Carolina Blues - Thrashers 3, Canes 2
by Bob Wage on Nov 15, 2008 1:53 AM EST
20 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes traveled to Atlanta desperate for a win. While they played with a bit more urgency than their two previous losses and certainly tried to pull out all the stops near the end of the game, they still came out on the short end of the stick to the Thrashers.
Poor discipline, selfish penalties, and bad timing would end up killing the Hurricanes chances of winning this game.
The discipline came into question when ill-advised pinching by the defense allowed too many odd-man rushes for Atlanta. The Thrashers took advantage of two such opportunities with pin-point passing and accurate shooting and jumped out to a 2-0 lead. If not for a couple of near spectacular saves by Cam Ward, the score would have been worse.
The Canes could not get on the board until late in the second period when Tuomo Ruutu got a beautiful shot past Johan Hedberg, who had been perfect in net for the home team up to that point. The goal seemed to pump the team up and give them a much needed lift, but the good vibrations didn't last long.
Just a moment or two later, Joe Corvo was knocked down from behind after sending the puck out of his own end. Apparently, Corvo was not pleased with the hit and slashed the perpetrator afterwards, resulting in a two minute call on the Hurricanes defenseman. The penalty sucked the life out of the Carolina bench and took away any momentum the team had managed to build after Ruutu's goal.
The Canes were able to kill the penalty, but lost the extra jump they needed to continue their comeback.
Just two minutes into the third period, Sergei Samsonov was given a questionable slashing call. Nic Wallin argued too much to the ref and was handed an unsportsmanlike penalty as well. The coinciding penalties gave the Thrashers a full two minute, 5-on-3 advantage.
The Hurricanes battled valiantly throughout the penalty kill and came very close to killing it off. But Lady Luck would slap them hard in the face as Ilya Kovalchuk was able to just barely keep a clearing attempt from crossing the blueline. Two of the three Canes penalty-killers were pursuing the puck, but Kovalchuk was able to put it behind them and Cam Ward faced yet another odd-man rush that he was unable to stop.
Slava Kozlov shot the puck in the net with just three seconds left on the Atlanta powerplay, giving the Thrashers a 3-1 lead.
To their credit, the Hurricanes did not give up on this game like they did the previous two in Raleigh. They tried hard to battle back. Rod Brind'Amour scored a powerplay goal on a nice look from Ray Whitney to pull the Canes close again at the 14 minute mark, but try as they might in those last, pressure-packed minutes, the Canes could not get another puck past Hedberg.
Thoughts and observations-
Brandon Sutter continues to impress. He won an important draw during the 5-on-3, he saved a goal on a previous penalty kill, he took a couple of nice shots, and he played hard on both ends of the ice.
Rod Brind'Amour has points in four consecutive games for Carolina.
Tuomo Ruutu had another nice game. He drew a penalty and then scored his goal with a perfect shot, even with a Thrasher right on him. He was credited with two of the Hurricanes four hits on the game.
The Ruutu stat was not a typo. The official scorer only credited the Hurricanes with four hits in the entire game. While I question the accuracy of that total, it does point out that the Canes need to pick up their physicality, especially for a game that was supposedly earmarked as being vital.
The team allowed too many odd-man rushes, while the Thrashers did not allow any. The effort was better tonight, but they made too many mental errors. They did not play smart hockey. Carolina has the more experienced group, but they looked frustrated and unorganized while Atlanta looked confident and played as a team.
The victory tied an Atlanta franchise record, five wins in a row.
The loss was the third in a row for the Canes. The team has suffered only seven streaks of three losses or more in Peter Laviolette's 314 game tenure at Carolina, the longest being four losses in a row in January of last season.
Next up for the Canes is a 3PM Sunday matinee against the Tampa Bay Lightning and their new coach Rick Tocchet. I wouldn't want to bet on that one.
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I noticed in your whole article you didn’t mention the highest paid player, Eric Staal. I think that reflects his play. Hurt or not he should be benched. Make a statement that you play like it counts or you don’t play.
Samsinov is slipping, I was worried if his streak contiued if his effort would still remain high. It looks like it’s taking it’s toll.
Sutter and Ruutu showed up to play. The D sucked last night, only bright spot is that Joni is starting come back into game form, but has a ways to go with his role on the team. The Wallin/Samsinov thing was ridiculus. I thought the ref’ing sucked. I thought the ’Canes effort sucked. I did think Ward had a good game. It was like penalty shot practice, he made some smokers early on and kept the team in a position to play and win. They blew it again.
I really think it’s time to can the coach. I’d love to see Ron Francis step in get the team going and if he does well let him roll with it. If not maybe Tom Rowe would be the guy. I think he earned a shot, I just don’t know if now is the time to throw him into it. If he fails you’d lose him from the system along with a good part of the team come trade time. Where as Francis has a fall back spot and in all honesty I think has the better skill set to turn a talented team around.
My .02 and worth what ya paid for it.
Another lack luster game and this is the second one in a row I felt was crucial to play well in. The Sunday game may show some serious changes or I think we are watching the implosion and the beginning of a rebuild. PK isn’t going to pay this kind of money for this kind of play. JR needs to do something to show he has his thumb on this, ie; do his job.
A
by Paladin6 on Nov 15, 2008 6:40 AM EST reply actions
I just want everybody to take a deep breath and relax.
Close your eyes and think back to the 06 season, WOW! what a year. Through the ups and downs the team did what it took to win, but that team is gone. Good times…..just good times……
by canescup on Nov 15, 2008 9:00 AM EST reply actions
Was glad to see Brind’Amour get a fire under his butt for about 30 seconds in the 3rd.
Staal should be benched.
Staal should be BENCHED.
STAAL SHOULD BE BENCHED!!!
And fire the coach too… ALL OF THEM! I’m sick of this B/S!
by Mateo on Nov 15, 2008 9:16 AM EST reply actions
Paladin6.
Great comments. I agree with you that about Staal. Either he should step it up or he should sit and let his injury heal. He is not helping the team playing hurt. I know many people throw that out has his excuse for not playing well and say that we should lay off of him. But it is a simple concept. If one player is too hurt to shoot and hit then the Canes are essentially playing 4 on 5 everytime he is out there and if Brindy and Staal are out there together then we are playing 3 on 5. Every athlete plays hurt but one should never allow the athlete to make the decision of whether they are able to play. They do not have an unbiased opinion. The question to those athletes that are hurt should not be “can you play” it should be “will you help or hurt your team with your play.”
Sutter and Ruutu and Cullen were working hard. But I would have to respectfully disagree with you regarding Samsonov. I think that he is working hard on things that don’t show up on a stat sheet. He was buzzing around last night working is butt off to keep play going in Atlanta’s zone when some of our other guys were standing around watching. I have been worried about his psyche like everyone else so I have been watching a couple of periods now in each game where I have focused on Samsonov and not the puck. It does give a different perspective (Too many years of watching film, I can’t break the habit I guess). Another positive thing that I see from him is his interviews. It is not what he says it is his body language. Last year he gave interviews where looked very uncomfortable and made little eye contact. But now he has his head up and makes eye contact like he knows that if he keeps working hard then his luck will turn.
While overall team effort wasn’t great, it was better than against the Caps and Ruutu seems to be the most consistent player we have.
by MB on Nov 15, 2008 9:31 AM EST reply actions
we lost the game because of our D, but I would like to say the unsportsmanlike call on Wallin s an example of the ref inserting himself in the game. f anyone can tell me the ref who made that call, Id like to put him on my f*ck u list!
by wylde4canes on Nov 15, 2008 9:43 AM EST reply actions
Wylde4canes:
Wow…you and I agree completely! Yes, 2 stupid STUPID unnecessary pinches by the D cost us 2 goals. The first thing they tell you as a D is to not pinch unless you are positive you can get the puck or there is a high man coming back. Pitkanen pinched with no one coming back and for no real purpose. Corvo pinched in a situation with no man coming back and no guaranteed shot at getting the puck. Just unnecessary. Ugh! The most frustrating part is that every mistake seems to end up in the back of our net. We can’t catch a break!
The Samsonov/Wallin situation was a total fiasco. First, Wallin’s stick was held. Then Samsonov puts his stick down (no swing at all) on top of an unsuspecting player who loses their stick (the only reason the ref called it…he saw the thrasher lose his stick). Right after that, the atlanta player mugs samsonov from behind with his free hand. Essentially, 2 penalties on atlanta, none on the canes. If we killed off that penalty I liked our chances. Again, we can’t catch a break on that near kill. Ugh!
—Justin
by Justin Walther on Nov 15, 2008 10:06 AM EST reply actions
i agree with wylde.
again a couple of obvious mistakes lead to goals.
ps, wylde: i came off a little harsh on my last post,
i think i was just taking it out on someone, because i never get to go to games, and i did that nigth, and the entire time some idiot talked S about staal in the seat behind me…
my bad
-c
by chris on Nov 15, 2008 10:09 AM EST reply actions
also, did anyone hear at the beginning of the broadcast when forslund was saying the names of the refs?
he added in that the main ref lived in atlanta..
maybe he was a fan….
that could explain the calls.
-c
by chris on Nov 15, 2008 10:13 AM EST reply actions
Yes – questionable calls but this team does not have the desire to win with or without the refs.
I vote for a change too…I like Lav but he’s become a one-hit-wonder. Frances?
by W Stout on Nov 15, 2008 10:18 AM EST reply actions
Why is it that Ward can make the highlight reel saves, but not the garden variety saves consistently. Sure we had D breakdowns last night, but that will happen with gamblers, ie scorers, on the back end. Maybe I am a Staal apologist, but thought he played hard last night, that’s all you can ask, hurt or not. Roddy has quietly ended up on the score sheet recently, even though he is not playing up to his standard.
Sutter and Rutuu should give Caniacs hope for the future of this franchise.
I think that replacing Lavvy with Francis is a bit silly, Ronnie has never coached at any level, save his kids. I love Ronnie as much as the next guy, but think the Tom Rowe would be a better choice to take over. His teams have always been competitive and overachieved. Look at Albany’s record this year, with essentially the same roster. Some would argue this is the deepest minor league roster that we have had….ever?
One final thought, the lines seem to change every game, actually more like every period. Some of this is due to injuries and the such, but…
Why break up Wallin and Seidenburg just because Joni comes back from injury? Are Corvo and Gleason that nice of a pairing? Where have you gone Frank Kaberle? Corvo needs you. And I hate Cullen playing on the wing, he is a much better player in the middle of the ice. Pray Justin can come back by beginning of Jan, Hope the season is not in the shiiter by then.
Somethings Got To Give……
by Swenk on Nov 15, 2008 11:55 AM EST reply actions
Sorry for the long post, but I feel much better now.
Happy weekend to all Caniacs
by Swenk on Nov 15, 2008 11:57 AM EST reply actions
I agree that we should keep Wallin and Seids together. They were doing a great job. Joni needs to step up his game and make better decisions.
by zoodani on Nov 15, 2008 12:17 PM EST reply actions
Swenk, actually Ron is in alot of the practices teaching what he knows. He is involved in player developement. I think he is a very good choice for an interim coach. He has nothing to lose and the team only has things to gain. Where as any other person runs the risk of alienating themselves from the organization, like Rowe. I think we stick in somebody like Ron and make sure the coaching change is the easy fix. If not and the players just don’t respond, then you bring in Rowe opr somebody and change the whole program and that may include some trades. I think our dollar for dollar value in the league is about like the economy right now. I think a guy like Ron could evaluate and make this team work or figure out it’s broke and where. I think at this point soemthing has to be done. It would be a shame to place a potential future head coach into a place that they are not fully able to be in control of the circumstances. Look what happened on the island after Lavi got canned. I’m just saying that while Ron may not be the best choice, he always has his job and I think he is at least intouch with the team and capable of leading this team to play at level near the skill level they have as individuals. Buy some time, heal the wounds from within the organization and then make the right choice.
I think this organization is in trouble. The teams not a team, the coaching staff has lost control. PK is bleeding money. JR is doing something, I hope.
As for Samsinov, I didn’t mean he isn’t still trying. I meant that I see a slightly lesser level. In the first several games I think/thought he was the #1 energy guy. I think he has slowed down and he has had issue with with feeling comfy. I agree he still has a good thing going. I also think that’s what is being squashed by the system and the play right now. He is working his ass off and no rewards as either team member or any personal stats. It’s gotta start tearing at you. I think it’s creeping into most of the players. The Lavi Flu or whatever.
You gotta believe and get something from effort. If not it’s wasted effort. I think alot of the guys on the team feel they have played with effort and are just not getting any returns. It was OK when the wins came in as a return, but now that has changed and I think the chickens have come home….
soap box is now vacant..
A
by Paladin6 on Nov 15, 2008 1:31 PM EST reply actions
Chris,
No worries. We are all just passionate about our team, does not mean we all agree on how to fix it when it is broken. So how long does Lavi get to right the shiP? We have to win both of the newxt two games, I would think, or he is in real trouble. If we win the lose that would make a 2-4-0 stretch, not too hot.
by wylde4canes on Nov 15, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply actions
Francis is my favourite NHL player of all time, and I cried the day he was traded from the Whalers, but he has no NHL coaching experience and Laviolette is an excellent coach.
by repenttokyo on Nov 15, 2008 4:07 PM EST reply actions
P.S.
I think Wallin and Seidenburg were clicking, too. Pair Corvo, Gleason, Pitkanin and probably Babchuck up as you need, but I like the way W&S are playing. Might be scary if they actually had time to get used to that pairing and learn how the forward lines play.
BTW, the D has failed, but I kind of like the guys. Joni boned few the other night and Joe screwed the pooch, but they looked like it was more tipping to actually trying to make something happen. These guys haven’t played together, at all, really. As individuals I think they are putting in some effort. The down side is that doesn’t mean much on the score board or the ice. It’s flat out a team effort. I think W&S were finding a groove. If we can get some forwards there and the rest of the d we are on the path.
That’s what’s missing. The coaching staff isn’t seeing, or maybe see’s something diff.
I dunno, but it ain’t working.
You know all said and done, Seidenburg was a good snag. Samsinov is too. How bloody hard can it really be to let these guys play the game they have played all thier lives? Or are we cramming the Lavi method down thier necks and they are choking?
These guys ain’t the Wings on the wallet side, but I think the talent to pull a game out on command is there.
BTW, I love Williams. He’s got talent beyond most of the team. He will not be an issue this year unless it’s in a trade. He’s missed most of last year and will miss most of this year. Talent aside, simple logistics will limit his impact no matter when he returns.
He has no chemistry with the lines.
And ain’t that sorta the problem we have now?
I think Lavi screwed the pooch last year and cost us the PO spot by bringing guys back, maybe early, maybe not, but at the wrong time for sure. The guys we brought up from the Rats were winning. WTF? Don’t fix it, if it ain’t broke.
Now it’s broke and I don’t see anyone trying to fix it.
they had smiles today at prctice.
BFD, if I cashed a check like any of these guys I’d smile like hell, too.
Remember the Cup year and how good it was.
THAT is why they play the game.
Nothing else matters, it’s just a list of losers after the team that hoists the Cup.
I do not see that vision with this team or alot of the fan base.
Many are just wanting good effort.
I EXPECT nothing less than the total effort to make the second season and strive for the Cup.
Anything less is meaningless or amature.
A
by Paladin6 on Nov 15, 2008 4:17 PM EST reply actions
MB, I also focused on Sammie when he was on the ice. I agree with you. As much as I like him, I would call him out severely if he was disappointing me. I honestly cannot fault his effort or his play. He is doing a lot that is not showing up on the score sheet. He is stealing pucks, working in the corners (as much as possible with his size), and helping to maintain Canes’ puck possession in both the offensive and defensive zones.
On many occasions, Sammie was circling in front of the net (on the empty side) waiting for passes. And when I say circling, I mean circling with a purpose, not just aimlessly looping or lurking. His quick pass and assist to Rod last Sunday was a perfect example of what he can and should be doing. That and equally quick plays in front or to the side of the net to score goals. That is what he was doing last year. Maybe Williams was the catalyst on that line last year. He has chances but he is not getting the puck in time and when he gets it it is just a bit too late and the goalie and D have time to react… his many just misses.
I agree that Lavi is a great coach, but something is slightly askew with the system he is playing on the ice – in all three zones (offensive, neutral, and D). And the play in each of the zones is bleeding into the play and opportunities in other zones (both for us and for our opponents)… **** all of our opponents have the Canes system perfectly figured out and they are countering it in similar ways !!!! **** This high risk cheating system, combined with the perimeter over-played puck movement in the offensive zone (and then too much room and respect given by the D both on breakaways and when they have settled back on D) just isn’t working as the NHL has evolved and sped up over these last few years. This extra space and “exciting brand of hockey” Lavi likes is also not being helped and supported by the existence of a physical presence (Lavi seems to not want to play a physical brand of hockey). And somehow the skills of our players are not being complimented by the system and plays on the ice. I dunno… I am certainly no expert, but I am starting to think that something is systematically just a bit off. * Maybe the style of play even contributes to us sustaining more injuries – both stress and exhaustion related and particular-play related. * I think we have the skill.
Then there is the physicality, passion, and raw emotion problem. I was happy to hear about today’s practice and read Lavi’s quotes. I actually like Lavi and do want him to succeed, but maybe needs to adjust his personality to better engage the players and get the best out of them, and adjust his system and the team’s playing style just a little bit. Or add a few pieces to the puzzle.. like Conboy and LaCouture. Staal is injured, still relatively young, and/or not playing to his potential. Rod is a great Captain but he leads more by example rather than overt and vocal emotion. Does our leadership (including Coach Lavi and Whitney) provide a very “active-positive” leadership-type vibe with deep emotion? Our 4 specified leaders’ style may not be matched to what is needed now. Seems like others started to step up – including Walker, Gleason, and Sutter (!) and that is encouraging. And the more the team can encourage or provide opportunities for team-building, the better.
Or not… maybe I DON’T have any idea what I am talking about… which is quite possible and probable. I am spouting off but I DO have humility. :)
by SamsonovFan on Nov 15, 2008 7:23 PM EST reply actions
You also have a double amen from me!!
Very well put!
We may not agree across the board, but that was a very concise and objective post.
Mine are a tad more primitive. Can I use you as an editor?
All BS aside, very well stated.
A
A
by Paladin6 on Nov 15, 2008 8:16 PM EST reply actions
BTW,
Let’s talk wierd choices.
Anson carter.
WTF was that all about?
I’d sell a kidney for he was paid and damn near give the other one for as little as he did to get it.
Kinda sorry that was rather petty. I’m just pissed. This team has uber potential, but squat for kinetic energy.
I’m ready for an H bomb!
A
by Paladin6 on Nov 15, 2008 8:18 PM EST reply actions
I was harsher on Lavi last night in my 6 or 7 comments toward the end of the blog post “Canes at Thrashers – Pregame Hype”.
by SamsonovFan on Nov 15, 2008 8:48 PM EST reply actions
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