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The Hurricanes continue a four-game home stand with fresh legs, old faces, and another tally in the loss column. Over a four-day break, the always-controversial Jim Rutherford fired head coach Peter Laviolette and then out did himself by rehiring Laviolette's predecessor, Paul Maurice. The Hurricanes, who have started the season with mediocre production, have yet to tap into this team's unused stockpile of potential. Comments made by Rutherford seem to express frustration, especially regarding the lack of performance from the team's go-to-guys. Carolina a team stacked with scoring threats and a revamped, refreshed blue line has yet to reveal any sign of dethroning the South East leading Washington Capitals.

(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

In another static-like game the Hurricanes allowed the Penguins to rule the roost with a final of 5-2. Justin Williams returned to the lineup and the Canes outshot the Pens 36-22; however, they never put anything worthwhile together. An unsuccessful power play for Carolina and stellar performance by Penguin's backup goaltender, Danny Sabourin, led Pittsburg to a commanding victory. Even with the activation of Justin Williams the injury bug seems discontent with departing the Hurricanes as Gleason, Ward, Seidenberg, and Kaberle are all suffering injuries at this time.

A loss with a new coach is definitely a bad omen, but only time will tell if Maurice can make a difference for a floundering team of untapped talent. This weekend, the Hurricanes host Philadelphia and Washington. They are now 6-8-0 at the RBC, 4-6-0 in their last ten, and 12-12 -2 for the season. Saturday will be a new day, and hopefully the positive effects of the coaching change will appear within the month. Paul Maurice comes into a risking situation, loaded chock-full of responsibility, hopefully this drastic yet much need change can salvage the season and rescue the Canes from missing the playoffs for a third consecutive time since winning the Cup.

Personal Note:The Carolina Hurricanes have established an empire of hockey in a foreign land. We were told by many, "hockey could not be supported down there." After eleven years and two coaches, the Canes have made two trips to the big show and brought Stanley's coveted cup to our home. As an early Christmas gift, the women in life, my mother, girlfriend and future mother-in-law gave me a puckheads dream gift. They got two tickets to an open skate and autograph session with my beloved ice warriors.

Picture with Eaves (Personal Photo/B. Link)

There I was, sharing a sheet of ice with my favorite players; the very same ice that the cup was won on, in the loudest building in the NHL. As I was skating along, Patrick Eaves skated up to me and we struck up a conversation. This was probably the most rewarding part of my whole night; it drove home the realization that professional athletes are mere humans, just like the rest of us. In that moment he wasn't Patrick Eaves, forward for the Carolina Hurricanes; He was Pat, a nice guy with a Canadian accent who was new to North Carolina. This experience has fueled my desire to break into the world of sports media. I hope this brief and informal interview will not be my last. Skate with the Canes was an experience that I will cherish; it was a great look inside the sports world and was somewhat history making. I had the privilege of meeting the great Peter Laviolette, the winningest US-born coach in hockey. Sadly, it became an even greater mind blowing occasion that I received Laviolette's autograph the night before his public termination.