The door on the 2013-14 playoffs is more or less closed on the Carolina Hurricanes, but working his crystal ball, the NHL schedule monkey brilliantly put together the best possible 1st week of April Canes schedule you could ask for. We get 3 "tailgatable" home games. The weather did not cooperate for the 1st but is looking much better for the next 2. And on top of that, he sent enough reminders to harken back to better days. Thursday versus Dallas, the Canes see Canes Cup alumni Ray Whitney (2006) and Erik Cole (2002, 2006) who missed the Stars' game Tuesday but seems possible for Thursday. Then Saturday, the Canes see New Jersey who played a role in every playoff run since the Canes arrived in Raleigh. Then on Sunday, the Canes play their annual charity alumni game at 3pm. If the return of Bret Hedican and Aaron Ward to go with Ron Francis, Glen Wesley and Rod Brind'Amour and others is not enough to lift moods and remind people of good times as a Canes fan, then I do not know what is.

What I am watching:

1) The parking lot. My family is scrambling around with some kid stuff but will make it in time to do a mini version of the tailgating. Sure it is better for the playoffs and when the team is doing better, but even minus those things it is still a darn good way to spend a few hours.

2) Zach Boychuk. I have been clamoring for his return for a couple weeks now. The short version of the long story detailed in a few of my blogs over the past 9 months:
--He is a one-time highly touted, highly drafted prospect.
--But he just was never able to make it translate to the NHL level.
--His last chance for the Canes seemed to happen last year when he failed to stick early in the year and then went through 2 other teams via waivers before returning to the Canes to be banished to the AHL.
--Despite the less than favorable situation, Boychuk was a model citizen this summer signing early, coming to training camp early and just generally showing a positive attitude.
--He had a decent training camp, scored some and looked better (and willing) to play a broader game defensively and physically, but ultimately he headed back to Charlotte.
--In Charlotte, he has basically torn the doors off having another great AHL season.

So the ball is on the tee for maybe 1 last try to try to stick at the NHL level. I do not know if he will make it, but I think it is possible and more significantly I am thrilled that he is at least getting the chance. Being a class act in a situation that is crappy personally is a sign of character at a young age.

3) Lindholm rising. After an up and down and injury interrupted 2013-14 campaign, might he finally be making the adjustment and taking the next step to a higher level? He has been playing pretty well of late and surged on the score sheet for 2 goals in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Can he build upon it on Thursday and provide future hope to go with the nostalgic memories this week?

4) The Stars. When I get through being in a grumbly mood the Monday after the season ends and move on to picking a substitute horse for the playoffs, it just might be Dallas. I like Cole and Whitney and their ties to the Canes, and I also like their style of play with size and speed. They are on the bubble with no guarantees, but if the Stars get in, they just might be my playoff team.

The weather is perfect. If you can make the time, get some sandwiches, some drinks and some friends and get out to PNC Arena. It is Justin Faulk bobblehead night to boot, so make sure you get in the arena a bit early to make sure you get 1.

Twitter=@CarolinaMatt63

Go Canes!

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