We were at the over flow big screen outside the arena for game 3 - which determined the cup winner probably. My family had such a great time I convinced them to get season tix starting 04. That day was probably the best day of tailgating in NHL history. All the Detroit folks teasing Mayberry about their hockey team, and the Canes fans playing right along by dressing up as Andy and Barney and offering the Wings fans barbecue and so on all day long outside the arena. Most fun day ever in Raleigh I think.
Was there for game 7 Finals in 2006 too. Neighbor of coach Lavoilette in fact at the time. Amazing atmosphere. I ended up near the cup like 5 times in 7 days.
Caniac’s are a fun group, the only thing Dukies, Tar Heels and Wolfpackers agree on down here.
I think the overtime win simply took it our of the Canes, I'm not sure they were good enough (yet) to beat that Wings team even if they had won that game. Carolina did not seem to have the depth, nor the chemistry that the Wings did (not saying they were bad, they just didn't seem quite as good).
Igor Larionov. The Professor. The Russian five. Stevie Y. All those great team mates.
We are now on the fourth resurrection (rebuilding) of a great team since then. It's been an amazing run. I don't see how they keep finding great pieces to reinvent the team every few years. Heck, they have the best salary cap situation of any team going in to the trade deadline. I sure hope the goalie comes back from his recent injury, if he does, they are in for another deep run.
If the Canes have a miracle come back, we'll try to join you if they both get to the final.......