Lightning at Hurricanes - Gameday Preview
by Bob Wage on Nov 16, 2008 11:33 AM EST
12 comments
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in town and will be squaring off against the Hurricanes with a brand new coach. On Friday, Barry Melrose was relieved of his duties just 16 games into the season and assistant coach, Rich Tocchet was put in charge.
(Melrose has had some interesting quotes since his dismissal, one of which indicates that players today are harder to motivate, (lazier?) than 10 years ago. "The Mullet" has never been at a loss for words and doesn't disappoint in his "exit interviews".)
Back to the game-
The Lightning are 5-7-4 overall and have an away record of 3-4-1. The Hurricanes are 8-7-2 and have a home record 0f 3-4.
Both teams are riding three game losing streaks, so something has to give.
After losing a pressure-packed game in Atlanta on Friday night, the Canes had a loose practice yesterday and will be trying to have fun again. Although many fans will claim that it's certainly been anything but fun watching them play the past couple of home games.
Patrick Eaves practiced with the team yesterday and is expected to join the lineup today. That means either Patrick Dwyer or Wade Brookbank will need to find a place in the pressbox for the game. Who would you play? An enforcer who averages about a minute of ice time per game, or a utility player who is good on the penalty kill?
Cam Ward will probably be in net again for the Canes and Mike Smith will probably assume the position for the Lightning. Smith has an excellent save percentage of .929 compared to Ward's .908.
Game time is at 3PM and the contest will not be broadcast locally. (Who came up with these 3PM start times?)
Today, I will be providing "Live Updates" between periods here on the blog, so check it out if you happen to be online. If you have any game related questions, leave them in the comment section and I will try to answer them.
Will the Hurricanes start their four game homestand with a victory, or will the Lightning win their first attempt for their new bench boss?
We will find out at the rink.
_____
Ryan Bayda future Selke winner?
James Mirtle recently posted an article on his blog showing an analysis of the top defensive forwards in the NHL and Ryan Bayda is second on the list. Bayda has the best plus/minus stat on the Hurricanes and also does a decent job of killing penalties. Good work Bayda!
Mirtle also has a similar report for defensemen. Nic Wallin is rated 18th with Tim Gleason showing up 30th on that analysis.
_____
The Capitals tied the New Jersey Devils with just one second left in regulation last night to pick up another point which could have easily gone the other way. That makes two recent games that the Caps have scored goals in the final seconds of a game. (Semin scored the game-winner against the Canes with just 3 clicks on the clock).
Everything is going Washington's way at the moment, but it is a long season and these things usually even out over the course of time. We will see.
0 recs |
12 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
As an aside, Dwyer reassinged to Albany. Great stint for him here. Getting close to healthy … not many excuses to make today.
by Cory on Nov 16, 2008 12:50 PM EST reply actions
I guess that answers my Dwyer/Brookbank question.
by Bubba on Nov 16, 2008 3:03 PM EST reply actions
First intermission-
So far it’s the same story different day for Carolina. They allow a goal on an odd-man rush right as Tampa leaves the penalty box.
Canes out-shooting Tampa 12-7, but are officially 0-3 on the powerplay.
Team is credited for 7 hits compared to 14 for Tampa. Brookbank is yet to step foot on the ice.
by Bubba on Nov 16, 2008 4:02 PM EST reply actions
Wow…you can’t say the Canes didn’t outwork/outplay the lightning in the first period…yet gave up the only goal. We just cannot catch a break.
And I sure hope the refs get graded and these jokers won’t ref in the playoffs. They could have called too many men…and barring that, should have called offsides. I love the announcers saying “well…the fans sure think that was offsides”. Its OK “Chief”, you can announce the obvious even if its against your team.
by Justin Walther on Nov 16, 2008 4:24 PM EST reply actions
OK, “too many men” penalties happen by accident once in a long while – but this team has had 3 in the last 4 games, I believe. To me, that is a sign of the team either not paying attention, or the coach having his communication fouled up. What gives? That is a stupid penalty for a team to take, especially a team that takes too many stupid penalties as is, as well as not killing them effectively enough.
“Something is rotten in Denmark” – or Raleigh.
by marc on Nov 16, 2008 4:30 PM EST reply actions
Good response, some tough work pays off and then Brind’Amour makes no mistake. Smith is playing pretty solid so we just have to get some traffic on him and keep firing away. I think Samsonov has looked pretty dangerous at times. Keep up the good work boys!
by Dustin on Nov 16, 2008 4:41 PM EST reply actions
Too many men on the ice call ruins another Canes powerplay. Lightning score their second goal during a bad line change and the Canes feel that Tampa had too many men on the ice just prior to that.
Brookbank scores on his first shift of the game. (Perhaps not his first shift. He had 1:41 ice time in period after none in first) Brind’Amour follows suit shortly afterwards and the Canes have new found life. 2-2 at the second intermission.
Carolina outshooting Tampa Bay 26 to 18.
by Bubba on Nov 16, 2008 4:41 PM EST reply actions
well good on Cam stoning Jussi Jokinen. That Dude is like money in the shootout!
We needed that win. Hopefully we use it as a stepping stone.
by wylde4canes on Nov 16, 2008 6:56 PM EST reply actions
Ward played outstanding today! What a couple of great stops in the shoot out! I hope he can continue his great form because the Canes will go only as far as he will take us! Good game all around today except for the couple stupid penalty!
by Jonathan on Nov 16, 2008 8:31 PM EST reply actions
Oops sorry I meant to post this…
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRINDY ON HIS 50th PLACE IN HOCKEY HISTORY.
Maybe 50 rocks after all.
by Caron on Nov 17, 2008 8:58 AM EST reply actions
“Who would you play? An enforcer who averages about a minute of ice time per game, or a utility player who is good on the penalty kill?”
I realize Dwyer got sent down, but this was the right choice for a change. Maybe if PL gave his 4th line a little more time on ice, they would produce something for him. It might also keep the ice time for his first 3 lines down, and might, repeat might, save some the Canes late game meltdowns.
by NCYANKEE on Nov 17, 2008 8:46 PM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
Related FanShots on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- In which former NHL coach Ken Hitchcock foils a shoplifter
- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
