Clicks and Clippings: Nowhere to go but up
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 20, 2009 12:22 PM EDT
89 comments
"If we sit and wait for our offense to get going, it's going to be a painful experience." - Coach Paul Maurice, in comments after practice Sunday.
So how bad is it?
#24 NHL.com overall standings in the NHL
Here's a few of those power ratings that come out every week.
#25 The Hockey News as of Oct 19
#25 ESPN.com as of Oct 19
#22 NHL.Fanhouse.com as of Oct 16 (even before the loss in NJ)
#21 TSN.com as of Oct 19
#10 in the East from fellow CC bloggers at SBNation as of Oct 20
Other team stats:
28th for Goals per Game, 29th in Power Play %,30th in PIM/game
I couldn't find any team statistic where the Hurricanes came out in the top half of the league, including Face-off % and Penalty Kill. Using the analogy of a stock market trend (or perhaps a ferris wheel would be more fitting), have we finally hit the bottom from which we can only go up? Does Coach Mo have the key to bring the mojo back to the Canes locker room just as he did when he arrived last December? As Cory pointed out this morning, in the past the annual "State Fair" road trip has been a positive turning point. Will this year fit the pattern? The team flies to New York today and won't return to the RBC till next Monday's practice. Will this trip provide a jumpstart to find their way to putting up some points on the scoreboard and in the standings? And when they return home from Minnesota on Sunday, will the Caniac Nation (and perhaps Mr. Rutherford) be greeting them with banners or pitchforks?
But, as a reminder that it's a little early to panic, I found this humorous piece "10 Completely Accurate And True Assumptions Early In The NHL Season". Not sure if this premise still applies in November. (I mean, is it possible that Marc-Andre Fleury really won't lose a game this season?)
Cam Ward has been recognized as the only consistent shining star thus far and here is that glove save on the Penguins' Bill Guerin showcased as the #1 Save of the Week. Also, Tuomo Ruutu's crunch on Kris Letang in the same game can be seen here one more time, at #8 for the week.
Some recent pieces on the Hurricanes
From this morning's N&O: Hurricanes looking for that spark. ice_chip is tweeting that everyone is back at practice today (except of course Erik Cole - who hopes to be back by early November). The Canes now show these revised offensive and defensive lines on their depth chart.
Paul Branecky had this piece on the offensive problems facing the franchise Offensive Funk Behind Slow Start - TTS Blog
Droschak: Whitney's Journey to 1,000 - Carolina Hurricanes Ray Whitney is expected to play in his 1000th NHL game in NY this Wednesday.
Light at the end of the tunnel for Scott Walker, wife Julie via CBC tv (for Hockey Night in Canada)
Lowe has watchful eye on potential Olympians - NHL.com - 2010 Winter Olympics gives us some background on how the Team Canada roster will be determined.
The Puck Drop's podcast had a chance to visit with Tripp Tracy on Monday - you can listen here.
The other podcast that I consider must-listen from Paul Branecky and Kyle Hanlin just came up this morning as well.
Early Season Enigmas | The Hockey Writers - From a purely fantasy-league perspective, the writer looks at the troubles with Eric Staal and wonders if now is the time to trade.
From the River Rats
Back in Albany, the River Rats split a back-to-back over the weekend. Friday night was an overtime win over their arch-rival Phantoms. On Saturday,the Worcester Sharks broke the 'Rats 4-game win streak, with Mike Murphy in goal. Here's the place to check out the stats for the Canes AHL affiliate. Another great River Rats blog is My Phil-osophy from Phil Janack.
In the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the first round draft pick for the Hurricanes, Philippe Paradis had a good night last week, getting a goal and 2 assists in a winning OT effort. Please note on the scoresheet that the Shawinigan Cataractes list 2 Coaches, a Trainer and a Therapist. Not sure what the therapist does for those juniors, but with all the talk of the Canes' ailing psyche, perhaps it's an angle Jim Rutherford might consider here as well.
Here's an "outsider's" take on which prospects the Canes will call up if they need to re-vamp the roster sooner than later. Tropical Storm Warning: Five Prospects For Hurricanes Fans To Watch This Season | The Hockey Writers
Around the NHL
As previously mentioned , on Wednesday night the Canes will face the New York Islanders, who are winless thus far this season. Off ice, the duo of former-Hurricane and NHL-veteran Doug Weight and #1 draftpick Rookie John Tavares made an appearance this week to promote reading with local fourth-graders. Check out the video here.
Friday's opponent is the Colorado Avalanche who made it official yesterday that their #3 draft pick 18-year old Matt Duchene has earned a spot on the NHL roster and will not be returning to his junior team in the OHL.
Justin Williams was rewarded as 2nd star of the night by Puck Daddy and in the game for his tip-in on the GWG in the Kings' win over the Stars last night.
Laviolette waiting for ring, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun projects that former Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette is at the top of the who-ya-gonna-call list when the GM's of struggling NHL teams decide to pull the trigger on a coaching change this fall. Among those teams mentioned: the Maple Leafs, the Islanders, and the Wild. Laviolette was interviewed this morning and Harwood posted the link here.
For those hockey wonks who like to analyze statistical subtleties to better understand the game and find answers, please take a look at SBNation Blog Behind the Net. For example: Frequently Asked Questions #5: Penalty +/-
An interesting and very funny travelog from Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy in Vegas: 21 observations about hockey, gambling, new media journalism and Blogs With Balls 2.0
From "New Hockey Media" to Old Time Hockey, check the newly released Hartford Whaler apparel line from Reebok (thanks also to Cory via Puck Daddy for the story). Not sure what this says about the Hurricanes.
Last, take a gander at the hockeymom heart-warming video of the day. I spent a goodly portion of this past weekend at my sons' games, both played at the frigid Garner Ice House, and saw a bunch of boisterous young hockey players, just like these, crowded on the benches of a stinky locker room. Bouncing in full gear with excitement and pre-game nerves, they listened as their coaches explained how the game is played. From 1962, this video oozes nostalgia as the hockey-proud Canadians instill everything about their national obsession that they hold dear upon the hearts and minds of the next generation (and I'm thinking the kids in the video link are now about the age of own Jimmy Rutherford).
Go Canes!
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When I went to the NHL Store in NYC in August, it seemed like there was more Whaler merchandise there than Canes.
Man, ya’ll some die hards.
Lemme give you a little perspective at 25, you suck, you wouldn’t get in the playoffs and therefore no profit sharing.
Teams 17-30 means nothing except which other loser you were better than, but you still suck.
This happy go lucky attitude is probably why the team sucks. They think there are a shitload of games left so we’ll get around to playing better. How pathetic of an attitude for a pro team to have is that?
Now you can defend that by saying that is not the teams, just some here on the blogs…….but, what if it ain’t?
I’m not saying you all suck or are losers, though I think all Canes fans have the right to feel let down by rooting for losers. I’m just saying you folks sure fell into a pretty easy attitude about being 25th.(20 friggin’ fifth!!) if the team did the same, it’s kinda the smokin’ gun.
I think we all should be pissed off the team we spend our hard earned money on sucks. I think we should be calling out the team we have stuck by (well you all, anyway :-) )in some pretty down times.
I ain’t sorry one dam bit when I say 25th sucks, I demand better. If this ain’t the c rew that can do it then replace them. PK is spending enough money to be well above 25th. I have faulted him in the past for being a bit tight. I think he went for it this year and he/we aren’t getting jack back.
No sir, 25th is not OK, the sunshine is gone and there are less games now than there was.
A
If 2-4-1 in 7 games is enough to get that upset about, would you be singing the praises of the team and hailing them as Cup contenders if they went 5-1-1 or so over a similar stretch?
It’s rather inane to be worried about the winner of the second season before the first is over. Though if they keep this up, they won’t have to worry about it. So to answer your question in a word, no.
My point was that you seem incredibly quick to wallow in the misery of a rough stretch, but as I suspected would (rightfully so) not be so quick to celebrate a hot streak.
I can respect that, as I tend to subscribe to Nick Hornby’s views on being a sports fan. "The natural state of the football hockey fan is bitter disappointment, no matter what the score."
Sorta on the money. As Bob was getting to a little farther down and has been said by others, it’s a long season. A few games ago we could of been ahead of Washington. Would you rather be where they are now or where we are?
" When one finds one self in a hole, quit digging."
We have fouind ourselves in ahole and we had far better expectations and I believe they were warranted. This by far the best roster on paper this franchise has had. That don’t mean they can play as a team successfully. The shortsightedness of canning the red/whaite game and the preseason has now thrust them and us kicking and screaming into a postion of reaction rather than plannned action. They drop this series and they almost have to trade or do some call ups. So by the afore mentioned fubar reasoning at 10 games in they have to shit or get off the pot.
The 6 P’s man. Proper planning prevents piss poor performance. This franchise didn’t follow that. They knew they knew best and rounded up a group and dismissed what little evidence to the contrary they had. Now we have a situation the by the game get’s more dire. We now have to have a winning road streak. Not the end of the world, but dam sure ain’t a killer home stand now is it? I pray we get 4 out of 6 here, but if they don’t, what do you think should be done?
A
Well, whether we win or lose, I think we need to pry Alex Frolov out of LA, but that’s a different story all together. :-)
I looked for any any that could get done, but I just don’t see it. IMO, it would take Ruutu — a piece I, personally, wouldn’t be willing to part with — or Boychuk (JR wouldn’t do that based on salary implications).
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 20, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not so sure about that. With Frolov being an upcoming UFA and the recent fallout with Murray, his value has dropped a bit.
There’s still no chance of it happening, though, so it’s all wishful thinking from me.
But who else would the Kings take? They’re set down the middle and on D, and the Canes wingers aren’t much to call home about in the trade value department.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 20, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
"When one finds one's self in a hole, quit digging"
How about a different perspective:
“If you are going through HELL, Keep Going.”-Winston Churchill
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Comments from Mo
before they headed to RDU, from Chip at CanesNow: Winless Islanders have Maurice Edgy
Having reviewed the Islanders last few games:
“It’s not like we’re 12 or 15 points ahead of them. So I think you’re going to see two teams come out with a snarl. If we play our butts off, we have a chance to win, and that’s it.”
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
some people live and die with every game, some people with every face off. I still don’t think that anyone is more right or wrong than anyone else.
(shrugs)
As Dale said, there have been plenty of teams that started out like gangbusters, only to fade away come winter time. I remember when Buffalo fans were talking about the Stanley Cup a few years ago when they were 10-0. How did that work out?
You don’t have to be happy with mediocrity, but you don’t have to jump off a bridge either. I prefer to remain even keel, but that is my personality. :-)
GM of CanesCountry.com
+1
I had to get in on this + fest somehow… hahaha
by packpigskinfan25 on Oct 20, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
because you’re you
A conservative is someone who wants to get rid of all illegal immigrants,
Just as soon as those guys finish mowing his yard and building the shed
+1 to the + fest!
While consistent winning from the Canes would be nice, the only thing they have been consistent about the past few seasons is being inconsistent. So if they’re going to get hot at any point of the season, I’ll take it at the end.
That’s not to say I’m enjoying how this season is going so far. They’ve got to get their act together. Hopefully new lines will help Wednesday. Though that only works for so long with the Canes, it seems. They’ll probably get hot and go on a roll, then Cole comes back and messes the lines up again…
by Pirate Caniac on Oct 20, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Bob, my understanding of mediocre may be wrong but thoght you may appreciate it. Mediocre is average at best to poor. So being happy with a 15 or 16 seed is the best yopu can hope for. That’s pretty pathetic. I’m not saying jump off a bridge. I am saying saying show a little emotion. Are you happy at being 25th? Is 15-16 all you expect from this team? I don’t care how you pc or polish it, a turds still a turd and any team in 25th place should have no illusions, they suck.
So are you content with mediocrity? What are your expectations?
A
I’m not happy about it, but I’m not going to get emotional about it. We are less than 10 games into the season.
My “expectations” were that we could contend to win the division, which might make me look like an idiot. But in my opinion, it’s still too early to be calling anything a turd. Things change quickly in sports.
Washington has goaltending problems, the Canes have scoring problems. I think that scoring problems are easier fixed than goaltending. But again, I could be wrong.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Nope I agree and any hockey fan that says they ain’t emotional ain’t seen the “Hockey fans aren’t lkike other fans” commercials.
My point is we ain’t playing like divisional contenders and this dam division just got alot more crowded when Atl. decided to win a couple games.
If, IF we get our guns firing, this is still gonna be a tough divisional race and too thought they were gonna contend for it.
Hell still may, but something is or things are very wrong now and without the preseason as warning they put the problem farther down the road than it needed to be.
A
It's called a bad stretch
It happens many times throughout a season. Players go thru dry spells ( even highly paid players ), teams lose 3 in a row, 4 in a row. On the opposite side of the coin, players go on hot streaks, teams win 9 in a row ( some teams win 9 in a row on multiple occasions in the same season ). I don’t know how long you’ve been watching hockey, but it is the nature of the beast, I’ve seen it almost every year that I’ve been watching the sport. The simple truth is, that you can never go undefeated in the NHL. Logic dictates that if you can’t win them all, you have to lose some. Every team is under the same stipulations. Let’s have this discussion when the situation warrants it. Not less than 10 games into the season.
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
10 games is more than an 1/8th of a season, the first such test is turning out to be a failure. Which of the 8 do feel warrants merit?
A
Dr. Evil says no.
10 games does not more than 1/8 of a season make…
talk to me after the 1st period of the 11th game…
by Andrea's evil twin on Oct 20, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
How ‘bout the RBC center – that’s a home game…
by Andrea's evil twin on Oct 21, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
The fact that we’re having this conversation is not a good sign. I don’t like all the talk about gripping the sticks too tightly. it sounds like the mood is not good. Mo’s tone is so serious these days – not at all with the sardonic “put-it-in-perspective” demeanor I came to love last Spring. If Mo’s worried, I’m worried. We need him confident and imbuing confidence.
But going back to the piece before the jump, if one wants to make predictions based on the season so far, one could project that in fact the Maple Leafs will not win a single game this season…..Talk about a bad things happening to passionate fans.
And I posted the Ferris Wheel to open, not a Black Hole. In other words, I agree, what goes down, must go up. I think this series is key.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 20, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor leafs fans...
I’ve been hanging onto this gem for a couple of days now…
by Andrea's evil twin on Oct 20, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is why the Leaf's fan blog is called:
A Nation of Masochists. Sounds apt.
Do you know how much those tickets sell for and Laffs still suck?
A conservative is someone who wants to get rid of all illegal immigrants,
Just as soon as those guys finish mowing his yard and building the shed
seriosuly though
You think the same as me… it is a LONG season. This team needs something, but they have time to find it if they act soon.
by packpigskinfan25 on Oct 20, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Cute video of the Canadian kids. I think the last fellow they talked to must have been Ray Whitney. :-)
I love the coach explaining the importance of holding the blueline and winning the battles on the boards.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 20, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
the only thing worse than kids......
……….. is Canadian kids.
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
Patience
With less than 10 percent of our games played, I’m not willing to label this season a disaster. Right now a three-game winning streak resets the table.
If we’re 25th at the end of the season, yep, we sucked.
No player would tell you they’re happy with where the team is right now. Those that haven’t scored surely want that monkey off their back and may be gripping the stick and/or be quick to pass before shooting. That’s what the coaches are working on right now.
Let’s see where they are about 20 games in before we start storming the castle with torches, eh? This is so very fixable. Give ’em a chance to do so.
Back to "Clicks and Clippings"...
I’d like to follow up on something that hockeymomof2 mentioned after the news about Paradis scoring a goal and two assists in a game the other night.
Please note on the scoresheet that the Shawinigan Cataractes list 2 Coaches, a Trainer and a Therapist. Not sure what the therapist does for those juniors, but with all the talk of the Canes’ ailing psyche, perhaps it’s an angle Jim Rutherford might consider here as well.
Actually, I’ve advocated for quite some time that this team should keep the best sports psychologist that money can buy on retainer. That small amount of money makes 20-some (maybe more, considering the Rats) players better, collectively and individually.
Considering how mental the game is, building confidence and visualizing success seems essential.
One-on-one sessions, plus group “pep” talks…well, you get the picture.
Is this done elsewhere? Why not here?
HM, very good stuff again.
I know my thorough knowledge of the game is limited and my comments are drivel, however, I still don’t think we need to take ‘the sky is falling’ mentality until we get further down the road.
My sports psychologist speech
Your comments are NOT drivel – you’re usually right on, as you are again here.
They say you know you’ve hit the bottom of a market crash when you see total capitulation.
Using that line of thinking, the more the Canes just give up on all the pre-season expectations (like: how great they are and how they just need to show up to win) and surrender to the concept they absolutely need to play hockey with every ounce of passion they can muster with no expectations (see: Colorado Avalanche and Phoenix Coyotes), good things will start to happen.
And the line graph in my head plotting the Canes’ weekly NHL standings will begin to move up. Until we hit bottom, all bets are off.
(Secret agenda: I’m hoping this post will be a good one to look back to “from the archives” when we’re feeling better about the season and trying to remember when it turned around.)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 20, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I am all for new and unique approaches to the game. Which is why I think this needs to be incorporated into the Canes’ practice drill book. Talk about an incentive to score.
That’s a win/win for fans and players alike. LTD would become famous as her pictures went viral. Whitney might be the only one left with more than his pants.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 20, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Jussi would probably remain fully clothed too.
Not only do they need to incorporate that into practice, they also need to make note of those dates on the practice schedule.
Very true. Would Wardo start dropping parts if/when he gave up a goal?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 20, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm as enjoyable as that would be, I’m pretty sure he would keep everything on. Goalies are nuts, but even they’re not crazy enough to stop shots without pads on.
I don't know about that.....
not when there’s the likes of Thomas and Emery on the ice and in the net.
A conservative is someone who wants to get rid of all illegal immigrants,
Just as soon as those guys finish mowing his yard and building the shed
Ah, so you're selective on who you stalk......er
are an “avid fan of”, huh?
A conservative is someone who wants to get rid of all illegal immigrants,
Just as soon as those guys finish mowing his yard and building the shed
It is really sweet of you,
to lower your standards to a point that even allows you to even chat with me.
Paladin6 on the other hand, he doesn’t like Jazz. How can you go that low?
A conservative is someone who wants to get rid of all illegal immigrants,
Just as soon as those guys finish mowing his yard and building the shed
Low? Dammit ‘ems fightin’ words.
BTW, she is a she…duh? Her standards change as often as her mind. Don’t throw me under the bus just ‘cause it’s stooping to speak with you. I am a lofty individual, a great man in my own mind you might say…
Oh God I hope only CG pounces on this, I’d be scared what Jenni, Andrea, Briny, HM, LTD and the rest of the estrogen warriors will do…
A
There is so much to “pounce on” (thanks for making us all sound like cats btw) that I don’t even know where to start.
But I do know this for sure, when it comes to men, a woman’s standards never change. We may make a mistake or two (or fifteen), but our standards stay the same. That’s where the whole kissing frogs thing comes into play.
estrogen warriors?? you make us sound like a bunch of post-menopausal old women!!! And yes, as women we reserve the right to change our minds as often as the winds change, keeping in mind that although we may be “fickle” our standards NEVER change…and I’m not a fan of Jazz either, today anyhow. :)
Those types of ladies go by the name "Cougar"
A conservative is someone who wants to get rid of all illegal immigrants,
Just as soon as those guys finish mowing his yard and building the shed
I’m scared to say anything…
There seems to be a consensus on standards not changing?
Oh I know I’ll pay for this…
So how does one go from frog to prince in an unbending set of standards? It would seem that the frog needs a set of looser standards to get his foot (albeit webbed and all) in the door. Where as a prince I would think would be held to higher set of standards?
Just looking for the key her ladies.
And the estrogen warriors comment had nothing to do with age, it was about that bonding thing chicks do. If I was disagreeing with any card carrying mamber and said black, you would all instantrly say white. Raised two daughters and even if I voted for the dogs, i’d still lose. So I’m a ;little wary and lookin’ for the inside scoop.
A
The frog would be the aforementioned mistake. But, the frog generally gets his foot in the door by making us believe he’s up to our standards and pretending to be the prince. Then after we’re in really deep, the frog starts to croak and hop.
Wouldn’t that be hop and then croak?
So frogs are sneaky buggers that appear to meet standards?
What about princes?
A
Yes to the frog part.
Princes come in two forms. One being an obvious prince who should have his own horse and theme music. He’s clearly up to the standards from head to toe, inside and out. Then there’s the princes that on first glance don’t really look like much, almost like a frog actually. But then as you get to know the frog, he actually starts to be more and more like a prince.
And for the record, every girl’s standards are different. A frog to one person is a prince to another (although there are some universal frogs).
what is even more disturbing...
is that THIS made its way to ESPN’s top news items….
wow…. the world is going down hill FAST.
by packpigskinfan25 on Oct 21, 2009 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Here it is from Youtube
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 21, 2009 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions
A chance to watch the Rats
The AHL is offering a free preview of AHL Live this Friday which I’m assuming is like gamecenter live over at nhl.com. Go here to register for the free preview. By the way, the Rats are taking on Rochester at 7. Maybe something to keep an eye on while watching the Canes (or if things get really bad, something to watch instead). Even without the free preview, it looks relatively inexpensive-I’ve got my eye on the team package.
I’ve tried this link a couple times CG and my browser (IE) crashes. Do you have another way to get there??
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Oct 21, 2009 7:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm...I didn't have that problem.
The website is www.ahllive.com. Maybe you could try typing it in manually?
Typing?
What’s that?
A conservative is someone who wants to get rid of all illegal immigrants,
Just as soon as those guys finish mowing his yard and building the shed
Andrew Alberts on 99.9 the Fan this afternoon
Here’s the link. He’s a good interview.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
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