My poor Hurricanes. They truly can’t decide whether to win or lose. After shellacking the best team (admittedly without their top goalie) in the NHL they lose to the worst team in the league. They follow that up by getting shut out by the Penguins. Tough space.
We were there on New Year’s Eve watching our ineffectiveness against Philly, all of us including our good Canadian friends who are currently visiting. It was enjoyable and exciting but ultimately disappointing. We almost force Joel — one of said Canuckian friends — to go to the can late in the third as he was absent for both of the Hurricanes other goals and we needed something, but even that wouldn’t have helped. It’s so odd to see flashes of brilliance and dominance amidst stretches of mediocrity and seeming laziness.
The coolest thing to see was Flyers goalie Robert Esche come out for his first-star honors after warding off 40 shots. It’s rare to see a visiting team member come out for three stars honors, and I personally saluted him for it along with the visiting Flyers boosters in attendance. On his way back off the ice he gave his stick to a kid in a Flyers sweater along the exit row. Entirely, completely, utterly cool and I tip my hat to him. He’s won a casual fan in me and almost certainly a lifelong fan in that kid. This is in stark contrast to other players I see who won’t even lift a hand when heading off the ice after their home three stars honors. I’m looking at you, Cory Stillman. You’re younger than me, heed your elders.
