Many Hurricane fans are not happy with the team's recent trade with the Senators. Despite the fact that Cory Stillman was being slowly phased out as one of Carolina's primary players, he is still a productive, clever and resourceful winger. To trade him away for the talented but unproven Patrick Eaves looks like a bit of a white flag move to me. Joe Corvo (part of the haul from the trade with Ottawa) is a reasonablly good offensive rearguard, but he is a little like a shiny toy in the store that doesn't work quite as well as you'd hoped once you bring it home.

Now due to a torn ACL, the Canes will have to do without their captain and spirutual leader, Rod Brind'Amour.

Last week, I felt the Canes were the type of team that could surprise in the playoffs. This week I believe this team is in real trouble. It will be interesting to see if GM Jim Rutherford makes any moves to shore up a suddenly weakened lineup. For the sake of Hurricanes' fans, I hope he does.