Carolina Hurricanes News: Pro Sports Daily

February 10

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Thursday he has met with forward Tuomo Ruutu to discuss Ruutu's future with the team, and said a decision should be reached next week. Rutherford said Ruutu, due to become an unrestricted free agent after the season ends, expressed a desire to stay with the team and in Raleigh. "These meetings are to see where the player is at, what they think of the team, whether he likes being in the organization, those things," Rutherford said by phone from Denver, Colo. "Tuomo is a player we really like, and he said he likes being with the team. That's an important first step and we had a good meeting."

Avs' Joe Sacco says team needs high intensity vs. Hurricanes

February 10

Denver Post

"In Friday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Pepsi Center, Avalanche coach Joe Sacco is hoping his team maintains a high level of play against one of the NHL's weaker teams. The Avs seem to play their best against the great teams, evidenced by a 3-2 shootout loss to Vancouver and 5-2 victory over Chicago in their past two games. The Hurricanes (20-25-10) are last in the Eastern Conference with 50 points. "We have to make sure we have the same mindset, the same focus, regardless of who we're playing," Sacco said after today's practice. "It seems that when we play those teams — the Chicagos, the Vancouvers or teams that we consider elite teams in the league or our conference — we"

Perry's OT goal gives Ducks 3-2 win over Canes

February 9

Raleigh News & Observer

"All-Star Corey Perry scored at 2:14 of overtime to help the Anaheim Ducks beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Wednesday night for their second straight victory. Jonas Hiller made 31 saves for the Ducks, who have won eight of 11 and closed out a four-game homestand having outscored opponents 34-21. Perry tripped Jussi Jokinen as the Hurricanes left wing was taking the puck from behind the net. Carolina coach Kirk Muller began yelling from the bench, believing Perry should have been called for a penalty. But there was no whistle, and Perry scored on an assist by Sheldon Brookbank."

Ducks need overtime, and a lucky break, to defeat Hurricanes

February 9

Los Angeles Times

"If the Ducks are to have any hope of returning to the playoffs this spring they're going to need a lot more gutsy performances like the one they turned in Wednesday at Honda Center, where they beat the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-2, in overtime. And they're probably going to need a lot more breaks like the one that set up Corey Perry's game-winning goal. Perry inexplicably avoided a tripping penalty after sending Carolina's Jussi Jokinen to the ice two minutes into the extra period. He then skated away from the scene of the crime, collected the loose puck and scored on the end of a give-and-go with Sheldon Brookbank."

Stewart remains with Hurricanes

February 8

Raleigh News & Observer

"Anthony Stewart is still a member of the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes on Monday placed the forward on waivers and there was speculation another NHL team might have interest in him. But Stewart was not claimed on waivers by the noon Tuesday deadline. General manager Jim Rutherford said Stewart will remain with the team, and he is expected to play tonight against the Anaheim Ducks."

Rutherford, Ruutu to meet, discuss future

February 7

Raleigh News & Observer

"Canes general manager Jim Rutherford had never negotiated a new contract with a player during a season until this season. Now, he might do it again. Rutherford, who recently signed defenseman Tim Gleason to a four-year contract extension, said Monday he would be holding "an important meeting" with forward Tuomo Ruutu this week during the Canes' three-game road trip. Ruutu is due to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. "I want to talk to him about where he's at, this season and in the future," Rutherford said. "We'll talk about that and see where it goes. We're closing in on the (NHL) trade deadline, so we need to make a decision."

Could Justin Faulk be next for the Calder?

February 7

Raleigh News & Observer

"Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes won the Calder Trophy last year as the NHL's best rookie. Could Justin Faulk be next? The odds are against it. Faulk, 19, is a defenseman, and only two defensive players - Tyler Myers of the Buffalo Sabres (2010) and Barret Jackman of the St. Louis Blues (2003) - have claimed the trophy since 1997."

Hurricanes put Anthony Stewart on waivers

February 7

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Anthony Stewart to a two-year free-agent contract after last season, hoping he could help make up for the loss of Erik Cole. Stewart hasn't been able to do that, and on Monday he was placed on waivers, general manager Jim Rutherford said. "With us getting a look at some guys who have been called up from Charlotte (American Hockey League) and have played well for us, we decided to put Anthony on waivers," Rutherford said. "If he is picked up by another team, it will give another opportunity to one or two players who have played well.""

Canes reassign Nash to Checkers

February 6

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Canes have reassigned forward Riley Nash to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Nash, 22, played three games with the Hurricanes following his Jan. 30 recall. He has recorded one assist and averaged 10:34 of ice time in five games for the Hurricanes this season."

Canes taking extra bodies out West

February 5

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Canes are headed West and they'll be taking a few extra bodies along. Chad LaRose, out the past two games with flu-like symptoms, was at practice today at the RBC Center. LaRose is ready to rejoin the lineup, but Canes coach Kirk Muller said an extra forward likely would be on the three-game trip to Anaheim, Colorado and Montreal. The Canes also have an extra defenseman. Derek Joslin has been a healthy scratch the past two games with the return of Jaroslav Spacek. Muller said goalie Cam Ward, who has started the past 11 games, likely would be in net for all three road games and should have a heavy workload the rest of the season. Backup Justin Peters has not played since Jan. 7 in"

Skinner gives Canes a lift in 2-1 victory

February 5

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes' Jeff Skinner now has two goals against the Los Angeles Kings, and both rank as memorable. The first came early last season, when Skinner was a rookie. It was his first NHL goal and came at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where Skinner was the Canes' first-round draft pick just a few months earlier. The second one? It came Saturday night, at the RBC Center. It also proved to be the difference in a hard-fought game. Skinner's hard-working goal barely three minutes into the third period pushed the Hurricanes ahead, and they held on for the 2-1 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 18,680. Which goal was sweeter? "The first one was pretty cool," Skinner said. "That"

Shortening of shifts paying off for Canes

February 4

Raleigh News & Observer

"In a hockey game, every second counts. Just ask the Los Angeles Kings, who won a game this week when time stood still for about a second. But the Carolina Hurricanes, who face the Kings tonight at the RBC Center, realize the importance of time. In a 3-0 victory Thursday over the Boston Bruins, the Canes shortened their playing shifts on the ice and were the fresher team over the full 60 minutes. The Hurricanes had 11 players whose average shift length was fewer than 40 seconds. The Bruins, in contrast, had one. In Carolina's 5-2 loss Tuesday against the New York Islanders, the Canes had just three players average fewer than 40 seconds a shift. Eric Staal averaged 48 seconds and Jeff"

Lowly Hurricanes beat Bruins, sweep season series

February 3

Boston Herald

"Some things just don't make any sense. The Southeast Division might be the worst division in the NHL, but the Bruins are now 5-8 against those teams. And the Carolina Hurricanes came into TD Garden last night as the worst team in the Eastern Conference, but thanks to their 3-0 victory, they completed the franchise's first ever sweep over the Bruins. Go figure. The Hurricanes scored a goal in each period — Eric Staal, Tuomo Ruutu and Brandon Sutter — and, after the first period, the B's couldn't muster many high-caliber scoring chances on Cam Ward (47 saves)."

Canes know Bruins have a bone to pick

February 2

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes aren't sure which team they'll be playing tonight - the Boston Bruins, or the Boston Brawlers. Or maybe a little of both. Either way, the Canes are expecting to see the defending Stanley Cup champions at their bruising, skillful best. With a win tonight in Boston's TD Garden, the Hurricanes can finish off the first season sweep of the Bruins in Carolina's franchise history."

Tavares, Poulin seal Islanders win over Canes

February 1

Raleigh News & Observer

"For a long time Tuesday, the Carolina Hurricanes struggled to get the puck past unheralded 21-year-old goalie Kevin Poulin, who was playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League last week. But in the end, it was another 21-year-old, one of the emerging stars of the NHL, who did in the Canes. John Tavares scored a pair of goals and had two assists, leading the New York Islanders to a 5-2 victory at the RBC Center."

Tavares' four points lead Isles past 'Canes

February 1

NHL.com

"Some players just seem to have a team's number. New York Islanders All-Star center John Tavares has Carolina's. "I think great players find a way," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said after Tavares struck for two goals, including the game-winner in the third period, and two assists in a 5-2 win against the Hurricanes at the RBC Center. Tavares made it look that simple in helping New York to its third win in three games against the Hurricanes this season. After Carolina scored two goals early in the third period to erase New York's 2-0 lead, Tavares needed just 41 seconds to get the go-ahead goal by firing home a pass from Matt Moulson. who finished with three points. Tavares assisted on Kyle"

$16M deal keeps Gleason in Cane's fold

January 31

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason was trying to find the right words, trying to best describe his feelings about signing a contract extension Monday, when forward Chad LaRose chimed in from across the RBC Center locker room. "Cha-ching, cha-ching," LaRose shouted. "Hey, Gleas, cha-ching." Gleason, who had his game face firmly in place for such a serious subject, couldn't help but break into smile, finally saying he somehow had forgotten the question. But, in truth, it was a very satisfied smile."

Canes want to build on recent success

January 31

Raleigh News & Observer

"A few tanned, all rested (except for All-Star invitee Justin Faulk), the Carolina Hurricanes returned from far, wide and Ottawa on Monday to begin the final stretch of the season. The team that finishes the schedule in April might look very different from the one on the ice tonight against the New York Islanders, although Monday's unprecedented midseason agreement with Tim Gleason on a four-year contract extension removed one of the largest areas of uncertainty. Not only might some of the players be different - with Gleason signed, Tuomo Ruutu jumps to the top of the trade-rumor queue - but new coach Kirk Muller is expecting the team to build upon its recent good play."

Gleason agrees to contract extension

January 30

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Canes announced today they have re-signed defenseman Tim Gleason to a four-year contract extension. The deal will pay Gleason $3.5 million in 2012-13, $4.5 million in 2013-14 and 2014-15, and $3.5 million in 2015-16. General manager Jim Rutherford called Gleason one of the Canes' "core players"and "a key piece on the ice" and noted his leadership as an alternate team captain."

Hurricanes sign Gleason to 3-year, $11.5 M extension

January 30

TheScore.com

"The Carolina Hurricanes have locked up Tim Gleason, inking the defenceman to a 3-year, $11.5 million extension. In 51 games this season, the 29-year-old has recorded 14 points and leads all Hurricanes blueliners with a +2 rating. With the new deal, Gleason joins Carolina teammates goaltender Cam Ward and centre Eric Staal whose contracts run until the end of the 2015-16 season."

Back to the real NHL games

January 30

Ottawa Sun

columnist Chris Stevenson

"The days at the beach, as tweeted by Capitals defenceman Mike Green from the Cayman Islands, are over. The neon tans from Las Vegas will now start to fade. The NHL's feel-good weekend here — a resounding success which revolved around the emotional outpouring between Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson and Senators fans — now becomes a fond memory. Ahead is a 30-game sausage grinder that is the rest of the NHL season. "You need the break whether you're here or somewhere else doing something different. This is a part of the season the guys really look forward to, just to recharge the battery," said Maple Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul. "When you get back from this break, you're re-energized and you"

Chara's stars beat hometown hero Alfredsson

January 30

Ottawa Sun

"On his big day, Daniel Alfredsson surrounded himself with Swedes. But it was a bunch of Slovak buddies, led by New York Rangers winger Marian Gaborik, who drove Team Chara to a 12-9 victory over Team Alfredsson in front of 20,510 in the 57th NHL all-star game Sunday at Scotiabank Place. While former Senators defenceman Zdeno Chara scored the third-period winner, it was Gaborik, voted the game MVP, who led his club to victory with a hat trick and four-point effort as Team Chara walked away with the bragging rights. "You could see the guys wanted to win," said Chara when asked if he gave his team any instructions with the score tied 6-6 going into the third period. "I didn't have to say a"

Raleigh's hockey reputation is on the rise

January 28

Raleigh News & Observer

"The commercials for this year's NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa show the actual Ottawa skyline, unlike those last year which used a composite of buildings elsewhere to depict a made-up Raleigh skyline. The TV commercials were the final slap of indignity delivered by the league (and its television partners) in fulfilling its long-delayed promise to bring an All-Star Game to Raleigh. And given how successful that weekend was, one year ago, it's hard to imagine those same mistakes being made again. The alacrity with which Raleigh hosted one of the sport's biggest events and the way fans here embraced it changed its reputation as a hockey market forever."

Who will win? Breaking down All-Star teams

January 27

NHL.com

"The draft is over, the rosters set for the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game. We now know who will be wearing the white jerseys for Team Alfredsson and the blue jerseys to represent Team Chara. Now it's time to take a look at the rosters and break them down by position. Look for our prediction at the end. FORWARDS Datsyuk and Malkin on the same team is a scary proposition for the opposition. They may be the two most skilled players in the NHL right now. As Chara said, you can put them on the same line and they can be unstoppable, or you can put them on separate lines and they'll still be dominant and "make the line." Team Alfredsson has a lot of talent, but it doesn't have two"

Canes' Pitkanen may be out till March

January 25

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes were hoping to have Joni Pitkanen back in the lineup soon after the NHL All-Star break. That's not going to happen, general manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday. Rutherford said Pitkanen, the Canes' most skilled defenseman, might not return until early March. Pitkanen suffered a concussion during a Dec. 6 road game against the Calgary Flames, then had knee surgery Jan. 3. After the surgery, the Hurricanes said Pitkanen would need about four weeks to rehabilitate the knee. But his recovery apparently is going slower then expected."

Hurricanes make it look easy

January 24

Winnipeg Free Press

"Someday, the Winnipeg Jets might be in a position to do the bare minimum and win, something like the Carolina Hurricanes did to them on Monday. But Monday was not that day for the Jets, and it's not likely to be today, either, when the Jets head into what's been for them a dreaded scenario, games on back-to-back days. Winnipeg, having lost 2-1 to the lowly Canes and their 16 shots on goal at RBC Center, heads for New York's Madison Square Garden where the Eastern Conference-leading Rangers are waiting for them tonight (6 p.m. CT, TSN Jets, TSN 1290)."

Canes score early to outmaneuver Jets

January 24

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes will scatter in many directions today, taking time off for the NHL All-Star break. Truth be told, many of the Canes probably would like to keep playing. The Hurricanes, in their final game before the break, topped the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 Monday at the RBC Center. Goaltender Cam Ward again was standing-tall solid in net, Jeff Skinner and Tim Brent scored goals and the defense was gritty when it needed to be."

Ward, Canes stop Jets 2-1

January 24

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes will scatter in many directions Tuesday, taking time off for the NHL All-Star Game break. Truth be known, many of the Canes probably would like to keep on playing. The Hurricanes, in their final game before the break, topped the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 Monday at the RBC Center. Goaltender Cam Ward again was standing-tall solid in net, Jeff Skinner and Tim Brent scored goals and the defense was gritty enough when it needed to be."

Canes' Ward has refocused his emotions on his game

January 23

Raleigh News & Observer

"It's not a moment Cam Ward likes to recall and one the Carolina Hurricanes goalie insists he will not repeat. During the Canes' Dec. 9 road game against the Winnipeg Jets, Ward was pulled by coach Kirk Muller early in the second period and then had an emotional meltdown on the bench, letting out a few expletives. Two days later, Ward said he was sorry for the outburst and said he would put all his energies, physically and emotionally, into his goaltending. Tonight, Ward and the Canes face the Jets at the RBC Center. Since that night in Winnipeg, Ward has gone 8-4-5 and has allowed more than three goals just twice in those 17 games."

Canes finally get edge on Capitals

January 21

Raleigh News & Observer

"In many ways, the Carolina Hurricanes' 3-0 victory Friday over the Washington Capitals was about the moments. It was the Canes' Eric Staal making a steal to set up Jussi Jokinen's shorthanded goal in the first period and give Carolina the lead. It was Staal again working hard on special teams, whacking at the puck along the boards to get it out of the Carolina zone on another penalty kill. It was Jokinen scoring again, this time on a power play with 17.7 seconds left in the second period, and coming within a nice glove save by Caps goalie Tomas Vokoun of getting a hat trick. It was Carolina defenseman Justin Faulk challenging the Caps' Alex Ovechkin early in the game, refusing to give any"

Noted improvement with Staal, Hurricanes

January 21

Raleigh News & Observer

"The applause is coming now, even on shifts when Eric Staal doesn't score. The way the Carolina Hurricanes played Friday, after the way they and their captain have played for three weeks now, there's plenty to get excited about. The killer, unfortunately, is that this has all come too late to save Carolina's season, at least as far as the playoffs are concerned. The Hurricanes have effectively been eliminated from postseason contention since the day before Kirk Muller won his first game as coach of the Hurricanes in December. Still, when the Hurricanes play the way they did in Friday's 3-0 win over the Washington Capitals, there's no question their fans are seeing what they come hoping to"

Devils swing 'big' deal

January 21

New York Post

"This deal should be a steal of a rental for the Devils. Last night, they acquired 6-foot-4 winger Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Hurricanes for Albany defenseman Joe Sova and a 2012 fourth-round pick. "He's got hockey sense. He knows how to play the game," general manager Lou Lamoriello said, marveling at his fortune. "And he's 6-4. "This player is going to help our team." Lamoriello said there is a chance Ponikarovsky could be in the Devils' lineup this afternoon when the Flyers visit the Prudential Center. The 31-year-old played for Carolina in Raleigh last night. Ponikarovsky is eligible for unrestricted free agency July 1, and is earning $1.5 million this season. He has had four 20-goal"

Canes deal Ponikarovsky, get draft pick

January 21

Raleigh News & Observer

"The NHL trade deadline is still a month away, but the Carolina Hurricanes picked up a draft pick and cleared one of their expiring contracts off the books Friday night. After a 3-0 win over the Washington Capitals, the Canes traded forward Alexei Ponikarovsky to the New Jersey Devils for a fourth-round draft pick in 2012 and minor-league defenseman Joe Sova. Sova, 23, has split time between the AHL and ECHL this season. The Devils signed the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Illinois native as a free agent in 2011 after three years at Alaska-Fairbanks. The Canes signed Ponikarovsky to a one-year, $1.5 million contract over the summer. He had seven goals and eight assists in 49 games for the Hurricanes."

Dalpe back up with the Hurricanes

January 20

Raleigh News & Observer

"If Zac Dalpe was still with the Charlotte Checkers, he would have been on a bumpy flight Wednesday to snowbound Abbotsford, British Columbia, and then needed the glow of a light stick to find his room when the power failed at the team hotel. Ah, life in the American Hockey League. Instead, Dalpe is living the good life, again. Recalled Wednesday by the Carolina Hurricanes, the forward will play tonight against the Washington Capitals at the RBC Center and will be the right wing on Jeff Skinner's line opposite Jussi Jokinen."

Canes blocking shots - and pain

January 19

Raleigh News & Observer

"Defenseman Bryan Allen of the Carolina Hurricanes said there's nothing complicated about blocking a shot. "It's being aware of where you are on the ice and having the (nerve) to do it," he said. In truth, Allen didn't use the word "nerve" but an anatomical term. But the point was that putting your body in front of a slapshot in an NHL game is equal parts skill, timing, moxie and a willingness to take the pain."

Hurricanes, Florida pull four-player deal

January 19

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes conducted a trade Wednesday, but not one involving any of their regulars. The Hurricanes acquired forwards Evgenii Dadonov and A.J. Jenks from the Florida Panthers in exchange for forwards Jon Matsumoto and Mattias Lindstrom. Matsumoto, 25, was the leading scorer this season with 34 points for the Charlotte Checkers, the Canes' AHL affiliate. Lindstrom, 20, was a third-round draft pick by the Canes in 2009."

Dalpe recalled; Brett Sutter reassigned

January 18

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Canes have recalled forward Zac Dalpe from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) and reassigned forward Brett Sutter to the Checkers. Dalpe, 22, has two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in 13 NHL games with the Hurricanes this season. He has scored nine goals and added seven assists in 23 AHL games for the Checkers this season."

Malkin leads way to victory

January 18

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Evgeni Malkin has played some terrific hockey lately. Quite possibly the finest of his career. But maybe, just maybe, not his best of this season. That, defenseman Brooks Orpik suggested after the Penguins' 2-1 shootout victory against Carolina Tuesday night at Consol Energy Center, might still be coming."

Canes learning to be flexible

January 17

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller couldn't help but smile when talking about the power play. In a 2-1 loss Sunday to the Washington Capitals, the Canes' goal came when Anthony Stewart got the puck in front of the net to Alexei Ponikarovsky, whose attempt hit the post. Jussi Jokinen followed up to score on the rebound as forward Tim Brent and defenseman Jay Harrison worked the points. That's not quite the way Muller and coaching staff envisioned the power play working, but it did. "I think that's our team, to be honest with you," Muller said Monday. "I would love it if I could say, 'Here's our lineup tomorrow and here's our lineup for the next game' and then the same and the same. But"

Muller keeps Canes off the ice

January 17

Raleigh News & Observer

"After playing three games in four days, and with a game Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Canes coach Kirk Muller elected to cancel a scheduled practice today and keep his team off the ice. "They've given everything we've asked of them these last few games," Muller said. The Canes (16-24-7) beat the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins before the 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Forward Jeff Skinner returned Sunday after missing 16 games recovering from a concussion, and Muller said Skinner experienced no day-after physical problems following his first game back. Skinner was used at center with Jussi Jokinen and Alexei Ponikarovsky, and Muller said he probably would"

Canes fall to the Caps 2-1 in Skinner's return

January 16

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes got Jeff Skinner back in the lineup Sunday, so that was a plus. Jussi Jokinen scored a goal, his first in 25 games. Make it another plus for the Canes. But losing to the Washington Capitals stung. And especially losing on a goal by a 20-year-old rookie defenseman who had never scored in the NHL. The Caps emerged with a 2-1 victory at the Verizon Center, taking the lead early in the third period on Dmitry Orlov's unlikely goal."

Dmitry Orlov scores first NHL goal, Tomas Vokoun has 43 saves in Washington win

January 16

Washington Post

"Sunday's matinee against the Carolina Hurricanes won't go down as one of the Washington Capitals' more complete performances of the season. In fact, there were few moments at Verizon Center in which they seemed firmly in control of the contest. But the Capitals found a way to capture a win. Boosted by Dmitry Orlov's first NHL goal, which stood as the game-winner, and a 43-save outing by Tomas Vokoun, the Capitals claimed a 2-1 win over Carolina that catapulted them to first place in the Southeast Division and third in the Eastern Conference."

About Brooks Laich's disallowed goal in Capitals' win over Hurricanes

January 16

Washington Post

columnist Katie Carrera

"Early in the second period of Washington's 2-1 win over Carolina on Sunday it appeared as though Brooks Laichhad broken a scoreless tie. Laich crashed into the crease and knocked the puck past Carolina goaltender Cam Ward with 3 minutes 34 seconds gone in the middle stanza and on-ice officials initially ruled it was a good goal. In the moments that followed, however, the ruling was reversed. The tally was overruled after the four on-ice officials conferred and determined that Laich made incidental contact with Ward on the play."

Canes outplay high-riding Bruins

January 15

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Boston Bruins twice in October, with the season in its infancy. The Bruins were still mentally celebrating their run to the 2011 Stanley Cup. Their focus was missing and frustration mounting, and they had 17 penalties - and displayed some ugliness - in the second loss to the Canes, Oct. 18 in Boston. But that was then. The Bruins came in to the RBC Center on Saturday playing as well as any team in the NHL, came in talking about redemption. And lost to the Canes again. Trailing 2-1 in the third period, the Hurricanes scored three times to top the Bruins 4-2 and clinch the season series. Defenseman Justin Faulk and Jay Harrison scored on blasts from the"

Gleason likely to be on radar at deadline

January 15

Boston Globe

"With his previous employer, Joe Corvo was often deployed in a shutdown role, matched against opposing top lines. The Bruins' puck-moving defenseman acknowledges it wasn't his favorite calling. "I don't really like that,'' said the former Carolina Hurricane. "The fun part of the game for me is the offensive part, to be in the offensive zone. When you're playing shutdown, you're spending a lot of time in the neutral zone or your own zone. It wasn't my favorite thing to do.'' Corvo's skills weren't the primary reason ex-coach Paul Maurice used him in a matchup role. It was because of the game of Tim Gleason, Corvo's former partner."

'Canes have B's number

January 15

Boston Herald

"New Carolina coach Kirk Muller was saying yesterday morning that he wants the Hurricanes to become a team that is hard to play against. The Bruins could attest that the 'Canes are already just that. "What we normally do to other teams, they did to us very well," Bruins coach Claude Julien said after his club dropped its third game of the season to the Hurricanes, 4-2, in the opener of a four-game trip."

Harrison coming into his own

January 14

Raleigh News & Observer

"Jay Harrison scored a goal for the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period Thursday, on a shot from the left wing that surprised Tampa Bay goalie Mathieu Garon. His fight also was in the first period. The Lightning's Ryan Malone dropped the gloves and wanted to go at it, and Harrison quickly obliged. Then, in the third period, Harrison assisted on Tim Brent's goal that sealed a 5-2 road win over the Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum."

At long last, life has returned to the Canes' locker room

January 14

Raleigh News & Observer

columnist Luke DeCock

"Anthony Stewart came into the dressing room after practice with his practice jersey soaked from neck to waist. One of his Carolina Hurricanes teammates had loosened the cap on a water bottle on the bench and then vanished. "Literally, I almost drowned," Stewart complained, as his teammates chuckled. It's been a long time since anyone on the team felt like playing pranks. But as the Hurricanes start to show some progress under Kirk Muller, with Thursday's four-goal first period and 5-2 win at the Tampa Bay Lightning the latest example, it's only natural that they start savoring it a little bit as well. "When you get a game like last night, you don't let your guard down, but you can at least"

Tlusty, Canes strike Bolts

January 13

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes found a way to win a road game Thursday. Strike first. Strike often. Then keep pushing. The Canes did that against the Tampa Bay Lightning, scoring four times in the first period in taking a 5-2 victory at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Jiri Tlusty scored twice, and Tuomo Ruutu and Jay Harrison each had a goal in the opening period. Eric Staal had three assists in the most impressive first period - perhaps any period - by the Canes this season."