Two signs were noticeable by the glass at ice level today at the RBC Center. One read "We believe." The other: "Hakkaa Paalle."
The second is Finnish and was seen by the Canes' two Finns were at practice, Jussi Jokinen and Joni Pitkanen (Tuomo Ruutu was held out). Asked about it later, Jokinen said a rough translation would be "Let's get going."
Told that one Google version was that it's an old Finnish cavalry war cry — now used by Finnish hockey fans — and means "Hack them down," Jokinen smiled. Yes, he agreed, that's probably a better translation.
For the Canes, that's the approach they have to take now, trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals. No time for prisoners. With a loss, there's no playoff tomorrows.
Listen to the Canes, and they'll say they haven't been physical enough in the series, especially in playing against the Pens' Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. That, they said, has to change — or else.
"You can't be mesmerized by the name on the back of the jersey, no matter who it is," Canes forward Chad LaRose said.
With Malkin, LaRose said, "You just got to finish him every chance you get. We need to make sure we're quick to pucks and quick onto him when he gets the puck."
Added Eric Staal: "We need to do a better job of shutting (Malkin and Crosby) down and making life difficult for them. We've kind of made it easy on them. We've kind of made it an easier series and an easy couple of games for those guys."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Can't hit what...
Tue, 05/26/2009 - 08:24 — Hockeydogyou can't catch. They have to skate better and play better positional hockey. If they are out of gas they need to find 60 minutes in them. The series is mostly out of reach at this point, but they need to play for pride and the fans as you said Esteban. At the beginning of the season I thought a good result would be making the playoffs, winning a a round and going deep into the 2nd round. This team has over achieved, and if you look at the team when Mo took over it has been a wonderful year. Get one for the home crowd.
Well Now
Tue, 05/26/2009 - 05:47 — esteban1949yes Canes, let's hack the whimpy play. And win one for self respect,pride & the fans !! Go Canes !!
Finns
Mon, 05/25/2009 - 22:10 — LetsGoPittAwesome - I love signs like that!!! Bringing a European feel for the game and supporting foreign players is super. I hope to be there Tuesday with my Russian flag: Malkin rules!!