Archives for June 2, 2006

'No active player in the NHL has played more playoff games without winning a Stanley Cup than Glen Wesley. And the way the 37-year-old defenceman for the Carolina Hurricanes sees it, he'll never have a better chance than he does right now to put that streak to an end. Last night's 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final was Wesley's 162nd … [Read more...] about Wesley takes his best shot

'While CBC is barely able to contain its enthusiasm, the folks at NBC and the NHL have to be dreading the final match-up. Whether it's Buffalo or Carolina taking on the Oilers, there's a good chance this series could score the lowest prime-time ratings in U.S. television history.' … [Read more...] about NHL, NBC won’t be sharing CBC’s joy

'This was a game for the ages, 60 minutes of up-and-down hockey between two equally determined teams, one, the Sabres, woefully short of experienced players but not in heart. The Hurricanes answered in kind, and the result was a playoff thriller.' … [Read more...] about 2006 Stanley Cup: Oilers vs. Hurricanes

'Without McKee, who had been the Sabres' top defensive player and shot blocker before missing last night's game with a leg infection, Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller had his hands full. In the first two periods, he stopped 17 Carolina shots -- including a point-blank one-timer by playoff scoring leader Eric Staal -- and was helpless on the Commodore goal.' … [Read more...] about ‘Canes edge Sabres to earn Cup berth

'McKee led the NHL in blocked shots, and one of those shots eventually caught up to him. A puck that cut open his shin during the second round became seriously infected this week. The Kingston, Ont., native was treated at a Buffalo hospital on Wednesday and released, but he did not make the trip to Carolina with the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo short on defence

'Midway through the third, Buffalo defenseman Brian Campbell shot the puck over the boards, giving the Hurricanes a power play with 9:42 to play. On the man advantage, Eric Staal took a shot that got caught in traffic in front of the net and sat loose in front. Brind'Amour jumped in from the right circle to fire it past Miller.' … [Read more...] about In Rod they trust

'"There's nothing that can be said to make us feel good right now," Briere said.' … [Read more...] about Sabres mauled by injuries

In Rod they trust (Raleigh News and Observer) Goalie is 'not a kid anymore' (Raleigh News and Observer) Weight delivers (Raleigh News and Observer) Sabres mauled by injuries (Raleigh News and Observer) Good Game 7, great series (Raleigh News and Observer) Many Hurricanes have ties to Alberta (Raleigh News and Observer) A toast to the captain (Raleigh News and … [Read more...] about Friday’s Carolina Coverage

'"I was thinking that we'd been here so many times," Coach Peter Laviolette said. "I don't think being down is something that scares this team. The third period has been our period all year, and I think tonight was another example of that."' … [Read more...] about Hurricanes Advance to the Stanley Cup Finals

'"I think everyone gave it all they had, but it wasn't enough," Buffalo forward Mike Grier said.' … [Read more...] about Hurricanes blow past Sabres and into Cup Finals

'Brind'Amour said Weight's goal took the pressure off the 'Canes. "We could just go out and play after that," Brind'Amour said.' … [Read more...] about Weight redeems himself after Game 6 misstep

'"I think the healthiest team ultimately won Game 7 in Carolina. Buffalo was awfully banged up, missing four defencemen," said MacTavish.' … [Read more...] about The Weight is on

'For the Buffalo Sabres, a seemingly routine remnant of a blocked shot turned out to be the unkindest cut of all.' … [Read more...] about Infection ended Sabres Cup hopes

'But feeding off the energy enveloping their building, the Hurricanes controlled the tempo of the game and for much of the night, kept the Sabres pinned back in their own end.' … [Read more...] about Carolina uses tempo, crowd to finish off ailing Sabres

'"It's not a curse," Ruff bravely said of his team's predicament. "It's the way we play. I fully expected to lose some guys to injury. Did I think we'd lose this many? No. But you've got to put your body on the line to win games. They've paid a price. The way they battled, the way they faced adversity, you can hold your head up. They're a special group of guys." Yes, but not … [Read more...] about Buffalo curse lives on