Canes Comeback Falls Short in OT

The Carolina Hurricanes overcame an early 2-0 deficit  and managed to force overtime before bowing to the visiting Atlanta Thrashers Wednesday night. Tim Stapleton scored the game winning goal at the 1:38 mark of the extra session. The Canes had not played since last Friday and it was clear early that instead of being rested, the five days off made Paul Maurice’s club rusty. It also made them desperate as the Buffalo Sabres passed Carolina in the standings for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Goals by Rob Schremp and Tobias Enstrom in the first period quickly gave the Thrashers a 2-0 lead and put the Hurricanes backs against the wall. “We’ve got to get a little more concerted jump,” Maurice admitted when asked about his team’s slow start. “I don’t think we were nearly as aggressive on our forecheck or physically aggressive.” To their credit, the Hurricanes didn’t quit and clawed their way back into the game.  Big Troy Bodie scored his first...