The Hurricanes did get a break mid-way through their six-game road stint, returning to Raleigh after Sunday’s game in Anaheim.
And the team opted to stay in Raleigh tonight before Thursday’s game in Pittsburgh. The team will fly north in the morning.
“We'll see,” said left wing Ray Whitney after team practice at the RecZone in Raleigh. “It's the first time I've done it. We've done it in the preseason. I don't think it will be much of a problem.
“We'll be in Pittsburgh early enough for our pre-game meal. From noon on, it will be the same program we're always on.”
Left wing Wade Brookbank didn't think the change would make much difference.
"It's not a change that's going to affect us, I don' think," he said. "We haven't been going for morning skate lately, and it's been working. It'll give us a little bit more time with our families, so guys will probably enjoy it a bit more."
Teams will travel to a city on the day of a game if the contest is on Dec. 26. The NHL has a restriction on team travel on Dec. 24 and 25.
But outside Dec. 26 contests, this is the first time the Hurricanes are believed to have traveled on game day.
“We’re used to a routine where we’re coming the night before and out there and kind of relaxing, get things together,” said defenseman Tim Gleason. “I guess maybe for guys that have families and kids. It gives them an extra night with them. … I don’t ask too many questions. It is what it is, and we’ll have to deal with it.”
Javier Serna has covered sports for The News & Observer since 2007. He previously covered growth for the North Raleigh News, and sports at The Truth in Elkhart, Ind. E-mail 
Comments
League Rules
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 07:07 — Anonymous (not verified)I thought it was a league rule that teams had to come in the night before a game. There used to be teams that cut it very close on game days with weather delays (obviously not a concern right now). Did the league change their mind? If so, I'm sure there will be many more teams that try and gamble with winter weather to save a few nickels.
i know team travel was
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 11:56 — Anonymous (not verified)i know team travel was updated in the newer CBA.
Whether that specific rule was included or not i dont know, but I know players have more of a cusion with regards to league mandates on travel.
So what's the drill in
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 06:31 — figaroSo what's the drill in Pittsburgh, Chip? I see that the team eats together, but then do they head to a hotel for the traditional pre-game snooze? If they do, that sure is an expensive nap. But then I guess the hotel expense was already budgeted.
A Non Issue??
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 05:29 — esteban1949I don't think it is. and i had a good laugh too as i remember with fond memories of when i used to take my one daughter and later 2 of my grandkids off to the rink and then later became the team bus for the road games. ahhh,those were the days...
sigh...the rats lost,and the chiefs don't play until friday...so real people still go out and play golf huh ?
Go Canes !
Are we there yet?
Wed, 10/22/2008 - 23:11 — Biff_BeersMaybe all the players' moms could pick them up in a mini-van, load their gear in the back, and drive thru McDonald's on the way up to Pittsburgh. It would be just like playing travel hockey as a kid.
good day for golf
Wed, 10/22/2008 - 20:57 — Anonymous (not verified)i figured that they'd be flying tomorrow when i saw chuick kaiton out at crooked creek this afternoon...
Am I missing something? What
Wed, 10/22/2008 - 17:21 — Anonymous (not verified)Am I missing something? What is the big deal?
In all reality its not a
Thu, 10/23/2008 - 08:59 — Anonymous (not verified)In all reality its not a HUGE deal, but it is a break from the norm.
My take on it has less to do WHEN they travel, and more the idea of getting rid of old habits and trying something new to help this very long 82 game season from being weighty. Giving the guys an extra night at home could help limit the feel of it being an AWAY game.
Its really just an idea to shake things up... will it work?
"Its really just an idea
Fri, 10/24/2008 - 15:18 — Anonymous (not verified)"Its really just an idea to shake things up... will it work?"
We now have the answer: NO!
Never do this again!!!!!