Don't Be A Complaniac: A Guide to the 2018-2019 Season

A View From My Seats!

     To begin this blogpost allow me to quote one of my favorite historical figures Mr. Edward R. Murrow: "This just might do nobody any good. At the end of this discourse a few people may accuse this reporter of fouling his own comfortable nest" 

      Those words were the opening to his famous "Wires and Lights In A Box Speech" given almost 60 years to the day, and seems rather apropos for the topic I choose to address this week. A week ago today the Canes began the 2018-2019 season and their 21st in existence in exciting yet heartbreaking style losing a 2-1(OT) defensive battle to the lowly New York Islanders. After an impressive pre-season (that didn't count nor matter) it wasn't long before "the Complaniacs"( a name I use for "fans" of the team that complain incessantly) were out in full force with their doom and gloom posts all over Social Media. With that being said allow me to address some of the topics of the complaints.

The Lack of Off-Ice Entertainment at the PNC

This one bothered me because the sole reason a person would even attend a Canes game HAS to be to watch the game on ice. So complaining about things such as the pregame intros, the canceling of an organ player, and lack of entertainment options for kids seems a tad ridiculous. The Golden Knights did not gain fans because of their pregame festivities it was for their play on ice. Factor that in with the novelty of an expansion team and the first pro sports team in the area, and that it was caused them to draw fans. I'm willing to bet when their play declines so will attendance. ( SEE Canes Attendance 2006 vs Canes Attendance 2012-Present Date)

The Goaltending Issues

WE ALL GET IT!!!! The teams goaltending situation is frustrating, lack-luster and less than ideal. The team has no set number one netminder and their predicted number one has yet to even see the ice this season. However, goaltending SHOULD be like a sine wave and every goalie will have games where they get lit up like Clark Griswold's house, and every goalie will have games where they look like Marty Brodeur. Every bad game by a Canes goalie should not trigger the fan base to scream "Trade Him". We all have bad days at work they are no different. So relax a bit and lets see how this plays out.

Justin Faulk
I make no secrets in the fact that I am a "Justin Faulk Guy" I think he is a solid player and contributes in ways that don't always show up on the scoreboard. However, I have gone on record to say if he were to be traded for a bona-fide center I would be ecstatic to see the team meet a long term need. However, this screaming that he should be traded for whatever is offered is a bit ridiculous. Hard right hand shooting D-men are a commodity in the NHL and should not be wasted. While were on the topic how come fans have given former players like Jeff Skinner and Cam Ward slack and made countless excuses for at times mediocre play, yet verbally nailed other players to cross for the same transgressions?( See Darling, Faulk, and Rask for recent examples).

Losses WILL Happen
This team was not going undefeated it is a grind of 82 games and slumps and losses will happen. That is not a reason to scream for drastic changes. Goalies will have bad nights, forwards will look lethargic and D-men will get beat its the facts of the game one bad game or mistake does not warrant cutting, benching or trading a player. So again I say relax.

I will close with saying I love our passionate fan-base, and while like many NHL fan-bases new fans will come and go. There is a lot of fire there and I love seeing it. However, in the end its a game and supposed to be fun, and an escape from reality. So don't take losses personally understand off nights happen and always remember "In Rod We Trust" Now lets sit back and enjoy another great season of Canes Hockey.

Thanks for reading and Redvolution!
The Caniac Collector