Hurricanes Drop Another

Posted by Tom Suiter

Last season, the Carolina Hurricanes would have won this game. Last season, down two goals going to the third period, it was the Canes always believing: "We got’em where we want ‘em."

But this is a new season, and the Toronto Maple Leafs up 3-1 going into the third did give up its two-goal lead, the RBC Center was rocking, It was last season all over again. The storm was coming.

Except it wasn't. It was Toronto, which has had all kinds of problems lately on the road, regrouping, and the Maple Leafs got the goal from Alexander Steen with six minutes to play and held on for the 4-3 win. It was a triumphant and gratifying return for former Canes coach Paul Maurice.

But for the Hurricanes, they have now lost five straight and are just one game over 500. Last season, they would have won this game. Last season, they didn't lose often in the RBC Center, and the third period was theirs.

It's only December, but hockey people will tell you points lost now are as important as points lost in March. Toronto, Washington and Pittsburgh all have more points now than Carolina. If the playoff started today, the Hurricanes wouldn't be there. But the playoffs are a long way away.

The captain, Rod Brind'Amour, again missed this game with a groin injury. He's the heart and soul of the team. But injuries are very much apart of this game, every team has them.

Carolina has talent for sure, but the confidence is fragile. It's time for the defending Stanley Cup Champions to start finding a way. They know it better than anyone.

Saturday night at Tampa Bay would be a good start.