There’s a Line… And We’ve Crossed It

…a couple times. A LOT has gone on in Caniac Nation since I’ve written last, taking a break to bask in the glory of my team winning the Super Bowl and all. Since then, we’ve finally crossed the line into the coveted 8^th spot… then fallen back to 9^th when the Thrashers beat the Rangers (which, ironically, was best for us in the long run since we faced ATL 2 days later and the loss kept the Rangers close)… then returned to the good side later that weekend with one point in OT against Tampa and a win over the Thrashers in ATL. We’re holding our ground for now, just 2 points back from the Rangers in 7^th, but with Buffalo and Atlanta close behind just 2 points back from us, we can’t get too comfortable. Somehow, Buffalo still has two games in hand, which makes me a little uneasy, I’m not gonna lie. It will be interesting to see how things go as we finish out February.

Speaking of anxiety in February, as if the playoff push isn’t enough to stress over, we have the added bonus of the NHL trade deadline to deal with. (Note the sarcasm.) Today alone has been ridiculous with the news of one of our D men not being on the ice for morning skate, then finding out it was Ian White, then hearing of other trades and teams still active in the trading action, then hearing that if Ian will be traded, it will be finalized within 24 hours… how can fans not start spazzing and speculating with all that going on? And in the span of about 3 hours, no less! I remember all too clearly being at the RBC Center watching practice the morning of March 3^rd last season when it was seemingly cut short. One of the ushers came over to tell everyone where we were sitting that Scott Walker had just been traded to the Caps. Shortly after, we found out Joe Corvo would be right behind him. There are very few guys on this team that I could see go and be ok with it—sorry, Sergei—but it’s hard to just sit back and wait to hear what’s going on. Though I think Ian is great and wish he weren’t on the verge of leaving the Canes already, I must say that I’m glad the Joni speculation wasn’t right. For me, and several other Caniacs, I’m sure, I think the Finn Trio being broken up would be the hardest to see.

All trade craziness aside, the Canes and Rangers both face the Devils and Flyers in upcoming games this week, so there will be plenty of allegiance flip flopping in the near future. The upside is that we have a ton of home games in March and all three in April. Good for being able to go to so many games as the regular season is coming to an end, and also good because we have an amazing fan base that supports our team louder than any other from the away games I’ve heard so far. The second half of the season is never easy, but the Canes seem to have a way of making things work. Coming as close as they did last season after that heartbreaking 14-game losing streak, and seeing how hard we tend to work when it’s do or die (see: Erik Cole), I have total confidence the boys can pull it off if they stay focused. We just need to stay consistent at giving the total effort we showed at the end of regulation v Tampa Bay and a bit more often v Atlanta.

Things just wouldn’t be right if I ended today’s blog post without mentioning that it happens to be the birthday of my favorite hockey player… Tuomo Ruutu turns 28 today, B-Sutts turned 22 on Valentine’s Day, and John Forslund, our amazing play-by-play guy, also had a birthday Monday, so what better way to end this week of Canes bdays (and long roadie) than with a win over NJ? Nothing would quite say “Hyvää syntymäpäivää” like a hattutemppu on your birthday, especially if it results in a -3 for Elias… I’m just sayin. I think it would be sweet birthday justice for an “accidental” high stick that left my boy’s face slashed up and gushing blood in his whirlwind of a first day as a Hurricane, albeit 3 years later. (See the video & picture below for explanation and an example of sisu.)

*For those who I’ve not managed to relay the story to, here’s a video montage of Tuomo’s first game as a Hurricane. Not the greatest quality, but it gets the point across. I recommend watching the whole thing, but start paying close attention around 1:40 to get the story behind my hatred of Elias. Bastard.

Result of high stick seen above: 
                                                                                                    *Photo found at http://bruinsvcanes.blogspot.com/

 

Thankfully, his face has since returned to normal :)

Happy Birthday Ruuu!