Swept Away

Well, a fantastic season came to an end yesterday for the Hurricanes as they lost to Pittsburgh 4-1, completing a four-game sweep of the series for the Pens. I hate to see the year end on such a sour note, especially considering what Carolina accomplished this year. Back in December, this team was floundering around .500, had just fired their coach, and looked destined for their third straight season of post-Stanley Cup mediocrity. They turned things around, and over the last two months of the season were one of the hottest teams in the NHL, ironically, probably second only to Pittsburgh. Upset wins over New Jersey and top-seed Boston and a place in the NHL's final four were more than anyone expected a few months ago. This team made a great run, and has a bright-looking future.

However, that future is filled with questions. Some are easy (does Paul Maurice lose the 'interim' tag as head coach?), and some are tough (out of a free agent crop of Cole, LaRose, Jokinen, Ruutu, Babchuk, and Seidenberg, who do you inevitably let walk?). It'll be an interesting offseason, and I'll be excited to see the Canes take the ice again in October. As for the Stanley Cup finals? I'll be cheering for the Pens.

On The Brink

Well, it went from bad to worse for my Hurricanes last night, losing 6-2 to Pittsburgh in Raleigh to fall behind 3-0 in the series. They played defense more porous than a sponge and just never looked like they were on the Penguins' level. To keep the season going, they'll have to become just the third team in NHL history to climb out of a 3-0 hole. That gigantic effort starts Tuesday night in Game 4. I don't like their chances - at all - but I've also watched this team enough to know that they're never out of it until the final buzzer sounds. Come on, Canes!

Backs, Meet Wall

Monday night, it was goalie Marc-Andre Fleury who turned in a superstar performance for the Penguins. Last night, it was Evgeni Malkin, who notched a hat trick and powered the Pens to a 7-4 Game 2 win over my Canes. His third and final goal midway through the third period that padded Pittsburgh's lead to 2 left even me staring in awe. Malkin is simply amazing, and if Carolina's going to stand a chance in Saturday's now-pivotal Game 3, they've got to find a way to put a body on him and slow him down. Here's hoping the RBC Center crowd in Raleigh will give the Canes a lift over the next two to even this series.

A Familiar Start

Well, at least we were competitive in this one. In what's becoming a theme in these playoffs, my Hurricanes dropped Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night to Pittsburgh, 3-2. I say it's becoming a theme because Carolina lost their openers in the first two rounds to New Jersey and Boston before bouncing back to win those series. Those first two were blowouts, but the Canes played tough last night, and probably would have won the game if not for a superhuman performance from Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, especially in the first period. Game 2 is Thursday night, and if form holds, we've got them right where we want them. That's what I'm telling myself, anyway.

They Did It Again!!!

This is getting crazy. My Carolina Hurricanes pulled off another miracle finish last night, grabbing a 3-2 overtime win over Boston in Game 7 to win the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Much-maligned Canes forward Scotty Walker tapped home a rebound for the game winner with just under 1:15 to go in the 1st OT. So, after squandering a 3-1 series lead against the East's top team, Carolina pulled it out after all. I don't know what it is about Carolina pro sports, but they tend to really love this script - come charging out of the gates, build a lead, squander it, then win it at the end. It's stressful as all getout to watch, but hey - let's keep riding this wave all the way to the Cup!

Another Finnish Finish

Few people in the hockey world noticed back in February when the Hurricanes picked up underachieving winger Jussi Jokinen of Finland off of wavers from Tampa Bay. They've all noticed now. After his first round heroics (a game-winner in Game 4 with .2 seconds left and the tying goal in Game 7 with 1:20 left), he slapped home a rebound last night to give the Canes a 3-2 overtime win and a 2-1 lead in their second round series against Boston. Carolina now has the chance to deliver a crippling blow to the Bruins in Game 4 Friday night in Raleigh.

Hurricanes Update - Still Alive!

I must admit, when we left for Canada last week, I wasn't sure my Carolina Hurricanes would still be playing hockey when we returned. Now, not only did they score 2 goals in the final 1:20 of Game 7 to defeat New Jersey 4-3 in the game and in the first-round series, but they steamrolled the top-seeded Boston Bruins last night 3-0 in Game 2 of their second round series to even things at a game apiece headed back to Raliegh for Wednesday's Game 3. Could they shock the east's best team, a squad who swept the four-game regular season series? I'll never say never with this bunch. Being a Carolina sports fan may not be good for your personal stress level, but it sure is a lot of fun!

0.2

That's how much time was left on the clock last night when Jussi Jokinen's deflection of a Dennis Seidenberg shot crossed the goal line, giving the Hurricanes an incredible 4-3 win over New Jersey and evening the series at 2-2. It was the latest regulation game-winner in playoff history, and an incredible finish to a game Carolina had to have. If you missed it, here's a look.

One Step Forward...

...you know the rest. After snatching home-ice advantage from the Devils on Friday, the Hurricanes gave it back last night, falling to New Jersey 3-2 in overtime. This put the Devils ahead 2-1 in the series and will make tomorrow's Game 4 vital, as a 3-1 deficit heading back to New Jersey would be incredibly difficult to overcome. Come on, Canes!

Now We're Even

That's more like it. After a dismal Game 1, the Canes evened the series with a 2-1 overtime win over the Devils in Game 2. Tim Gleason picked a great time to score his first goal of the season with the game-winner. Now the series shifts back to Raleigh, and since Carolina stole a game in New Jersey they just need to win their three home games to earn a trip to the second round.

Let's Try That Again

Well, the way my Carolina Hurricanes opened the playoffs last night looked a lot like the way my Carolina Panthers opened their playoffs back in January. Thankfully, at least the Canes will get another chance. They were dominated by New Jersey last night 4-1 in the opener of their best-of-seven 1st round series. Here's hoping they have a better showing tomorrow night. I'd like them to at least stick around long enough for me to get to see them on TV.

It Starts Tonight

Even if you're not a hockey fan, let me suggest that you check out one of the most exciting events in all of sports as the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin tonight. Here's a little taste of what's in store (gotta love Carolina announcer John Forslund's signature "Hey, hey, whaddaya say" at around the 1 minute mark). Let's go Canes!

I'm Famous!

From Sunday's Gaston Gazette: "Dejected Panthers fans watch during the Panthers-Cardinals playoff game Saturday at Bank of America Stadium."

Cardinals 33, Panthers 13

My dad and I had great seats (end zone, front row!) but saw a lousy game. The Panthers decided to play their worst game of the season in the biggest game of the season. Now, it's time for that annual sports fan motto - wait 'till next year. Anyway, here are a few pics I took Saturday night.

Nothing Could Be Finer...

...than to be in Carolina for a Panthers football game - and that's exactly where I'll be Saturday night. I'm hitting the road this afternoon for Charlotte to take in our playoff showdown with Arizona. Enjoy your weekend, and go Panthers!!!

Bring on the Cards

Arizona it is. The Cardinals advanced to the second round of the NFL playoffs by beating Atlanta 30-24 on Saturday, setting up a date with my Carolina Panthers. This will be Carolina's first home playoff game since a 29-10 drubbing of Dallas in 2003. I attended that game, and I'll be driving down to Charlotte this weekend to cheer the Panthers on again. Arizona will be tough (they jumped out to a 17-3 lead over Carolina in October before the Panthers roared back to win 27-23), but we've got a healthy defense for the first time in a month, "Double Trouble" in the backfield, and I think we'll take care of business Saturday night. Should be an entertaining weekend of football.

The Second Season Begins

Well, the NFL regular season came to an end Sunday, and while some coaches have already had the axe drop on their futures, 12 teams are preparing for their shot at a Super Bowl. With an overpowering, then collapsing, then come-back-and-win-it-at-the-end 33-31 win over New Orleans, the Panthers earned their first NFC South title since 2003 and their first playoff bye since 1996. Now, we wait for our second round opponent - either Minnesota, Arizona, or Atlanta - to come to Charlotte for a Saturday night showdown on January 10th. Anything can happen in the NFL's second season, but the opportunity is there for a return to the Super Bowl for my Panthers, which will hopefully produce a different result from their last trip. Did your team survive for playoff time? Who do you think will be punching a ticket to Tampa? Let me know in the comments.