big loss
by David Lee on 02/12/09 at 10:06 PM ET
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Carolina returned from a successful road trip, took three days off, then looked lost on their first game back. Tomas Vokoun and the Florida Panthers blanked the Hurricanes 5-0 in a critical “four point game” between the division foes. The Hurricanes are stuck on 59 points and are now three points out of eighth place.
Carolina, who looked sluggish out of the gate, fell behind 2-0 in the first and never recovered. On the other end, Tomas Vokoun was absolutely sensational, stopping all 42 shots that he saw. There’s not much anybody can do other than tip their hat to Vokoun for a job very well done.
Since Carolina suffered their first shutout loss of the season, the only remaining team who has not been shut out is the Detroit Red Wings.
Filed in: | Red and Black Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Carolina++Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, Tomas+Vokoun.,
The Eastern Playoff bubble
by David Lee on 01/25/09 at 04:20 PM ET
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As we hit the all-star break, it’s about time to start seriously thinking about the playoff picture. In the East, it’s clear that Boston, Washington, New Jersey, Montréal, Rangers and Philadelphia will be there. As of today, Buffalo and Carolina are in, while Florida and Pittsburgh are just barely on the outside of that playoff bubble.
While Toronto and Tampa are less than ten points out of a spot as of today, I don’t think they’ll be contenders come April. After viewing the remaining schedules for the four teams I figure to be the last contenders, I’m predicting that the final two spots will be held by Pittsburgh and Carolina.
I’ll start with Buffalo, currently in seventh, and work my way down to the tenth place Penguins.
Filed in: | Red and Black Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Buffalo+Sabres, Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, Pittsburgh+Penguins, playoff+picture,
Corvo’s new sticks making all the difference
by David Lee on 12/18/08 at 10:29 PM ET
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Earlier this week, Hurricanes defenseman Joe Corvo switched to a different kind of stick that is lighter but denser. He scored the game-winning goal on Tuesday against the Canadiens with a howitzer from the point. On Thursday, he scored an absolute highlight reel goal in overtime for his second straight game winner. It’s gotta be the sticks. He says he’s only got two more of the new sticks, but he’s just gonna have to order some more.
In Tuesday’s post-game teevee coverage, the Canes broadcasting team teased him about the new sticks, and he claimed that they gave him an additional 5mph on his slapshot. But it wasn’t his patented slapshot that won the game on Thursday. Frankly, he looked like Alexei Kovalev with the fancy maneuver. First he eluded a defender at the top of the right circle, then dragged the puck from his forehand to the backhand and lifted a finesse backhanded wrist shot from the slot into an essentially empty cage. Very impressive stuff from a rearguard. I’ll post a clip when I can. It’s a must-see goal.
Justin Williams also tallied a goal for the Canes, his first of the season. In seven games back after his Achilles tear, he has three (1/2) points and is really starting to look comfortable out there.
With the win, Carolina lays claim to eighth place in the East. More importantly, the pieces are really starting to fall into place. Since bringing Chairman Mo back into the fold, the Canes have gone 3-1-3 and have now earned standings points in six consecutive games.
Filed in: | Red and Black Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, Joe+Corvo,
Hurricanes fall to Cats, but make history.
by David Lee on 11/24/08 at 11:00 PM ET
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On Monday, the Hurricanes dropped a 3-2 decision to the Panthers, missing an opportunity to claim first place in the Southeast division. Carolina showed no signs of life in the first period, and none to speak of at all on Sunday in a 5-2 loss to the Predators. But it wasn’t all bad on Monday.
Carolina played a penalty-free game, which is the first time they’ve ever done that on the road. In franchise history, the last time that was done was a 3-2 Whalers loss at the Islanders on January 26, 1980. Yeah. 28 years ago. The last time they did it at home was the heartbreaking 4-3 loss against Florida to end the 2007-08 season.
The Canes fell behind 2-0 in the first, looking miserable in the process. They were losing all the battles, not passing crisply, and they just looked lost or confused. They came out of the gates on fire in the second, scoring two goals in the first three minutes to tie it up. They were both grinding, hard-working goals. Also, they were controlling the play. Dominating the play. In the first six minutes of the period, Carolina had nine shots compared to none by the Panthers.
Late in the period, the Panthers went ahead for good on a tip-in by Gregory Campbell. There was no scoring in the third, and the game ended 3-2.
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Tags: Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers,
Carolina opens with wild ride, win
by David Lee on 10/10/08 at 10:10 PM ET
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Carolina opened their 11th season on Friday with a wild game against division foe Florida and a 6-4 win. It wasn’t pretty, but two points in the standings look good any day of the week.
The Hurricanes stumbled out of the gates, giving up two goals in the first six minutes of the contest, but settled in nicely with goals from six different players and assists from seven different players. At the end of it all, Tim Gleason earned the game’s first star with three assists.
Recap and notes after the jump
Filed in: Carolina Hurricanes, NHL Hockey, game summary | Red and Black Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Brandon+Sutter, Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, Frantisek+Kaberle, game+recap, Joni+Pitkanen, Tim+Gleason,
Opening Night!
by David Lee on 10/10/08 at 07:59 AM ET
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The unbearably long wait is finally over. Tonight is opening night for Carolina and 12 other teams. Thousands of hockey fans in Carolina will be cutting out of work early, or skipping work altogether. The RBC Center parking lot will fill up early and the sweet sweet smell of propane and grilled meat will be thick. Cold beer and loud music will be coming from every tailgate. Friendships will be renewed and new ones will be forged. The sun will be shining and the birds will be singing. It’s hockey night in Carolina.
Unfortunately, I won’t be there for opening night. Instead, for the first time since 2001, I’ll be watching the home opener from RBH headquarters.
Filed in: Carolina Hurricanes, NHL Hockey | Red and Black Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Carolina+Hurricanes, Florida+Panthers, opening+night,
