Pitkanen Out, Legace In: Kings at Canes Preview
by Bob Wage on Nov 11, 2009 1:55 PM EST
67 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes announced this morning that defenseman Joni Pitkanen will be unable to participate in tonight's game against the Los Angeles Kings. Pitkanen is running a fever and is ill. It looks like the team will slide Tim Conboy in at defense and will try to get by without a recall. If they go that route, expect five defensemen to carry a healthy load of playing time.
Newly acquired Manny Legace will be starting in goal. What does that mean for Michael Leighton? He is probably very disappointed, but he should keep his head right and be ready for action. If Legace stumbles, he could be right back in there. Regardless of how fair or unfair his benching is for tonight, Leighton has a good shot at getting some meaningful playing time if he outplays his new rival and that should be his focus right now.
Everyone knows about Carolina's troubles, their star players are out injured and the team can't seem to win for losing. They have a record of 2-11-3 and have lost 12 games in a row. (Would it make some feel better if I said "winless in 12"?)
The Kings, on the otherhand, have been playing good hockey and have 22 points along with a 10-6-2 record. Although, they are riding a two game losing streak.
Los Angeles is led by outstanding forward Anze Kopitar, who is first in the NHL with 28 points and is tied for first with 14 goals. The team also has Dustin Brown, Ryan Smyth, Justin Williams, and Alexander Frolov, each of whom are dangerous in their own right.
This is Justin Williams' first return to the RBC since the trade was completed which ended up sending Erik Cole back to Raleigh last Spring. Williams' 13 points in 13 games would lead the Canes, but is sixth best on the Kings. Cole has one goal and that one single point in six games for Carolina.
Drew Doughty leads the defense, but keep an eye on Jack Johnson, who was originally drafted by the Canes but traded to the Kings after refusing to sign for Carolina. For those of you who might not remember, the youngster (and his father) preferred to stay in Michigan rather than to play for Carolina's Stanley Cup winning team in 2006. Jim Rutherford's relationship with Johnson and his father during their courtship was estranged, at best.
As mentioned above, Joni Pitkanen is out because of an illness, Eric Staal is out with an upper body concern, and Cam Ward is out with a sliced up leg. Ray Whitney is expected to return to the lineup as Zach Boychuk was returned to Albany over the weekend.
Chip Alexander has been busy of late, interviewing a down-trodden Joe Corvo and a surprisingly upbeat owner, Peter Karmanos. Corvo's interview reminded me of the television interview during one of the loses to the Pens last playoffs. He sounded deflated.
Karmanos had some interesting takes, for instance that he felt the Canes had a better team than the Penguins last year.
"Something happened. I don't think anybody could really figure out why we lost to Pittsburgh," he said. "After the first game in Pittsburgh, I told Jimmy (Rutherford) that I thought we were better than they were and I felt better about that series than I did about the first two."
Need I remind anyone that the last three games of that series weren't even close. It was not like the Canes blew the game in the final few moments, they failed to even make a competitive contest out of those games losing them, 7-4, 6-2, and 4-1.
Of course the team owner is still optimisitic about this season and feels the Canes are a great team with a great coaching staff. The only problem is, they are not playing that way.
As we review some stats before the game, the Canes are 30th in the league in points, point percentage, scoring, penalties taken, and in the 5 on 5 for/against ratio. They are 28th in goals allowed and have the 29th best powerplay. The team does not have single a player ranked in the top 100 scorers in the league, (Jussi Jokinen is ranked at 127).
It seems like the team has more problems than they can count and no one knows exactly why or what to do about it. But perhaps they can stem the tide in tonight's game against the Kings.
The game will be telecast starting at 7 by FS Carolinas in HD and is of course is broadcast on 99.9 The Fan.
_____
Note: I am officially back from vacation. Another year has gone by and another anniversary celebrated. A big thank you to my wife.
I missed a lot of Hurricanes' news but I do have some commentary to post as soon as I have the chance. Many thanks to Cory for keeping up with things and to HM and the rest who posted notable comments while I was away!
Happy Veteran's Day to all the vets out there!
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Conboy
Why is he playing D?!? It’s not like we don’t have a ton of good D-men in Albany right now…
Still not a crook!
It’s so easy a caveman could do it. Apparently.
by drifterscape on Nov 11, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
I think Joni’s illness came on quickly. There probably wasn’t time to get someone here and integrate them into what the game plan is. Plus, if practice was as good as some say, maybe getting Conboy in there (early fight? big hit on JJ?) will rally the troops.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
Personally, the fights are getting really old. I’ve always hated it when bad teams pick fights with good teams. Bush-league.
Still not a crook!
I too dislike fighting for the sake fighting as a couple of goons try to justify their TOI.
But this is the first return of JJohnson to Raleigh. The city, fans, and entire organization we’re dissed by this punk. I’d pay a little extra to see him on his butt.
by drifterscape on Nov 11, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know how much this means, but Bryan Rodney just showed up on the Canes’ roster. FWIW, he’s not on the depth chart.
Branecky mentions him here … so I assume he’s trying to get here. I’m not going to bother Mike & Kyle b/c they’ll send a release if he’s getting recalled.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
Bryan Rodney Rumors
I’ve heard for what it is worth that the Hurricanes are trying to get Rodney here but are not certain whether they can do so due to the bad weather and flight delays. I can say it is only a rumor, but I don’t know if it is true. The fact that his name is on the roster gives some credence to the rumor. I’m guessing Rodney will be at the RBC tonight.
For the Canes? I’m going with a good sign. For the conditions outside my apartment? Definitely a bad sign.
Remember game 5 against Edmonton?
Hurricane Alberto flew in to town. Edmonton flew out with a win on an overtime SHG. I’m gonig with bad sign.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Welcome back Bob and congrats!!
Hoo rah to all my fellow vets!!!
While I hope JJ has a crappy game, gas and the shingles, Willy worrys me. He knows us, the rink, everything, he’s gonna be pretty stoked to have a good game and we all know he has it in him.
Between him and Kopitar, the canes have a huge uphill battle. We need Manny to be huge or pull his butt fast and Leights needs to be huge. LA is a winning team and they have lost two, we have the rep of giving up two points every night, they are going to want them.
I drove down to WS to visit my Dad, so may not be on the live game thread much. So everybody enjoy and keep the fingers crossed.
Though don’t get your hopes up that I will be gone, i may be able to stop in and whine..
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Brian LeBlanc says Albany River Rat Bryan Rodney, on the right, is flying in to RDU for tonight’s game
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
Yes – and btw – I think this is GRRRRREEAT!
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 11, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Has there been any confirmation from the team about his return time frame yet? We heard a lot of different things yesterday.
NHL Network was even saying last night that JR said perhaps 2-4 instead of 4-6. Maybe Bob can find out tonight …. I’m sure someone will ask in the postgame presser.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks Cory
I heard the 2 week rumor and thought it was a little out there. I hope someone asks tonight.
Have we won with Joni in the lineup yet?
I certainly don’t think he’s the reason the canes at losing. It just popped into my head.
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 11, 2009 3:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Since we’ve only one twice, Florida and TB in a SO. I’m thinking no. He came back briefly for the Penguins 1st period, and then not till later. Interesting observation, Iggy.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 11, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
His first game of the year was in that win vs. TB. He had an assist. Then he missed more time with a sore knee.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
oops: we’ve only won twice. and thanks for that Cory. Your memory is far better than mine. =D
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 11, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
wasn’t my brain … it was the internets
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Joni out=another loss.......but I hope I'm wrong.
I would say Joni being out is huge. He is our best allround defenseman and one of the fastest. I’m always worried when he’s not in the lineup. They knew he was sick all week I guess they were thinking he would be better by tonight.
So, all my teams suck!
by canescup on Nov 11, 2009 3:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Fingers crossed for tonight – the eye of (what’s left of) the storm is upon us?
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 11, 2009 3:17 PM EST reply actions
Who will Rodney be paired with I wonder? if it’s in the 3rd pair, who moves up with AWard. Will they use him on PP? He’s supposed ot be the guy with some offensive upside, no? Will he and AWard enjoy some get to know ya time? (I’m thinking of the joy of Cole and Boychuk last weekend)
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
Probably ^ … but the big thing is Rodney can jump in on the PP. So it’s at least an offensive replacement for Joni.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
also, wouldn’t be surprised if Alberts-Rodney played more minutes than Ward-Wallin.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Alberts-Rodney, IMO, has the opportunity to provide a nice balance of skill and toughness.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
I think he’ll still be back out there. Corvo, Cullen, Rodney, Gleason on the points.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
he’s always been considered to have offensive potential, actually … I just think he’s a team-first guy and knew his role was shutdown D and he embraced.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
If you had told me 5 months ago that we’d be discussing the merits of Gleason at the point, I would have told you to stop drinking the Koolaid. Funny how quickly things change.
shrug .. I’ve always said there’s potential there.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 11, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
I have no idea why two different versions of that showed up. Especially since neither were what I typed. Oh well-I guess the internet can be a fickle thing.
I just put up my summary of the pre-game Skate on the C&C post. Timmy was shooting on the net in the drills like a man on a mission. He stayed out for awhile working on one-timers and quick give-and-go’s with Alberts. Sound like he’s manning the point some tonight?
And Timmy was BY FAR the best of the guys out there, except Corvo who had a rocket of a shot working today (of course, to put this in perspective, the other 4 were: AWard, Wallin, Alberts, and Conboy).
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 11, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
One goal and the man thinks he’s the next Ron Francis. :D I think it’s great that he’s adding new dimensions to his game (including that leadership role). I guess since we’ve always had a lot of offensive minded d-men on the team, he hasn’t really gotten a chance to show an offensive talent he already had.
He held on to the puck a lot more when he first came to town I think. Like Cory said, he has since embraced his role as a shut down D man.
For some reason, I am drawing a complete blank on that. Honestly though, I didn’t really notice him as a stand out guy until last season once Wes and Hedican left.
And the playoff beard – don’t forget the playoff beard.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 11, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
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