Canes End Roadtrip With 3-2 Overtime Loss to Wild
by Bob Wage on Oct 24, 2009 11:39 PM EDT
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes dropped another road game Saturday night, this time to the Minnesota Wild by a score of 3-2, in overtime. The Canes have now extended their losing streak to six games and still have not won a game on the road yet this season. (0-4-2).
Penalties were once again a major factor as the team took nine minor penalties to Minnesota's five. The Hurricanes remain the number one penalized team in the NHL.
Cam Ward and Niklas Backstrom had a bit of a goaltender duel in the final period as Backstrom robbed Eric Staal on one play and Matt Cullen on another. Rod Brind`Amour also had an earlier breakaway attempt stopped by last year's Vezina candidate.
The Hurricanes scored the game's first goal mid way through the first period with some perfect tic-tac-toe passing by Joni Pitkanen, Ray Whitney, and Sergei Samsonov. Samsonov got credit for the powerplay goal. But the Wild would tie things up with another powerplay tally as Andrew Brunette squeezed a puck behind Cam Ward on a tight angled shot.
The Wild took the lead early in the second period as Kyle Brodziak broke past Samsonov and deked out Ward. But Joni Pitkanen would make yet another beautiful play as he stole the puck at his blueline and attacked with Ray Whitney at his side for a two on one advantage. Pitkanen got the pass back from "The Wizard", and tied up the game as he scored on his Finnish countryman, Backstrom.
The third period went back and forth as both teams had good chances to score but could not quite connect.. In OT, Cal Clutterbuck won a battle in front of the net and dove on the ice to knock a puck past Ward for the game winner.
The Canes' next game will be at home on Wednesday night against the St. Louis Blues.
After the game, coach Paul Maurice was not happy with the "slant" in officiating, but he did admit that Backstrom made a difference in the contest. He also liked Brandon Sutter's game.
To listen to the entire post game interview click Paul Maurice Wild Interview.
Game Notes:
- Joni Pitkanen again played a very good game, but took two needless penalties. The second one looked like a questionable call but better discipline is needed.
- Ray Whitney looked good tonight and made several excellent passes. But he also took a hooking penalty.
- The Canes only won 37% of faceoffs.
- The visitors were only credited with eight hits for the game. Scott Walker had three.
- Aaron Ward had five blocked shots, but made several questionable decisions with the puck. This was not a good road trip for Ward.
- Carolina's nine penalties, (10 including Tim Conboy's fighting major), are far too many to take in a game. The team will not be able to turn around their misfortunes without better discipline. But the refs certainly are not doing the Canes any favors.
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Well, that game surely stunk. This team is really starting to irritate me. Considering the way that they are playing, I will be forced to become an NBA fan by the end of November….
by PittsburghCaniac on Oct 24, 2009 11:44 PM EDT reply actions
Tor v. Car Nov.6 "The Big Game" sorriest two teams in the league battle it out.
Watching some of the Leafs games lately, we play alot like them but I think they will beat us.
Staal
Well, I’ve been on the side of defending Eric lately because I felt like he was getting over a nagging injury, trying to build confidence and a rhythm, etc…but after watching the last two games I’m pretty sour on our alternate captain.
He did have a few nice chances against the Wild, but mostly I’m noticing that he’s slow to almost every puck, is selfish with his chances, has little chemistry on offense, and tries OVER AND OVER to single-handedly take the puck from blue line to blue line and knife through two or even three defenders, usually without success.
I’ve noticed so many turnovers from Staal simply trying to do too much. Is this a fair criticism? When can we expect him to recover and start on a roll.
It seems that yet again, where Staal goes, so goes the Canes…
by Charleston Caniac on Oct 25, 2009 1:41 AM EDT reply actions
Selfish pretty much sums it up. He seems more concerned about his point production than anything else and when things arent going his way he puts the puss on his face, whines to the ref and lollygags back to the bench.
On a positive note, they have a big decision to make with Sutter, he looked good in every situation. I havent given up on Yelle just yet but he just doesnt look like he wants to be out there, maybe winning can change that. I would like to see the kids develop and gel as a one unit in Albany but Sutter looks like he’s ready for significant ice time in the big leagues. Sit Yelle in the press box or put him on waivers, move Brindy to 4th line and Sutter to 3rd and lets see what happens.
I actually thought Staal passed to much last night and should’ve shot more. They cover him closer than anybody else and he had three dropped passes where no one was there to pick it up. I blame his passes to nobody on the constant line changes again. But the boy is the slowest player in the league to get up once knocked down.
The thing that surprised me was Staal was thwarted going into the zone, yet Pits goes in 1 on 4 and can circle the net pass whatever he wanted. Staal can’t and Pits can? Somethings up. The way I remember Staal when he was dominant was similar, now Staal looks sort of impotent.
I’d say Staal whether he was selfish or not showed some effort last night. If Staal were in top form I’d think we’d want him selfish. Like Ray last night. HE refused to be denied. Ray is playing some good hockey. Cullen was hitting fair to mid land.
I don’t know Sutters final minutes but it had to be 10+ and he played well, but was about as cautious as I have ever seen him. Our D pinched alot and Sutter was always in position. He would look all around the ice before he made his move. Made him positionally excellent. That ain’t his strength. His instincts are also great, when, well if, he get’s to get a working chemistry the kids gonna be a great asset to this team. I also noticed Sutter used his reach a couple times to make a play and Staal didin’t. Somethings up with Staal..
Now I gotta go back and “make paragraphs”, neh, neh, na neh, neh…
A
staal gets covered differently.
let pitkanen sign 8 year 6mil per, and see if he doesnt get shut down in the central zone
Make all the excuses you want. At that pay level you are paid for results. It doesn’t matter a lick what Pit earns as long as he gets results. The object you obviously aren’t aware of is to have a balanced attack so when you double Staal, someone else hurts you. This team on paper has what appears to be that mix. In practice, not so much. My comment was more an observation on how Pit was able to scare the Wild back so he could waltz in. RE-watch the game, Forsland commented on it, too. When Pit hit the line they retreated with vast respect. When Staal came up he got spanked.
The new secret weapon is Pits. He’s been arguably the best player on the ice since his return. Some penalty’s, but he hasn’t been kicked out of a game for a whinny bitch play either.
I like the way some of the guys played last night. I hope Sutter get’s settled, because I think if he does, someone else is gonna lose a job. I’m gonna grant Staal is our number one scorer, so how do we get him to click? One, put Pits on the ice with him as much as possible and pair him with Gleason. Two, when Ruutu get’s back put him and Ray with him. That D pairing and forward line should be able to play with anyone anywhere, anytime. That leaves Jussi, Cullen and several others to make up the rest of the lines.
The best looking line all year was that forward set up, they just needed more time. If Pits is gonna be able to work like he is that’s gonna push the opposing D back or draw attention, ie, free up Staal.
This team is looking humiliated, but I like a few things I am seeing, I also think that’s Mo’s style..baby steps.
Next few games will tell the tale. We are lucky in the ties we have gotten, but 1 point ain’t two and we are gonna find ourselves in a hole that’s going to be a bitch to get out of.
A
yeah, but the last couple of games were supposed to tell the tale too…
by Andrea's evil twin on Oct 25, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Kinda hate hate agree’in with Elsker, but what do you mean? I kind of think the tale is being told….
My read is the team isn’t fluid and cohesive. The right players aren’ty in the right spots, etc. I guess the diatribe above has more detail. I don’t understand the post you made. Undoubtedly a lack of understanding on my part. Impart your wisdom upon me and shall dazzle with brialliance or wallow in BS.
What about the Blues game?
A
Sorry, just meant that the last couple of games were supposed to show us what the team was made of, if they could get their game together, etc. so I would say that maybe this year is just going to suck… much as it kills me to say it… if anything changes, will it be enough and soon enough?
blues game – not sure yet, there was a fire in my friends apt building so I haven’t talked to her about it – will know better tomorrow
by Andrea's evil twin on Oct 25, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Well foremost in my book is hope!! I look forward to tom. Also bummer on the fire, I have some exper. with that, I was a contracting soul for many moons. I feel for your friend, a robbery, fire, any “home altering” event is tough to deal with on any level.
That also is kind of where I am coming from on the boys. Yup they are losing. Yup they look like they are gonna suck.
And most of all, I ain’t a glass half full kinda guy.
That said. The laste few games while dismal in the entirity, have had glimmers of hope. I thought Gleason was playing his best hockey until he was injured. I think Pit is about to establish a career (at least a contract) standard. Whitney is playing as well as an individual can. Cullen is earning his check. Ward is doing what we expect. Hell our latest call up Sutter made his prescense be known and a shot was fired across the bow of any center that may be salcking and the wingers best look out, ‘cause Rod ain’t going anywhere and has shown he is willing and able to play wing.
Many small things that even when put together are still not enough. They are however ahead of where we were at the start of the season.
The Ruutu thing while distracting, may be a blessing in disguise. I love his play, he’s out power forward, i feel the only one. So you take him out and all the muscle and grit gets a new light shined on it and who do they call up? Some scrawny semi fast gangly kid.
T o make the pefect omlette, it’s an undeniable fact you have top bust a couple eggs.
I think Mo is busting some eggs, he just ain’t really a flamboyent egg buster.
A baby always come into this world screaming for life and gasping for it’s first breath. I think the water is breaking.
My sadistic .02? I know you want it!!!
Cole is gone, he’s never been a force and I doubt he ever will be. Don’t screw up potential good karma with the other guys and mainly Staal. Rod has admitted….hmmm, that ain’t right…
Rod understands he’s not a first line center. He get’s he may not ever be even a second line guy. The grit and soul that is Rod has said, i don’t care where coach, play where it’s best. Many won’t like it, but Rods back. All we are gonna get is 3rd and 4th line contributions. MAy some a little exper. and over the top determination included. Lokk I love Rod, he just needed a come to Jesus moment and get he ain’t never gonna be what he was. I know he is man enough and I think he is there.
The piece that is lacking is Staal moving into his apparent role and the transition from Rod to him.
I think Mo in his odd way is all over this and with some luck and this group of guys being open to some uncomfortable things, we may see a team that will have the shortest transition ever.
The old guys are about done, but our young guys are ripe to ready. It’s making a quality atmosphere for them to flourich in. And I mean all of them. The vets should of been able to come in kicking ass. They didn’t blaze a trail for the young guys to come in at the managments chosens points and be some fantasy meld.
This is playing out like hockey does. Tough. I think JR bones a few things and should of foresaw many things coming and compensated for it. OOps, that’s why he get’s the big and I don’t. I think by mid December this team will be animals that eat only hockey flesh and pucks.
Whether it’s too late or not, I don’t know.
I also think the Ruutu suspension was great ’cause Sutter got the call up. He is no danger to Ruutu, but this kid I think only needed this chance to show and inspire.
The rest is up to Mo and the gang. I’d take the kids 12 minutes over all of Yelles, even with the price increase. I think there may be a couple others that may be a few others that are worried this scrawny little shit got another opportunity. Nobbody’s head was on a swivvle like Sutters, nobody was as posityionaly solid as him except for Cam and Pits. Like him or not, think he’s too young or whatever, this kid is playing better hockey than several of his “peers”.
I’d hate to see him sent down again (BIG TIME), but even so, a fire has been lit. You can be replaced.
I’m not like overly stoked about the gang losing like they are, but being a father of a runt hockey player, you gotta look for the little victory things. I obviously accept more from my favorite Mites than I do from the Canes.
Babt steps…. I haven’t seen play from the Canes like Pits in a long time. That’s the kind of shit Staal for some reason feeds off of.
Brace for impact, the storm is coming.
’Course they could keep sucking and ghet busted up and all we have is a few years of developing the kids with littleor intermediary talent or veterans…
Couldn’t be all sunshine, but it can’t rain all the time either.
A
You may be surprised, but I pretty much agree with all of this.
And, yes, I read it all (thanks to your use of paragraphs!).
Brace for impact, the storm is coming.
Good, I like storms… for me it’s always hurricane season of one type or another.
by Andrea's evil twin on Oct 25, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Careful what you wish for Dr. Evil!!! I know I don’t some inspired or enlightened perspedctive. If I am even partially correct, the storm is coming. Either in inspired play with a friggin’ point deficit to overcome or it’s gonna be ugly and some of the pieces we have are going to be traded off. Have no doubt though, a storm is coming.
Oh and Booth The Cane Killer got creamed. While I really like watching the guy and loathe the way he makes our team look pathetic AND hate that he was hurt. Bottom line that team is a helluva lot weaker.
Don’t add up to planets aligning, but coming out of a shitty road trip there be a few things to build on.
Now if only Ovie could get like the shingles, Malkin goes home and the Bruins and Flyers planes collide in mid air….
;-)
Yes, sarcastic…
Jeezuz, lighten up!!
A
Penaltieeeees
I agree, get rid of Yelle. He is a scrub!! All he does is sit in the penalty box half the time anyway
by RU4RU on Oct 25, 2009 10:16 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
True!
I was also thinking that at least we haven’t been “blown out” since Boston (7-2). With 3 OT losses, it’s not like we’re far from where we need to be.
Just bought my Whitney $13 tickets for the San Jose game next week. Ruutu returns, maybe Cole…..Maybe Leighton in net with the game in Philly at 1pm Saturday? We need to turn this ship around.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 25, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
And now for something completely different...
For those with access to the NHL Network, we’re playing the Sabres in Game 7 of the 2006 series from 12 to 2 this afternoon.
You know…back when we were good?
A few things in this game that really killed us:
The Canes only won 37% of faceoffs
But the refs certainly are not doing the Canes any favors
The play of Sergei Samsonov
Pure bad luck
The faceoffs seem to get worse and worse each game. With them losing these faceoffs, especially in our own zone, they never can get the puck out of the zone. No point talking on that though, you guys already know that.
Oh, the refs…. just wouldn’t be a hockey game without some awful missed calls and “WTF was that” calls on us (sorry, but we ALL have said that the past few games). We may be responsible for some, but not all of these calls. And the missed calls are beginning to pile up.
Sergei, Sergei, wherefore art thou? Well, he can be found currently losing the puck in the offensive zone…. or the neutral zone…. oh, or in the defensive zone. The guy may have gotten a goal last night, but I want to pull my hair out every time he touches the puck. The guy is like Jake Delhomme (the Carolina Panthers QB for those who may no know him), as he constantly tries to find a way to screw up a perfectly good play. He over skates pucks, dances around and losses it, gets muscled off pucks, shoots high low, and yes amazingly, too slow. I use to be a Samsonov fan, but he is really on my last nerve. I think Sutter should permanently take his spot on the team. He may have had that goal (one of the few lucky plays for us), but him losing the puck has lead to many defensive break downs and pucks going the other way.
And good ole bad luck. I mean, how many times would Kyle Brodziak (WHO??) get the puck the way he did? The guy got the puck when I think Wallin or someone else collided with a wild player who was trying to push the puck into our zone. Instead of going into the zone the right way, the puck parachutes directly to this no namer guy, and I mean right to him, and he scores easily on Ward. Those of you who saw that must have felt something was amiss on that.
Sorry for the rant, but I just had to say this (or type this) to people who might understand how I feel.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Faceoffs
My suspicion on the faceoff stats, confirmed only by casual observation and not definitive analysis, is that we’re winning more draws than we are faceoffs.
The micro-battles that we are losing all over the ice these days extends to the post-drop battles for the puck squirting out of the faceoff circles.
We just individually and collectively do not have “the jump”.
Agree wholeheartedly that we are missing “the jump.” For whatever reason, the Canes seem slow. I know we got bigger in the offseason to battle with the top teams in the east in the playoffs, but what has that new 4th line done? Yelle is +1 with a goal and an assist and 10 PIM; Kostopolous is -1 with a goal and 14 PIM; Conboy is -3 with no points and 12 PIM. 2 goals (including Kosto’s shorty) 1 assist, -3 and 36 PIM. I realize the 4th line is supposed to be a checking line, and I applaud Conboy and Kosto being willing to fight, but when the Canes won the Cup our 4th line was an energy line, pesky and infuriating and exhilarating. The officiating has changed which may negate the efficacy of having that 4th line being fast instead of big, but so far it’s not working.
I luv me some Chad LaRose, but he’s not a top 9 forward. I hate to criticize a guy that works hard and makes the locker room better and deserves to succeed just because he seems really cool, but he needs to be on our 4th line. St Jimmy may have missed the mark with the new 4th line.
I really like Staal centering Cole and Ruutu on the first line, Cullen with Whitney and Jussi on the second (Jussi has 3 goals and 4 assists and seems like a threat with the puck.) Have Rod center Walker and Kosto on line 3 and give me Sutter with LaRose and Bowman on the 4th line for some “jump.” That means Yelle and Conboy are out of the mix and something has to be done with them, but so be it. As the season is currently trending the Canes will not even sniff the playoffs, so changes have to be made. Make those changes in the favor of youth and energy and maybe we’ll have a shot.
I luv the staal bashing….. BS. It is so fashionable to pick apart his game, but if you want a whipping boy, A Ward looked baaaad last night. I actually thought the whole blue line was week cept Joni. Also, second game in a row where Wardo gave up short side goals because he was not hugging the post. plenty of blame to go around. I also have to slam Mo for having had 3 b2b games and playing Leights on none of them. I call out Wardo for the softies, but I also think fatigue could be an issue. Mo has always rode his #1s too hard. The players need a come to Jesus meeting and quick. This can be turned around, but they will have to nip this now.
by wylde4canes on Oct 25, 2009 6:11 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Is it just me or is this team a mess in their own zone? They’re constantly chasing the puck, falling down, losing battles in the corners, leaving guys open in the slot. Does this just boil down to miscommunication bewteen the defensemen and the centers? I know there are a lot of new faces on the blueline, but I would think they’ve had plenty of time to sort that stuff out.
cole
When Cole comes back Staal will go nuts. Any update on Cole’s return anyone?
I doubt it, but if it’s true I hope they trade them both and get a player that can stand on his own. The price for both of them could buy anyone in the league and we aren’t getting anywhere near that.
A
LAst I heard (earlier this week from Mo, repeating what Cole said on the local TC show last weekend) was that it was looking to be in the 4 week range from the injury. If that’s so, that would be the Nov 1 game vs the Sharks – also the same game Ruuty returns. I have my tickets.
They were also way-off about Pitkanen, so I’m not holding my breath, but that’s the “official” word.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 25, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
cole will bring eric out of his stall
After Cole was traded from the Oilers he and Staal were the hottest duo point wise in the NHL in the last 17 games. Great chemistry there. When Cole returns so does the chemistry.
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