Great win, two sent down

I was unable to actually attend the game tonight (my wife was out of town and I was not about to take my kids since they were not in the best of spirits today). I gave my tickets to a friend and listened to Chuck and the letter K on the radio.

My impressions:

• Cam Ward is a stud. The kid played out of his mind and should have an interesting season if he continues this level of play.
• Nine rounds of the shootout? Damn - that would have been something to see. I hope someone has some video somewhere. Hamilton and Cullen are blanked and it's Andrew Ladd who nets the winner? Huh?
• Penalties much? What in the hell was going on?

Before the game, the Canes sent Borer and Carson to Albany, bringing the Canes to their opening night roster. Not unexpected, and I'm actually excited that we have three guys (including Babin) who can step up at defense should we need it.

Better late than never

I missed the draft by two weeks, but I'm in Columbus for Origins. I don't know how much hockey updating I'll be doing from here, but I'll leave you with a thought...

When I was talking to a member of the Hurricanes' staff, I asked about the alleged Pitkanen for Wallin trade. He referenced what JR said publicly, but also mentioned that I shouldn't believe everything I read (no problem there) and that it may not have been Philly at all.

I'm wondering, looking at the teams and players out there, that it is possible that the Canes might be going after either Ed Jovonavski or Derek Morris out of Phoenix. Jovonavski has a no-trade clause, but they're both rumored to be on the block. Please note that this is pure, 100% speculation.

Steep price

To Carolina: Anson Carter
To Columbus: 1 bag of pucks

I'm not going to entitle this "Get Carter" as I assume some of my fellow bloggers will. The movie is not worth using in that way. We basically picked up Anson for what amounts to a bag of pucks. A fifth round pick next year. That's it. How many GMs are smacking their foreheads in a Homer Simpsonian manner?

It gives us some scoring depth, hopefully providing our third line with some needed jump. He had 33 goals last year with the Sedin twins in Vancouver, so he definitely has the skill. It's just a matter now of utilizing him in the right way so he can take advantage of it. We'll see tomorrow night in Atlanta how Lavi uses him.

Another meaningless trade

Derek Walser is back in Columbus (well, Syracuse) in exchange for Mark Flood. Basically he's a top AHL/#6 NHL defenseman. Whatever. This has no real effect on the Hurricanes and I'm curious what the reasoning behind it is. I understand the Isbister move - he was considered a pro and there is a limit on that calibre of player in the AHL. Is Walser considered the same?