In what was probably the last official celebration for winning the 2006 Stanley Cup, the Hurricanes had a very special day in America Town, Washington DC yesterday. Regardless of your politics, this was a huge promotional event for the team and franchise, as well as for the league itself. Gary Bettman and others from the NHL home office attended along with most of the Hurricanes from last year, the team's management, and remainder of the staff. Ex-Hurricanes Aaron Ward, Matt Cullen, and Martin Gerber all were able to attend while Mark Recchi, Doug Weight, and Kevyn Adams were not. There are a lot of well written articles about the event including an excellent minute by minute running "live" blog which was kept by Mike Sundheim, the Hurricanes Media Relations Director. Check that out right here MS. The News and Observer also had a reporter attend who wrote a story here N&O. Finally, WRAL has a video of the whole event here-video. I won't bother to say much more about this, if you would like to, you can click on the links and read as much as you like! In the picture, it sure looks like the 43rd president was thrilled to get jersey number 43!
Tonight the Canes take on the Bruins in another late starting game due to an NC State basketball game. Both of these teams have struggled of late, so the Canes have a good opportunity to turn their recent troubles around. They still have to compete and play with intensity though, the Bruins will not give them anything. Bret Hedican is back for the Canes and Erik Cole should be as well. I'm not sure what the lines will be because Laviolette has been mixing and matching them a lot, perhaps a bit too much. I wonder if the players even know who their line mates will be from game to game? We'll have to wait until 8:30 tonight to find out for sure. My guess would be that Cam Ward is back in net. The only injury to speak of is Kaberle's and he will definitely not play tonight. Anyone else is fair game.
Hopefully, most fans didn't feel I was being too harsh by posting the milk carton picture yesterday. But if we can't laugh and have some fun when things aren't going well, what can we do? Don't worry, I'll still be there cheering for the Canes tonight. Maybe the White House visit and all the emotional speeches will get these guys back on track. They need a win badly.
One last note, don't forget that next week is a big one for Katherine Fritsch. More about that tomorrow. Let's go Canes!
Five for Fighting