Iron City Meltdown - Pens 4, Canes 1
by Bob Wage on Oct 24, 2008 2:31 AM EDT
14 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins last night by a score of 4-1.
The Canes started the game out on a decent note, taking a 1-0 lead on Brandon Sutter's first career NHL goal. Sutter took the puck from a bumbling Brooks Orpik, who mis-played the puck right in front of the rookie center.
The visitors were able to keep the potent Penguins offense off the scoresheet for over two periods, thanks to some savvy play by the defense and outstanding play in goal by Michael Leighton. But during a four minute lapse in the third period, the wheels fell off for the Canes and the flood gates opened for the Pens.
The lethal Penguins powerplay unit was not a factor for most of the game, but after a hooking penalty by Nic Wallin, Evgeni Malkin rifled a shot at goal which hit Sid Crosby's stick and went in off of Leighton at about the 8 minute mark in the third.
Just 32 seconds later, Jordan Staal and Ruslan Fedotenko were able to get behind the Hurricanes defense. Staal made a beautiful pass to his wide open linemate and the sniper made no mistake. The Penguins never looked back.
About three minutes after that, the Canes were attacking and Ray Whitney left a drop pass at his blueline. Only problem was, no one was there for Carolina. Max Talbot took the puck in unimpeded and beat Michael Leighton 5-hole. to put the game out of reach.
Malkin rifled in an empty netter near the end of the game to close out the scoring.
The good stuff-
The Canes worked hard in their own end for most of the game and did a commendable job keeping the Penguins off of the board for over two periods. They also kept their penalties to a minimum.
Michael Leighton looked solid for most of the game.
Brandon Sutter played another good game. He's come close to scoring on several occasions in earlier games and was over-due.
Sergei Samsonov made several good plays and continues to do everything but get on the scorecard.
Other than that ill-timed penalty, Nic Wallin played well again. He finished with a +1 and led the team with a remarkable 8 hits.
The bad stuff-
Too many turnovers.
After a good start, the Canes were back on their heels for most of the second period. They were unable to put a shot on goal for over 10 minutes and ended up being out-shot 10-6 in that period.
The team was out-shot in every period of the game and ended up on the short end of a 35-25 game total.
The ice seemed tilted toward the Hurricanes zone once again as the team repeatedly has trouble getting the puck out of their zone for extended periods of time.
The new lines didn't seem to mesh very well, especially Whitney, Brind'Amour, and Cullen. Those three players only managed to put a total of two shots on goal for the entire game. Obviously the team needs more from those players in order to be successful.
The team seemed to lose their composure after that first Penguin goal.
This could be a perception, but six games in it seems like the team has yet to put together a complete game.
The questionable stuff-
Why are Dan LaCouture (2:07) and Wade Brookbank (1:47) relegated to just two minutes or less of playing time each game? Is just rolling with three lines going to eventually wear out the top nine forwards, or worse yet, make them more susceptible to injury?
Should the team call up another forward from Albany if Tuomo Ruutu is still unable to practice or play?
It seems like the Canes have had trouble breaking the puck out of their own zone in many of the games so far this season. Should they try a different strategy?
For some Pittsburgh perspective, check out the PensBurgh Blog.
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This game looked eerily familiar to a lot of games played last year; the ’canes play a decent game except for a few minutes when the roof caves in on them.
This team wins when they play physical. They lose when they stand around in defensive positions. Please HIT SOMEONE! That’s what the kids from Albany contributed to the team last year. They weren’t afraid to be physical.
Why can’t we get the puck out of our own end? Count how many times in a game the ‘Canes pass the puck just 18 inches to the teammate next to them!
by Frank on Oct 24, 2008 8:29 AM EDT reply actions
I agree with your comments about the forwards, but the bigger problem is on the blueline. Corvo is less effective without Kaberle, not sure why , but it apparent when you look at his play with and without K. Pitkanen is still getting adjusted to a new team and new partner, it shows. Babchuk reminds me
of “Ferdinand the Bull” ; huge guy who plays soft. Corvo and Pitkanen were brought in to move the puck, not turn it over.
On a more positive note, Gleason, Seidenberg and Wallin have played well.
by JohnS on Oct 24, 2008 9:08 AM EDT reply actions
There’s a general funk surrounding the team right now. I attribute it, mostly, to a lack of second-tier scoring — if Cullen, Samsonov or Eaves scores last night at some point, I think they win. Also, while it only got one chance, the PP continues to look disjointed. I think there needs to me more of an effort to have someone in front of the net, and I think Sutter might be the guy to do it. Just based on he preseason and how he looks in the offensive zone, he’s the guy who’s been most willing to go to the front of the net (along with LaCouture). They miss Ruutu horribly right now.
Also, the team’s still getting beat on faceoffs, though last night was a little better than some other games.
All that being said, the physicality of the team was the best we’ve seen all season, esp. from the defense. I think the team needs a little more timely pinching on the backend from someone other than Pitkanen and Corvo — Gleason was using it very well to start the season, and Wallin was very good the other night at getting involved offensively. At the same time, with all the odd-man rushes going the other way, is it wise to pinch more? Not if the forwards aren’t committed to getting back.
by Cory on Oct 24, 2008 9:16 AM EDT reply actions
Cory, I agree. This team will not live or die by defense – it needs to score goals, and is built to score goals from the D out. Which is why it hurts so much to have guys not scoring, or on the IR. It throws off the game plan. Cullen, Samsanov & Eaves need to break through, and Staal and Brindy need to lead the way a little more. Gleason, Wallin and Seidenburg all look good, but they are not the scoring D, and can not carry this team to a win. Neither can Leghton or Ward, but it looks like Leighton can steal games – something Ward can’t do yet. However – no need to panic yet.
by marc on Oct 24, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions
Mike Parrish signed to play for Bridgeport’s AHL team, so we can take him off the list.
by repenttokyo on Oct 24, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions
“Why are Dan LaCouture (2:07) and Wade Brookbank (1:47) relegated to just two minutes or less of playing time each game? Is just rolling with three lines going to eventually wear out the top nine forwards, or worse yet, make them more susceptible to injury?”
YES, YES, YES! We have all been saying this after every game. Excellent, Bubba!!
Give LaCouture some more ice time. When they do, good things happen. In the first few minutes of the game, I was thrilled and impressed that LaCouture immediately threw the fists after Brindy was checked (I think it was Brindy).
Bring in Conboy to play both ways.
by SamsonovFan on Oct 24, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions
Oh… and the fact that my television broadcast cut out mid-period and went to Nashville vs. the Flames at 8pm was just icing on the cake for me last night. NOT COOL. Thank goodness for Chuck K’s radio skills. Great job, FSN-S. I am only an hour or so West of Raleigh. I live – proudly – in North Carolina and I want to see the Canes!!!!!!!!!
by SamsonovFan on Oct 24, 2008 11:13 AM EDT reply actions
I think that Leighton needs some more improvement before he is getting starts like that one ahead of Ward. Leighton gave up way to many second chances. He did have a few good saves but he needs to control the puck better so he can manage the game and give the guys breaks when needed. He should have stopped 2 out of 3 of those goals last night. MOST NHL goalies would have. Put Ward back in!
by Andy on Oct 24, 2008 1:47 PM EDT reply actions
Does anybody else think that Brind’Amour has slowed down a little bit? He doesn’t seem to be “in the play” as much. It’s hard to say, but I think he is not as aggressive as he used to be. Perhaps Bubba or Cory could take a gander into this. If this is the case, this team will definitely struggle throughout the year.
by Ivan on Oct 24, 2008 7:48 PM EDT reply actions
If you’ve heard any interviews with him lately, he’s been openly saying how poorly he’s been playing. While I would disagree — he’s had some pretty clutch goals — Rod is still recovering from the knee scoping he had in camp. I think he’s still getting up to speed, and all the line shuffling isn’t helping. On top of that, I think Rod thrives off playing a lot of minutes, and the team has limited him, especially on the PK (three or four minutes fewer per game than the past couple years). I think we’ll see him turn the corner in the next week or so. The sked slowed some this week, which gives him a chance to heal a little more, plus practice with everyone.
by Cory on Oct 25, 2008 12:17 AM EDT reply actions
In my opinion Brindy is less than 100%, but you know how it is to get any information about injuries from these guys. It’s like pulling teeth.
by Bubba on Oct 25, 2008 1:19 AM EDT reply actions
bind amour seems far less than full strength.
our stars arent our best players out there currently.
except for staal
the bayda, larose, sutter line was getting the most consistant chances.
they were the best line last night i thought
-c
by chris on Oct 25, 2008 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
Hey Doug- am a lifetime hockey fan. Loved the cup win here in Carolina. Just watched your cheap low life hit on Sutter. Am so tired of the suck up announcers pretending to understand while wanting lockeroom access. You just lost all respect. Cheap, low, unecessary wimp. Catch ‘em while they aren’t looking. Young kid- no chance, just the way you like it. What a loser, old, go away. You should be embarrassed. Better be. Go away, retire, garden. He deserves so much better than a blind shot from a has been.
by Dan on Oct 25, 2008 9:36 PM EDT reply actions
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