After receiving a point from an overtime loss to the Rangers and a win against Florida last night, the Canes have retaken the 8th spot for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Scott Walker came up with his second game winning goal in March and the Hurricanes have now earned points in 4 of their last 5 games.
Although goalie Cam Ward is out with a laceration injury, he should return in a week or so and, in the meantime, we have a stellar backup in John Grahame.
With Erik Cole back the Canes look to solidify their position in this playoff race.
Next game will be at home against the Devils on March 15th.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
State prevails to 2nd round of NIT
Although the 5th game in 6 days, State came away from the Drexel Athletic Center with a win.
After falling behind 10-1, State made a switch to zone and staved off the onslaught. The Z ended up bringing the Pack to within 2 by halftime.
Crucial shots by Atsur, Fells, McCauley and Costner and misses by Drexel's leading scorer, Frank Elegar, allowed State to take the lead for the first time almost half way into the second half and then a lead they would not relinquish with only 3 minutes left. The final had the Pack up by 7, 63-56.
In another upset, Marist beat Okl. State 67-64. Normally, the play of Marist is unnoticed by the world, however, since they were a seven seed in the NIT and State is a 6 seed, this should give home court advantage to the Pack for Friday's game at 9:30pm.
Venue is TBD.
After falling behind 10-1, State made a switch to zone and staved off the onslaught. The Z ended up bringing the Pack to within 2 by halftime.
Crucial shots by Atsur, Fells, McCauley and Costner and misses by Drexel's leading scorer, Frank Elegar, allowed State to take the lead for the first time almost half way into the second half and then a lead they would not relinquish with only 3 minutes left. The final had the Pack up by 7, 63-56.
In another upset, Marist beat Okl. State 67-64. Normally, the play of Marist is unnoticed by the world, however, since they were a seven seed in the NIT and State is a 6 seed, this should give home court advantage to the Pack for Friday's game at 9:30pm.
Venue is TBD.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Is State ready for Drexel?
Under normal circumstances the answer would be a hearty "yes." However, being the fifth game in six days is not going to give the Pack any chance at recovery.
With Atsur already struggling through the ACC tourney, one day of rest will not heal his hamstring and the rest of the team is not used to this many intense games in so dense a period... I think the NIT committee thought they were scheduling hockey games.
Drexel comes in after missing the NCAA tourney and is upset about their "snub." I'm not sure that the team finishing behind Hofstra in the CAA should really be upset about missing the NCAAs, but it's all opinion.
If State can control the pace, hit their shots and exploit their mismatches, we may see the 6th game in 8th days on Thursday.
With Atsur already struggling through the ACC tourney, one day of rest will not heal his hamstring and the rest of the team is not used to this many intense games in so dense a period... I think the NIT committee thought they were scheduling hockey games.
Drexel comes in after missing the NCAA tourney and is upset about their "snub." I'm not sure that the team finishing behind Hofstra in the CAA should really be upset about missing the NCAAs, but it's all opinion.
If State can control the pace, hit their shots and exploit their mismatches, we may see the 6th game in 8th days on Thursday.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
ACC Tourney Final
With the teams set for Sunday's showdown, fans from the Triangle (and much of the eastern seaboard) are eagerly awaiting the hour change to bring them closer to the 1 o'clock game.
The N.C. State / UNC game is the biggest of the season for the boys in red and although UNC will claim Duke, State is never a game that is played without zeal.
The teams have split the regular season games, both going to the home team. Now at a neutral court, it would appear that the third time will be the charm and decide which team is better.
Carolina is playing for their first ACC tourney championship since 1998 and State is playing not only for the championship, but their bid to the NCAA tourney. The question is... how much magic do they have left?
The N.C. State / UNC game is the biggest of the season for the boys in red and although UNC will claim Duke, State is never a game that is played without zeal.
The teams have split the regular season games, both going to the home team. Now at a neutral court, it would appear that the third time will be the charm and decide which team is better.
Carolina is playing for their first ACC tourney championship since 1998 and State is playing not only for the championship, but their bid to the NCAA tourney. The question is... how much magic do they have left?
Friday, March 9, 2007
ACC Tourney - Day 1
Well the teams in the ACC were certainly hyped up about being "equal" and having depth from the top of the league to the bottom. Was it deserved? Yes.
Game 1: Clemson (8) vs. Florida State (9)
A final second free throw seals the win for FSU 67-66.
One can argue that Clemson hasn't won more than 4 games since starting the season 17-0, and that's fair. It's also fair to say that Clemson won't be dancing.
Florida State on the other hand, has had a great season (only dropping a 5 game stretch without guard Toney Douglas) and with Douglas back, their NCAA hopes seem well-founded.
Game 2: Maryland (5) vs. Miami (12)
After Maryland was up by 5 early, Miami decided to take control building up a lead of as high as 14 points by the half. With about 12:30 left in the game, Maryland decided to start scoring and by 3:46 left in the game, Maryland was within 3. With 23 seconds remaining Ma. closes the gap to 1 point, but Miami is able to hit their free throws and clinch the win 65-62.
Maryland has been in the NCAA for a few games, so this will only hurt their seeding.
Miami would need to win the tourney in order to qualify for any post-season play.
Game 3: Duke (7) vs. N.C. State (10)
Apparently each previous game being within 1 point in the final minute wasn't close enough. The Blue Devils and the Wolfpack decided to tie to end regulation. Duke probably could have pulled it out if it wasn't for the two words they'll remember for next year, Brandon Costner. Compiling 30 points (10-11 FTs) and 7 rebounds in 43 minutes (the most of any player), Costner was the difference in a tightly contested match.
Like Maryland, this will only hurt Duke's seeding and likely this only affects State's seeding in the NIT.
Game 4: Georgia Tech (6) vs. Wake Forest (11)
Not to be outdone, the Yellow Jackets and the Demon Deacons thought a single OT would be anti-climatic. Overcoming a 1st half deficit the Demon Deacons used a heavy rotation, having 7 players with 10 points or more. The GT bench was not able to match this and fell in 2OT, 114-112.
GT did not help their seed with this loss, but a 20 win season in the ACC is still a solid performance.
WF has won 4 of it's last 6, including a win against Virginia, but it's too little too late.
This means that every lower seed won their game. I don't think this will hold true for Friday, but it shows the ACC strength all the same.
Games slated for day 2:
Since every lower seed won the first game, I think it's fair to say that every higher seed will win on Friday.
Game 1: North Carolina (1) vs. Florida State (9)
Don't expect Douglas' return to make that much of a difference...
Game 2: Boston College (4) vs. Miami (12)
B.C. is fresh, Miami is not.
Game 3: Virginia (2) vs. N.C. State (10)
I want to say the Pack will win, but the Cavs have other plans.
Game 4: Viriginia Tech (3) vs. Wake Forest (11)
After 3 of the WFU starters played over 40 minutes and the other 2 having 30+, don't expect another W unless VT decides not to run.
Game 1: Clemson (8) vs. Florida State (9)
A final second free throw seals the win for FSU 67-66.
One can argue that Clemson hasn't won more than 4 games since starting the season 17-0, and that's fair. It's also fair to say that Clemson won't be dancing.
Florida State on the other hand, has had a great season (only dropping a 5 game stretch without guard Toney Douglas) and with Douglas back, their NCAA hopes seem well-founded.
Game 2: Maryland (5) vs. Miami (12)
After Maryland was up by 5 early, Miami decided to take control building up a lead of as high as 14 points by the half. With about 12:30 left in the game, Maryland decided to start scoring and by 3:46 left in the game, Maryland was within 3. With 23 seconds remaining Ma. closes the gap to 1 point, but Miami is able to hit their free throws and clinch the win 65-62.
Maryland has been in the NCAA for a few games, so this will only hurt their seeding.
Miami would need to win the tourney in order to qualify for any post-season play.
Game 3: Duke (7) vs. N.C. State (10)
Apparently each previous game being within 1 point in the final minute wasn't close enough. The Blue Devils and the Wolfpack decided to tie to end regulation. Duke probably could have pulled it out if it wasn't for the two words they'll remember for next year, Brandon Costner. Compiling 30 points (10-11 FTs) and 7 rebounds in 43 minutes (the most of any player), Costner was the difference in a tightly contested match.
Like Maryland, this will only hurt Duke's seeding and likely this only affects State's seeding in the NIT.
Game 4: Georgia Tech (6) vs. Wake Forest (11)
Not to be outdone, the Yellow Jackets and the Demon Deacons thought a single OT would be anti-climatic. Overcoming a 1st half deficit the Demon Deacons used a heavy rotation, having 7 players with 10 points or more. The GT bench was not able to match this and fell in 2OT, 114-112.
GT did not help their seed with this loss, but a 20 win season in the ACC is still a solid performance.
WF has won 4 of it's last 6, including a win against Virginia, but it's too little too late.
This means that every lower seed won their game. I don't think this will hold true for Friday, but it shows the ACC strength all the same.
Games slated for day 2:
Since every lower seed won the first game, I think it's fair to say that every higher seed will win on Friday.
Game 1: North Carolina (1) vs. Florida State (9)
Don't expect Douglas' return to make that much of a difference...
Game 2: Boston College (4) vs. Miami (12)
B.C. is fresh, Miami is not.
Game 3: Virginia (2) vs. N.C. State (10)
I want to say the Pack will win, but the Cavs have other plans.
Game 4: Viriginia Tech (3) vs. Wake Forest (11)
After 3 of the WFU starters played over 40 minutes and the other 2 having 30+, don't expect another W unless VT decides not to run.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Free PDF creator
I recently learned of PrimoPDF v3.0 a utility that will create a .pdf by essentially "tricking" your computer into thinking the program is a printer. There are multiple options on the output type as well as the ability to set document options and security settings.
It is extremely useful for transporting data as PDF viewers are ubiquitous on most computers now. It aids in the elimination of any cross operating system issues and allows an easy way to record data that is formatted in strange ways.
Simply download the tool, install and then "print" to PrimoPDF.
Voilà!
It is extremely useful for transporting data as PDF viewers are ubiquitous on most computers now. It aids in the elimination of any cross operating system issues and allows an easy way to record data that is formatted in strange ways.
Simply download the tool, install and then "print" to PrimoPDF.
Voilà!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Canes fall below 8th position for final playoff spot
The Carolina Hurricanes are still tied in points for the eigth spot in the Eastern Conference, but have played twice more than the NY Rangers and once more than the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This Sunday will be a crucial away game (12:30pm EST) against the Rangers. With losses in 3 of their last 4 outings a healthy LW Erik Cole would be most welcome, but it is unclear when he will be taken off the injured reserve. Hopefully head coach Patrice Laviolette will be able to sort out some chemistry between the lines with the addition of RW Anson Carter and recently recalled defenseman Anton Babchuk.
Full NHL Standings
Remaining Games for the Hurricanes
This Sunday will be a crucial away game (12:30pm EST) against the Rangers. With losses in 3 of their last 4 outings a healthy LW Erik Cole would be most welcome, but it is unclear when he will be taken off the injured reserve. Hopefully head coach Patrice Laviolette will be able to sort out some chemistry between the lines with the addition of RW Anson Carter and recently recalled defenseman Anton Babchuk.
Full NHL Standings
Remaining Games for the Hurricanes
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After IT changes necessitated our fearless editor to learn complicated cut-and-pasting techniques to form this page; The Triangle times is now open to the public.
In the coming days, weeks and months expect to see the most amazing and interesting articles that our feeble minds can produce.
In the coming days, weeks and months expect to see the most amazing and interesting articles that our feeble minds can produce.
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