So, I obviously didn't blog at all last year.  Maybe it was my lack of blogging that caused the Hurricanes to suck last year.  Okay, they didn't suck.  But they missed the playoffs, and that sucked.

Holy cow it's been a long summer, hasn't it?

Personally, I don't think the Canes are as bad as the standings and their performance last year might lead us to believe.  I just think they had a lot of players have off years all at the same time.  Eric Staal's production was down 30 points (from 100 to 70).  Erik Cole's production was down on a points per game basis (2 more points, in 11 more games).  These are two guys that the Canes *NEED* desperately to produce as we expect them to.  And I think they will.

The reaquisition of Matt Cullen is pretty exciting, even if only for what he brings to the ice at the end of overtime.  He was our best shootout guy in our Stanley Cup season, and without him last year, the Canes were HORRIBLE on the shootout.

Offensively, we're not going to have any problems - at least I don't think so.  On the defense.. well, that's another story.

Guys I've heard of on defense:  Babchuk, Commodore, Gleason, Hedican, Kaberle, Wallin, Wesley.  That's 7 that I know, and Hedican seems fragile to me.  I'm actually surprised that he and Wesley returned.  Babchuk is definately going to have to grow up this season and play some solid defense, and clearly the Canes will have to have some other players step up when needed out of the group of guys I don't know.  Honestly, there might be a defenseman on the team who is a solid NHL player and I just don't recognize him.

Well, Sunday the team hits the ice for the preseason opener, and I'll be there.

while you're waiting, check out this article from the Canadian Press:  Hurricanes look like '06 champs - but can they play like them?

Go Canes!  Hope to see you all at the Caniac Carnival on Sunday!  You can get a free ticket, I've heard.