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Allright... I'm gonna do a small, by that I mean long, summary on my first season as a real hockey fan. I'm gonna share some thoughts on my team and their results this year as well as the changes that was made as well as my thoughts on other NHL players who has stoof out for me this year. Should be noted that I haven't got that much into the Western Conference as I would like to, so excuse me if I come off as somewhat incompetent.
Well, first things first, here are my thoughts on the Canes this year.
In the beginning/The first half: We got off to a great start really, and battered the Panthers in the first game of the year. We showed good results, and new additions like Joni Pitkanen and especially rookie Brandon Sutter showed signs of things that may come in the future, and quickly became a favorite amongst the fans.
After a good start however, my beloved Hurricanes fell into the pit of inconsistency that has somewhat become their trademark after they won the Cup back in 06. The entire first half of the season was incredibly frustrating, and when they played at their best, they were almost unbeatable, while playing badly, any team would beat them shitless and completely undress them. Eric Staal especially struggled to find his way, yet shined in every eighth game it seemed. Rod Brind'amour had a terrible start and hit the -30 mark, which is a little unbelievable actually.
On the coaching change:I was a little, no, very sceptical at first judging from the stuff I'd learned from various Leafs-fans on their various boards and blogs regarding his unwillingness to match young and talented players. And not surprisingly, Brandon Sutterdisappeared to the AHL pretty damn fast after the change. However, Maurice really made our defense step up, and let guys like Pitkanen, LaRose, Babchuk, and Bayda get more ice-time to prove themselves. In addition to that, he put his faith in Cam Ward who started to show an amazing calm after the all-star break. Staal also figured out his game, and Ray Whitney started to shine. LaRose quickly became one of our most valued players, and even old man Roddy stepped up after a short break, netting a bunch of goals and gaining points towards the end of the season. All in all, I am pretty happy with the change, and our GM, dear Mr. Rutherford once again showed his capabilites.
In the playoffs, I first thought that his line juggling was a blind shot really, but he managed to match our guys in different situations and scenarios, and managed to pick the right guys to back up our big boys. Impressive.
The Jokinen Trade I first believed the guy would fade into the AHL, and even though his work ethic was great, he didn't impress me much during the short while he was here during the regular season. In the playoffs however, he completely turned into a beast, netting some extremely important goals, including the stunner with .2 secs left against New Jersey. If he can keep this up, he is definitely a keeper.
The Cole Trade: Well, this made Eric Staal smile again, and the two E's quickly found back to their sorely missed chemistry. Cole netted in his first game, and Eric Staal really stepped up after Cole's return. However, these playoffs, when I really thought this guy would take off, he kind of drifted into mediocrity. Yes, he did a lot of appreciated little things, but he didn't turn out to be the game-changer we all know he can be. I'm pretty sure though, that if he is given a full season alongside Staal, and don't have to deal with the stress that comes with being an UFA, I think the guy can come back. Large.
The end of the regular season: Except the Penguins, we were unquestionably the hottest team in the league after the all-star break. Much of it may have to do with Cole's return, but also with Cam Ward really stepping up his game, and also Roddy being able to recover from a horrible horrible fall/winter.
Playoffs: I am pretty happy with the way we did in these playoffs, even though we got humiliated by the Pens. We outdid both the Devils and the big bad Bruins, and to get to the semi-finals prett much exceeded my expectations. To have guys like Bayda, Jokinen and LaRose to step up when the big boys aren't is great, and every team needs players like that. The Penguins was just a stronger team than us, and I guess we all have to succumb to that. That's just how it is.
The Future Well, I am pretty sure that Seidenberg won't return. Even though I like him, it's not much of a loss. We did experience some real tough offense in the playoffs, and especially against the Penguins. We weren't able to keep up with them, and I think Rutherford will have to bring in someone at the highest level in the offseason. (Mark Staal plz). Also I am pretty sure that Cole will gain a new contract, as he may prove to be the winger Staal needs on the first line. LaRose has earned a huge wage-raise but I'm not sure he'll get it, but something tells me he will be okay with that. If someone leaves except Seids, it may be Jokinen. Even though he's a game-changer in the shootouts, and in the playoffs obviously, he may not have the grit to really stand out for us next season. I really hope we keep him though. He deserves that, and Rutherford knows what he's doing.
Okay then. Here's a list of some of my favorite players, most respected players, least respected players, most underrated players, laughs of the year and so on:
Favorite Canes-players.
1. Eric Staal. Future captain of the Canes, and definitely our top guy. He showed what he's good for in the playoffs as well as netting 40 goals in the regular season. I'm looking forward to see this beast really wake up.
2. Cam Ward. Such a cool and laid-back guy, as well as a great goalie. Many a caniac has written this guy off, but I have to say I've always liked him. I hope he can keep up the good work. Maybe he find himself among the elite next season.
3. Chad LaRose. Probably our most hated player amongst other fans, but certainly one of the most loved amongst the Caniacs. Plays with his heart and soul in every game, and definitely deserves an A on his jersey sometime.
Favorite non-Canes
1. Evengeni Malkin. Even though he raped us singlehandedly in the playoffs, I've really come to like his attitude and style of play. Better than Crosby in my eyes. Yes, I said it.
2. Mark Staal. He impresses me in every Rags-game I watch, and even though he plays on a shit team, I really like him, and would love to have him on my Canes.
3. Rick Nash. Yeah.. This guy and Steve Mason carried the Blue Jackets to their first ever playoffs.
Disappointments
1. Rod Brind'amour. Sorry fella, you're getting old.
2. Erik Cole has been a shadow of his former self unfortunately, even though he created a spark when he came back.
Laughs of the year does include Montreal related things..
1. Ryan O'byrne. I shall say no more.
2. Carey Price.
3. Sean Avery for shitting himself at Dallas.
Most hated players
1. Sean Avery. Good Lord what a prick he is.
2. Sid the kid. He reeks of arrogance, which is something I really don't like.
3. Lucic.Honestly I love this guy. But he's just so damn ugly.
Most hated teams
1. Tampa Bay Lightning. Mostly because of their idiot fans. Good god, reading one of those forums is like cutting of your nutsack with a spoon
2. NY Rangers.
3. I want to say the Caps, but I can't. I kind of like them, and especially Ovie, Greene, Semin and Varlamov. So I'm going with the Florida Kittens.
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