Hurricanes try to weather 12-game losing streak

By Bud L. Ellis

Remember when the Carolina Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference finals last spring?

That happened just six months ago, but it might as well happened six centuries ago after what the Hurricanes have endured through the first month of the NHL season.

Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Columbus extended Carolina’s losing streak to 12 games, and its 2-11-3 mark is the worst in the NHL. What’s even worse is goalie Cam Ward suffered a leg injury when he was cut with a skate and will miss the next four weeks. Carolina carried the lead into the third period but could not hold on against the Blue Jackets.

Carolina signed veteran netminder Manny Legace, who was playing for the Thrashers’ AHL affiliate in Chicago, to try and bridge the gap until Ward returns. But in reality, a victory — anyway, anyhow — would be a nice salve for a team that truly is scuffling right now.

Monday marked one full month since the Hurricanes’ last victory, and their seven points puts Carolina a remarkable 17 points behind Southeast Division leader Washington. After losing by five, four and three goals last week, Carolina dropped a pair of one-goal decisions last weekend and still have not won a game away from home.

The Hurricanes hope to finally break their franchise-record skid Wednesday when they play host to Los Angeles. Friday, Carolina plays host to the Islanders.

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Monday, November 9, 2009 at 3:15 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, Manny Legace, National Hockey League, New York Islanders, Washington Capitals

‘Canes hit road looking to jumpstart offense

By Bud L. Ellis

For a team that’s averaged 97 points the past four seasons, having just six points through eight games and sitting in fourth place in the division is a strange feeling.

The Carolina Hurricanes will look to find themselves and start a winning streak when they hit the road for a Midwestern weekend swing at Colorado and Minnesota this weekend.

The Canes need something to jump start their 2009-10 season, one which has began with lackluster performances and disappointment. The  stumble came Wednesday, when Carolina lost 4-3 to a New York Islanders’ team that was winless on the season entering the matchup.

Offensive woes have kept Carolina from hitting its stride so far this season, Carolina having scored just 18 goals in eight games. And while the Canes are 2-1 in the Southeast Division, they already are six points behind two-time defending division champion Washington.

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Friday, October 23, 2009 at 9:47 pm by bud

Tags: Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, National Hockey League, New York Islanders, Washington Capitals