Eastern Conference Semifinals

Boston Bruins (1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6)

Game 1 - Friday, May 1 at Boston, 7:30 p.m. - FS Carolinas (HD), TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
Game 2 - Sunday, May 3 at Boston, 7:30 p.m. - VERSUS (HD), TSN
Game 3 - Wednesday, May 6 at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. - FS Carolinas, TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
Game 4 - Friday, May 8 at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. - FS Carolinas, TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
Game 5* - Sunday, May 10 at Boston, 7:30 p.m. - VERSUS (HD), TSN
Game 6* - Tuesday, May 12 at Carolina, 7:00 p.m. - FS Carolinas, VERSUS, TSN
Game 7* - Thursday, May 14 at Boston, TBD - FS Carolinas, TSN

* = If Necessary
JIP = Join in Progress, which means only the end of the game will be seen

Any games on VERSUS are blacked out for you if you are in NC/SC, except for Game 2 and 5, which are Versus exclusive (supposedly).

Regular Season:

Carolina - 45-30-7, 97 points, 2nd place, Southeast Division, 6th place, Eastern Conference
Boston - 53-19-10, 116 points, 1st place, Northeast Division, 1st place, Eastern Conference

Carolina - 26-14-1 at home, 19-16-6 on the road
Boston - 29-6-6 at home, 24-13-4 on the road

Special Teams:

Carolina PP - 18.7%, 18th overall
Boston PP - 23.6%, 4th overall

Carolina PK - 80.4%, 18th overall
Boston PK - 82.4%, 12th overall

Scoring:

Carolina - 2.88 per game, 16th overall
Boston - 3.29 per game, 2nd overall

Carolina - 2.70 allowed per game, 8th overall
Boston - 2.32 allowed per game, 1st overall

Season Series: Boston 4-0-0

-December 20, 2008 - Boston 4, Carolina 2 at TD Banknorth Garden
Joni Pitkanen got Carolina on the board early, but Boston rattled off 3 straight, including 2 in the third. Ray Whitney made it interesting with a goal late in the third, but Stephane Yelle iced it with an empty netter with 3 seconds to go. Patrice Bergeron was concussed by Dennis Seidenberg in the second period. Manny Fernandez stopped 32 of 34 shots for the Bruins, and Cam Ward 32 of 35 for the Canes.

-December 27, 2008 - Boston 4, Carolina 2 at RBC Center
Again it was Carolina striking first, with Matt Cullen in the first period. Blake Wheeler scored twice in the second, but then Anton Babchuk tied it with a blast from the point for his second goal of the season. Michael Ryder scored the winning goal on a slap shot with less than 8 minutes to go in the game, and Chuck Kobasew sealed it with an empty net goal with 16 seconds left. Carolina outshot Boston handedly, but Cam Ward stopped 18 of 21 shots while Tim Thomas stopped 29 of 31 for Boston.

-January 10, 2009 - Boston 5, Carolina 1 at TD Banknorth Garden
All the goal by Justin Williams in the third period did was to deny Tim Thomas a shutout, as the Canes were already trailing 5-0 by the second intermission. Michael Ryder, who has had his share of success against the Canes, scored twice. Cam Ward was pulled early in the second period after stopping just 9 of 12 shots, and Michael Leighton stopped 18 of 20 in relief. Tim Thomas stopped 29 of 30 for Boston.

-February 17, 2009 - Boston 5, Carolina 1 at RBC Center
This one could be looked back upon as an important moment in this season. A blowout loss to the Bruins on Glen Wesley Night in Raleigh was followed up in the very next game by the beginning of Carolina's massive tear through the league. Coming into this game, the Canes had just shutout Buffalo 3-0, but before that had lost 5-1 to Columbus and 5-0 to Florida. For the third time in the four meetings, it was Carolina scoring first with Matt Cullen wristing one in midway through the first. But again the Bruins responded. This one was closer than the score indicated as Carolina trailed 2-1 up until less than 4 minutes remaining in the game, at which point the team started taking chances and Boston was able to beat Cam Ward twice then add an empty netter at the end. Ward stopped 29 of 33 for the Canes and Thomas 31 of 32 for Boston.

Playoff History:

-1999: Quarterfinals - Boston (6) 4, Carolina (3) 2
In many ways this is the forgotten Carolina Hurricanes playoff series, despite being the team's first. The Hurricanes had the 8th best record in the East, with 86 points, while Boston had the 5th best with 91 points. However, Carolina won the inaugural Southeast Division title after the league realigned from 4 divsions to 6 that season. Atlanta had yet to enter the league, so the division only had 4 teams. Carolina finished 8 points ahead of Florida to win the 3rd seed. The franchise broke a 7 year playoff drought, and it was the second and final season in Greensboro. Keith Primeau, Sami Kapanen, Ray Sheppard, and the newly returned Ron Francis led the Canes in scoring, with Arturs Irbe manning the net. The series started out poorly, with the Bruins shutting out the Canes in Greensboro, but then in Game 2 it was Carolina 3-2 in an overtime thriller. Things were looking up after the Canes went to Boston and took Game 3 by a score of 3-2, but that would be their last win in the series. Boston took Game 4 at home 4-1, and then Game 5 in Greensboro would be a game in many ways similar to Game 3 against Detroit in 2002. With the series tied, Boston beat Carolina 4-3 in double overtime and did not look back, winning the series with a 2-0 shutout at home in Game 6. Those who remember the series do not remember it for the hockey that was played, but for the tragedy that occured after, as defenseman Steve Chiasson was killed in a one-car accident in Raleigh in the early morning hours after the team returned home. No player has worn the number 3 for Carolina since.

CONTINUED BELOW...

4/29/2009 4:49:43 PM

Boston Players to Watch:


Marc Savard, Center. They said he was the product of Jarome Iginla in Calgary, and the product of Marian Hossa and Ilya Kovalchuk in Atlanta. In Boston, he has scored 96, 78, and 88 points, and perhaps now will finally get some respect after being one of the league's top 10 scorers in 3 of 4 seasons post-lockout. He has incredible vision, and powers Boston's great attack.


Zdeno Chara, Defenseman. The "largest in captivity" as John Forslund would say, the 6 foot 9 defenseman towers over his peers. He can shut forwards down, and pitch in offensively as well, scoring 50 points and 19 goals with his howitzer of a shot. He has been nominated for the 2009 Norris Trophy.


Tim Thomas, Goaltender. Like Savard, he is often disrespected due to his unorthadox style, and is sometimes knocked as a product of the system he plays in. All he did this year was lead the NHL in GAA and SV%, and receive a nomination for the Vezina.


David Krejci, Center. Surely even his biggest fans didn't expect this much from Krejci in his first full season in the NHL. His 73 points were second on the team only to Savard, and his +37 led all Bruins. Like Savard, he can make it easy for those playing alongside him to score goals.


Phil Kessel, Winger. The third year Wisconsin native had a number of detractors when he was drafted in 2006, but he exploded this season with 36 goals to lead the Bruins.


Michael Ryder, Winger. Familiar to Hurricanes fans for some big goals against the Canes, Ryder was basically run out of Montreal after a very disappointing season last year, and exacted his revenge by helping sweep the Habs this year. He was 4th on the Bruins in points and 2nd in goals with 27 goals and 53 points during the regular season.


Dennis Wideman, Defenseman. One of those trades that works out for both teams, as Brad Boyes went to St. Louis where he is leading the Blues attack, and Wideman came to Boston where he has burst onto the scene. He put up 50 points from the blue line this season.


Blake Wheeler, Winger. Wheeler was drafted by the Coyotes in 2004, but after 4 years of college play had yet to come to an agreement with Phoenix. He became eligible for free agency and Boston was able to lure him to their team. It is looking like it could be quite a catch for the Bruins, as Wheeler scored 21 goals and 45 points in his rookie season.


Milan Lucic, Winger. Bruins fans like to herald him as the second coming of Cam Neely, perhaps not without good reason. He can contribute offensively, scoring 17 goals and 42 points, and throws his weight around with quite a mean streak. He racked up 136 penalty minutes during the season.


Mark Recchi, Winger. The first of two names Carolina fans will be extremely familiar with. Recchi is playing for his 5th team in 3 years after being traded from Tampa to Boston at the deadline. He was a deadline addition for Carolina in 2006, helping them win the Stanley Cup. He hopes to do the same for Boston where he scored 10 goals and 16 points in 18 games with them in the season.


Aaron Ward, Defenseman. He spent 4 years in Raleigh, where he joined the team on both Stanley Cup Final runs. The 36 year old rugged defenseman has 4 Stanley Cup rings, and would love to get a 5th.


BEEP BEEP

4/29/2009 4:50:04 PM

4/29/2009 4:50:15 PM

DAMN YOU DWEEDLE

[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 4:55 PM. Reason : ok, his post was deleted. as it should be]

4/29/2009 4:50:35 PM

GO CANES!!

4/29/2009 4:50:47 PM

relax, it was deleted, pretty quickly

4/29/2009 4:51:07 PM

WOOOOOO LETS GO CANES

4/29/2009 4:51:30 PM

Me and ncsu1 runnin dis

4/29/2009 4:51:31 PM

w00t! Go Canes!

4/29/2009 4:56:33 PM

in on page

4/29/2009 5:00:14 PM

whoo gg with the thread again. let's get some mojo in here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AODBl1mQL1s

4/29/2009 5:00:18 PM

N00BS TAKE NOTE

THIS IS WHY YOU DO NOT GET TO MAKE HOCKEY THREADS

4/29/2009 5:05:06 PM

Quote :

"With the series tied, Boston beat Carolina 4-3 in double overtime and did not look back, winning the series with a 2-0 shutout at home in Game 6."

What's important to add here was that Gelinas double hit the puck and missed a completely wide open net from only a few feet out. That would of won the game and most likley changed the series outcome. Pretty brutal. I was 13 I think at the time and at the game in Greensboro, tough loss.

Quote :

"The 36 year old rugged defenseman has 4 Stanley Cup rings, and would love to get a 5th."

He as three. Remember he was with the Canes when Detroit won in 02.

[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 5:09 PM. Reason : \/ Your thread was shit. This one is much better. How could you even compare the two.]]

4/29/2009 5:05:31 PM

so i already made the thread, then it gets deleted because someone else made another after me?

ok whatever.

anyways, go canes!

4/29/2009 5:06:37 PM

yeah, life sucks buddy

go canes!

4/29/2009 5:08:43 PM

IOP1

4/29/2009 5:11:24 PM

Quote :

"He as three. Remember he was with the Canes when Detroit won in 02."

Hey, like I said before, I am required to make one error per thread!

4/29/2009 5:12:30 PM

I know. Did you intentionally put it in there?

4/29/2009 5:13:29 PM

Sure.

4/29/2009 5:14:35 PM

Impressive thread. I vote Vulcan91 to make Carolina Panthers threads for this upcoming season as well

4/29/2009 5:18:13 PM

I was at game 1 in 99 and remember thinking how exciting it was even though we got shutout and thinking how much louder it couldve gotten had we scored.

[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 5:21 PM. Reason : .]

4/29/2009 5:18:59 PM

hey now^^

4/29/2009 5:19:15 PM

^^^I second that nomination

dweedle has fallen off in recent years

we need a new regime

4/29/2009 5:22:07 PM

sonofabitch, I won't be able to watch game 1... or 5-7 if necessary.

4/29/2009 5:22:36 PM

IN ON PAGE 1

LET'S DO THIS

4/29/2009 5:22:52 PM

yea 12-4 was a bad year for panther threads (not sure how many stinger stole)

4/29/2009 5:24:52 PM

nothing to do with the panthers record

just the quality of the thread

all you do is post that same black panther pic and say who the announcers are

all I'm saying is put some effort into it

or you'll soon find yourself impeached

4/29/2009 5:26:10 PM

fuck effort

4/29/2009 5:27:02 PM

exactly the type of attitude I'm talking about

keep it up

4/29/2009 5:27:40 PM

I don't know about that guys. I mean, I love the Panthers and all, but I don't think I need to be spreading my mojo too thin. Better stick to the Canes ones.

4/29/2009 5:27:47 PM

there should be a thread for voting on who makes the threads, i'll comply with the voice of the people

4/29/2009 5:28:44 PM

this will be a tough series. i think we'll need to steal the first or second game in boston and win out at home to win.

4/29/2009 5:34:12 PM

a. why did you spell beapbeap wrong
b. only say beap beap after a win.

4/29/2009 5:34:12 PM

Please see the other thread.

4/29/2009 5:35:18 PM

In on page one.. go canes!

4/29/2009 5:47:16 PM

Quote :

"a. why did you spell beapbeap wrong b. only say beap beap after a win."

Here is why:

http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=406085
http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=408881
http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=412469
http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=563703

4/29/2009 5:47:57 PM

Vulcan91's use of "BEEP BEEP" in these threads predates the creation and adoption of the standardized spelling "BEAP BEAP" and the threads and superstitions associated therein. The earlier tradition must take precedence in this case.

4/29/2009 5:50:42 PM

PARTY STARTER PG 1

[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 5:55 PM. Reason : better]

4/29/2009 5:51:16 PM

In on page



GO CANES!

4/29/2009 6:02:20 PM

got tickets to game 3.. WOOO!

[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 6:10 PM. Reason : (GO CANES!)]

4/29/2009 6:10:07 PM

I know it's checking from behind but whatever





[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 6:26 PM. Reason : peer pressure]

4/29/2009 6:10:21 PM

i dont think the last 2-3 pics are sposed to happen

i mean as pictures posted in this thread

[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 6:12 PM. Reason : ]

4/29/2009 6:12:34 PM

FOR THE LOVE OF FUCKING STAAL, DO NOT POST PICS OF THE FUCKING CUP

4/29/2009 6:15:11 PM

can I at least keep the Hayden Panettiere pic?

There's a drawing of the cup at the top of the page.

[Edited on April 29, 2009 at 6:17 PM. Reason : ]

4/29/2009 6:16:11 PM

[no]

4/29/2009 6:24:07 PM

Ok Hayden licking the Cup is gone, but the drawing of the cup should be removed too if you all are that concerned about messing up the mojo.

4/29/2009 6:27:04 PM

well fellas, it is over. between the 30 threads created on this topic and the cup-postings... we are done

4/29/2009 6:28:34 PM

Late to the party on this but finally set up my beard-a-thon page. Pledge it out ya'll.

https://www.beardathon.com/hurricanes/ronzeh/profile.aspx

Pic was taken today. I started growing the beard the day after we beat the Penguins to clinch so that's April 5th to now.

4/29/2009 6:31:06 PM

be interesting to see Recchi and Ward on the other team

GO CANES!

4/29/2009 6:51:34 PM

Plz 2 embed

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dMZUvDqBSh0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dMZUvDqBSh0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LJkHm2WtSsk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LJkHm2WtSsk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5i_D6oQO6b8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5i_D6oQO6b8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

4/29/2009 6:54:00 PM