In a recent postgame interview Hurricanes TV Play-by-Play announcer John Forslund incredulously discussed (Boston Globe columnist) Bob Ryan’s recent proclamation on 850TheBuzz that the RBC Center crowd is “overrated” ( audio ). Forslund stated that he repeatedly hears praise from visiting media and players alike. In fact he said that opposing players commonly state that the Hurricane players “draw energy from their crowd”, code in the industry for very high praise of a crowd.

On XM 204’s “Inside Hockey” today the host sat down with New Jersey Devils Defenseman Mike Mottau . He was asked about how the Carolina Hurricanes jelled late in the season and now have every other team worried. Of course he praised Staal and Ward, but also praised the Hurricanes fans. He said that the building is loud and “they draw a lot of energy from their crowd.” ex-Hurricane and now Boston Bruin said this week that the RBC Center is the NHL’s loudest . So if the players are impressed, what does that say about the worthiness of Bob Ryan, a columnist who was openly bitter that he couldn’t be back watching the Celtics on Wednesday night?

Speaking of the Whale, former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward says that his Boston Bruins are entering "probably the loudest" arena in the NHL when they hit the RBC Center for Game 3: "They cheer like they’re at a basketball game." So, what, they don’t pay attention for 75 percent of the game and need constant music to keep them entertained? Then again, guess he didn’t say "NBA fan." – Puck Daddy

We certainly have a gem here in the Carolina Hurricanes, but the feeling is mutual, especially considering what is going on in Phoenix. Owners of the Coyotes, the former Winnipeg Jets, have examined returning the team to Canada, but have met strong objections from the NHL’s home offices. Phoenix is the U.S.’ twelfth-biggest TV market , and the NHL wants to keep itself firmly planted, but the Coyotes were 28th (out of 30) in attendance this season. Recently the Coyotes owners pulled a fast one and declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy . This is a ploy designed to make it easier for a judge to overrule the NHL’s denial of the team’s sale, allowing the move to Hamilton, Ont.

Aren’t we glad we don’t have to deal with that? In the previously mentioned interview, John Forslund elaborated about the struggles with sun belt teams, but pointed out that “you never hear Raleigh in that conversation anymore”. In fact rumors are flying today about the Atlanta Thrashers (29th in NHL attendance) moving to Hamilton.

What is truly sickening about the Phoenix situation is that the Coyotes just built the $180 million Jobing.com Arena six years ago. The Coyotes are the facility’s only tenant (the Suns still play at the Coyotes former home, the 1992-era U.S. Airways Center). Sick yet? Get this. The Coyotes’ arena was built in the suburbs of Glendale with the idea of it being an anchor to a shopping, retail, and entertainment village. Want more? All $180M of funding came from the City of Glendale taxpayers ($30M bonds + $150M excise tax). Now what for the facility envisioned to host the team for at least 40 years? This is the risk that taxpayers take when outlaying costs to attract teams, and in this case, Glendale is taking an enormous hit that will go down as one of the biggest recent corporate welfare blunders in this country.

No city is immune, of course, but thank goodness we have a situation so good that Tripp Tracy has to pinch himself to believe. The Canes just need to keep on winning.