Ruutu hopes to play Game 2

Ok, where to begin...

First-there is no conspiracy against the Canes. Read Luke's article from today. I don't agree with the path Bettman has taken NHL, and sure there are employees of the league that would love to see the Pens in the finals. But there is no way that the league would rig the games. I see-sawed on this issue, but have finally realized that there is no conspiracy.

Second-the officiating IS WHAT IT IS-CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT. GET OVER IT ALREADY! If this is how it's gonna be then the Canes better make sure to spend extra time on the special teams in practice. And if the borderline plays are gonna keep happening from spineless cowards like Cooke, all the more rreason to have Tim Conboy in the lineup. He doesn't take bad penalties, and his presence alone would help to eliminate these cheap shots. There is no one, NO ONE on the Pens that would dare go toe-to-toe with Gleason, Walker, OR Conboy. But if someone is gonna fight, and you're gonna end up with matching fighting majors, you don't wan't Gleason or Walker in the box. Conboy needs to be in this series. Who cares if he is slow. He's reliable and versatile and we need his PRESENCE.

Third-Malkin, while his skills are undeniable, has been slightly above ho-hum in these playoffs. I respect his abilities, but I don't fear him. And don't be so sure about Crosby "getting outta second gear". He was quoted as saying "if you aren't motivated by a chance to go to the finals, then there's something wrong with you." So i guess there's something wrong with him, if he only got to second gear. Again, I respect his abilities, but this is a team sport.

Fourt-and this is to PenisN6 (not a typo...) Please, please, PLEASE continue with your most original, cutting-edge, and refreshing "Southerner" jokes. And please continue to couple them with your overconfidence in your team. You will be joining the arrogant Bruins fans out on the golf course. This series has the potential to be the best of these playoffs, but you are either too stupid (fairly obvious), arrogant (you sure you're not from Boston?), or too ignorant to realize and acknowledge it. Because you are incapable of any coherent hockey discussion you resort to name-calling and make your entire fanbase look foolish and childish. It took your Pens 6 games to beat a slow, undisciplined Philly team with suspect goaltending. It took your Pens 7 games to beat the 1-trick pony Capitals that included a ROOKIE goalie and no defense. All while the Canes duked it out with the best goalie in history, and arguably the best TEAM in the NHL. But somehow, your Pens are gonna sweep the Canes? I'll hold my breath.....

people bash, sometimes personally, fans of the other teams.
I have lived in the midwest, northern California, and now here in Raleigh. There are total hicks in California who LOVE nascar and people in North Carolina who are on the cutting edge of medical advancements. I know natives of North Carolina who are highly educated, very classy people. I also know many people from Pennsylvania who have moved here, and quite a few have adopted the Canes. I also have family living near Pittsburgh, and based on what I have seen there I wouldn't go around calling Canes fans goobers, or whatever regional slurs you want. You might be insulting a former northerner, a
Canadian, or a highly educated scientist who is working to cure your aliments or make the world a better place to be, and a resident and fan of this areas teams. Stick to arguing about the game and the calls.

First....when did Norh Carolina become the DEEP south?

Second...not everyone from NC likes nascar ( I think its dumb, or has a mullet) Pretty funny though thats what EVERONE assumes.  Very original.

Third...seems to me the only fans complaining about the officiating are probably the Fans who just started to watch Hurricanes hockey back in oh say...March.  While I recognize officiated has been eh a little off.  The Canes penalty kill is one of the best remaining if not the best.  And their Powerplay is the worst.  So bringing up offciating is a mute point considering we cant do anything on the PP...and seem to do well on the PK.. Just watch the games...no use trying to argue with other fans when NONE OF US play the games. :)

'Canes in 6....or Pitt.  Whatever Det. is gonna take it regardless.

Both hits were deliberate and with obvious intent to injure. Maybe not worthy of a suspension, but definitely worth 2 min minors and 10 min misconducts. The Cooke hit on Cole was about a sec or 2 after the whistle, everybody was coasting to a stop except Cooke, he kept his speed up and went out of his way to run into Cole's left knee with his left knee. Check out this utube video, http://www.viewfrommyseats.com/2009/05/poll-was-hit-on-eric-cole-dirty/. Poll shows 71% believe it was worthy of suspension.

Staal did not slash Fleury's stick from his hand, but he did try to slide it out of his way so he could skate without tripping over it. One of the Pens slid it back towards Fleury but he already had a Dman's stick. Corvo's shot was high to the glove side so he should've caught it with his glove not block it with his stick.

Pens were lucky Staal didn't tie it with 25 seconds left. Fleury snow angeled it under his armpit then his own D knocked him in the net. The puck was probably over the goal line, because before Fleury uncovered it he actually scooched himself forward out of the goal with his legs about a foot before he uncovered it. But the whistle had blown about the same time he slid over the line, and there was no way to review it because the puck wasn't visible. That's the breaks. But the Pens barely escaped OT or worse.

Crosby is good but with a little effort from our D to watch the weak side of Cam when he is lurking the sides of the net and the forwards playing him close he won't get many chances, same as game 1 only 2 shots on net.

I've been to almost every Canes home game for the last 4 yrs and the Canes thrive on the last minute drama, so don't be surprised if you find yourself scratching your head at the end of game 7 wondering what happened, like my sister and brother-in-law who are Bruin fans.

In addition.....to enlighten the Pens fans. We as Canes fans are not complaining about the officiating for the game last night, although it was pretty bad. This officiating ISSUE has snowballed since the series against New Jersey. So far all three series have had a pretty significant slant. Not to mention the Larose no goal in Boston. We see it because we watched all those games. You guys probably only watched last night. Stop your bellyaching thinking it is about last night. It's about the entire playoffs. Its bordering on absurdity.

No, the canes fanes on this website aren't the only ones pointing out the bad officiating in game 1. Versus just showed both plays on Cole and Rutuu. Keith Jones and Brian Engblom couldn't believe penalties weren't called. Watch the 2nd period intermission in the Chicago/Detroit game 2 if you need to see it for yourself. The game should be rebroadcasted again on Wednesday.

Just where are all these Pens fans from, Boston? We've heard tough talk from better and tougher teams than the Pens....and now they are watching baseball. Bring the talk, PA, you'll only be embarrassed.

.... and I say this as a Canes fan... This is embarrassing.

I can point to any game, in ANY series this year in the playoffs and find more than one call that went against any of the 16 teams. Bad calls, sure... consecutive trips to the box, of course! **IT happens, every year. You've got human beings judging action in fractions of a second, it's not all gonna go your way, or against you all the time.

The conspiracy theories are particularly amusing. Carolina is in the 3rd Conference Finals in 7 seasons. We have a Cup and 2 Finals appearances in that time. Most teams in the NHL would LOVE to have it so bad in the playoffs. You seriously think that the NHL/Bettman/NBC/VS/(what have you) are stacking the deck?

1) If they were, they're doing a horrible job of it
2) If they were, they're risking the integrity of the sport
3) If they were, they're doing it to more than just Carolina

Conclusion: They aren't.

Not to mention the bad call on Cole for interference ,he barely touched stumble bum Hal Gill and that was the difference ,as poorly as the Canes played they still almost won game 2 will be different...and the cheap shots looks like some payback is due on there stars as well.

Retribution, the theme for game 2. Ok, the Pens and the Refs have set the tone in game 1. Tone being deliberate knee from Cooke to Cole after a whistle, No call. Deliberate leg whip from Eaton to the back of Ruutu's knee away from the puck, NO Call. Baby cross check by Staal in scrum Interf, Scotty Interf for what?, big bad Colesy pushing poor little 6'7' 270lb Gil on top of scrawny little Fleury NO Goal/Interf. Orpik elbow to Scotty's head, Elbowing. Fleury throwing his stick at Staalzie's skates, No Call, lol.
Analysis, Canes will be called for just about anything they do, Pens have to take about 5 obvious penalties to get 1 called. Solution, dress Conboy and Babchuk, let Ruutu and Cole have off til Sat. Notice Canes played fine without Ruutu most of the game, Cole for half the 3rd, and no one to fill in for them. In fact Canes almost pulled off the tie.
Now because the Pens have taken some liberties in the 1st game and Canes are going to be called for just about anything it's time to get their money's worth. A bully pushes you, then push back. This is where Conboy comes in, first job, first shift run Cooke and if he doesn't like it give him a flurry of haymakers. Later in the game run Eaton. Get your money's worth Conboy get some ice time before you go the 2nd round in case they want to toss you.
Now a little advice for Orpik, Scotty is going to end up toe to toe with you at some point in game 2 he hasn't forgotten that elbow, the advice put up your dukes or duck, you may have heard Scotty has a quick right.
A little advice for Gonchar, I respect your play, but you're looking pretty vulnerable out there, you might want Thurs night off.
My favorite, Babchuk, this is a perfect opportunity for you, the Pens know nothing about checking the offensive play of the point. As Corvo has shown Fleury is vulnerable to the long shots. I know this is the playoffs, but don't be nervous, like I mentioned to you when you signed my jersey, I've been watching hockey for 0ver 40yrs and you have 1 of the hardest shots I've ever seen. Don't hurry your shots, look for a clear shooting lane, and move closer to the goal if they give you room. The closer you are when you shoot the less time the goalie has to react, PS, please don't hurt any of your own team mates with those blistering slap shots.
Defensively, Canes are doing a very good job limiting 87's opportunities, but don't forget 71 needs to be slowed down a bit more. Offensively, passing and 2nd chances are the keys. Great job getting excellent looks from all angles, the Pens aren't the Bruins defensively, take full advantage of the open passing lanes, especially east to west. Release a pinch now and then to scarf up some of the juicy 2nd chances. Fleury is no Brodeur or Thomas, he is gangly and awkward, remember to pound those rebounds, don't finess them.
The Pens might have gotten away with 1 win playing their way but they also may have stirred up a Hurricane in the process.

thanks for the info...and i too want to see Ruutu back when he's ready...after all one can only play hurt just so much...

Go Canes !!

gbettman@nhl.com I send him an email during every game begging him to resign or go back to the NBA. He is the worst thing about the greatest sport The NHL will make twice as much money if the Canes and Blackhawks are sent home. Remember the NHL is a business and like any other business it will always do what is best for itself. That is why the calls will always go against the Canes. The Hurricanes know this and have to play the game understanding the league will do what it can to help Pittsburgh advance.

There was only one bad call last night, against Staal. You can't get be a conspiracy theorist about Cullin's puck over the glass, or Cole's rundown of Fluery. The issue is that the Canes are playing a style that attracts the ref's attention, plus the Canes monster PK numbers give a license to take chances, and the refs recognize that too. Refs are human so they assess things according to the harm, like football interference calls. If you saw a defensive end running down field hand-checking with a wide-out, you are much more likely to call a foul because you expect the DE to be beat otherwise.

It's the conference finals and the NHL playoffs, many of these guys over the year's usually play unless there hospitalized or concussed...it's one of the beauties of post season hockey, players find another level, another gear and play through some unbelievable injuries just to battle and be a part of things...I think you will see at least one if not both players back Thursday...

That's Hockey Baby!!!!

While I don't expect much from the league, I am curious as to whether it has been notified and whether a decision is forthcoming. Decisions are usually out by 12:00. Any news?