Another Game, Another Loss: Kings 5, Canes 2
by Bob Wage on Nov 12, 2009 2:15 AM EST
145 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes dropped another game, their 13th straight without a win, this time to the Los Angeles Kings last night by a score of 5-2. Tuomo Ruutu scored two goals for the home team in a losing effort.
The Canes came out flat and generated just two shots on goal during the opening period, their lowest total for a period all season long. Matt Cullen was called for boarding at 3:34 and the Kings scored just seven seconds later on the powerplay. It was the earliest goal the team had allowed all season.
Carolina, who still leads the NHL in penalties taken, was called for two more infractions later in the period but was able to kill the 5-on-3 advantage. One might think that the successful penalty kill would have given the team a spark, but it did not.
In the second period the visitors added to their lead as Jarret Stoll cruised in close to the crease and put an odd looking shot past Manny Legace. The new Carolina goalie started out a little shaky, but had a fairly good night considering the circumstances. He admitted to making a few puckhandling mistakes and said that his hands were shaking a bit early in the game.
Down 2-0, the Hurricanes finally started to fight back. Tuomo Ruutu beat Kings' backup goalie, Erik Ersberg, with a nice wrist shot. Ersberg had yet to win a game all year. Ruutu would score again early in the third period, tying the score and giving the home crowd something to cheer about along with some false hope.
Less than a minute after that goal, Scott Walker was called for roughing and the Canes momentum was officially killed. Randy Jones would score his first goal of the season and first goal as a King during the ensuing powerplay and that goal would turn out to be the game winner.
Jones was put on waivers by the Flyers and was recently acquired by the Kings on re-entry waivers. He also had an assist and was named the game's first star.
Wayne Simmonds would make a nice move for an insurance goal and Justin Williams put the nail in the coffin with an empty netter. Williams also had an assist to go with the goal.
Once again after the game, the team and the head coach had no words of wisdom. They know they need to work harder, but do not know why the work is not getting done. In the meantime, the Canes keep making crucial mistakes at the wrong time, which seem to kill their chances of winning.
In this case, it seemed to be Scott Walker's penalty right after Ruutu's second goal. But both Ruutu and Maurice were quick to blame the penalty kill rather than the penalty. Even Tim Gleason blamed himself and said that he made a key mistake on a penalty kill which led to a goal.
Game Notes:
- Scott Walker and Stephane Yelle both left the game with injuries. Yelle blocked a shot during the 5-on-3 which obviously hurt him. Walker was checked awkwardly into the boards and skated slowly off the ice. The coaches had no update on either player's status.
- For a team nursing a 12 game winless streak, it is mystifying why they would come out flat in the opening period of a home game. Los Angeles had much more jump and outshot the Canes 13-2 in the opening segment.
- Brandon Sutter came close to scoring and played with a lot of jump. While Zach Boychuk did not score a goal while he was with Carolina, the team did seem to miss his speed out there. The Kings are a much faster skating hockey club.
- Maurice was happy with the play of Bryan Rodney and rewarded him with over 21 minutes of ice time. Rodney was muscled off the puck a couple of times, but at least tried to do a few things offensively and led the team with four blocked shots.
- The Canes made backup goalie Erik Ersberg look like an all star. Even with Ruutu's goals, there was little traffic in front of the net. Tom Kostopoulos was called for goalie interference once, but the Hurricanes made life pretty easy on the seldom used goaltender.
- The team was credited with 42 hits, but Paul Maurice was not impressed. The hits, especially on the forecheck, did not create enough turnovers.
- Carolina pulled the goalie again to give themselves an "advantage" in the final two minutes. The team has yet to score in that situation all season long but they have allowed a league high five empty net goals.
Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu were nice enough to come out and speak to the media after the game.
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Its not an excuse, but a little perspective. Right now the Hurricanes are a team without their best forward, their 2nd best defenseman and their franchise goaltender. Of course, there’s no excuse for coming out flat—but its going to be an uphill battle.
Sooner or later they’re going to have to figure out how to win without Staal and Ward or its going to be a very long season. At least Ruutu looks like he wants to step into the dependable scoring role that management has hoped for him….
View From My Seats
Sarcasm: God's gift to smart people...
No Traffic in Front of the Net
It was a game with stark contrasts. The LA Kings camped out in front of the net. They could have held a tea party there most of the night. The LA Kings consistently jammed the net and shot into the slot. By contrast, Kostopoulos stood out for his efforts around the net, even though at one point he was penalized for goalie interference. Also, Rodney was crashing the net and it was fantastic to see #33 shooting the gap and hammering away at a puck. It is to me a very simple fact: until the Hurricanes find somebody, somewhere who can screen the goalie and make havoc in front of the net, the horror that is this season will continue to be replayed and replayed. I totally disagree with the overall statement that the team is being outskated and outworked. I believe four players or so are always outworked and outskated and they are dragging this team down. I don’t think Maurice’s and Francis’ system makes players slow and unwillingly to battle. When we brought up Sutter, he showed grit, speed, and intelligence. When we brought up Boychuk, he too showed speed, grit, and hockey intelligence. When we brought up Rodney, he too showed speed, grit and the courage to make plays with the puck. The point is shed the complacent players and the slow players and even in the absence of Cam Ward, Staal, and Pitkanen this team will start winning. Keep the dead wood around and we may not win ten games this season.
I agree completely with what you’re saying, especially in the other thread about AWard, but can they make these personnel changes and operate under their budget and/or the cap? Do you think Rutherford could trade AWard, Wallin or Brind’amour (even if he would)? Waivers? I hope he does something/anything, but I see his hands being tied a bit… and I realize he’s done it to himself.
I don’t see anyone wanting AWard at this point unless we take a lot of salary back ($2.5 seems like a lot for a relatively big disappointment).
Wallin has that NTC, but even if he didn’t, I don’t see a big market for him either.
Maybe Rod would have some interest but his $3.6 million cap hit is a little hard to swallow especially since you’re not getting 05-06 Brind’amour anymore.
+1
Why is it that the Canes NEVER put someone in front of the net on the PP. I can’t ever recall the Canes having someone that was willing to be parked in front of the net during PP, or even 5 on 5.
We saw a player last night, Ryan Smith, who has basically made a living parking himself near the crease. And he illustrated the success of this plan with the first goal on the PP.
Rutuu looked good last night, hit everything in sight, competed hard, and the two goals.
Tommy K. deserves more ice time, after a shaky start to the season, he has played with consistent effort every night. Maybe he would be willing to park himself in the crease on the PP? I mean it couldn’t hurt right?
I fear Walker will be out for some time, the way he was holding his wrist/arm leaving the ice is not a good sign. And the way things have gone this year…..he probably has a broken wrist.
Samsonov doesn’t shoot the puck enough, but other than that he is quietly having a solid season.
Gleason continues to develop into a stud defensemen. His play is not without mistakes, but he impresses me with his will to compete every shift.
Corvo has lost his shot. He can’t seem to hit the net. Everything goes wide, he had a chance on the PP last night that you would expect him to, if not score, at least put on net. He wiffed it wide left.
What more can you say about Sutter? I think he is surprising everyone with his play, his development makes Cullen expendable IMO. Sutter will be a solid #2 center in this league for a long time.
All the negatives aside, i still love this team, and will continue to attend games, watch them on tv , and generally hope against hope that they win some games soon.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
All the negatives aside, i still love this team, and will continue to attend games, watch them on tv , and generally hope against hope that they win some games soon.
I think that’s really important to reiterate as we complain. :) We can talk about it all day long (and ruin our mental health), but we are not going to be able to solve the team’s problems on the ice. What we can do is continue supporting them by going to the games, watching the games on TV, wearing the gear, basically not jumping ship.
I’m going to 2 more games this month!! Plus I’m a big enabler with the blog, no? (not sure what else I can do?)
Oh and I put together a group for the game on the 21st for “Youth hockey night”. – about 30 more tickets I coordinated.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
You’re a star, HM!
I’m not calling anyone out. If you’re a fan of this team, this is painful. I’m just hoping that people will stick it out. It has been and will continue to be tough.
I concur. I have always believed if you are a fan of a favorite team you need to stick out during tough times because that’s when your team needs you the most.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 12, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Painful to watch
Been a while since I’ve had time to post here. But this season for the Canes faithful has been very painful to watch. Due to not wanting any more disgust in my days I’ve been watching the CHL teams for what might be a potential draft pick.
I know it’s way too early for this, but looking at the injury issues and the fact that the Canes have yet to play an entire 60 minute game consistently….it will be very close to the Olympic break before this team could be ready or on it’s way back into any sort of playoff shape. Of course this is wishful thinking but they can turn this all around.
Getting back to draft prospects and getting a high pick. Where will they go? I say that D is still the way to go but here are a few players of early note. The Windsor Spitfires have got an offensive and defensive prospect that would be of interest. Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler will both be draft eligible this year as both are stacking great numbers. In 22 games Hall has amassed 43 points. Not too bad for a Left wing who is 6-1, 185. Fowler 6-2, 190 has put up 28 points in 22 games and leads D men in the CHL.
There’s another D man in Emmanuel Boudreau, 6-3 at 206 lbs playing for Oceanic Rimouski, in Quebec Major Juniors that is also eligible. Seems this kid has played 23 games and has 28 points.
Again I know it’s early but I think that some early planning might not be completely in error.
I don’t want to look up stats but has Aaron Ward been on the ice for every goal scored against us? If he hasn’t, it sure feels like it. He looks horrible almost every shift he takes on the ice. Watching the game last night at the RBC, the whole team looked like they were zombies on skates during the first period. I had so much hope when Ruutu tied the score. And then it goes down hill once again…
Live & Learn
Aaron Ward last night 3 of 4 goals were his blown assignments
Aaron Ward last night 3 of 4 goals were his blown assignments based on what I saw and then later confirmed by watching the videos on the Canes website.
Interesting - and discouraging.
I noticed he got the least minutes of the D last night at 13:45 (and one shift less than Alberts). Apparently Mo has noticed too. That’s really hard to understand isn’t it? He credits Mo for giving his career a new life when he joined the Canes the first time (02?). Why can’t these 2 longtime hockey professionals figure it out?
Is he at the table with the rich veterans, or is he a newcomer in the room I wonder.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
John Forslund said it best after the game when he said JR is close to the 20 game mark. He goes on to say expect some major changes soon to make way for our younger guys. And to think some of us have been saying this since the off season.
So, all my teams suck!
by canescup on Nov 12, 2009 7:55 AM EST via mobile reply actions
We can all criticize Rutherford/ Maurice but if I remember correctly most of us were excited at the signings and the thought of giving the younger players time to develop in the AHL. Hind site is 20/20 vision. Rutherford wanted to get bigger but for a variety of reasons this team just doesn’t have the talent level of last year’s playoff team. Getting bigger meant getting slower for one. We are missing key players. Switching out Babchuk and Seidenburg for Alberts and Ward was not a good idea. Rutherford is not God. He made some mistakes in the offseason. Also, none of us really wanted to lose LaRose this past offseason but do we all feel the same way now? Shouldn’t Brind Amour be our 4th line center? But Rutherford isn’t going to want to pay a player 4 million a year to center our fourth line. Talentlevelwise, we have two fourth line centers on this team (Yelle and Brind Amour) , slower defensemen (age and new acquisitions), injuries etc. It’s a recipe for being dead last, so is it any surprise that we are dead last?
Not all of us wanted to resign LaRose?
by hockeythoughts on Nov 12, 2009 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
Yes it is a surprise we are dead last. We are better than Toronto.
by drifterscape on Nov 12, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
One of JR’s problems is he likes to bring back players because you know what your getting. That’s why you got rid of them in the first place, they sucked and what do you get the second time, they suck again. Binky I’m OK with A.Ward not so much. I sure hope JR doesn’t think about getting Justin ’I’m always injured’ Williams back because he got an empty netter.
I’m going back to finish my ARK now.
So, all my teams suck!
by canescup on Nov 12, 2009 8:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions
post game comments
Ruutu and Gleason – thanks for coming out. We your fans are looking for answers.
Where the heck was Brind`Amour © ? Or Whitney (A) ? Was Cullen wearing the other A last night? Cole? With Staal and CWard out, the locker room hiererarchy (chemistry) is really getting a shake up.
Did you hear Ruutu (Mr Sisu) say: we have to play as a team and just trust each other. He sounded absolutely sick, disgusted with their performance (kinda like the fans)..You can’t have 23 players all with different ideas of what needs to be done.
Who’s in charge? How’d we get here?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
Who’s in charge? How’d we get here?
That’s the 64,000 dollar question. It’s baffling. How can a team that looked so good on paper be this bad? If it isn’t the players then is it Maurice?
by hockeythoughts on Nov 12, 2009 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
Mo spoke at an "executive" luncheon Tuesday
from the story in the N&O yesterday:
Mostly, Maurice urged building a winner out of available parts, not wishing for shiny replacements.
You can tell a team gone bad at meal time, he said. All the rich veterans sit together and complain about the new guys. All the rookies sit together and complain about the has-beens. All the Europeans sit together and say, “Nobody talks to me.”
To fix it, he explained, you grab one guy from each group and tell him to switch tables.
Switch tables, eh? Or mix up the lines? Is he describing the Canes’ road-trip meals? Sure sounds like it. Losing sucks the good out of everyone. The only thing that will fix it is winning…..
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
I am sooooo fed up with Mo and his damn switching lines I could puke. He needs to be consistnt if he wants the players and lines to be.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I think Mo’s comment about switching tables is to the end of how to create winning.
by hockeythoughts on Nov 12, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
For some reason when I read that comment in the context of the entire N&O article, I was thinking he was talking about some of his past experiences in Toronto and not necessarily comments about this squad. Or maybe I was just hoping that.
Sisu
I wouldn’t think it would be this squad – doesn’t sound like what I want to think of them… but then, how could we know?
Would be disappointing if that were the case.
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 13, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
WIthout looking, I"m pretty sure Brind’Amour?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
Last night there was even ice time distribution. Brind’Amour is first b/c he kills penalties, but there were four guys in 15 minutes of ES time, and another in 14 range.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
After watching those interviews I just want to give both of them hugs. They sounded like they just ran over each other’s dogs or something.
:’(
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 13, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
A Ward
A Ward is SO SO SLOW, it kind of looks like he does not want to be out there or I dare say it that he resents the fact he is back with the Canes and is just giving 50% effort.
Rod, PLEASE RETIRE. If you truly care about the canes in any way PLEASE RETIRE I am sure management can create a job for you in some fashion, conditioning coach perhaps.
S Walker, Yelle, and a few others really need to be traded. I am sure there is a team that could find a use for Walker.
I WANT TO SEE SOME MORE RATS ON THE ICE, they may not be totally 100% ready for primetime but they at least have a jump in their step and are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES. With that it could at the very least inspire some of the others to start skating.
Man what a disaster of a year!!
I had a hard time getting a good idea of what Legace is goona do. He mishandled the puck a few times and he used to be pretty good with the puck. He made a couple killer saves and let in a couple soft ones. Main problem was a lack of a cohesive force in front of him for me to get a good idea.
I can’t fathom how Ruutu can score and tie her up after a pretty dismal effort and then not find enough spark to carry that on. to continue on the glass half empty, is it fair to say Walkers penalty killed us and that Rod’s did the same once before? Is the oldest team in the league too old? The guys were the Keystone cops again and didn’t shoot. they looked scared half the time.
Maybe a little glass half full is Sutter rocks, Ruutu may not be healthy but when he is he is a great asset to this team. Rodney was another young good call up. There were actually a few players that passed well on occaision, but too few and too little.
I dunno, I hope the team/org does something soon. This is really taking it’s toll on my ability to get excited for this team.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Should we be surprised. In a year where nothing seems possible yet everything seems possible it is no surprise that another of our players could go down with an injury like this.
by hockeythoughts on Nov 12, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
I agree it looked bad. Not to be ugly, but why couldn’t it have been Brind`Amour? But Brindy’s FO% was high, that’s worth something (or is supposed to be).
Meant to mention in my pregame skate synopsis yesterday that Brandon Sutter spent a long time taking face-offs opposite Yelle; Francis coaching and McCarthy dropping the puck. That’s some pretty good schooling for a 20-yr old. And his FO% has gone from dismal to awesome since he arrived, like, maybe 2 weeks ago?
What did you think of Jussi last night? They were dbl shifting him when Yelle went out. He got beat bad on one goal. Is he tough enough to be top-2 Center?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
Jussi and the Goal
I came home last night to watch the goals against on the Canes video. On that goal, Gleason and Corvo probably bear more of the responsibility than Jussi, I think. He had good positioning and was sealing the front of the net. Jokinen’s forte is not making thunderous hits, but he has great vision, soft hands, and a tremendous hockey brain. He could use some more physicality, but he is making solid plays.
He’s a good defensive winger, IMO … not a good defensive center. Big difference in responsibility there.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Walker's Writst
I agree. I’ve seen that look before —including breaking my own wrist during a b-ball game as a kid. I’ve seen other b-ball and football players hold their wrist the same way. Every time I’ve seen that look, the wrist was broken. Add to the fact that Walker has an amazing pain threshold. I think Cory is correct in saying the wrist is broken.
Taylor Hall
I wonder what number Taylor Hall will wear for the Hurricanes? (Only slightly kidding here)
I think there is still the matter of winning the lottery. Last time we were in last place we got Staal, but with the second pick. Pittsburgh won the lottery that year.
by hockeythoughts on Nov 12, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
And the way this year is going there is no guarantee we’d win the lottery.
by hockeythoughts on Nov 12, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Taylor Hall, the Lottery, etc.
The way this year is going, the Hurricanes’ car will get a flat and will be late for their time to draft.
Maybe 17 will be available?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
Low blow HM. Although not entirely undeserved. Ruu and Gleason showed a ton of leadership by facing the media after the game and putting up with the ridiculous questions (although Timmy did look a tad frustrated at the end). Once again, Gleason took responsibility for something that probably wasn’t even his fault. Give that man a permanent A. That’s the kind of thing I would expect to see from Rod and not seeing it is more disappointing to me than anything he does or doesn’t do on the ice. I’ve been one of Rod’s biggest supporters, but things are not going well for #17.
To be fair … the media asks for guys (if they’re not still in the room when the press gets there).
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Even then – why does the press want to hear from these guys and not the veteran “leadership” that the Canes are so proud to have in the lockerroom? Why not A Ward or Wallin (I know why not Corvo) – they’ve been around so long, does the press perceive Gleason can speak best for the Dsquad? (I certainly do)
Did anyone hear from Manny last night?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
Hmmm- that’s a discouraging set of interviews. The King’s goalie looked about 14.
That ENG by Williams at the end really was a coup de grace, no? I told my 12-yr old the score of last night’s game early this morning, “with the Kings getting an Empty Netter from guess who?” His answer: “Not Justin Williams, please..” Even my literarily-obtuse 7th grader could see the symbolism in that one.
Is this all just karma? If so, then we just need to stick with it, serve our penance, and wait for the next reincarnation and hope we come back in a better caste. (Sorry – am I mixing up my eastern religions? Do they have hockey gods in Asia?)
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
True. But shouldn’t the Captain and other veteran leaders be the last ones to leave the room so the press can talk to them?
While i am one of Rods harshest critics, he has never been a media hound.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Might be an appropriate time for him to step up then. He’s older than most of the press (excluding Chip and Bob). Again, who’s in charge?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not asking him to bring them to his house and share intimate details of his personal life. I want him to step up when things are going badly and answer for it. No it’s not all his fault, but as captain you often have to serve as the whipping boy.
Oh, i agree, it’s just Rod has never been much of a media guy. He’s real personable, but through out his career has not been the media man. I agree if it were his style, he should. If he did now, I think it would seem disengenous and just making excuses. i think it’s pretty obvious he ain’t making it and the team is sucking pretty hard top to bottom. meaning from the front office down.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Personally, I wouldn’t see it that way at all. In fact, if he were to step up now, I’d have more respect for him.
For example, Tim is not really what you’d call media friendly. No funny jokes, no quirky personality, and so on. In fact, he seems rather uncomfortable every time he’s interviewed. But he still does it because as one of the leaders of the team it’s his responsibility to stand there and answer the same question 20 times. Staal is the same way-I get a very strong feeling from him that interviews aren’t his favorite thing to do, but he knows he has to do them.
I’d disagree … he did a weekly spot on XM last year. He has a dry wit.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I agree – when we’re winning. No one’s making jokes now – nor should they be.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
I guess a better way to phrase that would have been “he’s not one of those larger than life personalities who will have reporters rolling in the aisles like a Chad or a Whitney”.
There are some guys that are just naturals in the PR department and seek it out and then there are some (like Tim) that don’t.
last night, the media asked for Ruutu, Legace, and whomever. After a long wait, Gleason eventually came out.
GM of CanesCountry.com
I guess Gleason drew the short straw.
To me that would have been the perfect opportunity for Rod to come out, but I guess not.
WHo is this aimed at ? (with the format it’s too far below the comment to tell)
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
I guess the question is: what does everyone want Rod to say? It’s not like you’d hear anything new from anyone: coaches, players, GM, ect. Does him coming out to take questions solve anything?
I hear the whole "the captain should answer the questions, but Paladin’s right: Rod’s not a big talker. When he does his talking, it’s behind closed doors, I’d bet.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 10:28 AM EST reply actions
I’m sure Bob would agree with this … as a media member, it’s awful for the reporters, too. No one wants go thru this, the team or the press covering them. I’m not in there each night like Bob, but I’ve been around it covering teams. It’s awkward.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Well, come to some practices and see who’s leading these boys. Watch the body language of who’s chatting with who, or from whom they’re looking for answers or seeking guidance.
From what I’ve seen Roddy seems pretty lonely (even invisible) out there. I don’t think he’s inspiring at any level. He’s not figuring out the chemistry and doing the team-building either.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Again … what do you want him to say or do? If anyone had answers, they’d be doing it. it’s silly to me to try and pin this on one guy. This is a top to bottom problem.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Also … Shane Doan is considered one of the best captains and guys in hockey (featured in last Hockey News, in fact) and that team has been dreadful for years. It’d be one thing if Rod was front and center when the team was winning and he went into hiding b/c they were losing, but that’s not the case.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
What I want him to say...
Basically, everything everyone else is saying; I don’t expect him to singlehandedly fix it or have all the answers. Him taking questions doesn’t solve anything per se, but it shows that as captain, he’s taking responsibility. As captain, it should come from him especially when things are going badly.
I've been working on this for the last 10 minutes
How’s about Rod steps up and give us something along the lines of “I feel your pain”.
This is really a tough thing. In 20 years in the NHL, this may be the most difficult and inexplicable streak I’ve experienced. But I am proud of these guys and the caliber of what they’re capable of when we work together. We’ve seen that – just last Spring. Remember? That was no fluke. THat was guts and hard work. As a team, we have more heart than anyone else playing hockey. I see how we’re all working as hard as I am to turn this around. Everyday. Nobody saw this coming, but we need to trust each other and have confidence in Mo, Ronnie and the rest to give it 60 minutes. No second guessing, no over-thinking. It’s hockey, it’s hard, and it’s supposed to be fun. We need to remember that.
Hey – how about Brandon Sutter – isn’t he a breath of fresh air? And Boychuk – wasn’t he a spark? Maybe we can see more of him. WIthout Staal, the guys are doing everything they can, and will continue to, to fill that enormous void at the top of the roster. We have no choice but to move on and quit looking to place blame. We need to give it our best every night: stay strong, be patient, don’t panic, we’re too good and too experienced for that. .
And losing Cam Ward, I can speak for the team when I say how much he’s inspired us, even in just his few years. We sure miss him right now and only hope he focuses on taking care of himself and is not worried about us. Thanks for Manny for taking this up. We welcome him and expect Leights will also step up now that the need to so great. We’re too good a team to have this record. And we will not give up and we will work together, all on the same page, because if we don’t you might as well all go home.
yada yada – someone in a jersey needs to articulate the thoughts of the others to help organize the mental chaos and direct them – think “leadership” in crisis (Reagan, Clinton, Obama, or your favorite spiritual leader /guru).
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
From Nov. 1 article:
“Sometimes, it would be easy if you could say it’s just this thing or that thing, and then fix it,” said Brind’Amour, the team captain. "The frustrating thing about the streak is we’ve had games where we’ve outplayed the opponent and played well.
“But we need to find a way to win. We’ve done all the talking and said all the things. It’s now a matter of each guy is going to have to figure a way to do something a little different to get it done.”
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
How about Mo? If were solid and coherent that might be nice.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Third, who IS doing the leading then? And shouldn’t it be there fault then, since the team is losing under their leadership? So should Gleason go?
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Wasn’t the A off Gleason’s jersey last night?
by hockeythoughts on Nov 12, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
Then was Cullen wearing it now that Whitney is back?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I guess it would have to be, but I seem to remember only seeing one. Let me look through the photos from last night.
Nope. Cullen didn’t have one. Ray did. Maybe they just went with the less is more motto and only gave one.
you can always check the roster report. According to this is was Samsonov.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Or that. LOL. Thanks Cory. I didn’t notice Sammy having one and none of the photos from last night show one on his jersey. Maybe they didn’t get it stitched on in time?
Maybe he declined it in embarrassment (Naaah- I’m kidding). Though that is an interesting choice. Walker is due too. Heck – Sutter ought to get it.
They pass the C’s and A’s around my kids teams in a rotaion, maybe the canes ought to try that. The letters have backing with snaps, so it’s a pretty easy switch.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
Wardrobe malfunction?
I remember that happening one time last year (or perhaps the year before that) when Staal came out on the ice without the ‘A’, folks were wondering if he’s been stripped but it was just an error with not getting the letter on the jersey in time or something goofy like that.
Sisu
When Gleason is leading the team in negative +/- and is griping about stats not being interpretive of his play, then sure. Until then he’s stepped up to a role that no sain person should want and acted responsible for the team to the public.
Not everyone is Iginla or Messier, but a captain should face the music, whether crappy or pleasant. Cory, you’re part media, you know there will always be music sense or no sense.
"What does everyone want Rod to say?"
all kidding aside, I wan t him to say – “I retire”
He could get up there and recite the alphabet for all I care. Just shows me that he still cares. Which we know, of course he does care – he’s too proud a guy to not care. But still, as a fan it helps my tender emotions to see some effort. It’s like doing stuff for your wife or hubby you don’t like. You loath doing it, but it shows you care.
^This. There is no question in my mind that everyone in that room cares about how the season is going, but I want to hear it from the top guys (Rod, Whits, and Cam/Eric when they return).
They probably don’t want to come back to this MESS.
So, all my teams suck!
by canescup on Nov 12, 2009 11:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
At the game again last night
took my Devil’s loving ma and my eldest.
She told me, “It’s okay, you can root for the Devils when, er, if the Canes don’t make it to the playoffs”
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Did you here the feeble, almost non-existant
“Oh oh say can jussi by the dawn’s early light?
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
I didn't have tickets last night
Not in position to spend money to buy additional chances to suffer meaningless emotional pain.
by DidJussiThat? on Nov 12, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
The hockey gods are angry. We need a sacrifice. Throw Stormy in the volcano. Maybe the gods like BBQ.
me likey
having that as a pregame show would likely draw some attendance. Now how do we get an active volcano to come out of the ice, then suddenly recede leaving a playable surface….scratches head
leadership
I am not professing to be an expert on this in any way, shape, or form, but from my viewpoint, Staal seems like the team’s most visible and vocal leader. You can tell at practice, and after games like last night Staal is usually out there facing the press. Although as the team’s highest paid player, he probably accepts that responsibility.
Brind’Amour is a different type of leader, behind the scenes, and it is hard to tell what exactly he’s doing regarding it. It’s certainly not in the public. Also, when the team captain is struggling on the ice, it’s hard to lead. You can not very well say, “get on my back and I will take us where we need to go”, when he does not have that capability anymore. Is he going to lead by example?
But you would think with the number of experienced leaders in that room, someone would have blown a gasket by now or said something of more substance.
GM of CanesCountry.com
it is hard to tell what exactly he’s doing regarding it.
whatever it is it ain’t workin :-)
Maybe that’s why we had success before, when Roddy was playing exceptionally the team was as well.
But at this point I feel like I’ve been in a traffic jam for hours. At some point you’d almost rather go backwords than sit still.
Rod tied for last in the league
With a -13
So, all my teams suck!
by canescup on Nov 12, 2009 11:46 AM EST via mobile reply actions
And A Ward is at -12
Pitkanen -10
Corvo and Samsonov, both at -9
And of course that doesn’t count any “goals against” when we’re short handed – as was so helpfully explained here somewhere.
Wondering how that affects Corvo’s, Brind`Amour’s and AWard’s +/-. They’re # 1, 2 and 5 on the team for Short-handed TOI. (Corvo has 66, with Brindy at 48, AWard at 43 minutes for the season). Like if you went back and counted who was on the ice for the 17 SH goals we’ve allowed in 17 games, which of our penalty killers has the best and worst success rates?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
WRAL has a 2 1/2 minute video with Manny (and Gleason, Ruutu and Mo) after the game, He talks about the miscues with teh puck in the first period " My hand was shaking like a leaf". Here it is
Also from ice_chip
Conboy on Waivers
Pits is back
nhl_canes Gleason, Walker, Whitney and Yelle not at practice. Pitkanen is back.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
It’s addictive isn’t it? I know someone said they only like ice_chip for comedic value, but he has been the quick source this month. Add in puckdrops (Brian LeBlanc) and it’s better than being on the Canes media listserv.
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Practice notes (from ice_chip):
Joni is back; Scott and Yelle are out.
Conboy on waivers. Chip thinks Dwyer will be called up.
I don’t like to see anyone put on waivers because I know it is their livelihood, however, like I mentioned in another post I don’t see the real benefit of having Conboy on the ice. With Yelle, Harrison, and now Conboy being placed on waivers looks like boys are going to be tapped one by one as the annointed one to be let go. If something doesn’t happen within two weeks bigger names are going to be gone.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 12, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
Plus Tim’s on a one-way deal. I’m sure he’d rather be in the NHL, but he gets paid his NHL salary regardless. Or they may just keep him around …going through waivers doesn’t mean you have to go down … like Yelle.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
When does Yelle clear waivers?
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
He was put on waivers – a couple weeks ago? – but he has 10 games before he’s cleared. I think that’s right. So maybe 4 more games? I’m no expert on this because I never really cared about it. That’s why I asked. I’ll go find out more and get back….
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Help!
I’m all messed up. Clearing waivers is not the right term. You’re right, CG. He did that the day after. But if someone can help me figure out what the 10-game thing is please do so.
Here’s the original announcement from Oct 26th
This was done after 10 games. So now that we’ve played 17, something happens to his status (like maybe we can no longer send him to Albany) after 3 more (which is the Montreal game next Wednesday).
So I'm guessing this would be "bottom"?
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 12, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
He has definitely cleared waivers, which the updated announcement noted, since that waiver period is only a day or so in length (48 hours?).
No team claimed him off of waivers, so he can now be sent down to the minors, if the org wishes to do so (still gets paid his NHL salary, since he has a one-way, and not a two-way, contract) to free up a roster spot.
Normally, if we then bring a waived player back up from the minors, he would pass through waivers once again. Then, if a team claims him, the NHL salary is normally split between the two teams for the remainder of the year (contract?).
That 10-day rule to which you are referring is a nuance that I have seen before, but do not fully understand. I think it has to do with whether or not he needs to pass through waivers coming back up. If he has played for the big club for 10 or less games (and he had played 10 games for us when the waiver was filed), then I believe that he MIGHT not have to pass through waivers again coming back up.
If so, this may be the case for Yelle. No exposure to the “and we’ll pay half” rule if a team wants him.
Cory? Bob? Anyone? Anyone?….Bueller?
10 game rule
Actually the Canes have 10 games or 20 days to send Yelle down, whichever comes first. 10 games is up next week Tuesday when the Canes visit Montreal. If they do not send him to Albany by then, he stays with the team or enters re-entry, where teams could claim him for half price and the Canes pick up the other half.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Thanks for the clarification.
So, do the Canes get to choose which of the two paths below it’s going to be, as long as they say before the 10 games occur?
1) Okay, you stay…straighten up, or we do this again (the Martin Gelinas path). OR
2) The phantom “send-down” and he enters re-entry waivers for the half-price sale (like LA’s half-price deal on Randy Jones, who scored the game-winner on us Wednesday night courtesy of Justin William’s gorgeous through-the-crease assist).
And, what happens if the “do nothing” option is chosen, with the 10 games coming and going and no action taken?
Yeah … he came back the other night.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 12, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Personally i thought we looked pretty good last night. I only watched from after they scored their 1st goal up till the end. Up til they scored their 4th goal i thought we competed very well. I thought the team looked confident. Passes were pretty crisp (Rodney esp.) and “daring”. By daring Im refering to the passes that get under a dmans stick, the risky pass that makes a goalie move. The touch passing was nice and quick. I dont think we looked too slow last night. I though last night was one of our best games all season. Throw Staal and a fully healed Whitney, Joni, and Ward back in with what we saw last night and we probably win 5-2. They won a good bit of battles. Cole looked like a beast out there. Yelle had a great game, i’ve heard some people on the “trade yelle” trip, personally for the entry level pay he gets, I think hes turning his season around quite nicely. That 5 on 3 kill was something else. As others have said Sutter was the best player on the ice for us last night.
People see things differently and it doesn’t necessarily indicate it is right or wrong. The value blogs allows everyone to submit an opinon and agreeing and disagreeing contnues the dialog, however, I don’t think disagreeing gives anyone a greenlight to say that someone’s opinion is related to a drug ingestion.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 12, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
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