October 5th, 2007 - Canes vs. the Penguins: Random Musings and Observations

- I'm going to go ahead and say it: The real reason the Canes won tonight? Do I really have to say his name? Ok, for the clueless among you...he became assistant GM of the Canes yesterday. John Forslund interviewed Ronnie Francis during the Hurricanes Live pre-game segment, and the moment the interview concluded, I had an incredibly awesome feeling that the Canes were going to kick Penguin butt (sorry, Michael).

- That said, if I had known that #10 was going to be interviewed before or during the game, I would have made my score prediction at Canes Country much more in favor of the Canes than 6-5, Pitt.

- But, the game was indeed high scoring for the Canes...at the risk of sounding greedy, I could live with four goals every game, as opposed to only two.

- Boy, the Pens sure made like a Hoover tonight. Other than when they're playing the Canes (wink wink, nudge nudge), I hope they improve quickly...especially Monsieur Andre-Fleury.

- Speaking of goalies...how 'bout that Cam Ward? Forget Wheaties, somebody's been eating their fruits and veggies...other FSN Southers will know what I mean, Vern...

- On to ze Capitals, who won over the Thrashers, 3-1, in Hotlanta tonight. Should be an interesting battle of who's more worn-down...

Current Music: "Wide Angle" by Amon Duul II

October 3rd, 2007 - Canes vs. Habs: Random Musings and Observations

- Even though I understand that it had something to do with a VS. contract of sorts, I STILL say that FSN South not covering this game ROYALLY SUCKED. As someone who actually wanted to see the 10th Anniversary banner hanging, I knew darn good and well that the only chance of that happening would be if FSN South covered the game. As I predicted, the RDS (the Quebec/French TSN) feed did not show a lick of the ceremony...and while VS., if they had chosen to cover this particular game instead of Ducks/Wings, would have probably been a little better, I highly doubt they would have given the banner hanging the coverage that FSN South would have given it.

Not to mention that the RDS feed was just horrible tonight anyway...cameras and computer graphics out of focus during the entire game (and we're talking so bad that it got to where I started to worry that I needed a new glasses prescription) and even the sound got rather fuzzy and staticky in parts. Ugh...

Oh, and I have saved the best for last about this...the RDS announcers kept getting the players' names wrong. No, I am not talking about pulling a Gary Thorne and mispronouncing the names out the wazoo...I mean getting the players wrong. Some examples:

John Cullen = Matt Cullen

Ryan Whitney = Ray Whitney

One of the announcers also said that we got Jeff Hamilton from the L.A. Kings for Jack Johnson...certainly would have been a much better trade than it really was if that's how it had panned out.

- The first period was not bad, IMHO. Certainly where we saw the best playing out of the Canes in this particular game.

- But, what happened in the second and third periods?! I lost count of all the stupid penalties the Canes took, the times they were in their own zone, AND when they could have hit someone BUT decided to not do that!! Way, WAY too reminiscent of last season...and it's only the first game!

- Best player of the game was definitely Cam Ward...with Scott Walker and Andrew Ladd following right behind to the point of almost toppling upon the dude.

- Worst player? Definitely Nicky Wallin...two stupid penalties are enough of a no-no by themselves. But when those penalties lead to game-tying AND game-winning goals for the opposition, those penalties become a big fat hairy no-no.

- This Friday, the Canes that take to the ice better be the ones who started with two rather nicely played power plays at the beginning of this hockey game. Be it through power plays or otherwise, they'll going to need some goals against those Penguins and their mighty offense...

Current Music: "Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)" by Metallica

BREAKING NEWS: CAM WARD SIGNS THREE YEAR CONTRACT

Like Wardo himself, this is big...very big.

Someone posted at the following epistle in the official Canes board thread about this wonderful news...

"Looks like the cornerstones are in place for more success."

While I agree with that to a certain extent, at the same time, I cannot help but channel my inner Nathan Lane from The Birdcage, and say "Nooooot necessarily.". Why? Well, as long as the Canes keep practically the exact same defense (and not to mention the same backup goalie, who, I'm afraid, the Canes are stuck with for at least another season*) from this past season, I wouldn't really expect 'more success'. Heck, as good as Cam Ward already is AND has further potential to be, I lost count of how many times the defense let him down last season. Why Jim Rutherford is so insistent on keeping that defense together thus far is WAY BEYOND me.

Of course, I also keep in mind that what also didn't help in the now previous season was the power play and lack of a shootout king, who the Canes lost in Matt Cullen. But, I think the defense played just as huge a role in the Canes not being able to defend their 2006 Stanley Cup Championship.

Current Music: "Taxman" by George Harrison (Live and Featuring Eric Clapton)

* - If only we could get Martin Gerber back...he looks like he's over the fact that he is practically destined to be a backup goalie. Of course, in addition to his being a decent backup, getting back a playoffs rabbit's foot would be nice too.

March 17th, 2007 - Canes @ Devils: Random Musings and Observations

- The Canes should play on St. Patrick's Day more often...heck, every day should be St. Patrick's Day if it means the Canes blowing teams like the Devils out, 7-2.

- If Grahame keeps having games like the one he had yesterday, my fears of the Canes missing the playoffs without Wardo being able to play will be quite dumbfounded.

- Not to mention if the offense keeps on cranking out goal after goal.

- Got the Joysey feed, as expected with it being an away game, on Center Ice...which was no big deal thanks to the wonders of the Mute button AND my Gigabeat/"Stanley".

- Unlike a few people, I am not quick to jump on this game as "the turning point" for the Canes. I've seen it happen at least two or three other times this season: The Canes have a dynamite blowout game, which gets deemed their "turning point", and then they go and royally stink it up the next two or three or four games.

If the Canes would give me (and the rest of the Caniac Nation) at least two or three solidly decent games after this one, then I will be more than inclined to agree with others that yesterday's affair is a turning point. BUT, until I see those games, I have to play Angry Carolina Hurricanes Nerd...

- There's nothing like a Canes victory, corned beef, potatoes, Italian herb bread, Irish Cream, the Tar Heels advancing to the Sweet Sixteen, and a FREE (1980's era) KING CRIMSON CONCERT to complete an overall quite satisfying St. Patty's Day.

Current Music: "I'm Your Boogie Man" by White Zombie

BREAKING NEWS: CAM WARD OUT FOR THE SEASON

Read it and weep, fellow Caniac brethren. :(

Admittingly, I did not really watch today's game vs. the Ranjerks (for reasons stated in the post below this one), but from what little I read and heard, the laceration Wardo got did not sound good.

Y'know, at the risk of cementing my being the Angry Carolina Hurricanes Nerd I have sounded like quite a bit this season AND to quoteth Jim Mora: Playoffs? WHAT PLAYOFFS?!

Seriously, I *really* hope to be wrong. But, I am not liking the Canes' playoff chances without Cam's presence.

Current Music: "Girl" by Beck

Edit as of March 12th, 6:40 PM: Well, well, well...it turns out that perhaps someone at the Raleigh News and Observer overreacted a bit.

As of now, Wardo is listed as missing out on a week at the most...NOT the rest of the season, as originally thought(?).

February 20th, 2007 - Canes vs. Thrashers: Random Musings and Observations

Before I proceed with my RM&O about last night's game...lemme put on my music critic hat:

I just listened to Kelly Osbourne's "Shut Up", courtesy of a friend who was very kind enough to send it to me. He also helped me find out about Ms. Osbourne's "One Word" about a couple of weeks or so ago, which I ended up liking A LOT MORE than I thought I would. But, "Shut Up"...I honestly don't know what to make of it. Especially given how much potential Kelly showed she has through "One Word".

The glaring difference I notice between the two songs is that "One Word" is highly reminscent of Kelly's dad's stuff in that it takes itself seriously in a way that makes it fun to listen and rock out to. "Shut Up", on the other hand, makes me think of The Naked Brothers Band with special guest singer Kelly Osbourne. And yes, there *really* is a Naked Brothers Band...do you *really* think I'd make that up? I'm honestly surprised that such a band name hasn't come along sooner...along with the marketing plan to slap 'naked' somewhere in a name.

(takes off her music critic hat and tosses it ala Mary Tyler Moore, except not trying to catch it)

That said, if the Canes cannot find a way to play better in front of a Raleigh, NC crowd, they'll need to find a way to cram "The Naked Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Team" on those dinky TicketMaster tickets, and in a rather quick manner.

- If I could pick one Cane to overall illustrate last night's affair with the invaders from Blueland (STILL think that's a stupid ad campaign, ESPECIALLY as an UNC Tar Heel supporter), it would have to be Cam Ward. Just like the Canes, Cam put up a pretty darned good game throughout the first and second periods. But then, also just like his red, white, and black brethren, Wardo managed to fall apart in the third period...particularly in the last three minutes of the entire game, where he allowed the two goals that broke the 1-1 tie AND put the nail in the Canes' coffin.

- Even though they played ok the majority of the game, I would still use 'mediocre' to overall describe this season's Canes. And I have no qualms in using that word to describe the Canes that took to the ice last night...ESPECIALLY considering that they faced Johan Hedberg instead of Kari "Final Fantasy/Kill Bill Dork" Lehtonen.

- Speaking of goalie mask art, in my feeble attempt to end this on a semi-good note, Cam Ward's new mask's art has yet to have been mentioned here...until now.

At that link, note the HUGE difference between Cam's current mask AND his past one...I don't think I or anyone else will ever figure out what ever compelled the boy to get Nickelcrap advertised on that past mask, outside of the Sherwood Park, Alberta connection.

And yes, as people have suggested at The Score Boards, that old mask looked like a skunk on Wardo's head from far away.

That new mask...one small step for the Caniac Nation, one giant leap for good taste.

Current Music: "Madrigal" by Yes

January 6th, 2007 - Canes vs. Islanders: Random Musings and Observations

Unlike the Phoenix debac...er, game, some things finally stuck out to me about this game...

- When you get John Forslund to belt out his trademark "Hey hey, what do ya say?!" after oh so many games, you *are* truly doing something right.

- That said, if anybody was doing something right, besides Cam Ward, it was/is Erik Cole. Dudeman played the most aggressive game any Cane has ever played thus far this season. That aggressive game netted Colesey two goals...something not only the Canes, but I too desperately needed in my Fantasy leagues.

- Speaking of my Fantasy players, Staal also, at long last, woke up tonight and had a goal for the Canes. Now, if Jonathan freakin' Cheechoo could do the same.

I swear, whoever instated the rule about players being drafted at a high rank can't be dropped needs to be slapped...hard.

- With her cowgirl get-up, I could not be the only one who kept expecting Cory Stillman's daughter to try to offer a half-eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich to John Forslund and/or Tripp Tracy.

Anybody who gets what I'm talking about, give yourself as many couch potato points as you feel are deserved.

Current Music: "King's Lead Hat" by Brian Eno (Featuring Robert Fripp)

January 2nd, 2007 - Canes @ Penguins: Random Musings and Observations

- Ok...I don't know what is more screwy: The Canes' play as of late (especially keeping in mind that this was a team that somehow beat Anaheim...something that's proving to be more and more of a fluke, even after just two more games) OR this whole "Vote For Rory (Fitzpatrick)" (into the All-Star Game/Event) campaign.

What? You're one of the extreme remote few who has not heard about the "Vote For Rory" campaign?! Well, well, well...lemme enlighten you with a wittle something I posted at the Score Boards:

In what I've read/heard about the Rory Fitzpatrick joke, AND it was/is meant to be a joke, it was started by a dude over at a place called SomethingAwful.com. And if you know anything about SA.com like I do, they royally go for "funny stuff" such as a guy like Rory getting into the NHL All-Star Game/Event, despite having almost zip points.

I don't know how to feel about the "joke" overall...on one hand, I like the idea of something showing up the NHL All-Star Game/Event for what it really is: A "contest" based on supposed fan popularity as opposed to talent and/or production for that season. But, on the other hand, I too don't like seeing a more deserving player getting pushed out by someone that started out as a mere message board gag.

And yes, whether some of you like to read it or not, the NHL All-Star Game/Event *IS* a popularity contest AND has been such since at least the beginning of Bettman's reign, if not before it.

- Considering the circumstances AND score of last night's affair, I'm glad that I happen to be a fan of the Penguins in addition to the Canes.

- When it was constantly mentioned that Brindy was losing his face-offs, I knew the Canes were in deep doo-doo.

- Cam Ward was the only reason the score was a semi-respectable 3-0, and not any more worst than it could have been.

- Just like the Bruins and NESN, I am jealous of the fact that the Pens have at least one or two player interaction TV shows on FSN Pitt. Something the Canes (and FSN South) desperately need outside of the in-game entertainment...at least IM(not-so)HO.

- Say what you want about Sid the Kid...but dudeman's already growing up. Sixty points already?! Hot. Damn.

- Eric Staal's younger brother ain't looking too shabby himself, either. Also dug the coverage AND actual attention FSN Pitt gave both siblings.

- As if any of you needed more proof of how easily amused I tend to be: Last night, FSN Pitt had Ryan Malone "mic'ed up"...and these were his golden words...

(Remember, the following was repeated two or three times to a neighboring teammate on the bench.)

"I think this mic is on."

Seriously, who the heck thought it was a great idea to "mic up the players"? When it's not stupid comments like what Malone uttered, it is the typical (I.E. boring) stuff that can actually be allowed on semi-national TV.

I get the feeling that such mess is one of those things we can thank ESPeeN and their coverage of the NBA and/or NFL for. What's next? "Below the Ice" cameras?

This should have been cited in the "What Were They Thinking?!" book about the 100 most dumb TV ideas, which I just finished last night. My only disappointment with it? Jerry Springer didn't make numero uno like he and his pathetic (putting it very, VERY MILDLY) show should have. But, at least the idea of halftime shows, intermissions, stadium names, football bowls, etc. being sponsored did.

Current Music: "Soulfinger" by The Barkays

Edited to add: Oh, and a "Thank you!" to Igloo Dreams for acknowledging my blog AND my newfound Nintendo Wii fandom.

But, to somewhat quote Columbo, just one thing: The next time you acknowledge this here site, please remember that I am a "she", not a "he". Thank ya very much. ;)

December 15th and 16th, 2006 - Canes vs. the Leafs AND @ the Lightning: Random Musings and Observations

- The most glaring similarities between these two games: The officials (Don't believe me? Check out here and there), the opponents being ones the Canes should beat, said teams having dark blue as one of their colors, the games starting at 7:30 (highly unusual in the instance of the Canes/Leafs game...usually, 7:30 games at the RBC Center are reserved for Sunday nights), and both games being decided by one goal.

- Beef O'Bailey's looks like a darn good place to eat and drink.

- The only reason the Canes managed to win tonight, despite trying their darndest to give away the game in the last minute of the third? Cam Ward. I kept checking to make sure he wasn't wearing Mickey Mouse ears and sneaking in a "Here I am to save the day!!" during the more quiet moments of the game.

As a matter of fact, Cam was also the reason the Canes actually made it a game against the Leafs. If it weren't for the Wardo, the Canes, not the Ranjerks, would have been lit up like Christmas trees.

All that said, the rest of the Canes need to learn a thing or two or three from Wardo about actually playing hockey, ESPECIALLY for sixty minutes.

- Some people can complain about the officiating all they want...but folks, the Canes' struggles are their own fault, NOT Kerry Fraser and Co.'s. Fraser and all did alright in my book...I did not see a call I did not disagree with. The sad truth of the matter, especially in the Leafs game, AND REALLY, the season overall, is that the Canes have a tendency to be highly undisciplined. And to add insult to that injury, certain Canes are acting like children ice skating for the very first time AND finding out that their Christmas presents don't have batteries included. Nobody sums that up better than VinnieBagADonuts at The Score Boards...

"I do have a couple of issues with the calls they DIDN'T make, but after the Cole non-call (the right call, IMO), the Canes complicated things by whining incessantly and diving all over the place. Eric Staal spent more time falling on the ice than TinkerBell in the Disney Princess show last week. He got called for one dive, and could've easily gotten No. 2 on the final offensive zone faceoff of the night.

Carolina was stupid and lazy last night, and then compounded that problem by being whiny and arrogant. Nice work boys.

I have some advice for them. Shut up and skate. No way the Leafs belong in a run-and-gun game with us. If we just shut up and skate, like we did last year, we beat them 95 times out of 100, regardless of who officiates. Why exactly are they trying to get calls, anyhow? Aren't they like 5% lately on the PP? Shut up and skate."

Forget "Whatever It Takes" nowadays..."Shut Up and Skate" should be the new locker room slogan. Taking notes, Lavy? I sure as heck hope you are if you want to win with "the players you got in the room".

Current Music: "Something About Christmas Time" by Bryan Adams

Edit as of 3:50 PM: Many are noting how well Keith Aucoin played last night...especially in the faceoff circle...according to the Raleigh News and Observer:

With the Hurricanes struggling in the faceoff circle, he went 7-for-9 in Friday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Former Hurricanes captain Ron Francis was in Albany last weekend in his new player-development role and gave Aucoin a 20-minute tutorial in the faceoff circle. Those lessons paid immediate dividends. Aucoin was 3-for-4 on Saturday.

Ah...the power of Ron Francis.

Current Music as of the edit: "White Christmas" by The Drifters

December 2nd, 2006 - Canes vs. Bruins: Random Musings and Observations

- I may dislike Nickelback with the passion of ten suns, but hey, if they give Cam Ward the luck and confidence to win games via his helmet/mask, then I certainly cannot complain about that much.

- Perhaps Eric Staal reads this here place...I make one crack about him (seemingly) having more penalty minutes than points as of the game vs. Montreal, and he goes and gets two goals tonight. That's much more like it Staalsy...see what happens when you keep your a** out of the box? ;)

- The NESN guys set themselves up for Justin Williams' shorthanded goal...it was quite easy to see coming, as much as they kept flashing the graphic about AND mentioning the top shorthanded scoring teams in the NHL.

- Speaking of NESN, who were not at all bad or annoying tonight, much to my delight...I cannot help but be jealous of the fact that they do fun TV programs with both present and past Bruin players. I think the Canes could take a cue or two from that...and while I'm at it, they need to bring back that Saturday/Sunday morning show that ran through the 2001-02 season. But obviously, it would feature Peter Laviolette instead of Paul Maurice...

Current Music: "Run Run Rudolph" by Bryan Adams (Live)

November 30th, 2006 - Canes vs. Canadiens: Random Musings and Observations

- Ok, 'cause many of you are expecting it, I'll go ahead and make it official: Ron Francis needs to make more special guest appearances on FSN South when his now very, VERY BUSY schedule can allow it.

In all seriousness, it really seemed like the Canes got an extra spark or two in their engines when Ronnie took to the booth during the second period.

And for the record, when John said a special guest was coming on, something told me it would be Mr. Francis. Figured it would be either him, or Mike Commodore's dad, as much as they talked about Commie's day with Lord Stanley.

- Speaking of Mikey-Boy, you know he is really, truly a party dude when just his mere presence in a photo makes him look like he is fresh out of a college fraternity movie, with or without the enchanted afro.

- Too bad Erik Cole did not get the hat trick...but at least he got much needed points for both the Canes and my Fantasy teams. Something that cannot be said about Staalsy as of late...never thought I'd see the day where the boy would benefit moi more in the PIM column, where that's good anyway, than the goals or assist one.

- Ladies and gentlemen, Wardo is back. And even though I'm not sure I could agree with his taste in music shown off through it, Cam's new Nickleback helmet/mask is rather nifty looking. But, being a mythology nut, I still say Marc Denis has the best current helmet/mask in the NHL.

- What is with FSN South not wanting to cover the games against the Boston Bruins? First this past Friday's game, and now Saturday's game...well, at least NESN has not been obnoxious...yet.

- A thought just dawned on me...I did not see the infamous "Gizmo loves Brindy" ad at all tonight. You mean someone's actually listened to me? Wow...what a novel concept!

It's funny I bring that ad up considering I just bought Gremlins for my so-far tiny DVD collection... :D

Current Music: "My Will" - Inuyasha's First AND Last Closing Theme

November 9th, 2006 - Canes vs. Capitals: Random Musings and Observations

- I'll go ahead and say what everyone else has already said in their blogs and/or at various Canes message boards: Best. Game. Of. The. Season. (So far.) :D

- Thanks to an outstanding hat trick by Colesey, a goal and possibly an assist from Staal, and an assist from Walker, yours truly *really* racked up the points/stats in Fantasy Hockey tonight.

- And not to mention how jealous I am of those who have Cam Ward on their Fantasy teams...in addition to the great start he's having, he had his first career regular season shutout tonight. Woot!!

- Tonight's game is what happens when you play every last one of those sixty minutes...please, PLEASE remember that, Canes.

- I still hate John Mellencamp and Toby Keith's freakin' "All-American" truck ads. I also don't like Geico's gecko and cavemen...despite the latter introducing me to a damn infectiously good song in Royksopp's "Remind Me".

- I seriously need to see a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert...*still* think they do the absolutely best version of "Carol of the Bells" to ever embrace one's ears. Not to mention that they just flat out rule when it comes to Christmas music...which, I don't start listening to until after Thanksgiving, thank ya very much.

Current Music: "Angela (Theme From Taxi)" by Bob James (Featuring Earl Klugh)

November 7th, 2006 - Canes @ Devils: Random Musings and Observations

- Overall, the game was good, not great but good. Even though to me, nobody *really* stood out, other than Cam Ward...again.

- What is with this team taking stupid and/or blatant penalties, ESPECIALLY when up by one, at five or less minutes before the end of the third period/regulation? At the risk of offending a certain current Captain's worshipers, if it hadn't been for the highly unnecessary penalty Brindy-Boy took with about three minutes left of regulation, the Canes might have gotten out of Joysey with a W AND two points.

- As much as I have a tendency to complain about the officiating, it was actually good for once tonight. So, certainly no blaming that for the Canes' woes.

- In addition to the songs in their respective ads just being flat-out annoying, Toby Keith and John Mellencamp are reminding me of how much I couldn't stand it when the boys in my elementary and middle schools would get into "deep" debates about Ford being better than Chevrolet, and vice-versa. *rolls her eyes*

- Regarding tonight's House MD (Hey, it was on during the game...that counts. >;) ), as much as I love David Morse's acting, damn, his character is getting on my nerves. Cannot wait to see how everyone's favorite medical snarkster puts "Officer Pesky" in his place.

Current Music: "Brick House" by The Commodores