Mama, I’m Coming Home
Team USA lost a tough game to Finland today and is officially on their way back home. After repeatedly falling behind but being able to catch up each time, the game ended tied 4-4 in regulation. The contest eventually went to a shoot out which Jere Lehtinen won for Finland. The good news is that Erik Cole returned to play this game, and played well. Chad LaRose and Andrew Hutchinson both had good tournaments. John Grahame started out well for the Americans but ended up having some troubles. It was another disappointing World Championships for USA, but there is always next year. Let’s just hope no Hurricanes players are in it! Here is another shot of Grahame’s mask, this time with a puck flying by it.
In other news, the Ottawa Senators dismantled the Buffalo Sabres in game one of the Eastern Conference Championships tonight. The Sens outshot Buffalo in each and every period and wound up with 34 shots to the Sabres 20. Team co-captains Daniel Briere and Chris Drury had one official shot between them. Needless to say, things will have to change drastically if Buffalo is going to make a series of this. They had too many giveaways and their powerplay has been pathetic. I look for a different Buffalo team on Saturday, but it still won’t be easy because the Senators are legit!
There is still nothing new from the Hurricane’s front office. It seems obvious that Scott Walker will be testing the free agency market. Rutherford made it clear about a month ago that he wanted to sign Walker, but since the deal isn’t done yet there’s no reason for Scott not to wait until July at this point. If the Canes lose Walker, they better have a good “plan B” on the backburner. Walker was one of just a few consistent positive forces on the ice for the Canes this past, disappointing year. Hopefully, “plan B” will stand up for his team-mates like Scottie did.
About the Author: Bubba is a hockey fan/citizen journalist who has always wanted to be a sportswriter and is pursuing his dream. He also writes a Hurricanes blog for 
FRED | May 11, 2007 | Reply
I was hoping for Walker to sign. I’m with you, they better have a good plan B. I would say that the Canes go ahead and let Hedican go, give Walker $2 million, keep Babchuk and get another forward in free agency
Hanrahanfan | May 11, 2007 | Reply
You know, what is the deal with the Canes suits and Walker. It would be a real shame to throw a little more money at him wouldn’t it? He might be the toughest pound for pound player we had this last season, one of our 20 goal scorers, beat down some hockey thugs defending teammates,(something that was scarce this year) and the RBC loved him right away. But alas no, that isn’t something they would be interested in paying more. I like Hedican don’t get me wrong, but he’s about done right? Anyway this is sad and not suprising. I have a center ice authentic canes jersey that is blank. I was gonna get Scott’s numbers if they resigned him this summer. So much for that. I’m bummed.
Bubba | May 11, 2007 | Reply
I agree with both of you about Hedican. At this point in his career, that 2.4 million could be better used elsewhere. His presence (or lack thereof) hurt the team in more ways than one last year.
While the issue with Walker isn’t over with yet and maybe we are being too negative, the longer it takes the worse it looks. Maybe both sides are playing hardball and something will still happen before the July 1st target date. Even though it’s against the rules, I can’t help but think that he might have gotten a couple of (informal) phone calls from Nashville seeing if he might come back there. Rutherford can probably replace the 20 goals, but it won’t be easy to replace Walker’s toughness.
Fred | May 12, 2007 | Reply
You know, rethinking the $2 million I was suggesting to offer Walker. With guys like Briere, Elias, etc getting in the 4-5 million range, I believe that Walker could think that he could get at least 3 - 3 1/2 million. He is worth that.
On another note, here’s to Buffalo going down 2-0 tonight to Ottawa.
I was riding thru Garner today and saw some broken down car with “Let’s go Buffalo” written on their windows with shoe polish. At first I was kinda pissed, but then I realized that this is exactly the kind of fans Buffalo fans are - classless.
WufPirate | May 13, 2007 | Reply
OK
On both sides of the Scott Walker deal:
If you’re Jim Rutherford:
Do we need to sign another late 30 something skater before we get too attached to him? He deserves a lot more cashflow than he’s been getting and Nashville let him go because of chronic injuries.
If you’re a Canes fan at the RBC 05-06 season:
“Dude, did you see that little guy just knock out a guy 3 feet taller than him?”
“Shit! I was out getting another $8 adult beverage! Always miss the action! Oh well, at least I was also in the beerline when that other SE Division team scored 3 goals on 6 shots against.”
Dear Scottie Walker: We’d hate to see you go, but hope you sign with a Western Conference team if you must.