Carolina hockey fans

Wow! Those Carolina Hurricanes' fans are something!

We are constantly bombarded by negative statements by some Canadian media (usually Toronto-based) that the southern United States is not a logical home for hockey.

Well, I hope these hockey "Experts" were watching the Hurricanes and the Bruins last night. The noise generated by the Canes' supporters was CRAZY! Talk about a seventh man, the crowd was in the game from the warm-up skate until well after the final buzzer.

But, besides the fans, the hockey game was awesome!

Eric Staal is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier player. And, what about Cam Ward? He may be so-so in the regular season. But, when the chips are down, he is one of the best "money players" I have seen in a long time.

The Bruins played a pretty good game. But once again it was the selfish play of their captain Chara that let them down. He needs to think less about himself and more about the team if the Bruins are to proceed to the next round. After all, Tim Thomas can't do it all!

The Pens and Capitals tilt was an exciting affair. It kind of looks like Varlamov is human after all. I noticed last night that he was wearing a mask with the Caps logo on it. Was this the first time he wore this mask? I can't remember. Hmm, I wonder.