Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ya

Well, Jim Rutherford finally did something to shake up the Carolina Hurricanes. Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore were traded to the Ottawa Senators. Really, I wasn't shocked that a move was made. It's not like this edition of the Hurricanes have been worldbeaters recently and the team was in need of a shakeup. Also, both Stillman and Commodore are unrestricted free agents after this season, so either of them could leave via free agency with no compensation for the 'Canes. Also, the 'Canes get younger by obtaining Patrick Eaves (a forward) and Joe Corvo (the offensive defenseman fans have been wanting).

The purpose of this blog is to celebrate the moments and memories that these two players have left us.

Mike Commodore - Who amongst us could forget the red afro that Commodore would sport as the season would wear on? Not to mention the bathrobe that became his signature in pre- and post-game interviews. Also, he's a heck of a defenseman. He provided steady, physical play for the 'Canes throughout their Stanley Cup run. He's also been a bit of an iconic figure due to the hair since then. He has been one of the most easily recognizable Hurricanes.








Cory Stillman - He was definitely the biggest offseason acquisition that the Hurricanes made prior to the 2005-2006 Stanley Cup run. He had been a key cog in the Lightning's championship in 2004. Basically, he signed with the 'Canes because nobody else wanted him. Stillman, along with the other veterans on the Hurricanes helped mentor Eric Staal and lead the team throughout the season and playoffs. Oh, yeah, Stillman scored some goals, some BIG goals. Big like Game 6 of the Montreal series. His overtime game winner was also a series clincher. He tallied points in each of the 6 games of that series. His biggest goal in a 'Canes sweater was definitely in Game 5 against Buffalo in the Eastern Conference Finals. He scored 8:46 into overtime to cap a near-miraculous comeback for the Hurricanes. He also had points in each of the 7 games of that series. He also had an assist on the Stanley Cup-winning goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against Edmonton. He had points in 6 of the 7 Stanley Cup Finals games. That's clutch. He had 26 total points in the playoffs that year.

He was hurt most of last year, but was amongst the leaders in scoring for the NHL for most of this season's first half. His production has slipped recently, but then again, so have most of the 'Canes. Bottom line, without Stillman, we don't win the Stanley Cup.


Both players gave it their all for the team and helped win the ultimate prize. I, for one, will definitely applaud them upon their return to the RBC Center on March 16.

Believe It!!!