It Takes Two...

The Hurricanes leave on a brief two-game road swing today. They will jet to Chicago to for  a date with the Blackhawks Wednesday. It will have many story lines as both teams are involved in their respective conferences race for the post season.

For Carolina, we know their determined play  has put them in a great position to make the playoffs. As for their Windy City counterparts, it's a remote chance. Chicago has a long way to go as they sit seven points out of a playoff spot and have to win a big game tonight in Detroit and just keep on winning. Maybe they are sitting on a miracle but then again, maybe not. Chicago's game will reunite former teammates. On the Chicago side, Craig Adams, Kevyn Adams and Andrew Ladd will see their former mates. The Canes will conduct a Windy City reappearance for Sergei Samsonov and Tuomo Ruutu.

It's should make for great theater. But when you look at the recent trades and transactions it's about two GMs trying to help each other. Although as fans we always look for the edge in these trades, who wins, who loses and we do so with almost immediate analysis.  The reality is that the people that pull trigger are trying to help each other. If they don't, they won't get too many dance partners in their future dealings. You see it takes two, it just takes two.

Sammy and 27

The Canes reached out for Sergei Samsonov in January when they had no choice but to take a chance. Flu-ridden, banged up and offensively challenged they needed something. In the weeks leading up to this deal the Hurricanes were doing their Christmas shopping. Samsonov 's name was starting to get mentioned on the least desirable list of players. This player had the unfortunate label of a guy who couldn't get it done anymore. A bad experience in Montreal the season before led to the trade to Chicago. Chicago's youth movement led to a diminished role and for the one time dynamic player a total lack of confidence. For the Hurricanes, they played their cards right. Waited for a high-priced guy to go through the minor league demotion and then get the chance at  half price (Chicago pays half his $3 million plus salary) re-entry waivers. The rest is history for the Canes. He is as much a turnaround story as anyone in the NHL and a huge reason why the Canes should make the playoffs.

But what about Chicago? Behind the scenes this deal was not finished. The Hawks also were hammered with injuries at the midway point. They and Carolina are among the league leaders in terms of man games lost due to injury. The needed a veteran with character to kill penalties,be physical and get them "over the hump."

So in the classic case of you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, Craig Adams was shipped to Chicago for what was termed "future considerations."

Ah yes futures. In this business the call it "Fred Charles," giving the considerations a sir name. The Samsonov deal was not closed and this in a indirect way closed the door on it.

Ladd for Ruutu...

It was the trading deadline day and all of it's madness. How would the Hurricanes get involved? Chicago, in the days leading up to the deadline had made a list available of players that could be had. Many of those were Robert Lang or Yanic Perreault types veterans with a high price tag that could be rented. What got the Hurricanes eye was young player with versatility and grit. A guy that was a former first rounder who because of many reasons had not lived up to potential.

He had restricted free agency attached to his name at the end of the season and earned a hefty rate at $2.25 million per. Time to ask if there could be one more dance. Chicago was interested but they were looking for youth in return. Hopefully a physical winger, who can score and and blend in with their young skill. The contract would be less in terms of compensation but also a player of restricted status. Finally, Chicago liked the fact that Ladd, albeit young, had contributed under the pressure of a deep Stanley Cup run, something they don't have a lot of in Chicago. So at high noon it's consummated - Andrew Ladd for Tuomo Ruutu.

It's been great for both parties. We know the type of impact this fiery Finn has had on the Canes. Mr. Ladd has raced up the points at point a game pace. He is seeing more time playing with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on their top line and is on the second power play unit. It takes two doesn't it.

Buffalo Break...

The Canes will move on to Buffalo after the Chicago game. They were banged up again in their shoot out loss to the N.Y. Rangers. Already without Henrik Tallinder on defense, they lost Jaro Spacek and Dmitri Kalinin for what could be the balance of the season. The Canes will  take it!

ETC...

Glen Wesley (foot) did not skate yesterday but could play Wednesday. Ray Whitney (infection/leg) also did not participate. It's undetermined as to whether he can play in Chicago. Wade Brookbank (thigh) was not on the ice, he is doubtful.

Off to one of the greatest cities in the US of A!