Emery shuts out Canes; hope fading

On Wednesday night, the Senators defeated the Canes 2-0, completing the home-and-home sweep after beating the Hurricanes 4-2 in Raleigh on Tuesday. Ray Emery was sensational in the nets, shutting out the Canes thanks to a slew of highlight reel-type saves.

At this point in the season, the only way to look at that is four potential points gone. Carolina is now one point out of the playoff picture and five points back of SE division leader Tampa. With just 16 games left to play, Carolina will most likely have to win 12 AND have some help from the other teams if they want to play hockey in the "second season".

If there is any good news, it is that of their 16 remaining games, the Canes have three (including two in the RBC Center) against the Florida Panthers, who have pretty much decided to mail it in from here on out. They also play the lowly Capitals twice and will have two opportunities each against the Bolts and Thrashers, who stand ahead of them in the SE.

Unfortunately, they also have a home-and-home with the Devils, who are atop the Atlantic Division.

First up is a must-win game at home against the playoff-hungry and red hot Penguins at the RBC Center on Friday night.

The game will not be televised by Canes TV, but if you get a chance to see it, you should. Brooks Orpik will be booed thunderously every time he touches the puck. Mark Recchi will be cheered enthusiastically if he does anything good. Then there's the family feud.

Eric Staal and Jordan Staal will continue their good natured brotherly battle. Eric has 26 goals and 34 assists, while his younger brother has a surprising 25 goals and 7 assists. The two have a running wager when they face each other in the faceoff circle. A Gatorade to the winner of the draw. As I recall, Eric has won two and Jordan has won one.