By Michael Garko, Senior Writer
RALEIGH — Somebody may need to remind the Carolina Hurricanes that the season is only 48 games this year.
The ‘Canes saw their playoff push erode further Thursday, after putting in another dismal effort against Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay, losing 5-0.
The win moves the Lightning to 4-0 against Carolina this season, winning all four games by at least three goals.
Frustration continues to grow for Caniacs after the team made big moves during the off-season; acquiring big name players Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin. Soon after the deals were finalized, Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford touted the team as being better than the 2006 Stanley Cup winning team.
So far, the results do not share his preseason comparisons.
With only twelve games remaining, Carolina finds themselves sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. Since March 13, the ‘Canes have been outscored 41-17, and have lost ten of eleven games.
“The product Carolina is putting on the ice has been flat and emotionless despite only having three weeks to get into a playoff position,” said one fan as they left the PNC Arena halfway through the third period.
Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller described the team as “fragile” six times in his postgame press conference on Thursday.
Sorry Kirk, but the fragile do not survive to make the playoffs in the NHL. It is time for Carolina to man up, and fight for 60 minutes every game.
After years of disappointment, Caniacs deserve to see a better product than what is being displayed right now.
Who will be the one in the locker room to step up and carry this team?
Follow Michael Garko on Twitter at @ChatHurricanes.
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