While everyone waits for the tremendous match up tonight between the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres, I thought I would toss out a few links which may be of interest.
Brett Carson Update:
The big defenseman caught up with his new team while they were in St. Louis and had a pregame meal with "Babs", Anton Babchuk.
There seems to be some confusion as to Carson's status. The Flames refer to him as a restricted free agent in this article.
Ex-Hitman Carson welcomes shot with Flames
Jim Rutherford made the comment in Monday's press conference that the Canes could always reacquire him in the summer, indicating that he was a free agent. While Carson typically would be restricted, the Hurricanes never tendered him a qualifying offer over the past summer, allowing him to enter the market as a free agent. Once a free agent, always a free agent? Or is he back to being an RFA?
There's a question for our CBA experts.
Next up is a video put out by the Flames. Apparently, Carson asked Brandon Sutter for some tips regarding his dad, Brent, who is Carson's new head coach. The Sutter's stick together though, there were no tips given.
Brett Carson arrives Video - NHL VideoCenter - Calgary Flames
Trade Deadline News:
As usual, the Hurricanes pretty much fell under the radar regarding their deadline moves, although Adam Proteau from THN rates the Stillman deal in his top 10.
The Hockey News: THN.com Top 10: THN.com Top 10: Best NHL deadline trades
Puck Daddy graded each team and gave the Canes a "B".
Here are a few more opinions about the winners and losers during the trade deadline period:
Following early trade flurry, few deals made on deadline - NHL - CBSSports.com Hockey
While the majority of the big trades were made well before Monday's moratorium, there were still teams like the Capitals and Kings improving their lot. Wes Goldstein has the deadline winners and losers.
Kings, Capitals, Coyotes biggest winners at NHL trade deadline - NHL - Sporting News
Penguins and Capitals improve the most with February deals - USATODAY.com
USA TODAY hockey writer Kevin Allen ranks the teams that did the most to help themselves with deals in February:...
The Fourth Period :: David Pagnotta :: Deadline Disaster?
The Hockey News: Ken Campbell's blog: THN.com Blog: NHL trade deadline winners and losers
It wasn't the most exciting deadline day ever, but there were still plenty of good and questionable moves made.
Optimism for the Maple Leafs
While the Leafs have pretty much decimated their defense with deadline moves, that hasn't stopped them from winning games. The faithful from Toronto have not given up hope about making the playoffs.
Plan the parade route?
What the Maple Leafs need to do to make the playoffs - thestar.com
Heading into Tuesday's games, both the Carolina Hurricanes (67 points in 63 games) and Buffalo Sabres (65 points in 61 games) were on pace for 87 points. The Leafs were on pace for 82. The Sabres and Hurricanes play each other three times — who wants to bet those won't be three-point games?
More All Star kudos:
I'm not sure if we missed this link or not, but I received an email from a fan who says that we may have overlooked this article from XM Home Ice. Glove tap to Doug. We can never read enough of this stuff.
NHL Home Ice - XM Satellite Radio Canada – REFLECTIONS OF RALEIGH
Various Canes Stuff:
Paul Branecky has a nice article about Jay Harrison.
Harrison Proving He Belongs - Tracking the Storm Blog
As one of the Carolina Hurricanes’ steadiest performers, Jay Harrison ought to finally be feeling good about his job security. Old habits die hard.
Cory Stillman was on XM's Power Play yesterday:
Bryan Allen from CH.com.
We will have our game preview up after lunch. While this is an important game for the Hurricanes, the Sabres recognize that this is a huge game for them as well. This is going to be good.