Defense Shines as Canes Blank Blues, 1-0
by Bob Wage on Oct 31, 2008 11:12 AM EDT
8 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes shut out the St. Louis Blues last night 1-0, as the team played their best defensive game of the year. Cam Ward was also very solid in goal for the Canes and earned his first shut-out of the season.
After allowing a franchise record 60 shots on goal Saturday night against the Islanders, the team has concentrated more in their own zone. They only allowed 19 shots on net last night, and just 9 in the first two periods.
The Canes also limited their penalties, (3) which was a must in this game because the Blues had the top-rated powerplay in the league.
Tuomo Ruutu got the game winner by tipping an Eric Staal shot under Chris Mason mid-way through the third period. The Blues goalie had an outstanding game himself, stopping multiple opportunities up to that point. He finished with 28 saves on 29 shots.
The win gave Carolina a 3-1-2 record on their six game road trip. Eight points earned ties a franchise record for the second best six game road trip ever. The team can also be proud that they battled through some adversity and were successful even though they lost a couple of important players to injury.
In a few of those road games, the Canes didn't always play their best hockey but still managed to come away with points. When that happens, you're either lucky, or good.
The Hurricanes now have a 5-2-2 record, good for first place in the Southeast Division. They return home to play Edmonton on Saturday afternoon (3 PM), and Toronto, Sunday evening (5 PM).
The good stuff-
The Canes more or less dominated this game from start to finish. The Blues were able to put on some pressure at times, but for the most part it was all Carolina.
The penalty kill was outstanding.
They only committed three penalties for the game. (not counting Gleason's major)
Tim Gleason smacked Cam Janssen around a bit after Janssen took a run at him in the second period.
The team defense was excellent. Players used their sticks well to make countless deflections.
They were much improved at breaking the puck out of their zone. For the second consecutive game, they only had six give-aways.
Carolina won 57% of their face-offs.
The bad stuff-
The team blew too many chances on the powerplay, including a wasted four minute opportunity when Anton Babchuk was high-sticked. That could have come back to bite them. The powerplay did seem to look better and the team created several chances, (especially for Ray Whitney), but didn't capitalize until Ruutu's tip. Give Chris Mason some credit for that as well.
Eric Staal took an ill-timed penalty in the third period in retaliation for Rod Brind'Amour getting roughed up. All's well that end's well, but if the Blues would have scored there he might have regretted taking that one.
_____
Next up is Erik Cole and Edmonton. Cole has only scored one goal and one assist so far this year. (Joni Pitkanen has more points). Will he break out against his old club?
More analysis about that game later.
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the boys (especially Whitney) were just a few “whiffs” away from winning this game 3 or 4 to zip. Im still excited about Babs and still expect big things from him.
by TylerA on Oct 31, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions
Carolina did a good job at containing a powerful power play and weathering a couple big flurries the Blues threw at them. There was a real balance about this game — looking at the time on ice for the entire team really illustrates that. I think that’s very good given there are three games in four night, tho I think they’ll need to lean on the fourth line a little more to get thru the back-to-back tomorrow and Sunday.
by Cory on Oct 31, 2008 11:45 AM EDT reply actions
I agree Tyler, I also thought that Babchuk played well. He had over 20 minutes of ice time.
by Bubba on Oct 31, 2008 12:02 PM EDT reply actions
Didn’t get to watch last night, but glad to hear the D tightened up & glad the road trip was more or less successful. How did Samsanov look last night? I just think he is prone to slow starts – as long as confidence in him remains, I think he’ll break through. Hopefully sooner rather than later. The ‘Canes could use a few more goals – it’s not just Samsanov that needs to break through.
by marc on Oct 31, 2008 12:25 PM EDT reply actions
Samsonov had a couple of good moments, but overall you can telling he’s pressing. His confidence is a major issue right now — if he can just get one through, I think he’ll get back to being the player he was for Carolina last season. Patrick Eaves looks to be getting some bounce in his stride … he needs to pot one, too.
by Cory on Oct 31, 2008 12:28 PM EDT reply actions
last night was the first time I did not feel like kicking Patty Eaves in the butt. He was hustling and a part of the play. Up til now, though, I thought he has looked disinterested.
by wylde4canes on Oct 31, 2008 12:34 PM EDT reply actions
This was the best effort I’ve seen from the team in a long time. There was areal “60 minute effort”. I also think the lines may be beginning to gel. Maybe skating the same lines 2 games in a row has something to do with that. I also think Whitney is pressing. He had at least 2 quality (open net in at least one case) chances, and seemed to choke on them. He also seemed to lose his edge more frequently than the others, although others did have “blowouts” too. Considering the slow scoring start for some of the Canes, the record is encouraging.
by NCYANKEE on Oct 31, 2008 3:02 PM EDT reply actions
if the hurricanes make a trade for a a
winger who would we trade if it is not babchuck
by canes fan 1983 on Oct 31, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions
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