Carolina at Tampa Bay Preview
The Hurricanes are in Florida for a contest against the Lightning tonight for their first road game of the year. Tampa Bay has already played two games in Europe, and lost both of them to the New York Rangers. This will be their home opener.
Michael Leighton will get his first shot of the season between the pipes tonight. The Hurricanes are hoping for more from their backup goalie than what John Grahame was able to provide last season. There is some buzz around the fanbase about a goalie controversy brewing. Leighton’s performance tonight will either quiet the talk, or heat it up.
I’m not sure about the rest of the lineup, but it might be a good chance to give Babchuk a chance to show what he’s got.
As always, I’ll add my comments after the game.
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 
Cory | Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
Anyone with TWC not getting NHL Center Ice? I’m on hold with them now and they’re blaming — the NHL! Go figure. Stupid TWC. Thankfully Carolina’s on FSN.
Big night for Leighton — he doesn’t need to be spectacular, just reliable.
dropthepuck | Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
I do believe Center Ice will blackout games when there is local coverage on another channel. Not much good to see anyway, too many penalties and sloppy play. Hey, a bright spot as Pitkanen scores at end of the 2d. Only 3-1 now. The Canes sure do have a knack for spotting opposing teams a 2 goal lead.
dropthepuck | Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
OK, it was Brindy’s tip in.
Cory | Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
I was looking to watch other games, Drop … I knew I could watch Carolina on FSN. Luckily, NHL Network now has Hockey Night in Canada on Saturdays.
Two good wins, but certainly not the way you want to win each night.