Nightly Recap: ‘Canes Returning to Stanley Cup Form

Welcome to the Recap:
In the only game on Tuesday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs got absolutely pasted 7 – 1 by the Carolina Hurricanes. Toronto got off to a fast start as Bryan McCabe scored the Leafs lone goal in front of the ACC crowd. Captain Mats Sundin earned the assist, tying him with Darryl Sittler for most points as a Maple Leaf (916). The Carolina offensive attack is the Illegal Curve MONSTER of the night as they scored seven unanswered goals by seven different players.

Carolina is now 2-1-1 to begin the season. Eric Staal is off to a hot start with five points. A much slimmer Cam Ward has allowed only 5 goals in 3 games, proving that his playoff run 2 years ago was not just a hot streak. This type of dominance over the Leafs, shows early signs that the ‘Canes are back to Stanley Cup form.

Some news, perhaps:

• Former Hurricane Martin Gerber has done an exceptional job as the Senators starting goaltender. If he continues to play well, there could be a goaltender controversy in Ottawa.
• The Globe and Mail’s David Shoalts also agrees that the “‘Canes are back”.
• Ryan Kesler has alot to prove this season
• The Canadian Press reminisces about previous NHLers battles with cancer
• The Blackhawks await a diagnosis on Martin Havlat. I wouldn’t expect him back anytime soon, if they are unable to diagnose it right away, that is definately not a good sign.
• Scott Morrison of the CBC gives his NHL Power Rankings
• James Mirtle wonders what could have been if Bryan Berard had not suffered a near career ending eye injury. (trivia question; which player sticked him in the eye on the follow through? Marian Hossa ) highlight the blank space to reveal the answer
• This years rookie class reviewed by Kevin Dupont of MSNBC

There will be a whopping 12 games tomorrow night. All times Eastern

7:00pm: PHX@CLB, NYR@NYI, OTT@ATL
7:30pm: FLA@TB, CGY@DET, MTL@PIT
8:00pm: EDM@MIN
8:30pm: NSH@STL, LA@DAL, SJ@CHI
10:00pm: BOS@ANA
10:30pm: PHI@VAN

The Rangers/Islanders game will be nationally televised in the U.S. on Versus and the Edmonton/Minnesota match-up will be nationally televised in Canada on TSN. Should be a great night of hockey.