Hello again, Caniacs. After a one week break due to it just being *that* time of the semester for me (you college grads know what I mean), it’s time to recap another busy week for the Canes.
Canes blow lead, losing streak at MSG Continues– Tuesday’s game against the New York Rangers on the road saw the Canes come out strong, with former Ranger Viktor Stalberg grabbing two goals for a 2-0 third period lead. However, as has happened many times this season, the Rangers chipped away at the lead, scoring once in the second, then once early in the third to tie the game at two. Then, late in the game, defenseman Ron Hainsey got called for a marginal (at best) hooking penalty, and did not help matters by yelling at the refs, getting an extra two minutes tacked on. The Rangers would score on the ensuing power play, making it 3-2 for the final score. If you’re the Canes, you have to start finding a way to close out these games. Losing these points may really come back to haunt the team in April. Matt’s recap of this game is here, and mine for Technician is here.
Canes lose heartbreaker in Boston- The Canes led this game for most of the night on a power play goal by Noah Hanifin in his hometown, but the Bruins tied the game late and won it in the shootout. I wouldn’t pin this one on giving up the late goal so much as I would on the inability to finish throughout the game. If the Canes can find away to pop in an extra goal or two, Boston is not in position to tie it late like that. Matt recapped the Bruins game here.
Death, taxes, and losing at MSG- Playing their second game at MSG in less than a week, the Canes again came up empty in the Big Apple. I did not get to see this game as I spent the weekend in Atlanta watching my Kansas City Chiefs win a thriller over the Falcons. However, with the game tied at two late in the third, the Canes again gave up a late goal to lose. That is a game where you have to find a way to dig deep and get at least one point. Matt’s recap is here.
Another home win- Again, I did not see this game. The Canes won their sixth straight at home on the back of a Cam Ward shutout and Phil di Giuseppe’s first goal of the season for the OT winner in a 1-0 game. This one is obviously noteworthy as Ward continues to be lights out, and the Canes continue to be the same at home. If the team can survive this next mini road trip, there will be a big home heavy stretch coming up after. Matt’s recap is here.
Well, that’s all for this week. Join me next Sunday to hopefully talk about some better road results!
