NEWARK. N.J. — It was a theory, a suggestion, an attempt at finding an answer for the Canes' lackluster 4-1 playoff loss to the New Jersey Devils.
And Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice was having none of it.
Was it possible, Maurice was asked, that his team pushed so hard, for so long, and played so well in trying to make the playoffs that they have little left for the playoffs, physically or emotionally? That perhaps they achieved their goal this season, making the playoffs for the first time since 2006, and now have little else to give?
"I don't think so," he said. "I think there's a difference in how you get there. The bulk of the teams got in there the last week.
"We didn't suffer a terrible defeat and then win a huge game and bounce back and forth. Prior to us clinching, we only lost a couple of games in regulation in almost a two-month period, so we didn't emotionally suffer.
"I think that's where you spend it. That's absolutely not an excuse for our team at all, because we didn't go through that. ... We weren't suffering those real swings that saps your energy. So I don't see that."
So what was the cause of such a one-sided beating by the Devils?
"We had a good dose of playoff hockey handed to us," Maurice said. "We didn't play very well. They played very well."
Maybe it was just that simple.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
We shall see
Fri, 04/17/2009 - 11:14 — mnhockeyI am half wondering if the Devils don't just feel like they have more to prove: This may be Brodeur's last best chance for another Stanley Cup. He'll be 37 this year and his most productive years are clearly behind him. I see them working their tails off to at least prevent the split. As they say...film at 11.
Not tired
Thu, 04/16/2009 - 17:16 — Hockeydogbut they were tight, and not loose and ready to battle.
As Maurice also said they were not playing as a unit. They just need to relax and play the style that got them to the playoffs. As the lower seed if they take one out of two on the road the home ice advantage shifts to them.
Too Much Controversy?
Thu, 04/16/2009 - 17:06 — raleighcaniacMaybe too much is being made of last night's game. It was said that if they split these two away games, it would be a good trip. If they had won last night and then lost on Friday night, would we be having this conversation? I doubt it. So I think this controversy is just a bit premature given that this is a best of seven series, not a one-and-done. I think Mo has a good finger on the pulse of the team right now. Let's see how they do on Friday.
Controversey??
Fri, 04/17/2009 - 04:29 — esteban1949What Controversy ? When did losing one game equate being called a " controversey" ? Now IF The Canes lose the next 2...then there is room...for a " Controversy"....Or enough ammo to at least start one...
Go Canes...
Mo is spot on
Thu, 04/16/2009 - 16:57 — esteban1949The devils were ready when they hit the ice...and the canes weren't that time...Ok that was yesterday...Friday is another day and another Game...
Go Canes !!!
Playoff Hockey
Thu, 04/16/2009 - 16:30 — abramsdougI appreciate Maurice's candor. The truth was evident to fans, the players, coaches and the media alike: in game #1 the N.J. Devils stepped up to Stanley Cup Playoff intensity hockey and the Hurricanes didn't. It will all be just a vague bad memory if the Hurricanes win Friday.