Thus far in 2 games since the Olympic break, the Canes have found 2 different ways to lose. On Tuesday in Buffalo, the team generally played well, dominated the stat sheet but somehow found a way to lose 3-2 on a goal in the last minute. Thursday the Canes saw the Dallas Stars mostly skate right by them on the way to a dominating 4-1 win. The 2 losses push the Canes 2 games closer to the finish line (only 23 games left) and a step farther behind the teams they need to catch to make the playoffs. The gap is challenging but not insurmountable (5 points with a game in hand to catch Philadelphia), but with the current trend the playoffs feel impossible even if they are not.
Personally as a fan, I feel like I am in the midst of the process that has become all too familiar – letting go of another Canes season, trying to find something to root for in March/early April in playoff-meaningless games and looking to next year. It is not that I have completely quit on this season or that I would not welcome a rebound. It is just that it frankly hurts too much to hope at this point.
This weekend offers the potential for another grueling 5 hours of viewing time as a Canes fans with a Saturday matchup in LA followed by another challenge against Anaheim on Sunday.
I could break down Xs and Os. I could try to spell out what it takes for the Canes to play better. I could name a bunch of line adjustments and other things that might jump start the team. But at times like this is not at all about any of that stuff. It is about heart, courage and pride. And whether this season continues to go the way of golf in mid-April or somehow bounces back, that is what I am looking for this weekend. The timing is perfect for the Canes to play 2 pretty physical, banging type teams back-to-back. It makes for a perfect measuring stick right now in terms of willingness and desire to compete.
So more than anything, on Saturday, I want to see a pulse. I want it to be clear that this current situation is not okay. And I want to go player by player and see some indication that pride, if nothing else, can lead to effort.
Stats for Saturday:
--Hits and willingness to take hits to win pucks.
--Number of 1-on-1 battles entered and number of 1-on-1 battles won.
--Noticeable signs of heart and effort.
After a lackluster effort on Thursday and in a hole right now, it will be interesting to see how the team responds.
With the LA afternoon start, the game is an odd 4pm start. With the current trend, it might not be the worst thing if that causes a few people to check in around dinner time to see when the game starts and realize that they already missed it.
Twitter=@CarolinaMatt63
Go Canes!
Matt on Google+ 
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»