Hurricanes Fall From Grace As Baffling As It Is Disappointing
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 2:00 PM EST
404 comments
Let's give them something to talk about
A little mystery to figure out
Let's give them something to talk about
How about love?
— Bonnie Raitt
The Carolina Hurricanes have given their fans, the league, the media and — most importantly — themselves something to talk about — and not anything good. A mystery? For sure. But this story isn't about love, it's about loss. Or rather losses. And lots of them.
The Canes are in the worst funk of their existence. Home or away, contender or bottom-feeder, luck or no luck — it simply hasn't mattered. Regardless of the where, who, what or when, the Canes lose. Which leaves the why.
Theory 1: Effort/Team Doesn't Care
I think this is an easy one to dispel. The Hurricanes have reached a point where over-effort is hurting them, not lack of effort. Eric Staal started the season slowly, began pressing, and is yet to snap out of it. The team, as a whole, has a similar look.
Theory 2: Special Teams Struggles
There's some validity to this. An inability to stop the power play in the first few games of the year, followed by a lack of scoring with the man advantage thereafter contributed to the team's early season struggles, which then snowballed into the lack of confidence we're seeing today. I think any coach would rather have consistent mediocrity out of both their special teams units than the unpredictability of a team that flounders so horribly in one are or the other.
Theory 3: Penalites
Again, this was a big part of the team's bad start. But it's hard to say the blame lies with undisciplined play when Carolina continues to lose games where they hold an advantage in power play opportunities.
Theory 4: Injuries/Suspensions
Erik Cole's injury in the second game of the season didn't help matters. Neither did Joni Pitkanen's late start to the year — and setback — or Tim Gleason's current upper body injury. Tack on Tuomo Ruutu's three-game suspension and you have vital pieces of the lineup missing significant time already. But none of that explains away nine straight losses.
Theory 5: Training Camp/Exhibition Mistakes
The four-game exhibition slate may have proved too short for the Hurricanes, who looked sloppy in their first few games. But perhaps the biggest error was having the roster set in stone coming in to camp. Since being recalled three games ago, Brandon Sutter has proven he belongs in the NHL. Was it a mistake to give a roster spot to a veteran player on a one-way deal instead of Sutter? Could the same be true for Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman or Brett Carson (currently injured)? What about Bryan Rodney, who GM Jim Rutherford hinted would be given every chance to make the team at a top-six defenseman this year? The signing of Andrew Alberts and reacquisition of Aaron Ward put an end to that.
Theory 6: Too Old, Too Fast
The Canes are the NHL's oldest team, but it wasn't a problem in the playoffs last year, and some of the vets — Scott Walker is at the top of the list — have been among the team's best players.
Theory 7: Coaching
Perhaps the biggest reason for the team's poor start. Coach Paul Maurice was commended for the job he did in getting the Canes to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. He also deserves blame for the team's horrendous play this year. Cam Ward was overplayed to start the season, lines have been constantly shuffled — on both even-strength and power play situations — and players repositioned, disproportionate ice time (see fewer than 13 minutes a night for Walker and Sutter, so far), and a curious loyalty to Jay Harrison all factor in. But more than anything, Maurice failed to see that the team's problems went deeper than the issue of the day (see all of the above). To be fair so did many others, but it is Maurice's job to identify weaknesses and patch or fix them, not find excuses. The penalty issue is seemingly resolved, as are the special teams problems. Neither fixes have led to wins. Next up? A return to full health — though that is on hold with Staal set to miss time for the first time since his rookie season. Maurice is running out of reasons as to why the team is struggling.
* * *
Which leads us to the final question: Has the locker room given up on Maurice? It's a fair question. Rarely do you see a team struggle so mightily without any definitive problem. By all accounts there are no problems among teammates, and anyone who watched the team last season knows the current roster is capable of scoring and defending. So the blame right now needs to be squarely on the shoulder of Maurice and his staff.
But it's not as simple as firing the coach. For one, GM Jim Rutherford is an admirer of Maurice, not to mention a close friend. Secondly, the team is still on the hook for departed coach Peter Laviolette's contract, and if you think owner Peter Karmanos wants to pay Laviolette, Maurice and a new coach all at the same time ... well, you don't know Karmanos. Third, any replacement would likely come from in-house, but current staff members Ron Francis and Tom Rowe — the most likely candidates — have been unable to help turn the tide with Maurice, and Albany head coach Jeff Daniels, the only other option, is in his second AHL season and probably not ready to take the helm.
That leaves roster change. We've suggested that moving Ray Whitney — who would have to agree to a trade, but probably wouldn't be totally against going elsewhere in the final year of his deal — would make sense, and there are rumors that Chad LaRose could be pursued by other teams. Is that enough? If a nine-game winless streak isn't enough of a wakeup call, would trading players away get anyone to jump to attention and right the ship? Or is it time — a mere 13 games into the season — to concede that the season is already slipping away and it's time to prepare for the influx of young talent that will fill the roster next year and beyond?
A little mystery to figure out.
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interesting you would dispel the lack of effort theory. That IS the problem. Lack of backchecking, lack of movement by players without the puck, slow line changes. The lack of effort has now affected their game mentally, looking to dish the puck rather than skate, causing confusion, turnovers. Everyone is looking to everyone else to pick up their slack.
I disagree totally. That would mean the lack of effort has always been there. I don’t believe it was like that from the get-go. What this team has morphed into can be described many ways: lazy, sloppy, disinterested, tragic, mistake-prone. But we haven’t seen effort issues for the start of the year.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
but all of these symptoms have resulted from a lack of effort. I havent seen the team as a whole skate hard in one game, not one. To me it is obvious, the puck carrier takes 2 strides and looks up to make a pass to players that arent open because they are not skating/moving. They cant keep the puck in the O-zone because 1 of the 2 forecheckers isnt reading and or getting to the loose puck quick enough, half the time expecting someone else to go after it. Look at the sustained pressure or lack thereof, if they were in fact trying too hard they would at least be able to spend sustained periods in the zone with possession, this is not the case.
Losing streaks like this for a team as deep and seemingly talented as this one can only occur from a lack of effort that eventually results in a lack of confidence which results in what we are seeing on the ice. Pure confusion.
I’m sure there’s no one who wants a win more than the guys in the room. To say they’d tank it and just keep losing is not a correct assessment, IMO. Execution? Focus? Sure. But effort? I don’t think everyone’s given up.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
An unintentional lack of effort? You officially lost me.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I’ll assume you played the game when you werent writing in your journal. Sometimes you just dont have your legs or the motivation to give it your all. Its just part of life and can become contagious in a locker room.
The definition of effort is “try” … trying isn’t a blurry area: you either do it or you don’t. I can buy into confidence as the underlying theme as to why the team is playing so poorly, but I don’t think they’re not trying. Pressing? Definitely.
Thanks for coming by our online journal. lol
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
But I see that confusion and uncertainty not as lack of effort. Instead I belive is is lack of confidence in each other and the coaching. It’s not that they dislike each other, they just aren’t sure what they need to be doing – if they buy into the company line – especially after repeated failures.
Did anyone see Mo’s interview on the Hodge Stove series from last Jan or Feb, NHL network (Can’t find it n youtube)? Mo described this as his problem at Toronto and why he got fired: Mo could not convince the very talented players in Toronto to work as a team and he faulted himself for his lack of leadership.
Why he could do it last season for the Canes, and not now, I do not know. From teh few times I’ve seen him after games, he is so different in his manner this fall (so serious and heavy) compared to the sardonic wit of last spring’s playoffs. Maybe the contract makes him feel more responsible and ambitious. This is not the same guy.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Honestly, I think it's probably a combination of both.
They are clearly not as confident as they were at the end of last season, I don’t think you’ll get any disagreement there. Things aren’t going their way and it’s frustrating them. The more things don’t go their way, the less confident they become. The less confident they become, the more things don’t go their way. It’s a vicious cycle.
That being said, you gain confidence from working hard. Mo was spot on when he said that. When you aren’t working hard, you are putting yourself in a self-fulfilling prophecy-“we can’t win (not confident) so why try?” (effort). This low self-efficacy (excuse the health education term) is exactly what’s getting them in games. They come out guns blazing, play well for 15-20 minutes and everything is hunky dory. Then, they give up a goal (or 3), can’t score in response and their confidence is now shot. The little things they were doing so well when they had the confidence disappear and things just get worse from there.
Now, I don’t think this is an intentional thing on their part. I think it’s all happening subconsciously, but it’s still there staring us all in the face. And IMO, it’s something that the players have to fix from within. No amount of meetings or coaching changes or line shuffling will fix that for them.
Weird unrelated thought-was anyone else aware that Fernando Pisani did a PSA for ulcerative colitis? I know that was random, but the commercial just came on…oh never mind.
Maybe the players just hate the fans… I sure felt hated yesterday… and I REALLY felt hated on Saturday….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 2, 2009 2:23 PM EST reply actions
It's not that they hate us
It’s just that they want to be liked by the fans of the 29 other teams more. What better way to do that then by giving two points to anyone who comes to play against them?
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
problems are numerous
I can’t think of one thing the Canes are doing well on the ice right now. I was at the game yesterday and we looked good for the first period, but once the Sharks scored a goal, the Hurricanes fell apart. Poor Brandon Sutter. After both of his goals, the other team comes down the ice and pots one a mere 90 seconds later. Sheesh.
I think the first 3 of the Sharks goals were scored while the announcer was calling out the credits for a previous goal . My boys commented that we need to silence him after it happened 3 times in a row. Was this distracting? did it prevent the D from communicating?
We were looking at the jumbo tron to see the credits on the assist and suddenly the red light was going off on the opposite end of the ice. Sickening.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
I don’t see that he doesn’t care. After the first one slipped in, with the smallest of margins, you could see Cam was baffled and he sure looked concern to me — at least from his body language
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 2, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
The first two goals were both on Cam. The 1st goal went right under his left arm and he wasn’t close enough to the post nor to his chest. He should have saves that one and you could read it all over his face.
The 2nd one was a very similar goal and, again, a goal I believe cam should have saved. I thought Cam looked slow and lethargic yesterday. Borderline – not care.
Hmm, I don’t know. I am sitting right there on the first goal and I it looked like he was right up against the post to me. Regardless, a lot of folks comment that this team doesn’t care or don’t put in the effort, but I don’t see it. I think these folks care more than you think and I would have to think their frustration is 100 times more than what we are experiencing as fans.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 2, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
Which to me creates its own problems
Against Philly, they doubled up on shots on goal. While I applaud that, the shots went everywhere but the net. I’m not sure if they are trying so hard to aim the biscuit or thinking, “WTF!?!?! It ain’t going in but, sigh, gotta try”.
When you are feeling good about yourself, you make your luck. These guys don’t trust themselves let alone their teammates. That looks/acts/feels like “I don’t care” but in the scheme of things, they are afraid to try because they’re afraid they’ll fail and look like the “guy who cost us the game”.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
I would agree more with that, playing tentatively trying not to make a mistake, than they are playing without caring.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 2, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know for sure, but I think he was against the post and it went through the opening between his arm and stomach.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 2, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
I looked at it several times in slo-mo and stop action, and believe it was something like that.
He appeared to be nailed to the post with his arm, and it didn’t look like it went over his shoulder.
Just somehow or another bounced off of him and squirted through a hole between his arm and body…like it had eyes.
Yeah but, it went in. And two minutes later another. Then another and another… It’s his job to Not let them in. Act of God or freak of nature, I don’t care. Now, as much as any playoff game.
Well, I think that’s ridiculous comment to state that it’s not his jot to let them in and then expect that on every shot, but that’s another story. The point of the thread was that he didn’t care so he was letting in goals without any association with it and I was pointing out that I didn’t think that was the case. He did everything he could to stop that first goal and like you mentioned it was a freak of nature that it fit through that hole — i mean what are the odds?
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 2, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
No
I was right there he was slow sealing the post. The second goal slipped between his glove arm and body.
Finishing: notice that they cannot finish on odd man rushes, passes in general. This speaks to effort and chemistry and lack of speed. Gotta get younger…now is the time to rebuild.
unrelated
Does all this mean that last year’s draft was no good too? Didn’t we pass on Ryan O"Reilly and isn’t he playing with Colorado?
I’d say it was an average draft. Couple things on this:
1) O’Reilly made the Avs b/c they were expected to be horribly bad and thought he did enough to deserve a look.
2) They took him higher than many of the “experts” thought he would be chosen. He was pegged as a 40s pick by most teams.
3) He’s far from a superstar. He’s been a good role player. Don’t think for a minute the Canes would give up any of their top four or five prospects for him. Just b/c O’Reilly is in the NHL doesn’t mean he’s the best young player out there.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Locker Room
TALKING ABOUT THE DRAFT IS A WASTE OF TIME.
Something is seriously the matter with the locker room and no one seems to want to talk about it. I don’t think it has anything to do with Mo.
I have to wonder if Ward hasn’t had some effect. I suspected that prior to yesterday’s issue with Joni, now it seems crystal clear. Arron Ward acted like a real asshole the end of last year, I suspect he has not been totally forgiven. Plus compare his numbers to Seidenburg’s. Dennis seemed popular in the locker room.
And the Elephant in the room is Roddy. How can you lead a team playing on the 3rd line with the worst +/- on the team?.
Rod might not be the problem. But part of being a leader is doing WHATEVER IS NECESSARY to win. It doesn’t get much more dire than this. Switching up the leadership of the team should happen. Brind’Amour needs to step aside.
If Roddy came out and said “I don’t want to leave, but since we don’t know how to fix our situation I am stepping down” the fans would love him for it. It would be selfless and show everyone that he cares more about making things work than the C on his sweater.
Are you sure Rod Brind’Amour has the worst +/- on the team this season?
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 2, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Brind’Amour is our current leading bad boy (-9).
But, he has lots of company:
Corvo and Ward both at -8.
Cullen and Samsonov at -7.
I thought A. Ward was our leader…
+/- aside… I think that Rod Brind’Amour looks like a completely different player from last season… much improved…
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 2, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
I mean… in a minus way… not in a plus way….
Cut me some slack man… I’m working hard today (on actual work)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 2, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah… Actual work…. I guess Christmas comes early this year…. and trust me…. it is a welcomed Changed :-)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t think plus/minus is a fair assessment of Rod right now … think he’s taken a minus-6 the last two games combined.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
Looked it up … I was right. And minus-7 in the past three. So most of that has come with the whole team playing extremely bad the past few. Not to tkae him, or anyone, off the hook … but he was just minus-2 four games ago.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting post...
It’s hard to break open the fortune cookie on this one and look for the one-liner, explain-it-all hint of advice.
Being a STH, I’ve been to all of the home games. I wish I could say that I’m seeing some glimpse of recovery or something, anything along the lines of cohesion for our team – but I have not.
Fix too many penalties? Check.
Boost the power-play and create chances? Check.
Keep Leighton out of the net? Check.
Get Cole back on the ice? Check.
Pitkanen? Check.
Ruutu? Check.
Change up the lines? Check.
What’s next???
I thought we’ve shown some great jump in the beginning of each game, consistantly coming out ready to play, and with each game that is demonstrated more than the game before. I thought the beginning to yesterday’s game was one of the best I’ve seen so far this season by our group. I thought to myself, to be at the end of Period 1, against SJ, with a 0-0 score is a good period for us. Sure enough, Sutter comes in and scores a goal. He really looked good, including the previous game. He came to play. Can’t say the same about the rest. And what a bummer for Sutter to see his goal swept under the rug by the ensuing 4-goal rush by the Sharks.
I thought Samsonov looked snappy. Same with Cole. The Pitkanen/Ward issue behind the net was just plain painful to watch. You could see Pitkanen getting frustrated the longer he swept the puck behind the net until he just whacked it along the boards and almost gave up a goal. I don’t blame him. He had the puck for 10-15 sec’s and nobody budged.
We get great SOG, but not many scoring chances. Of the scoring chances we get, they just don’t go in or the goalie makes a pretty good save. The 2-shot save by Emery the other night was a stand-out save by the other team’s goalie. I wish they would go in but they are not always going to.
Our boys seem to get down after the first goal. Occasionally you see a good shift come out and get the momemtum going but it evaporates as soon as the other team makes a good save. Imagine the frustration other teams had going against Cam last year. We need to continue to drive the net and create chances. It’s time for gritty hockey – we just aren’t talented enough to dipsy-do our way around the O-zone and score 5 goals a game. We are not that team.
We are the team that needs to use our depth and our speed to hound the other team in their own zone. Tire them out and create the chances. Get in front of the net. Create those chances. It’s not enough to take a SOG, you need to take a SOG and have a winger following closely behind for the rebound, or a F on a post to snatch up the loose change. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to give it a 1-go and not see the repeat attempts or follow-up necessary in this league and with this kind of speed. Sometimes the only way we win games is to play the gritty, elbow-to-elbow hockey that this team played so well last year.
The team has to show up. If they do not, new faces will.
We need to continue to drive the net and create chances.
How about if we start to drive the net and create chances..
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Through no fault of his own, Cole hasn’t been around enough to really put him in that category. But yeah, I’ll throw Walker in there too.
Yesterday Cole looked like one of a few players who actually wanted to win….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 2, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
Cam Ward…. $3.5million
Aaron Ward…. $2.5 million
Joni Pitkanen…. $4. million
Making a simple f-ing break-out of the defensive zone play……. PRICELESS!!!!!!
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
To address the question about lack of effort…(just my humble opinion of course)
While the team is putting forth effort, is it the extreme effort needed to win battles on a consistent basis? I think Forslund has alluded to this a couple of times. Sometimes a veteran team, especially one which has been successful at the highest level, think they can “turn it on and turn it off” when they need it.
While the Canes are certainly trying and they do not want to lose, they do not seem to be putting forth the extra effort needed to win consistently, throughout most of the game.
Let’s face it, the other team is trying too. The question is, who is trying harder? Right now I would have to say that it is not the Hurricanes. They have been out-worked in most of the losses during this streak.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Leadership
To me, this smells (reeks) of lack of leadership. When a team is talented enough to compete every night but just can’t find a way to win for a myriad of reasons, there is simply no one steering the ship. That leadership can come from a variety of sources but must consistently come from 2 individuals, the coach and the captain. I think Mo has said all he can to get this team to play with some passion. It really has to come from the players at this point.
Rod typically leads by example and not so much with words. Unfortunately he is slowing down and I think his confidence is at an alltime low, which makes him unable to lead by example. The team needs a leader who is willing to be VERY vocal right now, even if he himself is playing like crap. Rod is not that guy. I think a new captain needs to be named by Mo/JR. I think it would piss a few players off and might cause some chaos in the lockeroom but it can’t get any worse. If the new captain is a guy the team can rally around then they will eventually come together with some direction and purpose. For Rod, I think it would be a welcome relief. I don’t think Captain is something he relishes anyway. It would take a ton of pressure of him and he could just focus on improving his own game.
If you think this would help, who would name captain?
Staal? I don’t think he’s the right guy for this job. He will eventually be the leader of the team, but he’s got enough on his plate (own performance, injuries) to deal with this mess.
Walker? He’s definitely a veteran who gets it and IS leading by example right now, but I don’t think he’s vocal enough to be the team’s focal point. If I’m wrong about him being a quiet leader than make him captain pronto!
Whitney? I don’t think it’s his personality to be the captain.
I think I would choose a guy like Cullen. He plays a lot of minutes and has been one of the guys trying out there. I may be wrong, but it seems like he has the personality to be a vocal presence in the lockeroom.
FWIW, I think Gleason’s return is going to make some difference. Will they win? Who knows … but there’s no denying that that guy cares (maybe too much) every time he laces up.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
You know Jen is going to come on here like her hair is on fire if that’s even close to being true. That has to be some sort of sick joke on your part.
practice tomorrow?
ooh, hey, you have an email link now…
:)
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
The truth shall set you free!
Did someone mention sarcasm and alcohol?
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
Two things you can never have enough of!
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Well, that is true. Can’t even come up with a good tongue-in-cheek response to that…
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
I was just going to post – Gleason for Emperor!
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
I think it would piss a few players off and might cause some chaos in the lockeroom but it can’t get any worse. If the new captain is a guy the team can rally around then they will eventually come together with some direction and purpose.
I don’t think stripping Rod of the “C” would send the message we’re all looking for. IMO, it may do more harm than good. He’s one of the most respected guys in that room and if the team can’t rally around someone like that, then I don’t know who they can rally around.
The team needs a leader who is willing to be VERY vocal right now, even if he himself is playing like crap. Rod is not that guy.
Maybe it’s just me, but if someone is giving me crap for not doing what I should be while he is also playing poorly, I’d be less likely to give any weight to his comments. I would probably just tune him out. A leader is more than just a set of lungs and a smart mouth.
need some help with your signs??
imeä = suck in finnish
сосать = suck in russian
sucer = suck in french
saugen = suck in german
vysát =suck in czech
vysať = suck in slovak
suga = suck in swedish
There that should cover everyone
oh great…. now the “Sutter is being traded to the Senators for Jonathan CheeeeeChooooo (train)” rumors are going to run rampant…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
LOL…. you know…. they have such great and credible media in Ottawa… ;-)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
I like that idea
Cullen has been bringing it all season imho. I am still very dissapointed in Staal. I do not know much about him as a leader, but he seems to have a kind of apathy for the team thing. Maybe I am a hockey idiot, but he seems like less of a true center and more of a power forward.
JR speaks
Just heard JR’s interview on 99.9 The Fan. Took a few notes, so I could get this right.
Began by stating his amazement that we are where we are, taking full responsibility for this mess, as he did in the Canes piece. “So now we try to fix it and get it back on track.”
Team did not practice today…“needed to stay away from the rink today” (?!?) [and away from him??]
“It just seems that this team has no confidence at all.”
When asked what’s wrong and given a partial list of woes, JR replied “it is absolutely everything…a combination of everything…and I take full blame for it.”
When asked what next, said “we just need to gut out a game”.
Then said “I’m starting to talk to a few more teams now, although I’m embarrassed to say so this early in the season. Hard to make trades now with the salary cap. We almost set our teams in the off-season.”
Asked about Sutter: “He’s got that young energy and something to play for. He wants to stay here.”
Then contrasted him with the vets, saying maybe they believed they could just turn it on when needed.
Finally, he made a comment that “when you got it going on, like we did at the end of last year, you can have breakdowns and it turns out all right. When you don’t, it doesn’t.”
Then gave the example of the 2-on-1 we had which their goalie stopped and immediately there was a 2-on-1 the other way and they scored [believe he was talking about the one that put them up 4-1, which I called “and in” when it was at the red line].
That was about it, although they will probably put an audio file up later.
on the post-game (sunday) Forslund sounded PISSED!!! Maybe he should be the new coach…. Put MO up in the TV booth w/ Tripp (and press MUTE) so we can all listen to Chuck K on the radio….
Oh wait…. Maybe Chuck K could be the assistant coach……..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
If I had to deal w/ Trip Tracy on a daily basis I would toss myself him off of a bridge….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
what I just said
Wow, you’d think I listened to Forslund before I made my post about leadership. He doesn’t come out and say that Rod needs to be relieved of his captain duties but he says somebody needs to step up in the lockeroom. Most teams look to the captain and Rod is not that person right now.
For the record............
I said at the beginning of the season we were to old and the off season trades sucked.
For that I should be the new GM…..just sayin.
Yes you should. You saw it....I guess I felt it could happen....just old.
You should at least get a t-shirt.
Ummmmmm……. can I be like the assistant GM or something? You can do all the work… I just want the pay check…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
SURPRISED!
Hello everyone. I’ve been reading this site for some time and after reading today I decided to join and post.
I’m not surprised that none of the Theories didn’t mention the actual problem – Brindamour. It has always amazed me why this organization has not fixed this problem. He is completely over-rated after having 1 really good season. I’m almost to the point where I want to start lobbying for it to happen by started a website, facebook group, t-shirts, etc. I’m sick of paying to go watch a team with talent be drowned by one SELFISH horrific player. I used to believe Rod was a true leader who made good decisions. Rod is the reason Rod gets 20+ minutes a game. He is a big baby who needs to be traded. Let’s face the truth and stop trying to work around it. Who knows we might win the CUP by doing so.
welcome, I think?? I don’t think stripping Rod of the captaincy will solve the worlds problems, just my .02
He can keep the “C” but on another team. The problem is Rod getting 20+ minutes
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 2, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
I absolutely agree with that, HOWEVER, not just for Rod.. There are plenty of guys on the ice who don’t deserve the amount of ice time they are getting, IMO, and then you have players like Sutter, who are kickin ass and takin names and ?? a little over 10 minutes?????
I heard a rumor there was this thing called “even strength” and even this novel concept called a “power play”, but I don’t know if they do them.
I love that the PA guy has to say “progress energy power play” every time. They really should just rename it the “progress energy 2 minutes of despair”.
No, it’s the progress energy brown-out…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
The Progress Energy Fossil Fuel Powerless Play
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
They have fallen for the Global Warming Canard...
and are conserving carbon credits. They are not scoring to stay green and to be part of the ridiculous scam. Maybe they should provide a stimulus to the fans or continue to redistribute goals to the teams with less talent.
LOL…. it could be The Progress Energy Two Minutes of Your LIfe that You Will NEVER Get Back….. Sponsored by Dermajuv Complete…. (it really needs two sponsors)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
I hate the seniority card they always pull on this team. It never is about how well you play. That goes back on MO
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 2, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
Dude, that’s harsh. But I didn’t realize he was getting that TOI. I just checked the last 5 games and you’re right. He’s getting way too much time. 3rd line time would be about right.
At the beginning of the year I was waiting to see what they were going to do with him after last year. I was okay with him on the 3rd line if he had 3rd line minutes but knew it wouldn’t work. By the 2nd game he had 20+ minutes. We just need to get rid of him.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 2, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
special teams
One thing to consider when adding up Roddy’s minutes is that he plays on both the penalty kill and the power play (at times). That is going to pad his minutes a bit. Especially when we were spending so much time on the kill up until the last few games.
He has been skating mostly as a 3rd line center at 5 on 5 for most of the year – or at least that was my impression. Except for those times when he is paired with Cullen and one of them is a wing. Not sure which line that would be considered – maybe 2nd?
-m
Rod is not playing well.
We all know he is not playing well. I refuse to trash the guy on a personal level. I believe the injury last year is not an injury that he can recover completely from. He is on the last of his playing days. We all get older. He is not capable of playing at the highest level anymore. You cannot win the Selke trophy and be overrated. We have had the honor of watching a warrior here for a lot of years. This is not a personality issue, this is just a good guy who is past his prime. Yes, something needs to be done but it is not from lack of effort. As for the decision making. When you slow down, you have less time to make to pass or shoot the puck or defend……this is not bad decision making it is no time to make the correct decision. It is tragic really. Sad to watch.
As the Captain it is your duty to look out for the team. I have sat by the bench and have noticed the looks he gives Mo. Rod believes that he should be out on the ice. Last year when he struggled he remained getting 20 minutes per game. As a player – captain – you are asked if you can go. Of course you agree but there comes a time when you say…..maybe I should limit my ice time. I’ve been passing the puck over a lot – don’t have the speed- etc. I disagree with you on everything. It is a personality issue. I believe he is a cancer in the locker-room as well.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 2, 2009 8:41 PM EST up reply actions
If Rod was a cancer, there would not be a ring on his finger.
Many competitive people have a hard time seeing their own decline. It doesn’t make him a bad person. He is clearly past his prime and he should not be getting big ice time. His job is to do his best. He is doing his best. He is nearly 40. He should want to be on the ice. It is up to Maurice to sit him if his play is not there. We actually nearly agree. He should not be playing much because he is slow. I will not resort to name calling. He is past his prime. He wants to play, they should force his retirement. They can do it. It is not debatable, he is not capable of playing at the highest level anymore. He should quit, but he won’t. Maurice and JR need to make that difficult decision. It cannot be easy when he won you a cup while being the Captain of your team. If you ever saw Rod Brind’Amour work out, you would never again question his burning desire to win.
I see the BIGGEST PROBLEM is Rod. We need him to go away completely. I think it would be better for him as well.
Well, yeah, but doubt that drastic of a response is really needed here. Just saying we can’t simply say “please go away”. It’s going to cost us big time, if so, at a time that we can’t really afford “big time”.
Instead, we just need to slot him in the right spot AND he needs to change roles just a bit.
For instance, I’d love to see him use that fabulous body of his to actually HIT someone every once in a while.
I am amazed at Rutherford’s comments about all this being his fault and doubting the stratgerie of having more vets going into the season. With his track record, I would expect him to say the team just needs to play better or the coaches need to coach better, but he’s definitely baffled (like the rest of us) about the Canes results so far.
If we get to Saturday with a 2-game win streak, things might look better. I was pleased with how they played Sunday, up until Sutter’s goal.
He was disarmingly open in his reaction, wasn’t he? It’s certainly refreshing to hear someone simply say that they are the one that messed up instead of blaming everyone and everything else.
Good on him for that.
As for starting a mini-streak, couldn’t ask for much better opponents than Florida and Toronto on which to get well.
Agreed. He showed true leadership by taking accountability.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 2, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
Jim Rutherford is a man.
That is what Man up means folks. Those signings were sound. On paper, this team looks great. You never really know what you have until you strap them up. Jim wouldn’t point fingers but I will.
Poor play so far
LaRose
Harrison
Samsanov
Jokinen
Yelle
Brind’Amour
Aaron Ward
Alberts
Everyone else has done their jobs. Staal has been hurt since the third game of the season. Gleason out…..Cole just returning
Folks that is half your roster that has had a poor start to the season.
I don’t think you can include Jokinen, Samsanov, or Brindy in that list. LaRose maybe, but he had a career year last year and maybe its just me, but I didn’t really expect him to put up those kinds of numbers again. I think he is good on the 4th line where he played Sunday.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 2, 2009 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
It is not Chad's willingness to shoot that bothers me.
It is his change in style. He needs to play like a man possessed every game. I haven’t seen that spark from him….no hitting….not the same player…period.
Pretty good list. Wallin’s been disappointing, but he disappointed me last year, so no change there.
In Chad’s defense, he has put a bunch of shots on goal (32), putting him third on the list and only one behind Cullen. But last year’s Chad would not recognize this year’s version.
a few quibbles
Interesting list for sure. I would only take minor issue with a few names here.
1) I don’t see Jokinen as having a poor performance so far. From my point of view he has been solid for the most part. He’s tied for the team lead in points (with Whitney) at 8. If anything I’ve been a bit confused as to why he has not gotten more ice time. Right now he’s averaging about 15 mins a game. He also seems to be out with a different set of line mates every other shift, so I don’t feel like he’s really been able to establish a whole lot of consistency, but, obviously, that is a problem for the whole team. Of course having your two top scorers having only 8 points at this point in the season is a problem in and of itself.
2) Samsonov always seems to be a popular target, but I don’t think he has played that poorly either. He is at least creative. I know that he can drive folks crazy with his puck handling and dancing, but what drives me crazy is how so often he seems to be the only person on the ice actually trying to create offense. Granted, his style of play is high risk with (hopefully?) high reward, and when it fails it can lead to major FAIL. But I can’t remember ever seeing Sergei on the ice and thinking that he is not giving effort. Your mileage may vary. Overall, I see Sergei as a highly skilled complimentary player, who right now has no one to compliment. I think that is why Coach Mo, et al, wanted to try him on the top line with Staal. Which is an experiment that obviously did not work out. Unfortunately, I think he is more a second or third line player at this point. I like him with Jokinen and Ruutu. Unfortunately, they have not been on the ice together for enough quality time (in my opinon) to completely gell as a unit. Of course the fact the we were killing so many penalties early in the season did not help things, and then Ruutu getting hit with his suspension.
3) I would also quibble a bit with placing Andrew Alberts on this list. I think we have gotten about what you can expect out of him. Or at least what I expected. He’s a stay at home guy who will play physical. He is not going to score goals or do anything flashy.
He has not been great by any stretch, but he is not a “great” player. He does what he does. I would not say he has played “poorly” or has been a liability.
Just my two cents.
-m
Fair enough....
Your point about 8 points leading the team is particularly pointed. Jussi has not been terrible. He has more to give and should be one of the guys to step up because times are tough. He needs to show some of that consistency that we saw last year and that comes with consistent effort. He is capable of so much more. No better time to show it than now. I am calling him out.
Samsanov is here because he is precisely the possession type guy who clearly has the ability to be an offensive force every time he touches the puck. He has turned the puck over too many times so far. He always seems to get better with the puck as the season goes on and this year will be no exception. We just have needed him to take the bull by the horns and he has not done it yet. His start is (while not too surprising) slow and sloppy.
Alberts was brought in to be big and tough. I have not seen him deliver a big tempo setting hit yet. He wasn’t brought in to be a superstar….just add size and strength. I don’t see much strength and he has been out of position a few times. Jury is still out on him but so far, he has not stepped up and made a statement with his play. He needs to be better.
For Alberts, you must not have been at or watched the first couple of home games. He absolutely FLATTENED Jeff Carter (it made the NHL top 10 of that week). LTD caught that one here:
and had several other big hits in those first couple of games. Admittedly, he has since disappeared.
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, I’m not saying he’s been consistent… I was just calling you out on the ‘have not seen him deliver a big hit’ part. He certainly did that in the early going. He needs to start doing it again.
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions
wait, where were you going with tha…
oh. never mind…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, but no more penalties doesn’t keep you from hitting…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
LOL Maybe that’s the problem. He says “stay out of the box” and they hear “let the other team walk in alone on the goalie”
Nah, he’s all but disappeared (just like everyone else – which is why I’m not sure it’s fair to call him out over others)
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
Quibbles accepted...
Jokinen is actually way ahead of last season’s point production pace, but that production greatly accelerated when he joined our ranks, so may be on pace for the Canes portion of that season. I’ve watched him on the ice and he’s in the right places at the right time. But, the ever-shifting lines have prevented chemistry from occurring on any line, including whatever one he has been plugged into.
Samsonov is lagging behind last season’s point production (running at about two-thirds that pace), but it’s early in the season, and also see shifting lines issue covered above.
Andrew Alberts is, as you say, about as advertised and has been paired with Harrison, so maybe some guilt by association undeservedly comes his way. He hits, he fights…but all we asked him to do when he was at our table for the We Love the Hurricanes lunch was to not let the opposing team camp out in our crease. :-D
I think Jokinen’s done alright. Staal should be on the list. Yes, he’s hurt. But he’s played poorly. Call it like it is. Rod doesn’t get a pass because he’s old. Staal shouldn’t get a pass because we think he’s hurt.
I’d add Leighton and Conboy to the list as well. Leighton had one chance and blew it. Maybe if he looked better in practice Mo wouldn’t be so reluctant to use him. Conboy doesn’t really hit anybody he just skates around looking for a dance partner. He’s Boulerice without the rap sheet (or fighting skills).
Conboy has added spark in a very limited roll. You are not seeing the real Eric Staal. He is hurt. We do not know how hurt he is(I hate that “cannot disclose injuries” rule). I suspect he is only 60-70 percent. Cannot judge him without that info. He hasn’t played poorly….he has played hurt. Whether he should be playing hurt is another issue all together. Rod is just old.
Conboy’s not useless. I’m not expecting goals. But I think we got more out of a Craig Adams type. Hit somebody, don’t just look for fights.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not a Staal basher. My point is that he has not performed. He has 3 goals. Therfore, by definition, he has played poorly. If the reason is he’s hurt ,then management should address the issue, if he won’t sit a few games out on his own.
In defense of Leighton, I think that was extremely poor timing on Mo’s part, new baby the day before and all, and as for Conboy, they don’t really expect more from him, that why his TOI is so low..and yes his fighting, well it just sucks
Ditto on the Leighton comment. What was the guy supposed to say when Mo asked him if he could go? “Umm…well coach, my wife just had a baby so I think I’m going to sit this one out. Catch ya’ next time.” probably would have gotten his butt parked on the bench until Cam actually died. Mo put him in a bad position and should have known better.
“Not tonight, honey. In 9 months the coach may want me to go.”
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
This is not the time or space to dissect the stupidity of putting Leighton in goal in Philadelphia after not playing him the entire season, flying in the night before after the birthday celebration, and throwing him to the wolves of a PO’d Flyer team. Guy never had a chance.
Yeah, he made a mistake or two, although the “out of position” goal SHOULD have been a goalie interference call as Hartnell lowered his shoulder and set what would be an illegal pick in basketball on Leighton while standing in his crease. Sheesh!
I have more on this subject, but Leighton would be fine if we played him more.
I wish that were true. That Leighton would be fine. The role of a backup to a true #1 is to used very rarely. He has not shown the ability to do well in that situation. I’m feelin ornery about losing to everyone and the Caniac’s reputation to be so forgiving. It was an inconvenient game for him. He wasn’t ready. The other team was too good. The refs were bad. Truthfully, all valid but ultimately BS. Win. Or we find someone who can.
If we’re only going to play Leighton against teams worse than we are then when does he play ?
by drifterscape on Nov 2, 2009 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
Ummmm…that’s when you play the back-up goalie. The weaker of two teams, if back-to-backers, or against a weak team when you want to give your #1 a rest.
Not against a conference leader as his first game of the season after sitting him for a month.
If your back-up gives you a 50-50 chance of winning, that’s all you can ask.
We do not have the budget for two #1’s. That money is being spent elsewhere.
Double Ummmm…So he should have played against the Sharks ? The weaker team ?
I have no confidence in Leighton.
by drifterscape on Nov 2, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, he should have been played against the Sharks, not necessarily the weaker of the two, but a team he beat last year at their place and a game that would have required no catch-up travel for him. Also, that should NOT have been his first game of the season.
Look, I get that you hate him. Enjoy.
Ummmm.. spare me your condescending sarcasm.
I get that you are all knowing and no one shall have an opposing viewpoint. Out.
by drifterscape on Nov 3, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
A 50-50 chance of winning ? This year. I’ll take it. Let’s play Leighton every night.
by drifterscape on Nov 2, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Plus he’s so cute…
Sorry…ummm yes I think he’s done what was expected of him. Norris Trophy winner he is not, but he’s effective enough (especially in comparison to the rest of the A-team we’ve got out there right now) in his role.
is there another word you would prefer?? all the others I can think of are so not appropriate for this venue..
Ummm…one creates the other!
No seriously. I was a hockey fan long before I was old enough to appreciate that kind of thing.
In an effort to fix that, I’ve actually heard tryouts aren’t that easy. There is a lot more to it than working the giant slingshot and clapping.
Hey.... in fairness...
It cannot be easy pointing to the crowd and snapping those big rubber bands….not to mention…they probably have to listen to Ron the Ref a lot too.
I could totally see him being a creeper. I just wouldn’t have thought that they would have to interact with him much… almost makes you feel sorry for them…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, only problem is that he’d probably love it…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
no, no it is not…
I don’t know that there is a venue for that. anywhere. ever.
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
It’s the internet. There’s got to be one somewhere.
And Tripp’s probably already there…
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Viewers have to deal with his slobbering every time they show them on TV…
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
we have an easier time of it – we never have to take our eyes off the ice/bench…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
Gee I thought I wrote a good entry
No responses…and I thought I had cured all the Canes ills…….please comment on the “the team is playing into the hands of their opponents”
Too much sense and not enough Storm Squad in it…
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Nice… pic…
Uh, did somebody say something?
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Nope! Not even for that. You might want to ask Tripp, though…
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe they need to start having Tripp interview players from the other team right before the game. Would creep them out and they’d be playing watching their back for Tripp all night.
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
“Mmmmm… My my… You’re a young hockey stud!”
LOL!
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Hey! I’m talking about Tripp, not me! :(
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
yep, but you had to think it to post it…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
Guess I’ve watched too much Family Guy…
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
That goes with what was said above about Tripp being like the old guy from Family Guy.
I can just picture him like that…
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he’ll really be down without Staal in the lineup. Maybe they’ll get him to go up to the press booth?
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
was going to ask – LeCavalier blonde?
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Alberts has disappeared completely over the past 3 or 4 games……
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
which (I guess is better) than most of the rest of the guys who have not shown up since the Florida game……
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Hey everyone.
Long time reader, first time poster.
I’m curious, could the biggest problem with the team simply be a lack of overall talent?
With seriousness, outside of Staal, who on this roster is a legit scoring threat? Cole has been in the past, but he hasn’t been an offensive force since his last neck injury. Samsonov hasn’t been a true/regular scoring threat since his 3rd year in the league. Ruutu has potential, but last year was really the first time he’s ever lived up to it. Larose has never been above a 3rd line player in terms of talent. I love the kid, he works hard and scored a few goals in the playoffs last year, but he’s never going to be a regular over 20 goal a year scoring threat (in my opinion). Cullen has been slipping the last 2 years. I don’t think i need to mention the deficiencies of Rod.
Really, i think the biggest problem was that rutherford overestimated the offensive talent of this team going into the season. Staal is one of the 10 best players in the league, but he can’t do it alone. I see people knocking him and saying that crosby is a better leader. It isn’t hard to lead when you have a guy like malkin standing behind you. This team needs more scoring threats, the rest will follow.
Cam Ward, though having a rough time now, is one of the top young goalies in the league and the defense is decent enough. You can’t win if you can’t score.
It’s fair to say there is one first line player on the team. Perhaps only Whitney would get a first line job elsewhere … even Ruutu uis best suited as a second liner.
Welcome to the site … glad you’re posting.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 8:41 PM EST up reply actions
The biggest problem w/ our team is a lack of overall team chemistry…. there is none….
I’m starting to think we would have been better off to have left the assholes in Boston and Philly and to have re-signed Babchuck and Seidenburg…. (it’s actually….still… not too late on Babs)
Dear Anton Babchuck,
I apologize for all those nasty things I said about you over the offseason… Please come back! I’ll take you over Aaron Ward or Andrew Alberts or Jay (who?) Harrison any day. PLEEEAAASEEEE…. You can even stay at my house if you’re having trouble finding a place….
Sincerely,
-Mateo
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 3, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
If we hadn’t made the playoffs last year and basically sweep the last two months then yeah not enough talent, size, youth, whatever. But we did. And we saw it night after night. What’s out there now is not that team. They’re not skating with any offensive purpose. They can’t pass and for 55 minutes of every game they won’t throw the puck at the net. Agree that Staal needs a scoring partner and we don’t have it.
i see what you’re saying. but hockey is a very streaky sport. i’d say the end of last year we over-achieved and the beginning of this year we’ve under-achieved. with the roster we have right now, in terms of overall talent, i say we’re a middle of the road team.
i think they need to ship out the vets that they can get a return on, bring up the youth for experience (and real minutes, sutter/boychuk somewhere on the 2nd or 3rd lines) and take it from there.
we aren’t making the playoffs with this team as is. just not enough talent.
by CapitalCaniac on Nov 2, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
Agree with the possibility we’re just an average team. There are ony a couple of clearly superior teams in the East. Lots of average ones. We’re getting killed by average teams right now because we’re under-achieving.
I’d also argue that the sum of our parts is better than that of other teams (with the caveat being when they play as such). In other words, while other teams may have better individuals, I think this team has the potential to be one of the better teams. Or they should in theory.
The team is playing into the hands of their opponents.
The last year’s team was dictating the game to their opponents. They were setting the tone with smart, penalty free, fast, backchecking, in your face, simple, hardnosed hockey. This year, they give too much room and respect to the other team. More importantly, they flat out refuse to make the first athletic move to the net that gets the opposition moving and opens up passing lanes. Talent, well sure they could have more talent. They are basically the same offensive team. The problems they are having are coming from the defensive side. Offense comes from sound defensive play. So much of the confidence to score comes from knowing you can go for it with little chance of a bad outcome. They are so afraid to go for it on offense, they have become predictable. The other teams just stand there with no respect and clog up the lanes. They cannot get the puck through because there is very little movement. They do not use the middle of the ice to drive the net. If they do drive the net, it is always from the wings. They need to go hard to the middle of the net. Then pass the puck when the defense moves. It is just like basketball….penetration. They need to penetrate the defense in order to score. When you do not penetrate, bad characteristics of your team become obvious. Your slow guys look slower, your lack of hitting seems very evident, and your defense is always afraid and fragile.
This team needs psychology. Everyone needs to remember what Lavi used to say about skating on the tips of your skates. Do not fear, and do not hesitate. Just go for it. For the defense, just stay positionally disiplined. When you have a clear opening, take it. If it is not clear, back off and pick another time. Total team defense is in order.
Cam, get back to having fun. Do what ever you can to win. Refuse to lose. Everyone is not rowing in the same direction. Leadership is needed. This is the job of the Coach to get everyone on the same page. Mo, it is time to take a day off, get with your coaches and put together a coherent plan. That plan should focus on:
1) Team defense, not just the defensemen but a concerted effort toward a swarming team defense.
2) Offensive, athletic moves hard toward the net with special emphasis toward the middle of the offensive zone.
3) Timely jumps into the offense play by the defense without hesitation. Wait for it….Wait for it…….Go!!!!
4) Last year Mo set the tone when he came in that this was not a lack of effort problem under Lavi. He said this was a fixable systems problem. He needs to take the non punative approach again.
5) Toughen up already!! Call out their ability to be mentally tough. Challenge your team to be the toughest team in the league. When times are tough, the tough get going speech.
Enough is enough. No more head scratching, get it together and coach like you can.
Yeah, what he said…
(you know, you are preaching to the choir here)
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 2, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, no disagreements here. The Canes are back to playing “soft”. They aren’t playing with that edge they did the whole Cup season, and the end of last season into the playoffs.
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
Is there any cliff notes for this post I’m tired of reading…:)
by canescup on Nov 2, 2009 10:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Jay Harrison was released.
Well there is one step in the right direction. One of the young guys surely will do better than that guy.
Released to who? I haven’t seen anything about a team picking him up.
by canescup on Nov 2, 2009 9:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Definitely waived, not "released"
In fact, here is a further clarification, from an article on the Canes site:
As it turns out, the situation is actually nothing new. Harrison was initially placed on waivers at the beginning of the season, but since he was not claimed or reassigned, the time in which he could stay on waivers had expired. The Canes renewed his waiver status today.
There is no longer any such thing as releases in the NHL. The new CBA brought in guaranteed contracts which means you can’t just release someone. You are stuck with them for the duration of their contract unless you waive them and someone claims them, or you buy them out during the appropriate summer window.
The team has not issued a release. If he was placed on waivers today, official word on if he will be reassigned to Albany probably won’t come down until tomorrow.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 2, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
just not care with their contracts?
i’m confused. i played college soccer at a school that won the national championship. i was a student at unc and player under anson dorrance. i got paid nothing. i did not have a soccer scholarship. but i redshirted as a midfielder and started by my sophomore year. i NEVER gave up. i NEVER didn’t care. and this was college level. anson was level headed and fair but tough. he demanded a lot. and i didn’t have a multimillion dollar contract to give me incentive to try. so these guys “just don’t care”. WTF? with their salaries? they cannot afford to just not care. do you think they just HATE paul maurice? or HATE jim ferguson and are throwing games to get them fired? i know that sounds weird but at this point any scenario is possible. are they trying to get fired to just be traded somewhere else cause they’re so fed up? if any cam isn’t trying and he was just signed onto a huge 7 year? contract, then why is he shooting himself in the foot? and does it say something about the management/coaching staff that sutter can come down here not being that familiar with the raleigh staff and score and at least fight to be in the game and then two “pros” like ward and pitkanen cannot even figure out how to just take the puck down the ice past our goal and give it to the other team who almost scores? WTF? is it the coaching staff is so abusive ??? that this is the player’s silent mutiny? i mean what is going on?
I’ve played on a struggling team before in youth lacrosse. We were a rag tag group in a community program playing against a bunch of private schools that was like a pickup team playing against pros. What our coach did was really focus intently on the basics, and you quickly saw us turn around and we went from a pathetic team into a team that actually hung in there and had a winning season.
In many respects, Mo needs to do the same with the Canes. Back to basics. No more fancy crap. Do the dirty work.
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Well, one time at band camp……oh nevermind.
by canescup on Nov 2, 2009 10:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Wow Emma, you said a mouthful....
Your frustration is very evident…..we all are feeling it and yet we have no answers….I feel ya.
The Yankees just don't care tonight
No…they wanted to win tonight. Sometimes a team just gets whipped. Our problem is that we just get whipped every night.
MAYBE
for once during this off-season it was believed we had a great team, a Stanley cup contending team. Everything was going the Canes way. They are not used to that. They are used to having to fight for every point until the final buzzer, and still not getting any credit for a hard fought game, season. playoff run, whatever..maybe they just want everyone to think they suck this bad so they can be the underdogs?
Well, they only have one team to beat for the cellar of the league. Think they’ll need to stay there long?
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
Stock tip: Invest in beer and alcohol companies.
by Pirate Caniac on Nov 2, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah maybe. Except that’s what we thought after their last two trips to the ECFinals. In ‘02 they were in first place in the SouthEast thru November then collapsed into dead last. Then in ’06 they started slow and finished slower. We’ve seen this movie before and it doesn’t have a happy ending. Although it gives me time to save money for the 2012 playoffs. Go ’Canes.
by drifterscape on Nov 2, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
with out having read but a few comments, all this brindy captaincy stuff is overrated. Brindy is a worker and is the most respected player we have, regardless of if he sucks or not, slow or fast, or old, the locker room would have it no other way, haters should get used to it. It’ll be that way till Brindy decides differently. Who really has earned it at this time anyways? Staals shown that hes not ready, so who, realistically is prepared to lead this team into the future as a captain? At the same time captaincy as a general topic is overrated with this team. With the veterans we have and the players that have been here a while, most in this lockerroom should be able to stand, speak up, and be well respected. Brindy, Whitney, Walker, Gleason, Staal, A Ward, even guys like Wallin, C Ward, Yelle, and Cullen, are all more than capable of speaking and being heard. Just sayin, I believe that “the captain” is different from team to team, Brindy carries the C ,and rightfullly so, but its not that key a factor on this team as it may be for others.
I don’t think the “C” is the key factor on this team either. I think people are upset that Brindy who hasn’t produced in years is getting 20+ minutes a game. They wonder why he is getting so much time and assume its because he is Captain. I think everyone respects Brindy for what he has done in the past. It is what he has been doing the past two seasons and today. He is bringing the team down.
You ask, who has shown or earned to lead this team into the future as captain? While you try to answer your own question I will give you my opinion. The Hurricanes spent a lot of money on Staal and said he is the player for the future. Whitney and Staal are the only offensive players for the past 3 seasons who have been consistent and are a threat. When Brindy was off the ice with an injury it was Staal who lead this team. We saw a different team and that team won games. That has happened more than once.
My question to you is when has Brindy proved his leadership the past 2 seasons? On the ice he makes a lot of mistakes. This is what others see each game and that is why they are questioning the captaincy. That doesn’t make them a hater.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
The man is not bringing the team down. To single him out like that is unfair, the entire team is bringing the team down. Should he be getting 20+ minutes a night when Sutter is hovering at a little over 10? No. But is he what is causing the problems? No, far from it.
I’ve said it once (not to you specifically though), and I’ll say it again, Staal is not ready to be Captain. Being the most naturally skilled player on a team does not automatically make you a leader. Neither does turning it on the last half of the season or the last 15 minutes of a game that’s already lost. When he brings the same effort during game 1 that he does during game 82 (or the playoffs), then that shift can (and should) be made.
I was being unfair by singling him out. It is a team effort. After sitting around with friends trying to figure out what is wrong with this team we decided to look at the statistics. We thought statistics would underline the main problem for inconsistency. I singled him out because of this. The only consistent I say CONSISTENT trend found was TOI. We looked at FO, special teams, everything that is available. When Brindy had less than 14-15 minutes per match we won most of our games. We lost more games when he had more than 17-20 minutes. Not to mention the amount of production (shots, goals, steals, etc) increased like it was a different team when he wasn’t playing.
With your comments about Staal. I think he deserves it as well as Whitney. They play hard every single night. Sometimes it may not seem that way but they often play injured. Sure it may not make a difference but emotional change is needed. Do you feel like we have the talent to win? I do. If we are losing then that means Leadership is to question. Whether that be JR, Mo, Francis or the Captain.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Fair enough.
The only thing I would question is what the circumstances were at the time during the games we lost when he had significant TOI (I am assuming they were previous seasons and how far back did you go?). For example, were there significant injuries to other centers? Were we playing with reduced depth? Was there a lot of PK time? Were the games already out of hand (one way or the other) when his time shot up? What were the results of the game? Was he on the ice for the winning goal (either for or against)? There is more to TOI than just a number, the situations that play out in each game change things. And in regards to the other stats, maybe the team was merely picking up the slack now that they were down a player.
I don’t have an issue with Whitney’s effort-it’s more his personality that I worry about as captain. As far as Staal goes, I’m not going to get into a discussion about whether he gives it his all every night (you’ll insist he does and I’ll insist he won’t and neither of us will ever change the other person’s mind). Yes, sometimes injuries do have to be taken into account and I will always give a player the benefit of the doubt if he’s playing hurt. But when you claim to be 100% (as Staal has), you open yourself up to criticism if you don’t give 100%. I’m not talking about 4 goal nights every night or even a point a night. I’m talking about not being invisible when your line is on the ice (case in point-when he got hurt against SJ, I didn’t even notice he wasn’t out there until someone mentioned it). I’m talking about not pouting when you get knocked down. I’m talking about hustling back on D and not throwing temper tantrums out of frustration at the end of games. It’s the little things I am looking for and until he does those consistently, I don’t think he’s ready to be captain. He’s only 25 years old, there is still some maturing that needs to be done and when it does happen, I will be more than ready to hand him the C.
Yes we did look at all the underlying factors. Staal does immature things but I think he would be different if handed the C. 25 is nothing. Look at Sidney Crosby and they just won the Cup. Look at it this way. We know who has talent and who doesn’t. You can only play as good as those around you.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not really sure I’d use Crosby as my beacon of hope for young leadership but that’s a different argument for a different time.
The C may mature Staal sure. Or the weight of the added responsibility would create too much pressure leading him to have an even more difficult time. And I’m not sure I get the part about talent.
But again, this is not something you’re going to change your mind about and I’m not going to change mine.
I’m not trying to change your mind. I’m explaining because of criticism and questions. The part about talent. The right players bring out the best in each other. Example: A good receiver makes an average quarterback look good……you can have a great quarterback but a poor offensive line so it limits the quarterbacks ability. Crosby wouldn’t be as good without Malkin and vise versa.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
We get that you don’t like Brind’Amour (who is getting no more minutes than his linemates, by the way, which is less than 20). You’ve found so many ways to say it.
However, now is not the time to mess with the captaincy, much less foist it on Staal. Next to now Sutter, Eric is the youngest player on the team.
WHEN Brind’Amour’s contract and playing days end, we will have the new generation on board and the locker room demographic will be different. Staal will be of an age that is at least a notch above the young stars.
Then, and only then, will it be appropriate to perhaps hand the “C” to Staal. Not before.
So you think it is fair to the entire team to sacrifice their season because of 1 player? We shouldn’t have to wait until Brindy leaves to see a new generation. That is ridiculous.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
So you think it is fair to the entire team to sacrifice their season because of 1 player?
Whoa. That is a really big exaggeration don’t you think? If this season tanks, it’s because of all of them, not just Rod.
WHEN Brind’Amour’s contract and playing days end, we will have the new generation on board and the locker room demographic will be different.
Everyone is saying we are old and have to many veterans. JR said it the other day. You are saying we would see a whole generation on board ONCE Brindy’s playing days end. Did you not?
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Actually that was Elsker that said that particular statement.
My point was saying that they are sacrificing their season for one player was a bit extreme.
Regardless I respect your views. We are all here because we are pulling for the same team. I don’t care if I’m right or wrong. I just want us to win and I’m tired of this team being inconsistent.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Last season he was fourth on the team in scoring, the year before tied for third. He actually has less even-strength minutes than a lot of other guys (fifth among forwards this year and last: 12:52 & 14:18), and his PP and PK time is warranted by the numbers.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 3, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Good example. He was 1 point up on Cullen the season he hurt his knee and Cullen had the concussion. However he had more games and about 2 hours more TOI. Cullen was producing just as much with half the time.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 3, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
Well think about this....
I have heard several insiders say that Brind’Amour’s confidence is low right now. We all know why…. If he is your captain and the fish rots from the head…..it should be no surprise why the team looks fragile….the captain is fragile and he is the leader. I say work on Roddy’s head and the rest will follow…..
They are all low on confidence right now, so I don’t think Rod being in the same position is what’s the issue here. In fact, if he was riding high, I would be more concerned. I don’t think this is a one player problem-the whole team needs a session with a sports pyschologist.
A sports psychologist is what I’ve been saying for years that we need for the team.
Spend money to make not just one player better, but ALL players better. One-on-one sessions, small group sessions, team meetings…it all goes to enhancing performance.
Managing the sports psyche just seems to be good business practice.
If you buy tickets and merchandise
and I see you already do, you are already contributing to the “Sports Shrink Fund”.
Perhaps it needs another name with them playing on ice and all…..
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
No that money is going to pay coaches and players who are no longer with the team.
Yeah-the name needs some work.
less melodrama from me
i’ll try not to be so intense this time. but this whole “we need to get our confidence back” is BS. it is BS. you’re an athlete. you just go in to win and fight to win. i agree that we’ve always had to fight with grit to win games and every team we’re playing regardless of what trash is said about them is good! every team is a contender. so we can’t make mistakes and sit back. i think getting sutter down here, brayson, and the others in albany is a great idea. give staal someone to play with. and brindamour. i simply think he should retire but that’s just me. the fish rotting at its head is a good analogy. i just think he’s almost 40 and it shows. he’s exhausted. but “we need to gain confidence”. the reason you go all out confident is cause you’re being paid to. yeah that’s easy to say. and sometimes either our team has it or doesn’t. i get that. but come on guys. in the locker room do a powwow or whatever you gotta do. talk to the sports psychologist but at some point you gotta get your head our of your a$$ and go out play some good quality sharp hockey and stop with the whining and excuses. these are professional athletes. no more excuses for looking sloppy or clueless as if you’re never played hockey before.
Careful Emma. I’m discovering that asking fellow Caniacs to stop making excuses is dangerous. Everyone is a favorite of someone on here. Everyone is blamed and then defended by someone. Just like the locker room I imagine.
But I mostly agree with you on the confidence issue. I say mostly only because hockey seems a liitle different than other sports because its so fast, dangerous, and full of seemingly random action. Players really have to believe in what they’re doing. And be allowed to do it. Somebody’s made this all too complicated. Just skate hard, hit anything in the other jersey, throw pucks at the net.
by drifterscape on Nov 3, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
It’s a ‘perfect storm’ of failure. New faces lead to chemistry issues which lead to unorganized play and penalties. Poor coaching enhances chemistry and confidence issues. The team succeeds on it’s ability to play as a team. We don’t have a top ten player like Ovechkin or Crosby or Iginla or Kovalchuk. If you think Staal ranks with those guys your’e misinformed, he might 40 games of the season but not 82. Last year’s playoff run was everything that this year isn’t. Rutherford was spot on in what he said recently, it’s the short preseason and too many new faces. This team will only succeed when they get back to playing together instead of looking for the other guy to step up. We don’t have the ‘other guy’.
You make a good point. This is a team failure. Alot of people want to hang this on Staal or Brindamour or some player they feel is not doing his part. I think they have no confidence in each other as a unit. The Pits AWard debacle is evidence of that.
This team needs to gut out a win that is against the odds. I think this team record would be alot better if we had won the shoot out against PIttsburgh. That was a deflating loss. Alot of folks after the fact said that thought it was a moral victory of sorts, but to almost have it and fail be more devastating than not even being close. A victory there would have garnered some belief amongst the ranks.
Sit some veterans
A good start would be to give BrindAmour a prime parking spot in the press box along side say, Aaron Ward. I believe this team has become to comfortable with each other and getting some youth, energy and new guys willing to work to take their spots ( and ice time) from them will get everyone going. There really isn’t much to lose at this point.
coaching
but a big part is that the coaching staff is confusing the players more possibly which has added tremendous fuel to this fire/disaster. like they’re trying everything in a panic state and nothing is working. maybe if maurice/francis/….would calm down, really think, and then act, it would help the players. i mean that ward/pitkanen thing was hilarious. it’s like when you play that old hockey game with the little figures you can move (like fooseball) and you have them all spin around for fun. that’s what they looked like. except it’s for real.
Until the Canes decide that they're tired of being laughed at.....
and even full season ticket holding fans like myself (of course if this were the NE, this wouldn’t be anything even if they were winning) can give them even less appetizing and “sanitary” monikers, we can post, point fingers, fret and guess at who’s coming or going all day long.
Save for posting and flirting with a few of you, CG, LTD, HMO2, Paladin6, Dr. Evil, Jenn, Chrisj, watching the team implode and bithing about it to others (which I have done and for that I’m sorry) gets us nowhere.
I’ll see all of those at the game this Friday.
East, I’ll be looking for you pre-game for some tailgate. I’ll bring beer.
Paladin6, Dr. Evil, I’ll be there. If I don’t see you the the tailgate, I’ll see you during intermission and Pub 300.
Otherwise, this is becoming too depressing.
OBTW, I don’t think Wallin is all that bad. He may be a little slow, but he’s not making glaring mistakes.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
So wait. You’re flirting with Chris and Paladin? This has taken a weird and unexpected turn. ;)
And FWIW, I don’t think Wallin is that bad either. I’m more disappointed in A.Ward than I am Wallin.
Oh CG,
you know you’re my favorite :-D
Paladin6 and Chris have nothing on you.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Neither.....
As long as it made someone laugh and take away some of the “negative energy” on this board, laugh and laugh at loud.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
NP
Are you going to be there for the game this Friday?
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
lcd – I won’t be there this thu. (my mom’ll be in town and was upset at the mere suggestion that I take her to the game…)
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 3, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
I'm actually more worried
about Corvo, A Ward (who looks lost) and Harrison (who looks like he’s on his way out) more than Wallin.
Even last year, Wallin looked fine, yeah a bit slower than I (and I dare say he) would want, but he didn’t make big mistakes and what’s his +/- compared to the rest of the Canes’ D?
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
I agree with you about being more concerned about defensemen other than Wallin. Nic has slowed but he seems to be in position more often than not. Like Wallin though, this team does look old and slower this season.
by Canes Pucknut on Nov 3, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
Cane's
This team is probably the worse team I have ever seen. No effort, no nothing . I say bring up the player’s from the minor’s I mean they can’t do any worse. pathetic I mean to tell you.
robert
we did make the playoffs though
we did make the playoffs only 5? short months ago. i mean unless they were abducted by aliens and implanted with the athletic skills of roseanne barr (no offense to her, then it is really weird. we are BAD. if we get beat tomorrow in florida, jesus, have the toddler league take over for us. at least it would be entertaining to have 4 year olds skate around. i would laugh.
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