Canes Fall to Young Kings, 4-3 OT
by Bob Wage on Oct 18, 2008 3:43 PM EDT
4 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes fought from behind to take a 3-1 lead, but ended up losing to the Los Angeles Kings in over-time late last night, by a score of 4-3.
In what is becoming a trademark for the Canes, they fell behind early as Michal Handzus beat Cam Ward, less than a minute into the game. Carolina has allowed a goal in the opening period in every game so far this year, falling behind in each contest.
It seemed like a pretty lackluster first period for both teams as the Canes put six shots on goal, while the Kings could only muster four.
In the second period, the Hurricanes asserted themselves and put consistent pressure on L.A. goalie Jason LaBarbera. Nic Wallin was the hero as he was able to get two shots tipped in for goals. Ryan Bayda tipped in the first goal and Dan LaCouture re-directed the second.
Later in the period, Eric Staal took a shot that somehow hit Ray Whitney and Matt Cullen, and ended up in the net. Cullen got credit for the goal.
In the third period, it was all Los Angeles as the Canes seemed back on their heels much of the time and stopped skating with the same intensity that they showed in the second.
The over-time period was back and forth as the Canes had a great chance to win when Ray Whitney and Eric Staal started a two-on-one break. Whitney fed Staal with a perfect pass, but LaBarbera made a great save as Staal tried to make a move in close.
The puck came out to the neutral zone, got behind the Hurricanes defense, and Handzus sealed the deal with the game winner.
The good stuff-
Carolina continues to get contributions from the lower lines. LaCouture scored his second goal of the year and Ryan Bayda was very energetic throughout the game. Brandon Sutter continues to impress and gets closer and closer to scoring in each game.
Zach Boychuk looked good and provided energy, although he did not play in the third period.
The penalty kill units did not allow a goal against.
The second period was mostly dominated by the Canes.
The team earned a point.
The bad stuff-
Frank Kaberle was hit in the foot/ankle area by a slapshot and could have a fracture. He is expected to miss some time.
Eric Staal left the ice with a shoulder problem, but returned. It's unknown if that will be a factor in the future.
The team continually falls behind in the first period. Does skipping the morning skate have anything to do with the team's slow starts? Carolina needs to reverse this trend because the current formula is not a recipe for long-term success.
The effort from some players seemed to be inconsistent, much like several games last year which attributed to the Canes not making the playoffs.
The powerplay had no power and few plays.
One might question the playing time of some players. Boychuk sat out the entire third period. LaCouture only played four minutes, even though he scored a goal. Yet, much of the team looked a bit tired at the end.
_____
Next up is Anaheim on Sunday night, which should be a tougher test. The Canes are certainly hurting because of several early season injuries. Can they tough it out and earn some more points on this road trip?
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Great wrap-up, Bubba. I have also noticed the limited playing-time given to LaCouture…. jeez… get him out on the ice!! He produces and also has that essential fierce hunger. There was a lot of experimenting going on with the lines further into the game (?).
JohnS – great comments. I am looking forward to seeing Melichar. We desperately need some physical banging. I agree – I said that last spring and it is still a problem. My namesake, Samsonov, keeps getting looks at the goal just missing. He is going to to start putting the biscuit in the basket in a big way… with crazy assists too. Despite growing up in CT and being a long-time Whalers/Canes fan, I was extremely impressed with his hustle on both ends last year when he arrived and decided to “plant a flag” when folks were still wondering about him, given his past. Hopefully he comes through this year and doesn’t get pounded too much (again… we need a better physical presence).
Conboy seemed to get the job done last year….
by SamsonovFan on Oct 18, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions
The guys look good just not consistent! The one guy who is saving us already in big ways is Cam Ward. Yes he has given up goals but he needs steady help! Ward, Staal and Gleason are the future to this team and we need to make sure we keep them ALL! Good article though. Any thoughts on Ward?
by Steve on Oct 18, 2008 4:43 PM EDT reply actions
The game last night was very frustrating to watch, the defense seems to be very tentative and any kind of contact down low seemed to force them into bad turnovers consistently. Staal getting hurt was not good and he did seem tentative after he came back, hopefully it’s nothing long term. We need some better goaltending in general – there have been weak goals in every game. That needs to stop. I agree that the 3rd and 4th lines have have a lot of jam and need more play in close games.
I still have a lot of faith in our boys, but just some things I needed to say. We will get better and healthier and do better.
I’m in Saskatoon, SK and have the NHL Centre Ice package, and having to watch the game on FS Kings (West) last night was torture. Trip and John deserve a lot more credit than they get.
by Dustin on Oct 18, 2008 5:07 PM EDT reply actions
See also: JohnS’s insightful comments back on Oct 7. :)
by SamsonovFan on Oct 18, 2008 7:09 PM EDT reply actions
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