Three powerful words to the Hurricanes and Caniacs. DON'T BE AFRAID. Fear leads to hesitation in the way you play, in the way you cheer, in the confidence you project. We all would have liked for the Canes to already have the Cup in their possession; instead it all boils down to another Game 7. The Canes experienced it in the Buffalo series...Edmonton hasn't been to a Game 7 the entire playoffs.
For the Hurricanes to win the Cup they just need to get back to their game. When they try to play under an assumed name, it doesn't work. Be yourself...skate until the blades melt, be crisp with the puck, don't take the penalty bait dangled by the Oilers and fire bullets at the net. It looked like the Canes played game 6 for vindication and revenge...2 poisons that weakened the Hurricanes. Thank goodness that wasn't a game 7.
If the Canes are tired, battered and bruised they only have 1 game left. Caniacs will be part of the energy boost that could propel the Canes to the Cup. I also think that the emotional lift from the return of Erik Cole will be greater at the RBC center than it was at Rexall. Saturday night, Cole knocked the rust off and saw his 1st "game speed" action. Hopefully his body has recovered from Game 1. The post injury, Game 2's are the ones that are most difficult to play.
So here we go...one final game...one final try for a franchise first. Flush all negative thoughts and get ready to lose your voice. It's game 7 baby, and everyone has the entire summer to recover.
-- Jeff Gravley
