The nerves have somewhat subsided, but they’re definitely there. We’re just minutes away from (hopefully) putting the replays of the Pisani OT winner on ice for awhile, and it’s gametime. I’ve got the familiar voice of Chuck Kaiton on through NHL.com, and let’s just drop the puck already!

Passing thought of shock and disgust… if this one goes to Game 7, Mick McGeough figures to be one of the referees in Raleigh Monday night. Please, hockey gods, don’t let that buffoon decide a great Stanley Cup Final series. Bill Clement just commented on “a possible surprise addition to the Hurricanes lineup”. Erik Cole!?!?! I’d be shocked, but thrilled to see #26 busting his tail on the ice with a shot at the Cup.

8:06pm: COLE’S IN!! LET’S GO CANES!!!!

8:31pm: Another outstanding start to the game, very uptempo, and until that Hedican penalty, a great start by the Canes for a change. A decent start for Cole, though a bit timid on the shot, he’s taken some hits and is moving.

Another penalty by Hedican, I think someone needs to get his head on straight and play some hockey. One random note, I’ve noticed ALOT of people slipping and falling. Maybe that will change when the ice gets worked in, but it’s already opened up some chances early.

8:58pm: One period down, no scoring. The thought that Carolina needs to score first in this one just got that much bigger. Although they only have a couple shots, they’ve done a decent job of getting the puck toward the net. Now if they can just work on setting something up a little better in the offensive end, they should be fine.

9:28pm: Seven minutes into the second. I’m not big on what I’m seeing on the scoreboard or on the ice. Carolina’s falling back into that relaxed state that’s gotten them into trouble all series. Fortunately, to this point, they’ve been able to come back from such lapses just about every time. I don’t think they can afford to wait until the third to wake up tonight. Just a hunch.

It is very nice of the linesmen, however, to let Edmonton’s bench call penalties for them. It’s cute. (On cue, we get a replay that shows it was a correct call, but you’d think the NHL would require it’s officials to be able to count on their own before they give them a whistle.)

9:33pm: 2-0. Um, guys?

9:35pm: Dammit Hedican. This needs to turn around.

9:41pm: I think Pierre McGuire is getting handies from the crowd. On second thought, I think he’s promising handies to the crowd.

9:51pm: Ha! A power play. Let’s go Canes!

The crowd must have been napping, I just heard Mike Emerick open a pop can.

9:59pm: End 2. Better, but not good enough. If the Canes ever needed a third period flurry, it’s fairly obvious it’s right now. (Or at least in 15 minutes or so.)

10:32pm: Powerplay Canes, but I’m gonna stop for awhile before I start typing stuff my mom can’t read. Unbelievable. See ya Monday in Raleigh.