The Canes came into this game trying to forget the debacle that occurred in Pittsburgh on Saturday night in a 4-1 loss.  The game where they played a solid first period going up 1-0 and then maintained that lead throughout the second period only to give up a goal 37 seconds in the third period, and then later in the third gave up three goals in 5:37 including two power play goals. What an embarrassment and lack of effort. They saw it coming and basically did nothing to stop it. Carolina needed a win tonight to stay in the playoff hunt. Of course, that was not to happen.

The Canes came out in the first period, and as soon as they started at 1:35 in the period, Chad LaRose lost his edge behind the Predator’s net and hit the boards. It was announced later that he had a broken leg and would most likely be out for the rest of the regular season. The Cane’s bad luck continues. This game was a defensive battle from the beginning to the end. Carolina Goaltender Cam Ward and Nashville Goaltender Chris Mason both had a stellar game to keep their teams in contention. The Canes outshot the Predators 13-12 in the first period while the Canes and Predators both had 10 shots in the second period.

J.P. Dumont scored for the Predators on a 3-on-1 at 11:55 in the third period as the Canes got caught short as Dumont, Jason Arnott and Alexander Radulov went to the net. Glen Wesley went down to try to help Cam Ward to no avail. The Canes were outshot 8-12 in the third period.

Frustration is the only word that comes to mind right now. You can’t blame Cam Ward for this one since he was able to save 33 of 34 shots for a save percentage of .970. This game was a classic defensive battle throughout even though Nashville appeared to have a step at times on the Hurricanes and they appeared to have controlled more of the play. The Canes lose another one and it appears the season is slowly slipping away. On the second game of a five game road trip, the Canes have lost both games and have only scored one goal. They failed to score on three power plays tonight even though they killed off three Nashville power plays. It was brought up on the Versus broadcast that Carolina is the only team in the NHL that does not have a defenseman on the team in the top ten in scoring. The Canes defensive corps attempted 16 of the team’s 31 shots. To say this loss is frustrating is an understatement. Keith Aucion was recalled again from the Albany River Rays (AHL) to help fill in for the missing Matt Cullen and now with Chad LaRose out for an extended period, he should be here for awhile.  Jeff Hamilton, who cleared waivers last week and has yet to be sent down, was a healthy scratch. Carolina plays at Washington on Friday and New Jersey on Saturday. It’s time to sit back and see what this team can really do. If they continue to come up short, the season may be over sooner rather than later.

GAME STATS

Shots on Goal: Canes 31 Predators 34

Hits: Canes 23 Predators 17

Face-Offs Won: Canes 25 Predators 37

Power Play: Canes 0-3 Predators 0-3

Venue: Sommet Center A-13,949

HURRICANES INJURIES:

Matt Cullen: Vision problems from concussion, day-to-day

Dennis Seidenberg: Ankle injury, day-to-day

David Tanabe: Concussion, injured reserve

Justin Williams: ACL/MCL, injured reserve, 4 to 6 months