Desparation + Timely Goals = Hurricanes Tie Series at 1-1

The Carolina Hurricanes did something last night that the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim should have done in their Game 2 a night earlier:  play with desparation.

The 'Canes came out like a house on fire last night, and did something to Buffalo that has only happened one other time during the Sabres post season run.

Carolina got the first goal.  Simple as that.

After withstanding the first 10 minutes of consistant Sabres pressure, Carolina started taking the body, which ultimately in hockey, leads to the other team taking stupid penalties.  Hence, Ales Kotalik goes to the box and feels shame for his interference penalty, and Carolina capatilizes.

If I've said it once, I've said it at least three times in my posts- if you don't score on the power play, the likelihood of winning the series is none to negative 1,000,000.  Carolina did just that.

Not without a scare though.  The 'Canes started taking their fair share of stupid penalties in the third period, and allowed Buffalo back in the game.  Granted, it wasn't enough for the Sabres to overcome, but the fact is Carolina needs to be more responsible in thier own end towards the end of the game.  It's called shutdown mode.  Defense won't kill you. 

But good for the 'Canes.  And this series is no doubt going to seven games.  It's extremely fun to watch these teams go speeding up and down the ice.  It's a shame no one is watching.

What was Stillman Thinking?

Probably the funniest moment during the game last night was Cory Stillman's breakaway.  Most hockey fans love the breakaway- it is one of the most exciting moments during a hockey game, although I'm sure some will argue with me that the penalty shot is THE most exciting moment during a game.

The long outlet pass to Stillman, who was behind the Sabres' defense, was a beautiful pass.  Once in all alone on Ryan Miller, Stillman decided to stickhandle just one too many times, never got the shot off, jammed his stick into Miller's pads, and Miller made the stop.

Thank god for the DVR.  After that happened, I had to go back and look at it again.  Stillman never lost the handle, nor did he really run out of room.  He deked, like many do on the breakaway.  Except he actually managed to out-deke himself.  If you can, go back and look at the replay.  He deked about 6 times while about 10 feet from the goal crease.  To make matters worse, he fell on his face.  Ouch.

Note to all forwards: Unless you are Jussi Jokinen of the Dallas Stars, just shoot the puck.  If you score, great.  But dekeing all the way to the goal crease just makes you look fancy.  Stillman is a good player to be sure, but lets face facts here- he isn't exactly known for his stick handling abilities or is known as a pure goal-scorer a la Teemu Selanne and those types.  If you get the breakaway, just put the puck on the net.  If the goalie stops it, well, that's his job.  But don't get all fancy like.  It's not your thing.

And finally...

I ran across this little tidbit of information on Sportsnet.ca, citing that Neil Smith has been receiving much interest from the Pittsburgh Penguins organization about their vacant GM position.

I am imploring upon the Penguins upper management to please, please, PLEASE hire Smith.  Not because I think he is a spectacular GM (I do not entirely blame him for all of his indiscretions in NY; James Dolan and MSG are much more to blame than Smith), but because Smith needs to get off my television.  Most recently playing the role of color commentator during the playoffs, I find myself wanting to hit the mute button every time he makes a comment.  Color commentators are supposed to provide analysis of the play.  Smith, however, points out the obvious.  He even *
GASP* points out things that aren't true.  He has obvious biases in his commentating, and overall, makes really lame jokes. 

So, from one hockey fan who actually gets OLN to Penguins management:  I am begging you to hire this man for your organization.  Please to the hockey fans a favor and get him off the television.  Put him to good use.

Of course, there may not be a Penguins team long if they can't find a buyer.  Or get a new arena.  But that is a different matter for a different day.