Carolina in Control - Canes 3 Thrashers 1
by Bob Wage on Jan 1, 2009 2:40 AM EST
7 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes were in control most of the game as they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 3-1 last night, on New Year's Eve.
About half way through the first period, the Thrashers took a 1-0 lead on a powerplay goal by Ilya Kovalchuk. The Russian superstar had been suffering though a career worst scoring slump, but playing Carolina seems to be a cure for slumping players. Up to that point though, the Thrashers had not mounted any type of consistent offensive threat.
The Canes were out-shooting the Thrashers but could not grace the scoreboard until late in the first when Sergei Samsonov took a nice pass from Eric Staal and backhanded it over Kari Lehtonen while he was being checked and knocked down from behind. The incredible goal made the score 1-1 at the first intermission.
Samsonov scored on another backhander in the second period, this time on a rebound from a Tuomo Ruutu shot. The Carolina first line of Staal, Ruutu, and Samsonov was buzzing all night.
In the third period, the Canes seemed to go into defensive mode, but earned a powerplay chance about five minutes in. Late in the powerplay, Joe Corvo took the puck from end to end and moved around a man for an open chance, after which he rifled a slapshot in the corner of the net.
The Thrashers did finally out-shoot the Canes in the final period, but the home team was concentrating primarily on defense. The 3-1 score held up and Carolina earned the much needed two points.
Game Notes-
Cam Ward had a solid game but was not severely tested. He ended up with 20 saves on 21 shots.
Thrashers leading scorer Bryan Little had an assist, but did not have a single shot on goal.
Amazingly, Atlanta out-hit Carolina 35 to 9. That's incredible when you consider that the Thrashers were the tired team because they had played the night before. Ruutu led the home team with three hits.
Rod Brind'Amour's TOI ice was the lowest it's been all season, 16:32. His linemates, Ray Whitney and Scott Walker were both in the 13 minute range. Eric Staal led the forwards with 20 plus minutes and Samsonov had 19.
Joe Corvo was given the task of shadowing Kovalchuk all night. Coach Maurice said after the game that he did a great job.
Samsonov had three points for the night and figured in on each of the Hurricanes goals. He was the number one star for the game.
_____
Afterwards, I was able to film a couple of interviews in the dressing room.
First up is Sergei Samsonov-
Then Joe Corvo talks about his goal-
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I think this is the best (as in most solid) game I’ve seen Carolina play in a long while.
by neaux on Jan 1, 2009 8:53 AM EST reply actions
Solid effort. Nice positioning. That game could have been 5-1. Not pretty to watch but just win I don’t care how it looks. Corvo’s blast was wicked. Samsanov……….nuff said.
by Ken on Jan 1, 2009 9:02 AM EST reply actions
It was a boring game to watch, but a win was nice. And the Devils lost so hopefully we win the next two going into Tuesday night….
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jan 1, 2009 9:38 AM EST reply actions
Cullen was skating like a man possesed, too. Interesting outing. Yay for 2 points!!!!!
A
by Paladin6 on Jan 1, 2009 10:43 AM EST reply actions
I hate to be negative, but after watching the “Chalk Talk” did anyone else notice just how badly Brindy got smoked? I mean he was no where near Kovalchuk, I have no idea what Brindy was thinking on that one. Also that pass he broke up on the blueline on Atl’s powerplay and he looked to have the jump on the puck but couldnt get there in time…..I’d love to see someone like LaRose have that same chance, we might of gotten our first shorty! Either way, I thought it was a great game as well, like others have said, probably one of our best efforts of the year. Sammys goals were beautiful. Happy new years yall!….hope your enjoying the Winter Classic as much as I am!
by TylerA on Jan 1, 2009 3:32 PM EST reply actions
Tyler,
Rod is -26 on the season. It was very very apparent last night that he is really hurting. He had a very serious knee injury that for a guy that has worked out as much as he has over his life should end a career. Rather than improving, the knee seems to be getting worse as the year goes on. I know what is feels like to be 40 and injured. It is a whole different world than 25.
Rod needs to be on the 4th line and be in there for important face offs. This could be his last year. It is painful to watch. I have been saying this since early in the season. Sadly right now he is a liability to the team. He is a great competitor but old man time has a way of catching up. Brandon Sutter deserves to get more meaningful minutes. Ray Whitney is the tough luck guy with Rod going this way. He is -6. Basically, reverse rolls for Rod and Brandon and a winning streak will happen. No dis to Rod, facts are facts.
by ken on Jan 1, 2009 8:22 PM EST reply actions
FINALLY got to watch another Canes game this year, courtesy Yahoo sports … at least until the video choked in the 3rd period; so I switched to Chuck on the radio.
It was not a very exciting game, but given the Canes struggles this year, it’s good to have some dull games where they’re the ones in control. Great game for Samsonov and the #1 line, decent play from Ward, and I really like the #4 line right now. Like others are saying, Brindy looks really bad right now. Sad really, but he’s just behind the play all the time now. It really does seem like the knee must be bothering him — if not, he’s done. Lets hope he can rest it during the off-season and come back strong next year.
by Archivalist on Jan 1, 2009 9:34 PM EST reply actions
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