Niclas Wallin earned his 'secret weapon' nickname by scoring overtime goals in the playoffs — three, tied for the most in NHL history by a defenseman.
Friday, he passed some of that knowledge — indirectly — on to Tim Gleason, whose overtime winner won Game 2 for the Hurricanes.
As Gleason prepared his sticks for Friday's game, Wallin offered his 'blessing' on one of them. Neither Gleason, Wallin nor FS Carolinas broadcaster Tripp Tracy, who witnessed the ceremony, would say what was involved Saturday, but let's just say it was an intimate gesture.
"It was blessed in a way I can't tell you," Gleason said. "It was blessed by Nicky Wallin, whose had some success in the playoffs."
Either way, it worked. Gleason's shot early in overtime eluded Martin Brodeur, thanks to an Eric Staal screen, and the series was tied 1-1. So far, Gleason is the only one to receive Wallin's special benediction.
"But other players may be hopping on the bandwagon," Gleason said.
It was a timely goal from a player who scored none this season and has only seven in 332 career regular-season game. So scoring goals may not be Gleason's cup of tea, but thanks to a little help from Wallin he put Game 2 in the bag for the Canes.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or 
Comments
What a goal!!!
Sat, 04/18/2009 - 22:32 — gf101112Timmy Gleason!!! Who wouldda' thunk it??? Thank God for the "Secret Weapon"!!! GO CANIACS!!! GO CANES!!!
The blessing was the
Sat, 04/18/2009 - 15:24 — RPadiThe blessing was the bruising way the Hurricanes played the body instead of the puck!!!