Golf Digest released its 2009 list of the Top 150 golfing athletes, with one notable omission: Hurricanes forward Ray Whitney, a plus handicap who tried (but failed) to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Whitney's plus-1.2 index would put him at or near the top of the list if he had been included.

Leftover bits and pieces from Friday's exit-interview media availabilities, including Ray Whitney's thoughts on the season and Tuomo Ruuto on his popularity among Hurricanes fans…

There were three key turning points in the Hurricanes' 3-2 loss to the Penguins on Monday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Here's a breakdown of each, with instant analysis from Hurricanes forward Ray Whitney.

1. First-period goaltending.

2. Third-period struggles.

3. Missing out on the magic.

From Talking Points: 

There were three key turning points in the Hurricanes' 3-2 loss to the Penguins on Monday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Here's a breakdown of each, with instant analysis from Hurricanes forward Ray Whitney.

1. First-period goaltending.

2. Third-period struggles.

3. Missing out on the magic.

Read more here. 

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.

Canes forward Ray Whitney is heading into his 17th NHL season and his fourth with Carolina. Despite missing 16 games to injuries and illness last season, he was second on the team in goals, assists and points.

Ask Whitney a question and he'll give you a straight answer. So here goes.

The readers have spoken! Here's the consensus All-Canes team as chosen by you (and roughly interpreted by me):

C Ron Francis
LW Sami Kapanen
RW Erik Cole
D Glen Wesley
D Aaron Ward
G Arturs Irbe

...and for the last time:

To the best of my knowledge, the only Carolina players with no-trade clauses are Niclas Wallin and Scott Walker.

Carry on. That is all. 

UPDATE, 11:57 p.m.: Apparently, that's not all. According to someone with knowledge of Ray Whitney's contract, he has a no-trade clause as well.

I hadn't heard that, but the person telling me should know and has no reason to lie. So add Whitney to that list as well. I'll try to verify that tomorrow.