More Adversity...

It's funny how all of this has transpired. The Carolina Hurricanes have played their best hockey at a time when they not only needed it most but also when their man power has been in question. They return home today to face the Ottawa Senators who will bring in two members of their team who have  a strong connection to the Hurricanes' greatest moments.

As Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman get off the team bus and take a left and not a right towards their dressing quarters, they will enter a building where the home team has become downright dominant without them. The Canes are now 10-1-1 in the last twelve at the RBC and appear to have the confidence of their fans and most importantly themselves. The two ex Canes will play against a team that is coming off a 1-1 road swing where given a five point lead in their division and at this time of the year it's a result that's acceptable.. A complete game in Chicago followed by a "debacle " in Buffalo. Today ,the question will be answered as to whether or not the game in Buffalo can be written off. It's tough to "write off" games at this stage of the season. There's no question the Hurricanes were not prepared to play that game no matter what the reason. Today, the Canes will play a very important game against a team that  is playing some of the best hockey in this conference as of the moment. You know what "as of the moment" may be the operative phrase in this league. Timing is critical. For the Hurricanes they NEED a well timed effort but will be faced with more of the same in terms of the adverse conditions which they are accustomed to

No one would have predicted they  would be able to go on this run without their "Captain" who went down for the season on February 14th. You look at the team's record and the performances of some individual players like Staal, Ward and Cole and you have to be impressed. Trades, waiver transactions, call ups everything has worked. The coach has done an amazing job preparing his team.

Today, they need to do it again. Adversity has crept inside their dressing room for teh umpteenth time. The Canes will play today without two significant players. We know that a  recently an infected ankle and bursa sack has hampered Ray Whitney. To the extent that he had surgery yesterday and you won't see the Wizard until MAYBE the last week of the season. Matt Cullen will not play today. The team has protected his situation from the outset on December 26th. Head trauma is nothing to fool around with. He's out, it's unknown when he returns. as a matter of fact when he left the game on Friday night we were not afforded a report on his status, so you know they are guarded on this. When he returns who knows and chances are we won't find out until you see number eight on the ice.

Two other players are also a concern. Wade Brookbank (charlie horse, I'm guessing) has been put on IR. Patrick Kaleta was allowed to take liberties in the Buffalo massacre on Friday night. Brookbank albeit in limited minutes has made a solid contribution in terms of deterring this stuff when it happens. Don't look for him until later this week at the earliest. Patrick Eaves was also drilled in this game. He could play today but anytime you see him get hit with all of the medical problems he came here with from Ottawa it's a legitimate concern.

So now enter more call ups. Joe Jensen (second NHL Game) and Pat Dwyer (first NHL game) have been recalled from Albany. The Canes appeared to be following the same script. Adverse times have hit again, from the coaches through the players it has brought out their best...They NEED to face it again and continue this incredible story.