Canes Rally, But Leafs Prevail

by Cory Lavalette on Jan 16, 2009 11:16 AM EST

Last night, the real Carolina Hurricanes finally showed up. Unfortunately, it took until nearly the third period for it to happen.

Toronto walked from the RBC Center with a 6-4 victory, but not before blowing a 4-0 lead to a Hurricanes team that didn't come alive until late in the second period.

Maple Leafs winger Jason Blake haunted former coach Paul Maurice with five points, registering a hat trick and adding two assists, including a helper on Tomas Kaberle's game-winning power play goal with 5:25 left in the game. He then tacked on an empty-netter to complete his hat trick.

Cam Ward was average at best, allowing five goals on just 23 shots, but there was plenty of blame to go around en route to the four-goal deficit. Toronto opened the scoring with an Ian White power play goal at 12:43 of the first, and then Blake got his second point and first goal of the night early in the second period on a wraparound effort that Ward failed to stop at the opposite post. A Joe Corvo turnover led to the game's third goal, Niklas Hagman's 12th of the season. When Blake scored his second of the game, it was 4-0 nothing and Carolina seemed on their way to a third-straight blowout loss. But Matt Cullen's goal with 89 seconds left in the period sparked the team and began the onslaught that would eventually tie the game.

Tuomo Ruutu fired a sneaky wrist shot past Toronto goalie Vesa Toskala — a shot he should've stopped — 1:21 into the third, and Eric Staal's power play goal just more than three minutes later put the Canes within one. The third line struck again to tie it, with Scott Walker and Cullen whacking away in front of Toskala, with Walker getting the last stick on the puck for the tying marker.

But despite a revitalized crowd and immense momentum, the Canes were unable to prevent the Leafs' go-ahead goal. With the teams playing four-on-four with Dennis Seidenberg and Matt Stajan in the box on matching roughing calls, Tim Gleason — in his first game back from an ankle injury — took a high sticking penalty that gave Toronto a four-on-three advantage. Kaberle connected less than a minute into the power play to give the Leafs the lead for good — and Carolina its fourth straight loss.

The good

Canes Country scout Adam and I were lucky enough to park near two vans that happened to serve as the tailgate boundaries for Winston-Salem brewers Foothills Brewing. As soon as our doors opened up they were inviting us over for free beer and brats, plus some shelter from the bitter wind between their branded vans. We tried two of their beers (Hoppyum IPA and People's Porter), plus met their crew and some others who made their way over to enjoy the free food and drinks. A HUGE thanks to the Foothills gang for their hospitality and kindness. They mentioned they'd done a free tailgate before and expect more in the future. Hopefully we can keep everyone here in the know about when they'll be in the area in the future. Here's a list of places you can find their beers on tap and try them out. As two people who have had plenty of different beers over the years, Adam and I definitely recommend both we tried, plus you can be assured that money gspent on their beer goes to a good group of people.

Maurice's initial line shuffling didn't shake off the team's offensive doldrums, but some late-game changes seemed to pay off. The coach reunited Staal, Ruutu and Sergei Samsonov and tried several different combinations with the other three lines.

Brandon Sutter looked great, getting a couple good scoring opportunities and showing some physicality in nearly eight minutes of ice time. To earn more ice time, however, Sutter needs to be better than 1 for 10 on faceoffs. Patrick Eaves also seems to be totally healthy and trying to earn a bigger role among the forwards.

Cullen finished with a goals and an assist, and usually his big games come in bunches. Expect — and hope for — more contributions out of him leading up to the All-Star break.

Despite being a minus-2 and limping off the ice after attempting a late-game hip check, Gleason looked like the most motivated guy on the ice for Carolina. He played more than 21 minutes, had five hits and blocked a couple shots. Gleason said after the game that he was OK despite not returning after leaving the ice, and also had a few choice words for the team's start-of-the-game efforts and his "stupid" late penalty that led to the game-winning power play.

Ruutu was flying around looking to hit anything from the drop of the puck.

A pretty packed house that was announced at 18,037.

The bad

This should be worth about 10 bullet points. For the third straight game, the team looked uncommitted to making the effort it takes to win in the NHL. While their four-goal spurt tied the game, the effort prior to that didn't warrant any points.

Maurice's starting line combinations were a flop, perhaps contributing to the slow start that sputtered to a stop once Toronto scored the game's first goal.

Ward didn't do much to help the Canes' cause, looking especially bad on Blake's wraparound goal.

Carolina allowed goals on both Maple Leafs power plays.

Niclas Wallin looked slow and played only one shift in the third period. He finished with just 8:05 of ice time.

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Comments

As you say, plenty of blame to go around. The Kaberle goal was not exactly a “Wardo” Kodak moment either.

Ruutu looked like a man possessed in the third period. He was only credited with 1 hit for the game, weird.

Not good to be losing to the worst teams in the league.

by Bubba on Jan 16, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions

All in all, the same thing has been prevalent since the 06-07 season. This team takes nights off and is unable to play a three period game. Whether its Maurice or LaViolette behind the bench, it’s been the same thing for three years running. You can’t take 2 periods off and expect your goalie to keep them off the board when you decide to turn on the intensity. Ward wasn’t sharp obviously but that’s just a byline to one game. Nothing has changed since the beginning of 2006-2007 season, just a few new faces.

by goalie matt on Jan 16, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions

I have officially resigned myself to a long off season. I wonder how much longer we will be able to maintain a fan base.

by wylde4canes on Jan 16, 2009 11:33 AM EST reply actions

i missed the beginning of the game.

what were the lines that he started out with?

-chris

by chris j on Jan 16, 2009 12:03 PM EST reply actions

The best part of the night was the free beer/brats and the new friends were made. Cory is right too, he and I have had a lot of beers over the years, these were some pretty good beers and I would recommend them.

As for the game, Cory and I were talking all night and he mentions it in his summary, there was no effort, other than about 10 minutes. There was no passion, desire, intensity to win. They looked like they didn’t care and it shows. In the 3 plus years, we have had tickets, I don’t think we’ve ever left a game early. Last night we would have except the people in our row didn’t get up in time. That says a lot. I remember the game 3 years ago maybe against ATL that we went to and the Canes lost 9-0, I think that was the final, yet we stayed for all of it. Just goes to show how disgusted we both were with the game last night.

Get Wallin off the ice and move Brind’amour down or sit him. Just 2 suggestions, among many, that could be made.

by Adam on Jan 16, 2009 12:04 PM EST reply actions

What is your take on Wardo? I think he is and will be a top notch goalie for years, but has the consecutive games wore him out? The first goal happened after everyone thought there should be a stoppage and Ward look like he relaxed. The second one happened right in front of my seats and that wrap around was pathetic. The last goal deflected off of his glove hand, but one he normally makes. I am not stating that he was the total cause for the loss, but I would think the mental fatigue has got to wear on him after so many starts.

by hotchipsnsalsa on Jan 16, 2009 12:13 PM EST reply actions

Floridas 1 pt back with 3 games in hand……

by TylerA on Jan 16, 2009 12:26 PM EST reply actions

Chris,

Line combos out of the gate were:

Whitney-Staal-Ruutu
Samsonov-Brind’Amour-Williams
Walker-Cullen-LaRose
Eaves-Sutter-Bayda

HotChips,

The wraparound was awful … I dunno if he lost and edge or stumbled, but it wasn’t like Blake explosively turned the corner. All that being said, I think Ward plays his best when he’s the last line of defense for a team that’s doing everything in front of him to limit chances. He is a great goalie on a team that plays great. When the team plays poorly, I think he oftentimes tries to do too much and also lets frustration get the best of him. Maybe that goes away with more maturity — it’s easy to forget he’s still just 24.

Anyway, I think that’s why he was SO good over the Cup run. He was able to make stops when he needed to b/c he had the utmost confidence in the guys in front of him and that they were putting out their best effort. Regardless of what anyone thinks about this team right now, I don’t think any team in East would want to meet them in the playoffs b/c come postseason intensity generally isn’t an issue with any team, and Carolina’s biggest weakness is consistent intensity.

by Cory on Jan 16, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions

I agree Adam, Brind’Amour needs to take himeself off the ice. Last night he couldn’t get up enough speed for a breakaway.

They should be working more with Sutter during practice on face off’s and move him up a line. He’s the one player I think has a chance to spark this team.

Ward makes some fantastic saves, he’s a good goalie but he’s got to be more consistent. Does it fret anyone else as much as it does me that the Canes hardly ever clear the other players from in front of Cam?

by Cathye on Jan 16, 2009 12:53 PM EST reply actions

Ken Dryden said, “There is something remarkably strong about a team when it wins, and something even more remarkably weak about that same team, when it doesn’t.”

by goalie matt on Jan 16, 2009 12:58 PM EST reply actions

This team is like our Government: Promises… Promises… Promises… and… then… nothing…

by Mateo on Jan 16, 2009 1:18 PM EST reply actions

Mike from 99.9 observed on Blake’s wraparound goal that he blew right by Pitkanen without even a tap – so not totally Cam’s fault.

I"ll tell you what – if Staal has another MVP All star game, what gives? Does he try harder in the world spotlight, will it be a higher caliber of players around him? I think it goes to the point that All Star games are not physical and when a team plays Staal physical, he can’t match it and withers.

by Fred on Jan 16, 2009 1:21 PM EST reply actions

I guess it wasn’t the coach!!!!!

by repenttokyo on Jan 16, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions

The whole thing about Staal not being physical and not performing when people play physical against him is confusing. He is (or should be) one of the bigger guys on our team… maybe he just isn’t mean enough. I don’t know… He has enough size…. people should be afraid of him… but they aren’t….

by Mateo on Jan 16, 2009 2:00 PM EST reply actions

HotChips,

I personally think that the amount of games in a row is wearing Ward out. He did just come back from an injury so you would think that he would at least have a game off during that stretch. That being said, I think that you HAVE to play him tomorrow night in Buffalo where for all intensive purposes 4 points are on the line as well as the guys confidence and maybe there job here in Raleigh. After Saturday though I think then you have to sit him one of the next 2 games going into the All-Star break.

As far as the team goes though we have to cut some strings and those being Wallin,Brindi, Pitkanen if he doesnt get more physical or move him to a forward, Eaves, and anyone else who has sucked this year! I really think Mo should just start scratching guys the game after if they play terrible. Start sending messages that it doesnt matter what your name has done for you in the past or what you have done, either give 100% or sit out the next game or two.

Thats my 2 cents!

by Jonathan on Jan 16, 2009 2:18 PM EST reply actions

Pitkanen is definitely not someone we need to cut, he’s what the club needs.

by repenttokyo on Jan 16, 2009 2:43 PM EST reply actions

Jonathan – I agree with almost everything you said. The one thing I would disagree on is cutting strings with Pitkanen. He never has and probably never will be a physical force despite having good size, with that being said, I think he has been solid this year. It took him a while to get comfortable but I think he has been one of the more consistent players all year. He also may be the best skater on the team and can catch other skaters pretty effortlessly. Plus he is only 24 and defenseman usually take longer to develop their all around game. He has had some lapses here and there but overall I’ve been pretty happy with Pitkanen.

While Eaves hasn’t produced the way anyone would like, the guy may be one of the hardest working guys on the team, plays with a bit of an edge, is good defensively, creates chances, etc. I think if he were playing more than 10 minutes a night with better players, he may produce more. I like what he brings and honestly just feel bad for him because hasn’t gotten that break.

But I agree, Wallin and Brindi, Kaberle, among some others need to be traded or something.

by Adam on Jan 16, 2009 2:48 PM EST reply actions

Adam-I agree Pitkanen has been solid for most of the year but he HAS to get more physical if he wants to be a top tier defender, especially with his size. I saw him last night finally start pushing people around in front of the net in the 3rd period. He is someone that is great to have for the PP but I hate how when he is going into the boards he shy’s away from the hits in the offensive and defensive zone. Defenders should be the enforcers on the ice! Also, when there are guys in front of Ward he as well as other d-men need to flatten them! We will continue to give up 5 goals a game when the goalies cant see the pucks!

by Jonathan on Jan 16, 2009 3:04 PM EST reply actions

Also, I too feel bad for Eaves because I think he could be a solid player for a team but if we arent going to utilize him then put him and someone else together and propose a trade for a top notch player.

by Jonathan on Jan 16, 2009 3:06 PM EST reply actions

I don’t think all your D should be physical. Nik Lidstrom isn’t really physical at all. I’ve got no problems with Pitkanen whatsoever.

by Cory on Jan 16, 2009 3:40 PM EST reply actions

After the first period John and Tripp talked to Gleason and he said some funny stuff. He said he’s goal in every game is to go out and try to take someones head off. He also said he wished everyone on the team would think like him and play more physical. Glad to have him back( at least for one game, since he got hurt AGAIN) even if he did have a stupid penalty to give the game away.
But on a good note they actually scored more than one goal,
that was impressive (or just luck) but will take more of that.

by canescup on Jan 16, 2009 3:56 PM EST reply actions

Point taken, but Im not as bought into Pitkanen as you are. Plus, dont you put him on a line with a physical presence at least? Hes been playing with Seidenburg, who is nowhere close to physical. No one is scared of that defensive pairing!

by Jonathan on Jan 16, 2009 3:57 PM EST reply actions

Pitkanen has come to this team and done exactly what he was brought here to do…

Joe Corvo is not a “physical” player…. but he does his job…

Wallin has a no-trade clause…. plus he has been really good when not injured….

by Mateo on Jan 16, 2009 3:58 PM EST reply actions

Guess the bigger issue then why isn’t Seids being more physical?

by Cory on Jan 16, 2009 4:01 PM EST reply actions

Wow, I used to post this exact diatribe and you guys/gals used to rake me over the coals. The one thing that is diff., is I wanted Lavi gone. Now he’s gone and you all are on the same bandwagon. I know it isn’t that I know more, I don’t. I wonder if maybe we all aren’t just getting shuffled together and as the path choices narrow we are coming together? Take it one step farther and that may be due to the team, while not anybody’s “A” list may be cutting itself down.

Rod is playing bad
Staal needs to do more
Cullen, LaRose, Ruutu, etc are working like hell
Wallin, Kaberle, etc. aren’t

I hate to think it’s that simple, but maybe we are on a path to get shit weeded out. I agree with many things here. Most of you know what I have been preaching. The truth is almost always in between, but, I don’t see that many of you feeling too far away from me. I actually don’t see many out in left field opinions…

Hmmm, man I hope this wasn’t a JR plan all along…

by Paladin6 on Jan 16, 2009 4:44 PM EST reply actions