Shootout woes continue for Hurricanes

Montreal's Saku Koivu scores the game-winning shootout goal against Carolina's Cam Ward in Montreal on Tuesday, October 28, 2008.

I was at a work function tonight, so I couldn't watch this game. Wait a minute, no one except the people actually at the game or around Montreal could because it was blacked out around here. For a recap, click here or here.

Pour vous Canadiens français:

Mardi 28 octobre 2008
Les ennuis d'échange de tirs continuent pour des ouragans
Montreal's Saku Koivu marque le but game-winning d'échange de tirs contre Cam Ward de Carolina salle de came de s à Montréal le mardi 28 octobre 2008. J'étais à une fonction de travail ce soir, ainsi je ne pourrait pas montre de t ce jeu. Attendez une minute, personne excepté les personnes réellement au jeu ou autour de Montréal pourriez parce qu'il a été noirci dehors autour d'ici. Pour une récapitulation, cliquez sur ici ou ici.

LaRose pulls Canes past Isles

UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 25: Andy Hilbert #11 of the New York Islanders and Chad LaRose #59 of the Carolina Hurricanes play for possession of the puck during the second period on October 25, 2008 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)

I wasn't at home to watch this one. For a recap, click here.

Pens' third period surge sinks 'Canes

Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 23, 2008 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Malkin had a goal and an assist in the Penguins' 4-1 win over the Hurricanes. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Just a quick note: The Pens were attacking all night. It was only a matter of time. I saw this coming a mile away. And what's-his-name-boy-wonder of the Pens, slamming his stick against the end boards in anger after not scoring on a two-on-one, showed us all once again why he is an extremely poor choice as the NHL's new poster boy. He will not be a good hockey player (let alone the great one the NHL is trying to make him out to be) until he loses the bad attitude, does a lot of growing up, and shows some sportsmanship. Right now he is an immature spoiled brat who happens to score goals. Anyone familiar with a former NHLer by the name of Wayne Gretzky can see how utterly childish and dimwitted what's-his-name is, and what a shame it is that the talent cannot be meshed with humility and grace the way it was with the former. Now, don't think I am saying that what's-his-name is on the same level as Gretzky - my God, don't make me laugh - it's just the fact that Gretzky sets a great standard for athletes everywhere, regardless of talent level, age, or gender.

'Hawks trample Oilers, 3-0

Edmonton Oilers' Lubomir Visnovsky battles Chicago Blackhawks' Dave Bolland for the puck in the first period of a NHL hockey game in Chicago, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Leighton, Canes stifle Ducks, 3-1

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton (49) keeps Anaheim Ducks left wing Chris Kunitz, left, from scoring in the third period of their NHL hockey game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008, in Anaheim, Calif. The Hurricanes won 3-1. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Two-goal lead not enough against Kings

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason, left, goes after the puck along with Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Los Angeles., Friday, Oct. 17, 2008. The Kings won 4-3 on a Michal Handzus OT winner.. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Quinnipiac and Syracuse to battle for first win of season tonight

Sophomore center Stefanie Marty registered five shots on net to lead the Orange’s offensive attack in a recent game against Robert Morris. Marty dominated the faceoff circle, winning 16-of-24 faceoffs against RMU. In five games, Marty has won 57-of-68 draws (.845).

The Syracuse University Women's Ice Hockey team (0-5) takes on Quinnipiac (0-4) tonight at 5 p.m. in a battle of winless teams. Today is the day for another first in the SU's women's program: Get that first win under your belt! Go Orange!

Wings hold off 'Canes for 3-1 road win

Detroit Red Wings' Tomas Holmstrom (96) puts the puck past Carolina Hurricanes' Cam Ward (30) while being defended by Hurricanes' Joni Pitkanen (25) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Oct. 13, 2008. The Red Wings won 3-1. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

Well, our son attended his first-ever hockey game, and I think he enjoyed it. He showed his enthusiasm by sleeping through the second period. Anyway, the Wings looked good I thought, the forwards come back and help a lot on defense and just smother the opposition. The Canes missed a few wide open nets that would have changed the face of this game entirely. That said, the Wings hit a few posts, too. My final conclusion is that the Canes gotta get much better at finishing their chances.

Comeback kids do it again, stun Bolts 4-3 in OT

Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal (12) drives past Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Andrej Meszaros (14) of Slovakia in an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.(AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)

I am not saying anything other than this: the 2005-2006 Hurricanes squad came from behind for wins regularly during their Cup-winning season. The Canes this year have two wins already after being behind 2-0 and 3-0 in those games. That's all I am going to say. You read into that any way you want.

The little lady and I .... and our new addition to the family ... are going to see the Canes take on the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings tonight. I think the last time I saw the Red Wings play live was at Joe Louis Arena in 1985, when my family was visiting the area for the Cherry Bowl. The Wings played the Blackhawks, and I believe it was a Hawk victory. Anyway, there was an extremely drunk man behind us who kept yelling "Skate his FACE OFF!" That phrase has kept my entire family amused ever since.

Game #1: 'Canes win season opener at home, 6-4

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: Fans greet the Carolina Hurricanes as they take the ice for warmups before a game against the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center on October 10, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: The Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers face off to begin the 2008-2009 NHL season at the RBC Center on October 10, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 6-4. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Florida Panthers' Tomas Vokoun (29) misses the shot of Carolina Hurricanes' Tuomo Ruutu, not shown, with Hurricanes' Rod Brind'Amour (17) nearby during first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Oct. 10, 2008.
RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 10: Joni Pitkanen #25 of the Carolina Hurricanes moves the puck against the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center on October 10, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 6-4. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

So the Hurricanes won their first season-opening home game since 2001, a 6-4 victory over the Olli Jokinen-less Florida Panthers. I have to say that the 'Canes looked pretty good, despite getting themselves in a 0-2 hole early in the first period. I had forgotten how fun it is to watch Sergei Samsonov handle the puck down low and turn opposing defensemen into twisted, confused masses. I also welcomed the hard work ethic shown by both newcomers, Dan LaCouture and Joni Pitkanen. And Cam Ward looked solid. For the Panthers, I think it is safe to say that Nathan Horton will have another successful season; he is a constant threat on the ice.

NHL Penguins Ruutu Dribbling Puck 45 Feet and Passes 3/20/08

Just poking around on the internet and found this vid. Don't know much about Ruutu admittedly, but this is a very nice play. Enjoy. Only two days til face off!

Syracuse U. Women's Ice Hockey makes debut

Syracuse netminder Lucy Schoedel made 34 saves in the first ever Syracuse Orange Women's Ice Hockey game, a 4-3 loss at Colgate.

Syracuse's Megan Skelly opened the scoring just nine seconds in, but the Orange couldn't hold on. Congrats anyway and good luck to the Orange the rest of the way.

Rangers erase 3-0 deficit to win first Victoria Cup