Early Day In Beantown...

The Canes got back to work this morning in Boston. For many of them, it was a throwback to their days of youth hockey, as they practiced at 9 a.m. at Boston University. Due the Bean-pot Hockey Championships, held at the Garden on Monday night, that was the only time available for ice. It meant an early rise for a 7:30 bus trip,  which led to a "hard" practice. The hour long practice featured lengthy skating and "battle" drills.

It's quite obvious that the coach is not happy with the Hurricanes willingness to be aggressive on the attack and get to areas where they can score.

New Lines Again...

It's getting old but the coaching staff really has no choice but to change the lines again. At some point there has to be a level of continuity so that the team can develop chemistry. Today, Brind'Amour had Stillman and Samsonov as wingers with the Russian on the right side. Eric Staal had Ray Whitney and Erik Cole on his flanks. The third line which was somewhat effective at the "Rock" remained Keith Aucoin joined by Andrew Ladd and Scott Walker

The power play was given a workout too, with Jeff Hamilton and Staal manning the points on the first unit.

Cullen and Others Making Progress?

Matt Cullen continues to work out on his own in Raleigh. He has been having better days still working with a vision specialist. If his progress continues to be good he could practice with the team on Wednesday. That will be a major step. He still has a considerable way to go to find his way back.

David Tanabe (concussion) continues to be out long term with no progress reported. Dennis Seidenburg did dress for practice Monday and just skated briefly. He continues to be hampered by a heel problem. He left the ice fairly early which could not be good sign.

Trade Winds...

Two weeks until the trading deadline. It always been Jim Rutherford's style to make a deal well in advance of the deadline. Teams are starting to posture as "buyers" and "sellers." Many feel that not much will happen until the return of Peter Forsberg or the dealing of Mats Sundin sets the marketplace. That may or may not be true. For the Hurricanes the timing may be right for something to happen soon. Stay tight!