Canes weekend

So Friday night I got to attend my first Hurricanes game of the year. They looked extremely sharp, just playing at a totally different level than the Washington Capitals. They won 6-2, outskating, outshooting and outclassing the Caps, who played Brent Johnson, their backup goaltender. He let in two weak goals in the first period (the second was an ESPN highlights play by Rod Brind d'Amour, who totally undressed a Caps defenseman, crossed past Johnson and waited til he was flat on the ice before roofing one), then after his team rallied to tie, he and his defense gave it up for good, with 'Canes scoring three times in the period. By game's end, the fans were in a very Madison Square Garden-type of mood. They sarcastically serenaded Johnson with a sing-song chant: John-son, John-son, John-son. Followed quickly by the staccato: "You suck!"

But it was a home-and-home series, and Caps started Ollie the Goalie Saturday night and it showed. The Caps trounced the 'Canes 7-3. I didn't see all of it, but caught enough on cable to see the 'Canes had little energy. Perhaps it would have been smart for the 'Canes to give Ward a break in the second of a home-and-home and play Grahame in net. Keep in mind, this is Ward's first full year of goaltending. He's not used to back-to-back play (the Stanley Cup playoffs last spring always had a day of rest after games) or the long grind of NHL season.

One other note: While at the game, I had the chance to say hello to Paul Strand, who is the 'Canes' youth and amateur hockey coordinator. Paul handles the organization's youth outreach, such as leading the 'Mighty Mites' who scrimmage to fans' delight between periods. Paul was a youth hockey coach in Greensboro for a couple of years, and my son had the good fortune to work with him for a couple of summers. As an observer of youth hockey in two states and for 12 years, I don't think I ever saw anyone do a better job working with teenagers than Paul. The 'Canes are fortunate to have him on their staff.