Never Leave Early: Canes 6, Leafs 5 in Shootout
by Bob Wage on Nov 20, 2009 11:03 AM EST
96 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes fell behind early, made a game of it in the second, fell behind by two goals again, tied it up in the third, allowed what appeared to be a game winner in the final minute, tied it up again with less than three seconds left, and then finally prevailed in a shootout to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 6-5 Thursday night at the RBC.
At times the team looked pitiful, at times they looked like champions. It was like their season in a nutshell so far, all wrapped up in one game.
The Leafs scored first just one minute into the affair as Joe Corvo turned the puck over right in front of his own net. The visitors had a three man forecheck going and the pressure certainly worked to their advantage on that play.
They scored again at the 12 minute mark when Rod Brind`Amour inexplicably left Lee Stempniak alone on a rush. Brind'Amour skated to the center of the ice as the Leaf attacked at an angle. Stempniak's shot beat Manny Legace easily to make it 2-0.
Toronto made it 3-0 just before the intermission and some fans were wondering, what happened to the team that had just played Montreal to a regulation draw earlier this week?
But the Hurricanes came on strong in the second period. Stephane Yelle would score his first of the season when he dove on the ice to knock a loose puck into the net. Less than a minute later, Matt Cullen found an open spot at an impossible angle to make the score 3-2. The team had some life.
The third period was as wild as one can be. The Leafs scored once again on a rush during a powerplay, making the score 4-2. The Canes could have called it a night at that point, but they continued to fight.
Eight minutes into the period, Tim Gleason made a nice play at the blueline to keep a puck in the zone, then fired a shot at the net which beat Jonas Gustavsson. The crowd had new life and the team had some jump once again, but the defenseman was not yet finished.
Just three minutes later, he pinched during a powerplay and Brandon Sutter found him with a perfect pass. Gleason buried it, like he had been doing similar plays his entire life, giving him his first career two goal game. Last year the defenseman did not have a single goal during the entire regular season. Now he has four, his career high.
With the scored tied 4-4, both teams went back and forth but Carolina seemed to have more chances. They outshot the Leafs 14-7 in that period. But with 30 seconds left, Ian White got behind the defense and found an opening. He would beat Legace for what appeared to be a game winner.
The Hurricanes called a timeout and several fans headed for the exits, but the home team was not done yet. In an all too familar move, they pulled the goalie to give themselves an advantage but for the first time this year, it paid off. The puck went to the corner, then came back out front as Joe Corvo somehow found a way to get a shot through to the net.
There was a bevy of humanity out front as Tuomo Ruutu tipped the puck and was clearing bodies while he was at it. The puck bounced out to an open Erik Cole, who buried it. There was just 1.9 seconds on the clock at the time, but the refs added another second after a review. Regardless, it was a significant event, something to rally behind, and a possible turning point to the season.
After a scoreless overtime, Ruutu would make a beautiful move to score on his attempt in the shootout and Jussi Jokinen added to his fame, by easily scoring the insurance goal. Manny Legace stopped both Toronto shooters and suddenly the Canes no longer find themselves in last place.
Can they use this as a watershed moment?
Game Notes:
- The team had 45 shots on goal, compared to 32 for Toronto. Corvo led the way with six.
- The Canes were credited with 39 hits as Cole had eight and Ruutu had seven.
- Ruutu had a monster game, (no pun intended) as he played almost 23 minutes, had four shots on goal to go with his seven hits, chipped in four assists, and finished with a team high +3.
- Gleason looked like he had been a goal scoring machine his entire career. No doubt he needs to shoot more often, something the coaching staff has been telling him for years.
- Erik Cole took a nasty tumble and flipped completely in the air as he was upended by Ian White while he tried to avoid a hip check. The play looked legal but Cole was unhappy about it. He went after White, drawing a penalty with a cross check, then both players dropped the gloves and fought briefly. In the dressingroom after the game, the winger was still upset and said that "maybe he should start looking for some leg hits out there". Obviously, he was angry because it was a similar play where he broke his leg earlier this season, but Cole might put himself in that position because of the way he tries to avoid those hits? More discussion about this later.
- Rod Brind'Amour saw his ice time diminish in this game. He had a total of 10:08 on the ice and a season low 21 seconds of powerplay time. He picked up another -1 for the game and has an NHL worst -18 for the season.
- "The Monster" looked very human after the first period and both Carolina shooters seemed to beat him easily in the shootout.
It's amazing, the difference in tempermant after the results of a shootout. The team was sky high after that game, but if they would have lost in the shootout, they probably would have been down and upset.
There is a lot to be said about their effort and their will to win last night, regardless of the mistakes. But will last night's success help to turn the season around? We will find out Saturday night when the Tampa Bay Lightning come to town.
(sorry for the delay with the recap, had technical problems)
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Watching the "fans leave" before the 2nd period - sad
Then more when it went 4-2 – foolish
Then the “mass exodus” with 29.9 seconds to go – unwise
Being one of the stalwarts when Cole scored with 1.9 seconds on the clock, then the OT and SO win – Priceless
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
No longer in last place? Will miracles never cease?! ;)
This was one of those games that can be a real turning point for a team. They battled through everything Toronto threw at them and pulled together a win, as a team, without their 3 best players on the ice. Moments like last night remind me why I’m a fan of this team. It’s nice to see them smiling for a change and you could hear the difference in their voices in the post game quotes-I think I even heard some music again!
Oh and I want to give a shoutout to Yelle. He could be a candidate for ugliest goal of the season when this is all said and done, but IMO his goal really sparked the comeback for the team.
Shout out to Yelle for "breaking the ice"
Shouting at Corvo for being “uh oh, Corvo”
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Can you imagine if he can get his mojo back what a Corvo-Gleason pairing would be like? We know he’s got it in him. He just needs to up the Prozac. Maybe a couple wins will have the same effect.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 20, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
It would definitely be a force. He had some brief moments that looked less than suicidal last night so maybe the winning will do wonders for his confidence.
LTD’s putting up photos on her site now from the game last night. Corvo has shaved – completely – nada. reminds me a little of LeCavalier..? Starting fresh?
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 20, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Re: Shout out to Yelle for " breaking the ice"
Can we imagine Brind’Amour having the same quick reaction to the opportunity, making those two strides toward the puck, hitting the ice with stick outstretched, and “pool-cueing” the puck into the net?
Fortuitous for us that Yelle was our third-line center during this shift. And, it’s for moments like this that JR acquired Yelle in the first place.
+1 on Yelle’s goal. Kind of felt like when those opposing rookies have been getting their first goal against us all season. I think it did spark something.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 20, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
+1 for Yelle's high stick
on Tommy K. that gave us a 4 minute PP and Gleason’s game tying goal! Ian White got whistled but it clearly wasn’t his stick! HAHAHAHAHA!!
goes along with Samsonov's "high stick"
in game 1.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
It does feel like it’s turned. 4 games with a point. 6 points in 4 games.
The smile (“THE smile” ) on Ruutu’s face on the bench after Cole’s goal was something I hadn’t seen since September. Gleason giddy post-game. Cole feeling like the hero. Legace getting his first win for us. Brindy moved to 4th line. Even Yelle looked ectatic about his all-hustle “LaRose – like” goal – not pretty but fun to watch.
Headed over to practice now. I’ll tweet on the CC feed if I see anything exciting.
Hurricanes Hockey: Never for the faint of heart.
THE Smile
I don’t know what the boys are like right now, but I still can’t wipe the smile off my face. I like seeing happy versions of the guys.
Or me.....
it was so nice after the 3-0 debacle that was the first period running out and my daughter and I signing a song and changing the chorus to “Go CANES!”
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Roddys play last night was jaw dropping-in a bad way. He seems to look like he is a rookie, just stupid stupid mistakes. i Dont get it, but i am happy his ice time was so low
It dropped off severely after he had a brain fart on the stempniak goal.
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 20, 2009 12:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Stempniak goal -- Brind'Amour
It is just odd. I watched the video replay to try to figure out that Brind’Amour was intending. He skated slowly away from Stempniak as if he didn’t really notice that Stempniak was even there. Of course, Aaron Ward then casually meandered over to Stempniak at one quarter speed. It was bizarre in real time at the RBC to see it. It was even more bizarre to see on a computer to pause and consider.
They need better goalie play if they have any shot of turning this around. Legace had two baaad goals last night (Stempniak and White). The offense isn’t going to churn out five every night.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 11:25 AM EST reply actions
Cory…why be the Debbie Downer of the bunch?
Sadly though you’re right. Why do you think he’s struggled as much as he has? Has he just not gotten up to NHL speed yet? Or is it because he is so small? I’m not saying this was the case on the goals last night, but there have been some instances (IMO) where a larger goalie would have been able to stop shots he’s let in.
I can understand Cory's concern about Legace
but I’m with you on the optimist side.
Legace and the other Canes are getting their legs back under them. It’s a painful and at times disgusting (think sausage making) process but one I hope is coming OUR way now.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Did think you didn't see his POV
I was simply agreeing with you on keeping it positive.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
At times, he’s looked like his old self. But getting beat while way out on the Stempniak shot was terrible. That’s a simple angle thing, and while the shot was placed well, you have to make that save. I actually disagree with Bob on Brind’Amour with this … I believe it’s his job to peel off and get the players that are trailing. Ward stayed out of Legace’s view, positioning to clear a rebound, and he just got it scorched past him.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
I agree that peeling off to take the other man on an odd man rush is proper, but he peeled off to cover no one. (That I could see) I think he thought that Aaron Ward would pick up the guy, but Ward was not close enough. Ward was behind him to cover the trailers, why not stick with him and put a stick to the shot?
if you still have the broadcast, John and Tripp make mention of it as well. (I watched the highlights since my internet was down last night)
in my opinion, his -18 now and -23 last year is not by accident.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Yeah legace shouldve had it, but if you were to ask 100 caniacs who the last two people they wanna see defending an odd man rush I are I bet 95 of them say numbers 4 and 17.
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 20, 2009 12:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’m not saying he’s playing well. I just thought he did the right thing there, Legace should be able to handle that shot. You had Stempniak coming up the right wing with no angle, and you know the two trailers are going to head to the center of the ice. I think he was more worried about mopping up a potential rebound then Legace handling a shot that he came out six feet on from his crease to cut the angle off of. For me, Legace’s error in not stopping a very stoppable shot is worse than Rod peeling off.
I agree that Rod moving to the fourth line was best … it opens things up for when Staal returns. But I didn’t feel like this was Rod’s worst performance of the year or anything … he was actually very good on two kills.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
not to beat this to death but, I still think Brind’Amour was in no man’s land. Either stay on the guy or peel off in front of your net to cover the backdoor or trailers. He was heading back toward the blue line. If there were trailers, they would have blow right by him because he was going in the wrong direction.
I believe Forslund used the term “cheating” when referencing him the play.
But I also agree, Manny should make that save.
GM of CanesCountry.com
It’s because he’s not very good anymore. Period. There’s a reason why he was cut by St.Louis and Atlanta(?). He’s done as an NHL caliber goalie. It happens, but ’Canes are desparate.
by drifterscape on Nov 20, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
He's behind a team that had a Conn Smythe winner's
head spinning around that that guy, Cam, “knows these guys”.
I don’t blame Manny for 34 of the 5 goals last night. 2 came from the defense breaking down and 2 came from just what are fantastic shots. That leaves Leafs second goal where I thought Manny let it in.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Good point. He has looked good in SO’s.
But all other teams already passed on him. We didn’t just discover the guy.
by drifterscape on Nov 20, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
True,
but there also comes a time when someone’s forgotten.
I don’t want this to become a Lifetime movie of the week, but as Manny is in there, I’ll give him my support and hope he finds his feet real soon.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
I was a little down on Legace after the game until I heard Forslunds comments about him. I’ll take John Forslunds word on almost anything….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 20, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
He said “repent and give thy fortunes unto Paladin…”
;-)
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Survival Mode
Right now the Canes are in survival mode. They’ll be lucky to win against better teams with Staal, Cam and Pikanen (sp) out.
I’m getting tired of Tripp insisting that Legace is doing a great job, I don’t see it. I see lots of juicy rebounds, I see a guy that can’t move quickly from one side of the net to the other.
I never appreciated Cam Ward’s skill as much as I do now.
by CanesFanFromLI on Nov 20, 2009 11:29 AM EST reply actions
With Legace’s post game comments he was upset on himself and really thanked the players on pulling him thru it. He had an off game and knows it. I bet he will be awfully good tomorrow.
he’s been a standup guy, no doubt, and he’s made some pretty spectacular stops. I think the routine ones will come with time. Luckily, the team has bailed him out with lots of goals lately.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Who else noticed Legace's body language after the 5th Leaf Goal?
That man looked even smaller than normal in the net. He was hunched over, looking straight down at the ice. Honestly I thought he was going to puke.
Then I noticed after Cole scored, he stood straight up, did his best to “fill out the hole” in the front of the net.
After the shootout was determined he went to the team to congratulate them as much as the other way around.
I do feel for Leighton, but that was an interesting turn of events.
Here’s hoping, along with Blacklisted, that Manny is “The Monster” tomorrow.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Hate to be a downer here but the Leafs are the second worse team and look how hard the guys had to play to win. Great game but it was against a very bad team, and again we had goal tending problems.
So, all my teams suck!
True,
But I still have faith that the Canes are a far better team than not just the Leafs but 80%-90% of the league.
I also feel that on any given night on any rink they can beat the big boys if they want.
So today #29 in the NHL.
In a few days, #28 in the NHL.
A few more Days #27…..
I like that pattern and gives me something to look forward to now.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
A little math
The Canes have played 21 games and have 13 points as of this morning. Let’s say it takes 93 points to make the playoffs. That means the canes need 80 points in 61 games or about 1.31 points per game. That is a pace of roughly 4 points every 3 games. So, every three game stretch between now and the end of the season the Canes need to go 2-1-0 or 1-0-2.
I’m staying optimistic now, because there’s not much else to do. The cap, the time of the season, the contracts are all what they are. But I’m tempering my optimism for the moment.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I'm aware of the Math.....
when I take my time and do it, not 4 things at once.
I also feel the Canes are that good to do it.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
A lotta Math
Saying we need to go 2-1-0 makes it look too easy. We need to 40-20-1 (or equivalent). So far we’ve won one (1) game in regulation out of 21.
by drifterscape on Nov 20, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, I said I was being optimistic. Looking at 40 wins is tough, but looking at taking two out of three, well that’s not too bad. That’s what any baseball fan looks for. Plus, you can’t win 40 games at one time. You can win one at a time with an eye to the next.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
That’s true… but the results are easier to get to when you consider three-point games. Canes have only won two of the last four but have 6 of 8 points.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
yeah but wan’t it liek a week or two ago that we coudl not even beat them. prorgess is progress ma boy!
by wylde4canes on Nov 20, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Hi there! Great recap
I’m still around Bob – & Cory! – just not as much as I’d like. Bob, your game recaps have always been excellent, & somehow they just continue getting even better! Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend last night’s game due to health issues, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading your account. What an exciting game to see in-person!
You & Cory have both done such a fantastic job with the blog. The hard work & passion you all bring to this site is so evident & much appreciated. And I see from the comments section that tonnes of others have discovered what a superb resource this blog is. It’s quite a change from the days when Mateo, approx. 3 or 4 others (forgive me for not remembering everyone’s name – paladin, wylde4canes I know you were a couple!) & I had the privilege of having the best Hurricanes blog all to ourselves! I couldn’t be happier for your success :-)
Continued good fortune & good health to each of you & your families, and I hope everyone here has a wonderful (US) Thanksgiving :-)
Rodney is on his way back down to the A according to ice_chip
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 20, 2009 12:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Also, from the Canes twitter earlier:
Matt Cullen will guest on @NHLLIve today at 1:30 and Tim Gleason will be on The Power Play at 4:20. Both on NHL Network and XM Home Ice.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions
Tweet from ice_chip:
Apparently Bryan Rodney headed back to Albany. No official word yet.
by outlander_caniac on Nov 20, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions
Can't they send down someone else?
Right now, that’ll be Corvo but I am over reacting.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
How about Brind'Amour?
He could start giving the newbies some advice on how to work out hard enough to get yourself injured during the season and only have to work part of the season.
I thought you posted you were going back to serious thoughts?
The Canes and the road back: Also, no more joking around. Yeah, I’ve been posting a lot of things that have been just really out there but no more. Let’s just say that I thought I’d match the whining and weird posts, or do better than what I’ve been reading. lcd2you
While we are playing your game how about healthy scratching AWard and playing Rodney?
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 20, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
That's actually serious.....
but I did say I’m over reacting. Corvo does much better most nights. He just stunk it up last night.
Still I thought Rodney did a fine job. I want to see Pits back. Is there any other D-man who has a two way contract?
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
nope. Harrison, who is already in Albany.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
Well,
After reading the Leaf’s blog, they’re talking about sending highly paid players to the AHL and calling up those AHL guys as punishment for “sucking”.
Thinking about it, I don’t think that would do anything as the young players, a few of them, could get eaten alive and the vets would only have pleasant thoughts of the coach and GM only in conjunction with “Iron Maidens”, “hot pokers” and “Racks”.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
RODNEY BACK TO ALBANY
It’s official … release just came thru.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 20, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Sutter was insane last night
HE seemed to have a shot on goal every shift. He needs to pass that mentality to the rest of the team. He already has 35 sog for the canes this season.
If we have a defensive minded coach, why is our defense so bad?
In the overtime period why do the forwards center the puck when the other forward is behind the goal with them and they know the defense is all the way up on the blue line? It seems all we do in overtime is give the other team the puck deep in their zone then turtle on defense.
Also, looked like toronto scored with 1 minute to go in overtime
But called off with “intent to blow”. Looked like an obvious case of goaltender interference to me. Maybe a case of making the right call for the wrong reasons a la last weekend’s clemson game?
Surprised there was not some ridiculous " Twilight " reference.
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 20, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
As Stephen King said:
“JK Rowling and S Meyer both write children’s books.
The difference is Rowling writes good books."
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
He Sparkles....
….I really think that is all that needs to be said. Anyone who doesn’t have a girlfriend right now is actually lucky, else they are likely in hell right now. I had to miss the game for that crap.
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 20, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Man, I feel for ya.....
Fortunately, my wife is not a “Twi-cougar”, yeah 30 and 40, some even older, something women who want to fall in love with a 500 year old vampire who looks like he’s 18.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
I refuse to watch wussy vampires…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 20, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t find it on the NHL site. It was a great interview though. Tthey tried to get him to do a Ric Flair ‘woo!’ (he wouldn’t do it). He had some great stories about playing in Italy during the lockout, about driving to games over steep mountain roads with no guardrails. “You see the driver having a beer during the game and you think, ‘Jeez, I hope he doesn’t have another one!’” He said that in times like this, guys, especially the veterans, are definitely aware of the possibility of being traded, and try their hardest to prove that they belong where they are.
I can’t believe that game. Beyond crazy.
Is it just me or did Sutter skate circles around everyone last night?
I said the same thing about Sutter last night to the folks who were with me at the game. At one point Sutter shot at the right post at close range and the rebound came out at an angle over toward the left post and Sutter was the first one there to get the rebound as it came out. I was like wow. It was like that Steve Smith\Kenny Mayne\ESPN commercial.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 20, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
JR on Sutter's emergence
In JR’s last interview (11/18) with 99.9 The Fan, there was a note of awe in his voice when he was talking about Sutter.
Here’s a partial transcription of JR’s comments from that interview:
“….and the play of Brandon Sutter has been exceptional. In my opinion, he has been our best player. We knew he was going to be a good player. We were trying to be careful with his development. But, those early games in the minors were good for his confidence and he’s come in here and showed us a whole ’nother level from a skill level point of view and from the offensive part of his game. And, that is very, very encouraging for our future.”
And, after some further nudging from the interviewer about how about this kid coming in here, never really figured to be a goal scorer, and really “figuring this thing out” (while acknowledging that he’s got some pretty good players on either side of him), JR continued:
Well, he’s a hockey guy, and, you know, he comes from a hockey family. And, it’s hard to predict what guys like this are going to do. But, in some ways, he’s on the path that Eric Staal was. You know, Staal was projected to score more than Brandon in our projections. But, Brandon has shown a whole ‘nother side of him with some of the goals he’s been getting. I mean, he’s been getting goal scorer’s goals.
We always thought, you know, when he settled in here as a regular player, that he was going to be a VERY good player for us. And, still score goals, you know…probably a 20-goal scorer. But, at the rate he’s going and the way he’s scoring some of these goals, you know, we can hopefully project that that level is going to be quite a bit higher than we originally thought.
many of us have been saying this would happen all along….
Hate that I can not comment more- but this place has gotten a bit too busy for me, and so have my work hours. You guys can thank me while eating your Oreo’s and Ritz crackers this holiday season!! ;)
by packpigskinfan25 on Nov 21, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
CONTENT
Was glad to see Brindy getting less TOI.
I say we call up more guys from Albany.
This is the first game I’ve had a chance to go to this year due to a new job. I thought overall the crowd was great…it sounded awesome at ice level. One of my coworkers went to the game with his father, and after the Leafs scored with 30 seconds to go, they headed out. Unfortunately…the door closed on them right as the goal horn went off and they couldn’t get back in. What a rollercoaster of a game! Once again, the 8 or 9 minute lapses of concentration and hard work almost…ALMOST worked against us. Good thing I wore my Cole jersey tonight ;-) We just had fun pointing out a random t-shirt that happened to make it’s way on the ice before a faceoff…ref took off with it and threw it to the other side of the rink. Oh well. Go Canes! Next week should be interesting, especially with the number of games.
Never Leave Early! Ever....
You never know what you might miss. Case in point, a game in spring 2001, Caps are down to Ottawa 5-2 in the third period.
My wife wants to go, I tell her we should stay something might happen. Sure enough, 4 different Caps score in a span of about 7 minutes to get the score to 6-5 Washington with about 90 seconds to go.
If you had told me going into the third one of the teams would be pulling the goalie that afternoon, I would have agreed. If you told me it would be Ottawa, I would have laughed… but it happened.
Just because something is unlikely, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible…
Oh, and by the way, you guys can stop winning now. ;-)
Just kidding. I’d rather the 6 games between the Caps and Canes mean something….
Let's go Caps!
MikeL-Caps, as a Caniac I am dumbfounded that there are still “fans” who would leave early whenever the ‘Canes are playing. We should know better than anyone not to leave early. This only proves that there are people who NEVER learn. When I’m at a game and people start leaving, I only want them to hurry and clear the aisles so I don’t miss any action.
To a lot of “fans” on this board. I’m also frustrated that Brindy has slowed considerably, but this constant attack he suffers here on THIS board is sickening. If it weren’t for him, the ‘Canes would NOT have been in TWO SCF’s in this decade and they never would have won a Cup without him. Besides Brindy, the negativity of many of the posts about this team “not caring” and other attacks on this team has made it really hard to want to stay a part of this board. Maybe a lot of you are really young and don’t understand that you just don’t throw away someone who has worked hard and really well for you in the past. You think people don’t notice he’s not getting it done. You think it’s not hard on management? If they shit him at this point in his career I would never forgive them. He deserves to go out on his terms. His play hurts no one more than it hurts himself. No one has vested more of themselves in this team than him. I don’t mind him losing minutes with his poor play. I don’t mind the frustrations some of you exhibit, but some of the attack comments I’ve read really disappoint me as a fellow Caniac.
I think the team tries hard. I think the team cares a lot. I don’t think the losing streak was a lack of effort. I think it was a lack of chemistry for whatever reason. Tons of chemistry when the season ended last spring, horrible chemistry to start the year. I also can hardly wait to see what some of the Rat’s can do when they get up here with more minutes, but throwing a lot of “old” players under the bus as some of you have done, has been disrespectful at best. I don’t think you deserve to cheer this team if those same players get it together and get out of this funk. I think you should hand in your Caniac cards. That is all. Peace.
Love, love, love the Canes!
by Caniac Jack on Nov 21, 2009 12:08 AM EST up reply actions
I agree that Brindy was a big part of the reason this team had success earlier in the decade, but at the same time, there comes a time when the old guard has to step aside. I know the ‘Canes weren’t playing badly due to a lack of effort. A lack of chemistry maybe, but more perhaps a combination of factors and one of those factors being age. It hurts and it’s no fun when a team gets old collectively, and I’ve been there when it happened in person in 2003-04 when the Caps had that happen.
If the team has a good supply of young talent, then the rebuild process can be more of a "reload’ process, much like what Detroit does, or Colorado used to do. If the farm system is in trouble, then more drastic steps need to be taken, which is what the Caps did when they jettisoned pretty much the entire roster, including very popular players like Peter Bondra and Sergei Gonchar, and world class talents like Jagr, Lang, etc. They gutted the roster, keeping only a few veterans, gathering draft picks and prospects, and they rebuilt. As the rebuild went forward in 2005-06, and 2006-07, the remaining veterans that were kept from 2003-04 were also sold off for prospects, leading up to the emergence of the Caps in 2007-08 as the team they are, which is a strong team in the league with a farm system that won both the AHL and ECHL championship.
If the Canes management thinks they can get back into the race (I think they can) then they should look to make a move to get some youth on this team. If they think the team isn’t one that can get going again, they need to begin the rebuild immediately. They should pick a few of the top talents that they can build around (Staal and Ward are the likely places to start) and then look to move the veterans and get back prospects and draft picks. When it comes to rebuild, the idea is quantity, not necessarily what may be quality. If they acquire 25 prospects and pay them each $100K, that’s $2.5M. If you get 5 quality players from that (a 20% success rate), you’re getting 5 NHL players at a cost of $500K each to start with.
Now granted, the Caps in their rebuild were lucky. Winning the 2004 draft lottery to move up to #1 to get Alex Ovechkin was luck. That AO turned into the monster player he is was luck as well (everyone knew he would be good, even a star, but no one knew he would be that good).
Again, I think the Canes can tweak a little bit and get back in the chase, but I don’t get a say in it, the team management does. I’m sure the Canes management will make good decisions, as their track record is good.
Let's go Caps!
staal/cole/sutter
Too early for Sutter to be in the bigs? I keep hearing the argument that they don’t develop well but I think the NHL is not that bad a place for Sutter to develop, though we’ll see what he’s like at the halfway mark. He has the Sutter Alberta grit so it should do him well. Any of you insiders get a feel for when Staal will return? Would be a perfect time for a boost from him as we start to a bit of steam.
Lines after Staal Returns
I have been wondering what the lines will be after Staal returns. As far as I am concerned it makes sense to keep Sutter on the first line. It makes for some interestintg combinations. With the Jokinen/Cullen/Ruutu line needing to remain intact, the combinations I came up with are:
VERSION 1:
Ray Whitney/ Eric Staal/Brandon Sutter
Jussi Jokinen/Matt Cullen/ Tuomo Ruutu
Sergei Samsonov/Stephane Yelle/ Erik Cole
Tom Kostopoulos/Rod Brind’Amour/Chad LaRose
VERSION 2:
Brandon Sutter/Eric Staal/Erik Cole
Jussi Jokinen/Matt Cullen/ Tuomo Ruutu
Ray Whitney/Stephane Yelle/Sergei Samsonov
Tom Kostopoulos/Rod Brind’Amour/Chad LaRose
I have not yet tried the variations with Scott Walker returning. Unless Sutter plays center on a line, it leaves the third line center a spot that needs filling. I don’t envision Brind’Amour playing center other than on a fourth line.
Either of those versions look pretty good to me.
May have a marginal preference for Version 2, as that third line looks more dangerous with Whitney on it as an “activator/enabler”. His passing prowess and ability to finish could be something that would click with fellow savvy veteran players Yelle and Samsonov.
Similarly, Sutter’s emergence makes a Staal-Cole pairing look very fast and very scary if I were the opposition. Could push Cole to perform at a notch above his usual, as well.
Otherwise, I agree with your fourth line for both versions. Finally, we have those three in the right place, where they are now scary as hell to other fourth lines and third-pairing D-men as an offensive threat. Plus, Brind’Amour and LaRose will both get extra minutes on penalty kill…maybe Kostopoulos, too. Great well within which to dip for field promotions, too.
Also agree with the second lines for both versions being the same. Don’t touch, Mo. Give this line time to further gel and reap the benefits.
I prefer Ver. 2 as well.
Ray’s a litle too slow to be skating with Staal IMHO. The 1st line minutes wear him down and he starts taking hooking/holding minors.
As for Walker’s return: Somebody else will by injured by then so it will be a moot point. But if all are healthy maybe Chad could benefit from a game or two in the press-box ?
by drifterscape on Nov 21, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
LaRose
I am mystified by LaRose’s play this year. I think he is still hustling and he has something like 62 shots to lead the team in shots. Unfortunately, he still has not scored a goal.
Assuming everybody is healthy, it might well mean LaRose would be a healthy scratch and the fourth line would be Tom Kostopoulos/Rod Brind’Amour/Scott Walker. Not to be snide, and this statement could be misinterpreted as being rude; but it is conceivable that Brind’Amour would be given some maintenance days and the fourth line for some games would be Tom Kostopoulos/Patrick Dwyer/Scott Walker. That fourth line is perhaps a more traditional fourth line in terms of grinding the other team down some when it hits the ice. Caveat: this is really not a back-door rip at Brind’Amour, just considering hypothetical line-ups.
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