First, I want to say I like the Hurricanes team this year and have enjoyed the exciting games so far. Last year, the games were boring and the team just seemed slow and lacking in effort and skill. I look forward to every game and even the husband has been more positive about this team (instead of booing every bad play like last year).
Let's discuss Chantel McCabe for a moment. I get it - you wanted a pretty young woman to put on camera. As a viewer, I cringe every time she is on air: will she stumble over team names (or locations), player names or be hit by the door she is awkwardly standing in front of? This is a great market for someone beginning a career because everyone is relaxed and friendly but before you give her an anchor desk on the main concourse of the arena (oh wait you already did that), make her earn it. Have her learn the players, terminology and hockey references in general - it is her job after all. As creepy as it is that Tripp Tracy sometimes knows what the players eat for breakfast, I have never doubted his passion for the game, his job or the Carolina Hurricanes. I want to know that the person who has her job supports and loves the game and team as much as I do and I don't get that from Ms. McCabe.
This week, Washington Capitals player Troy Brouwer made disparaging remarks about Alex Semin. I understand where the comments came from since I have heard the rumors, seen Semin's video of his slap fight and in person saw him go down with what looked like a career ending ankle injury only to have him skate back on the ice the next period. The timing of Brouwer's quotes make him sound jealous and bitter. That's right, Troy, everyone knows Semin has more skill in his little finger than you have in your whole body. I won't lie - I had some concerns when the Hurricanes signed him for $7 million but he has quickly become on of my favorite players. He is fun and exciting to watch and makes Eric Staal and Jiri Tlusty better every shift. Just look at the stats through the first 18 games: that line is responsible for 45 points (goals and assists), Staal is a +10 and Semin and Tlusty are both +9. From where I sit he is putting in the effort and as a fan I appreciate that.
Due to an emergency with defense injuries we are able to see Ryan Murphy called up from his junior team (the Kitchner Rangers). While watching some of the World Junior Championship (WJC) U20 this winter, he looked a little shaky and I was worried about how he would handle the bigger guys in the NHL. So far, so good - he looks confident with the puck and adds some much needed speed. As an offensive defenseman he carries the puck into the zone and has even had some great shots on goal. I think that is something we are missing with Joni Pitkanen injured. I know there are some Joni haters out there but I think with him being out you notice what he brings to the table. Pitkanen has a way of bringing the puck down ice, into the zone and slowing down the play to allow the forwards to get into position. He plays a ton of minutes and although he's not always solid on D the Canes are a much better team with him on the ice.
I am looking forward to tonights Hurricanes vs Penguins game it will be nice to see Brandon Sutter again. Sutter is a player I like watching play no matter what jersey he is wearing. I have also read that Zach Boychuk has been a healthy scratch the last 6 games. I really hope when the Penguins place him on waivers Mr. Rutherford finally understands this guy doesn't have what it takes to play in the NHL and leaves him alone.
Last and least there's Joe Corvo. I will admit he is playing better but lets be honest - it couldn't get much worse. I still won't applaud his introduction or stand for his goals but I have noticed after being benched he is playing with more heart.
Welcome back to the lineup: Skinner, Brent, Gleason and McBain!
Let's Go Canes!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment