Maurice, Hurricanes Continue To Have Gambles Backfire
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 11:58 AM EST
134 comments
When Paul Maurice penciled in his first three shootout participants last night in Montreal, there was a clear strategy to his selections. First was Tuomo Ruutu, arguably the Canes best player for the past week. Next was fellow Finn Jussi Jokinen, perhaps the best in the business. And third was captain Rod Brind’Amour.
There are several ways coaches and their staff choose their shooters: in-practice competitions, past performance in the shootout, in-game effectiveness, and even revenge — sending out a player against an ex-team (like Brind’Amour finishing off the Flyers back in 2007).
But last night’s final choice wasn’t about any of those factors. It was about confidence. Maurice gambled that his captain, either mired in a seemingly endless multi-season slump or finally showing signs of aging, would finish off the Habs. A Brind’Amour winner would've rallied the team and perhaps boosted the veteran’s confidence. Despite a solid effort from Brind’Amour, Montreal goaltender Carey Price made the stop — as he did against five other Hurricanes.
By now, we all know this isn't the Rod Brind'Amour of two or three seasons ago. But Maurice’s move wasn't about putting the three best players — of which Brind’Amour was just two years ago, though many forget that now — in his shootout lineup, but instead trying to seize the opportunity to give his beleaguered center a boost.
While you can't pin the shootout loss on Brind'Amour alone — it took six to tango in the blanking — it was just another example of Maurice& Co. rolling the dice and coming up snake eyes.
The team’s first gamble came from general manager Jim Rutherford, who banked on the duo of Aaron Ward and Andrew Alberts being an upgrade over Dennis Seidenberg and Anton Babchuk. While Alberts has brought exactly what was expected from him — steady, physical play without much offense — Ward has been perhaps the team's biggest disappointment. In fact, outside of the re-signing of Jussi Jokinen and Tuomo Ruutu, and the addition of Tom Kostopoulos, Rutherford’s offseason moves have failed miserably. Chad LaRose and Erik Cole have combined for a goal and three assists in 30 total games. Stephane Yelle was supposed to be a defensive stalwart on the fourth line, but instead has struggled to stay out of the penalty box and was even placed on waivers. Not only did the moves keep NHL-ready Brandon Sutter and puck-mover Bryan Rodney in Albany — Sutter has since seized his opportunity and is unlikely to go back to the AHL, while Rodney has added a needed dimension to the Canes’ blueline — but it's put the Hurricanes in an almost unthinkable predicament: cap troubles.
Second, Rutherford made the decision to limit the Hurricanes to just four preseason games, a move he has admitted contributed to the team’s slow start.
Maurice has been guilty as well. His decision to start Cam Ward every game — until he was injured — on a team struggling to win clearly demoralized the goalie. One could even argue if Ward had not been playing in the back end of another back-to-back game against Columbus, he might not be injured. But more importantly, when Ward went down the Canes were stuck with a rusty backup in Michael Leighton. The lack of confidence in Leighton surely contributed to the signing of Manny Legace, and the jury’s still out on whether or not that was the right move.
The constant tinkering of lines — Brind’Amour’s move to wing stands out — and off-and-on special teams struggles point to a coaching staff that is desperate to find answers.
The problem is, when you're 3-12-4 and just one game removed from a mind-numbing 14-game losing streak — as the Canes were heading in to last night — you don't use a pivotal spot in the shootout to try and play amateur psychologist. Maybe if you're in a reasonable position in the standings and are trying to kickstart your captain to help your team over the long run you call Brind’Amour’s number. But not when you’re on the cusp of back-to-back wins and sitting at the bottom of the NHL.
Throughout the losing streak, Maurice talked about how the team needed to take it one shift, one period, one game at a time. But his decision to use Brind’Amour points to him looking days and weeks ahead. If it works, Maurice looks like a genius and maybe Brind’Amour regains some confidence. But it didn't, and it was — again — a gamble not worth taking.
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I agree that there needs to be confidence
after all, a team without confidence looks like, well, looks like the Canes in games 10-12 of the slump
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Great piece.
But… by that logic the shooters after Rod should have been LaRose, Cole, etc. I think the morale issue was there but that Mo. honestly thoght it was avalid hockey deceision.
God help us if you are right.
I honestly don’t hate that decision by itself. It is in fact just on decision gone wrong in a grand ocean of decisions gone wrong, as Cory pointed out.
by wylde4canes on Nov 18, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think anyone wanted Rod to fail in that situation.
Still question the call.
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 18, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
now does this piece ask us if, Mo should go, or JR? looks to me like both are in the hotseat.
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Nov 18, 2009 12:37 PM EST reply actions
JR hasn’t messed up so bad as to scuttle multiple seasons. Except the whole Mo for 3 years thing, but roster wise this team is gonna shed a lot next year and bring up some young blood.
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 18, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
true… could next season get here fast enough?
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Nov 18, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
It has been JRs decisions that have this team where they are at the moment. He signed Rod till he’s 40, signed Wallin w/ NT clause, traded for cupcake AWard, and the list just keeps going……….. It is hard to believe Leighton ever got an NHL contract but JR handed him one….
He chose to retread coaches with Mo whom he fired before for not getting the job done. This teams problems start with our terrible defense in particular AWard and Alberts.
This team is his doing though I don’t think you can blame him for individual play. This team is old, this team is slow and lacks enough impact players to overcome the shortcomings of the many. We will struggle to get to 40 pts this season.
To some, JR seems untouchable but I think he is a big part of the problems this team and organization has.
by Canes Pucknut on Nov 18, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
What’s wrong with Alberts, he’s the best hitter we have right now.
So, all my teams suck!
by canescup on Nov 18, 2009 1:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
No doubt he and AWard like to hit people and do it well but their respective defensive abilities are lacking.
by Canes Pucknut on Nov 18, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
True, but he has some untimely defensive lapses which have cost us goals against. Just watch him more closely the next couple of games and I think you will see my point. Of course, being paired with Ward could be part of the porblem as well…………..LOL
by Canes Pucknut on Nov 18, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
If we were paying Alberts $1.7 to $2.5mil a year I’d be unhappy. (AWard or Wallin) But that’s not his role.
Link to salary chart for return on investment comments.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
He also drafted Staal, Cam Ward, Boychuck, Sutter, Bowman, McBain, signed Bryan Rodney as an undrafted free agent.
The list goes on as well.
What is your point? Of course the man isn’t infallible.
Agreed Iggy … blame him for the problems, but then pin the successes on him, too. There aren’t too many teams that wouldn’t swap the last decade with the Canes. One Cup, one final, one conf. final.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
But the attitude is always,
“Great! But what are you doing for me NOW!”
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Jim Rutherford
Cory,
Exactly. It’s an art and not a science. This year has been miserable for everybody; but the future is extremely bright. I predict changes are on the way; but the young talent will be kept and nurtured. It’s going to be fun to watch the team’s growth and development. I felt when Jim Rutherford had some one year signings that he felt the older veterans and LaRose would blend well with the younger core players (plus Whitney and Cullen — not that they are ancient in their play) and would make a stron run for the Stanley Cup. Logic would have said Rutherford was right; but the facts on the ground were some key players didn’t measure up and now the team is really bogged in the mire for this season. Jim Rutherford will adapt and adjust and reload where necessary. I would like somebody to tell me any other GM that has gotten more results for the same budget.
No
I felt when Jim Rutherford had some one year signings that he felt the older veterans and LaRose would blend well with the younger core players (plus Whitney and Cullen — not that they are ancient in their play) and would make a stron run for the Stanley Cup. Logic would have said Rutherford was right
I disagree. Logic would have said…..why did we make it to the play-offs. We went to the play offs when Brindy went down with an injury – called up some young key players and made a couple of clutch trades. That triggered the level of play with our team. Our energy soared and we looked great. We hadn’t seen that in YEARS. There is no logic in signing slow moving guys for the younger guys to skate around and be off tempo.
Rutherford listens to Mo. Mo is known for holding younger players back and sticking with his vets. Mo also listens to his Captain. The 3 played a huge role in this off-season debacle that has lead us where we are today.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 18, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
sctually the one that may be viewed as a master stroke you did not mention. Grabbing Dalpe when he did could prove to be huge!
Especially while having to resist the Staal 4 urge.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Wow – that’s awesome on Dalpe. Thanks for that. Guess he needs a year in Albany before getting dumped into the NHL? How many kids go straight from NCAA to NHL hockey? (any examples?)
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely.
Like I said, the list goes on. JR has certainly made some mistakes lately, but I’ll be damned if I could think of a better GM for this organization.
Certainly his most frustrating aspect. Mo for 3 years with a coach still on the payroll still boggles my mind.
really the shootout is a crap shoot anyways. I had no problem with Brindy taking his turn. I have no problem with the coaching strategy in last night shoot out. I understood why cullen went so late, he was the ace in the hole that was relied upon to tie the score. If Ruutu, Jokinen, Cullen, or Brindy didnt score, whos to say that if we went with Alberts, Ward, and Wallin, that non of them woulda scored either? Anyone whos played NHL minutes has the capabilities to score in a shootout. Its a breakaway with no defense. If you can make an NHL roster, hell even Conboy should have about as good a chance as most on a shootout. Outside of the few that have proven exceptional at it, most dont really even go to enough shootouts attempts to make this anything more than a guessing game. Brindy has earned this. His entire career has earned this. Its easy to be mad at brindy when things are going the way they are. But this is just something a team has to do to show its loyalty to a player who has earned it. Waive Brindy and what does that say to the others/future signings. Players come here b/c they know how well this organization is viewed by other players. you dont cut someone like Brindy, you dont “strip the C” from someone like Brindy, and you dont put him on your 4th line either, no matter how bad he gets. Just because grandma drools and dont know who anyone is anymore doesnt mean she loses her seat at the table on thanksgiving! Plus look at our record! What do we have to lose anyways? For better or worse GO CANES!
you’re right, what have we got to lose!
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Nov 18, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Thanksgiving, no. Do you take her off the scoring line and reduce her play time? Yeah-huh.
Just because grandma drools and dont know who anyone is anymore doesnt mean she loses her seat at the table on thanksgiving!
no, you call Dr Kevorkian and do her and the family a favor, sorta like JR should have done with this season at least two weeks ago.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
She can always seat at the kids table:)
So, all my teams suck!
by canescup on Nov 18, 2009 1:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You gotta be kidding about Rod. He should be on the 4th line playing 4th line minutes. His time has come and gone. Just because you did something in the past for the team doesn’t give you a lifetime get out of jail card, especially when you SUCK now. Rod knows he can’t keep up any more, he’s just stubborn, like most OLD people are.
So, all my teams suck!
whiel I appreciate your loyalty to brindamour, and I do not consider myself amongst his major detractors around here, I disagree to an extent. If your play is a liability, you play on the 4th line or not at all. If you are unable to lead, your give up the C. If you are in a scoring slump, you don;t get the nod in the shootout. I am not saying that he should relinquish the C, or play fourth line minutes. I think often his contributions are overlooked, or overshadowed by things like his +-. But to put him in the shootout over a guy like Sutter is foolish.
I love Brindamour for what he has done, I still rock my Brindy sweater at all the games I make. I will continue to do so, long after he is gone. But you have to point the ship in the direction you want it to go.
by wylde4canes on Nov 18, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
Your past successes.....
…..do not nullify your future failures.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Thats out of 724 players he's dead last with -17.
Second to the worst is only -13.
Stop the bleeding now!
So, all my teams suck!
It does not always tell the truth, but with Rod at this point, I would say that the stat is 70-80% accurate about his play now. Worst part about this all is its a lose lose. Due to his age when he signed his deal, it counts to the cap until its over even if he retires.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
The Hurricanes aren’t a cap team, but a budget team. Just b/c this year’s team is up against the cap doesn’t mean they are planning to do that going forward.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
which also scares me....
….much like the Sandis signed has been an excuse to never sign a big UFA again, this season will be used as an excuse to not spend at all close the cap again for years, competitiveness be damned.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
This team isn’t meant to spend against the cap. The only reason it’s gone down like that is b/c there’s a big diff. btwn. $$$ spent and cap hit.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
I understand that,....
….this team has always been about making money first, or at least trying to, and winning second. But at some point you have to actually spend money to make money. This market could support a bigger spending team, as long as it won consistently and made deep playoff runs on a regular basis, something we have yet to see here. I would like to see a signing of a real winger for Staal, not the artist formally known as Erik Cole, and true shut down D man for Cam. Thats going to cost some coin.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think they’re about making money, they’re about surviving.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
LAST SEASON
Consecutive seasons with the worst +/- in the league? That shows it to be a proven fact. The guy needs to be gone
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 18, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t havea problem with Brindy taking a shot, but it is baffling to me that Cullen wasn’t the 4th shooter instead of the sixth. I concur with Tyler’s comments, but I don’t understand why it isn’t in good favor to play Brindy on the fourth line. I admittedly do not understand the hockey tradition of playing X on a line just because he signed a contract of X three years ago that qualified him to play 1st or 2nd line minutes. I don’t even get that he has earned the right even though he is the captain. When Staal returns something has to give and if Brindy is not your best top 3 centers why not put him on the 4th line? I don’t think Brind’Amour is the cause of the teams problems, however, it makes sense to me that you play the best players.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 18, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Sutter, Whitney, Ruutu and Cullen for forwards. Pits is also a key piece.
That my friends is the real core of this team.
Not Staal, Rod, Cole, Wallin. I look at that and am rather amazed, but the proof is on the ice every nigfht. Maybe when Staal comes back he will be able to contribute, I dunno, but I hope so. There was gonna and will be a changing of the gaurd, it’s unfolding as we watch this train wreck.
If Yelle wasn’t called up and Sutter was in where would be now? How many games did we need just one guy with a little jump? Look at Rodney, one guy and the power play is starting to do more than be a disadvantage at times. Boychuck would be a good addition along with several others.
I preached about this and have found several converts of late. What I am wondering is why the powers that be are not acting upon the blatent obvious failure of the previous brain trust idea? screw the AHL, The big team needs help in the worst possible way. we send 19 yr olds into combat every day. Why? Among other reason, they are the best suited to it. The NHL is a bit safer the Iraq or Afganistan. Bring up the future players now, get them the exper. in the bigs they need for next year. Trash the old thoughts and players that have failed.
The money end is gonna suck, but Staal could be put on LTIR retroactively and between that and Cam we could bring up every Rat and buy a player. It’s time for danage control and building for the future.
If Gleason get’s his shit together he is another leader. I think the C is up for grabs, Staal has the inside track, Ray has the best numbers, but Sutter is chucking numbers faster than anybody. I think Ruutu should get an A for what he brings. The guy is a monster.
I dunno, just think the mng. is still in a fugue.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
jaw hits the floor
WHOA! Paladin – are you saying what I think you’re saying?
When I read this:
If Gleason get’s [sic] his shit together he is another leader. I think the C is up for grabs, Staal has the inside track, Ray has the best numbers, but Sutter is chucking numbers faster than anybody. I think Ruutu should get an A for what he brings. The guy is a monster.
it seems like you’re okay with this:
Gleason for the C, Ruutu and Sutter with the A’s….Sound familliar? Maybe 3 days ago, Saturday night…..Seems like that was ridiculed with unmitigated scorn “C is for Cute” when it was coming from a female (WEW or whatever it is) in that conversation. Your sincere apology is expected forthwith, to CG, Jenniwa and yours truly. Start your groveling, boy!
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
+100000000000000000000000000000000 :)
after all we are just dumb girls who don’t know anything about hockey ;)
I guess I am sorry that’s the way you all took it.
I never said dumb girls and knowing nothing about hockey. I just know that sitting ringside and seeing it once doesn’t compare to 6 angles and repetative replays. You guys were defending a really rotten play that cost us a game. I disagreed woith your analysis and still do.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Jen – its actually that we only like hockey players with sensitive eyes. ;)
(which is kinda true, now that I think about it. Just a coincidence. must be.)
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
No way does Gleason get the C. MAybe an A if he settles in. No apologies needed for spewing forth the truth. The man cost us a game. He needs to grow up and settle down. If he does, he can maybe find a leadership role. No way he gets the C though, with Staal, Sutter, Ruutu, Whitney, Cullen and Pits in line in front of him.
Sory to get your hopes up, but he’s still only cute.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Gleason as Captain....I hope not
This is a guy who jaws after penalties to get us an extra two in the box. The kid has a ways to go before he is C material. I also think his role as a premier shutdown guy has been vastly over rated by many here. He is solid, but the great shutdown guys make the opposition look foolish for trying. I have not seen that yet form him.
This is a guy who jaws after penalties to get us an extra two in the box
I’ve seen more than a few others get that call this season. Staal (Colorado to the max – with 40 seconds left in a one-goal game – a misconduct and a game misconduct for it), Pits, and Harrison (not that he helps my argument). I’ll bet you’ll find it somewhere in the first few years of Brind’Amour’s career – he was getting awfully chippy in the Minnesota game (or was it Montreal). Even Matt “Walks I need some help here” Cullen got the “unsportsmanlike” call this season.
Not sure about Ron “Lady Byng” Francis. But not everyone can be as perfect as Ronnie.
My point: I heard 3 comments after Friday’s game from Forslund, Mo and Sutter, that it was highly unusual to get a game misconduct so early in the game. I don’t think it’s an automatic disqualifier as a leader.
Please go through the stats and show where this has been a regular occurance for straight-talker Gleason, and I’ll consider it. I thought it was too many of those stupid and untimely holding and tripping penalties he was guilty of in years past.
He is the most complete D man out there now. (basic D/preventing goals, enforcing against the goons, and 2 goals in the last 4 games, including on playing on the point for the PP).
And, I gotta say it, just to get your goat: he looks so hot with the playoff beard. ;D (and therefore very well-suited for selling tickets and merchandise – it is a business after all)
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
I guess I like most of that. I would point out that he has had penalty issue in the past and the latest incident shows he’s just not ready. So I think the guy has it in him and when he settles into his game maybe we see what Timmy is truly made of. Right now though,do you really believe h e is Captain material? Captivating maybe, but I don’t think he is the leader of this team. Maybe even qualify it with a yet. 2 years from now this whole team will be diff. It will be interesting who takes the reins and leads.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
For a guy who plays so physically, fights on occasion, ect., I don’t consider him as having penalty problems. His highest total is 84 (2007-08) when he played 80 games.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 19, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
It’s the timing. Not the volume. He’s not penalty prone, just some times when he does it’s just all bad. D guys, I’d think in general, are more prone to catastrophic type’s. A winger fubars a play and he has back up. A d guy does and it’s the goalie or the net. Not too mention the last couple years, there wasn’t a deep d core, so when Timmy was in the sin bin we was down a key component. It magnify’s it. That’s what I meant.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I am not arguing that he is not captain material in the future, just saying he aint ready now. I would also say the same of Staal and most definitely of Joni. Whits on the other hand, could be a legitimate C once again.
BTW Gleason looks like he always has a wad of chaw in his mouth, just to get your goat back =)
shorter sentences- more paragraphs.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
Clearly Whitney would be the best C, but at his age, just for a year or so before he retires (or gets traded at the deadline this year)?
Also, I am really influenced by the practice I went to last week (Tuesday). I watched the dynamic of the players on the ice. Gleason was the man that day. It was a total surprise to me, and I hadn’t seen him take that role in prior practices. This was the day he and Ruutu talked for maybe 10-15 minutes one-on-one. Since that day, the two of them have taken the helm of this team, while Sutter plugs in his magic. That’s where I’m coming from.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Conboy was the last guy I saw that was the spark at prctice.
Kinda of interesting that it wasn’t the “expected” leaders we both noticed?
You gonna be there in the morning?
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Nope I got to e someplace at 10am. Friday maybe (I like the practices more than the pre-game skates)
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s one image from practice that day from LTD. It was Day 2 of Peter Karmanos watching in the stands. Cam Ward had gone down the Saturday before. There was a feeling of imminent demise permeating the whole team and the fans. (Traffic was crazy high here at Canes Country)
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
Two things...
First, totally not fair you can’t just post the back side of Ruuty ;-) so… (from that same conversation)
Second, I’m trying to get out to practice both tomorrow and Friday (have a good friend who needs me to grab some photos of Pete-Dawg). So perhaps I shall see some of you there, you know where to find me.
Sisu
Missing the boat in all of this.
What is missing here is that the Canes keep looking to the past when they should be moving to the future. What about boosting the confidence of Sutter! He’s been the hotest scorer since his call up. What message is Mo sending to him not putting him in the shootout? Get over it Jim & Mo, Rod is done. It’s more than confidence, it’s his age. The Canes future is with the younger players like Sutter. This year is already shot. Get the younger player some NHL experience. Otherwise next year will be a bust also and Mo & Jim will be talking about how this team is so young, has no NHL experience and they’re going through a learning curve.
I agree Luv The Chan. Im only talkin about Brindy. Yea I think Sutter shoulda got a shot, but it shoulda been 4th or 5th. Ruutus been good lately, Jokinen is obvious, and again Brindys career has earned him the right to go if he tells the coaching staff he feels good about it. Just to reiterate, Brindy is number 48 ALL TIME scoring, and is only 71 points from being number 35, and dont forget the Cup he captained us to. Im all for a youth movement, but not at Brindys expense.
Its great to be loyal...
…but you should not do so at the expense of your future. Thank you for the Cup Rod, now please move on so the kids can play and maybe we can make the play offs more than once every 4 years.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
No pro player worth there weight is going to step aside … they want to contribute, make a difference and help a team win. They simply do not want to take the easy way out, or be considered a quitter. A lot of people seem to think this is selfish, but I think it’s admirable. There’s no quit in the guy.
Secondly, it’s not Rod’s call, it’s the org’s call. When was the last-time a possible HOF player walked out on a contract without having their minutes severely slashed? Shanahan and Hull both needed to be told they couldn’t be a top contributor anymore before they stepped aside. Hull’s final five games in Phoenix were 16, 12, 14, 15 and 8 minutes. Shanahan was told “you aren’t a top-nine guy for us.”
Will they have this conversation with Rod?
by Canes Pucknut on Nov 18, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
They already have....
…buy placing him on the 4th line. It might be time to place him in the Press Box.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
if I recall....
…he spent some time centering it last year in the playoffs.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
But that was b/c Staal-Cullen-Jokinen were all playing so well down the middle. It’s not like they came into this year keeping Jokinen at center.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Fair enough....
….but does it not say something with Jussi is slotted above you @ centre and is playing better than you? That would be a message to me, had I once been a sure fire HOFer.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe they will … or maybe they’ll move him to the fourth line and limit his minutes. Or maybe they won’t. But if you’re told to climb over the boards for another shift, you do it. There seems to be some feeling that Rod is dictating his minutes, that he’s some kind of bully. IMO, that’s silly.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
No doubt that Rod is a warrior. He has no quit in him and that is a quality we have all admired about him for years. He just really seems to be struggling with keeping up anymore. It’s painful to watch.
by Canes Pucknut on Nov 18, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
If Rod’s not dictating then either Mo/Ronnie are seeing a diiferent game we do or they just can’t face reality. None of this looks good on the Staff, which after all was the main point of the piece. Not to go off on Rod again.
by drifterscape on Nov 18, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
When Staal comes back, they better move him to the 4rth line. You plan to move Sutter or Cullen there?
GM of CanesCountry.com
This is Mo....
…I am sure Sutter still has some dues to pay.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
I like your thinking.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Nov 18, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
I BELIEVE HE IS DICTATING HIS MINUTES
I’ve watched him on the bench for 2 seasons now. He definitely dictates more last season than this season. Look at the games we won last season and this season. When Brindy plays less than 15 minutes – its a close game and we either win by one or lose by one. When he has less than 14….we win. I challenge you to check the stats yourself. Now why would MO play him? Because MO is what they call a “players-coach.” He buddies up with the vets and then Mo feels obligated.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 18, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
What was the logic of sending Rodney out there as the 4th shooter?
I know he made a nice move, but still…
Still not a crook!
fwiw, Rodney has been good in the AHL. I remember hearing he scored twice in one game (diff. rules in the A) last season — looked it up.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
Meant to add – Just saw the Tweet that JR will be on 99.9 Radio, at 3:25 this afternoon. That could be very interesting. Bryan Rodney on Canes Corner to nigh at 6:30.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
Here’s a preview of what he’s liable to be discussing today.
Branecky – Injuries, Recalls, and the Salary Cap
Sisu
Having a hard time with the quotes today for some reason, from the above:
Similar transactions are on the way. According to Rutherford, Joni Pitkanen and Eric Staal are not due back until next week, and Scott Walker is out for at least two more weeks. Michael Leighton is week-to-week after an already-existent groin strain worsened in Montreal, with Rutherford still unsure if the team will play Legace exclusively or try to work Peters into the lineup.
Those injuries leave the team without enough healthy bodies to field a 20-man roster for Thursday’s game against Toronto and insufficient cap space to summon replacements. To alleviate the problem, Rutherford said the team will place Cam Ward on long-term injured reserve, thus eliminating the goaltender’s $2.667 million cap hit for the time being (according to NHL Numbers). According to Rutherford, a player must be out for 24 games or 10 days to qualify for that status, which fits into Ward’s target return date of December 5 against Vancouver.
Once that move is made, Rutherford said the team will likely recall either Patrick Dwyer or Jerome Samson from Albany in time to face the Maple Leafs.
Sisu
wow … Samson going to maybe get a shot? I bet it’s Dwyer. Poor Jerome can’t seem to break thru.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
FYI, Branecky’s got the parameters backwards on LTIR, it’s 10 games or 24 days.
And ugh is right. That means Joni’s out for at least a couple more games, and Scotty Walker longer (btw, Forslund reported yesterday on NHL Live that his is a shoulder issue). Not what I expected.
Sisu
Yeah – if you want professional hockey writers you need to stick with Cory and Harwood.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
any word on what is wrong with Pits?
They said he was sick, now all o a sudden he’s out for two weeks?
by DidJussiThat? on Nov 18, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
funny how some competitive hockey can get us back on the right path.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Competitive hockey?
I don’t know if we’re there yet.
Looking better but is the light up ahead the end of the tunnel or the train?
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
They’ve been competitive. Three straight tied through regulation. Five of the previous seven were losses by three or more.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
When its into the shootout with Penguins or the Capitals then we can call it competitive, when we are there with below .500 teams not quite yet. Big test coming Thursday, will we play at basement level or a like a team trying to break out. Still a battle for the basement.
I’m just saying they’ve been competitive games.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
+1, Cory and entertaining (though of the last 3, NYI, Min, Habs) I found the Habs the most disturbing.
It goes back to why we love hockey. And it’s gotta be more than the W-L column.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 18, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
Then you should be pleased after losses, no?
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2009 9:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
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