The Carolina Hurricanes have a 13 game winless streak. The New York Islanders have a record of 6-6-6. Tonight, Friday the 13th, something has got to give at the RBC.
The Canes might be feeling like they are cursed because it seems like no matter what they do, they can not find a way to victory. The players keep talking about working harder. The coaches keep stressing consistency. In the end, the same problems seem to plague the team, something negative happens during the course of the game which turns the tide and kills momentum.
Bad penalties, turnovers, poor passing, general mistakes, or momentary lack of concentration, the team suffers from all ailments which contribute to the losses.
But all they can do is to keep on trying and all fans can do is keep supporting them, while hoping for the best.
The Islanders helped to contribute to the Canes' streak as they beat Carolina for their first win of the season back on November 21. The young club from New York was rated as one of the weakest teams in the league before the season, but their young guns have earned 18 points so far, compared to the Hurricanes 7. They are currently just one point out of a playoff spot.
Rookie Johnny Tavares leads them in scoring.
According to Paul Branecky's game day report, coach Maurice will be shuffling the lines once again. Brandon Sutter will be centering Whitney and Cole. Cullen will center Ruutu and Jokinen. Brind'Amour will center Samsonov and LaRose.
Both Scott Walker and Stephane Yelle remain questionable and at this point it is doubtful they will play. Even though he cleared waivers, Tim Conboy is still in town and will play on the fourth line with Tom Kostopoulos.
The Canes will play seven defensemen as Bryan Rodney will fill in as needed. (If Ray Whitney could not have played, what would have happened?)
Manny Legace will get the nod between the pipes.
The game will not be telecast locally but will be on Center Ice. Of course, 99.9 The Fan will have the play by play. We will have the open thread here starting at 6:30 for game time discussion.
Will the streak end tonight?