We have had the miracle on ice at the Olympics. What about a miracle on ice in the NHL?
That is precisely what making the playoffs would be for the Hurricanes.
If I were in Vegas they would say the Hurricanes have a .08% chance of making a playoff spot. Ouch. What’s strange is around week 24-25 the chances were around 50% - about the same as the Thrashers, Rangers and Canadiens right now.
But we're not in Vegas. We're in Raleigh where some really strange things can happen.
There are so many variables right now for the Hurricanes but there are two things they need to make the playoffs: win almost every game and have incredible luck for the 6 teams above them to go 500 or less in the next 18 games. Impossible? Nothing is impossible. Especially with how this team has found ways to win games against great, lousy and mediocre teams... and win they have, in some cases with scores that were akin to NFL numbers. What’s in the Hurricanes control is winning and that’s all they can focus on doing. Getting points, no matter how they come has got to be the focus. Hunker down, forget about the standings and make the best run you can.
Or, they could stay bottom feeders and have their pick in the draft on a year that some good talent is finding their way on the scouts clip boards.
Whitney asks: "What's in it for Me?"
Monday, March 1, 2010
Offers have been out there for Ryan but he was most interested in the one from LA. The Kings offered a first round pick and a prospect which was fine with Rutherford. But it wasn't fine for Whitney. Perhaps his under-rated status is what prompted the Kings to say "no" to his request for a three year extension.
The Kings offered him one year. One year...
He gave them one other option: a two year extension and let him waive his no trade clause.
The Kings brass are being complete idtiots in my opinion. They have the opportunity to pick up a stellar leader and player that could squeeze into the salary cap and give the Kings what they are going to need to make a shot at the cup, without the commitment via no trade. It is clear that commitment is the issue since a year figure can't be agreed on.
Perhaps its his lack of exposure out on the left coast. Perhaps they are concerned he is going to rust out soon. Whatever the case, every Hurricanes fan, and probably any fan in the east knows the value of Whitney.
The Hurricanes will remain conservative in my opinion because they still have tremendous potential for another run very soon. Cam Ward and Staal are their franchise players but Rutherford has done probably one of the best jobs drafting and picking opportunity players in this teams history. Rutherford understands the importance of chemistry. Coaching? Eeek... I think not. But chemistry and construction of a team based on strengths and weaknesses, no doubt!
The Canes brass know they have some solid players whos agents wont be pushing them too hard to ask for much. Not after that horrific season they just had. Even if Whitney goes, that's a first round pick the Canes acquire, along with what they already have. Sutter, Ruutu and Jokinen are solid performers and like a game of poker they are cards you try not smile about, but leave in your hand.
For 'Canes fans, Whitney staying in Raleigh could turn out to be good news. If they can squeeze out two more solid years from him and continue to build that solid youth around him he can only be an asset for this team (if he stays healthy). I truly believe the Hurricanes have what it takes to make another run in the next three years. If Rutherford continues to make good decisions off the ice and finds the right coach for this team, there is no reason to think they can't do it again. I could blog 20 pages on the coaching issue in Carolina but I digress.
As for the Kings... they may have thrown away the ace. But what do you expect from a team that can't discipline a moron like Sean Avery...
