What's Next? You Make the Call
by Bob Wage on Nov 29, 2009 12:38 PM EST
211 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes are not only in last place in the NHL, they have scored the fewest goals, (60), allowed the most goals, (97), have a poorly rated powerplay, have the worst rated even strength play, and are a full nine points behind Florida, the team closest to them in their division. While the team has played well in spurts, it's hard to find any statistic which can be praised as being positive.
While some of the other bottom feeders in the league have a decent offense but bad defense, or vice versa, the Canes seem to be doing everything poorly with no end in sight.
If they continue at the current pace, they will end up in last place by a landslide.
So what's next?
You don't want to cut off your face to spite your nose. It's bad business to give away assets, just to make a trade. Players of value with expiring contracts, like Matt Cullen, Joe Corvo, and Ray Whitney will all be very valuable bargaining chips closer to the trade deadline. It would be foolish to move them now unless you get equal return.
Players who are under-performing are nearly impossible to trade. You could put them on waivers and hope they get picked up so you can save salary space, but chances are they do not get claimed, then what?
You could strip Rod Brind`Amour of his captaincy, but then you create more problems than you already have in the dressing room.
Or you do what most teams do when a team is underachieving, you change coaches. That is one thing probably everyone can agree on, this team is tremendously underachieving, especially in relation to their salary structure.
While everyone knows that Peter Laviolette is still under contract and is getting paid by the team, the Hurricanes are in a unique position where they do not necessarily need to spend more money to make a coaching change. They already have several coaches under contract, they could just make them play musical chairs. Give Ron Francis a chance, or Tom Rowe. If neither want the position then go to Tom Barrasso or Jeff Daniels.
It wouldn't be the same as bringing in fresh blood like many fans want, but it would be doing something and it would be cost effective. There is no need to "fire" Paul Maurice. Simply move him to another position upstairs. Call it a "reassignment", and that way everyone saves face.
The organization seems to have been grooming Ron Francis for the head coaching job anyway. How many other "Associate Head Coaches" get introduced before every home game? He may or may not be the answer, but what harm is there in trying now? And doesn't the franchise at least owe him the opportunity before they go elsewhere?
Making a move like this will most likely not save the season, but it might keep a large portion of the fanbase from committing mutiny. It might help sell a few more tickets until they have a chance to move some contracts and bring in some youth next offseason. At least it gives the appearance that they are trying to appease fans.
What do you think should be done?
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I vote for place some guys on waivers and replace Paul Maurice with someone, anyone.
Of course only one of those will happen.
Since standings and stats wise things cant get any worse, I would sit tight and wait till closer to the deadline, let the contenders sort themselves out and stack up on picks and prospects. I want to see this franchise be a legitimate force for a decade, not a question mark year in and year out.
not sure about ron francis either
i cannot say i feel any better about ron francis…he seems not to really even want the job or he would have taken over now…
i cannot understand where maurice is lacking..if he’s just not an intuitive coach or belongs in the juniors or the AHL. i think our best bet would be to take the river rats coach and put him down here and reassign maurice to development of the team or something like that. i mean i think maurice tries but he’s just not nhl caliber for some reason. he cannot figure out the kinks in teams that have to be worked out. not with the maple leafs or the canes. i think he tries though. i cannot believe how far behind we actually are now. sort of hard to believe we’ve fallen so badly when we have spurts of playing well. i bet some players want to be traded at this point. it’s embarassing.
I think everyone assumes Francis would be a Hall Of Fame coach just because he was a Hall of Fame player. We all know how well that worked out for Gretzky…
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Nov 29, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
I think that making Ron Francis head coach would be the worst possible thing you could do for him and the team….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
+1
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 29, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think anyone assumes he will be a Hall of Fame coach. I haven’t seen or heard that anywhere. On the otherhand, how can people be so sure he will be a terrible coach?
GM of CanesCountry.com
Bob I have a question
You wrote:
You could strip Rod Brind`Amour of his captaincy, but then you create more problems than you already have in the dressing room.
How do you know it would create more problems? How do you know it isn’t already a problem? I think it has to be hard for Rod to lead when he isn’t playing as much. I would think they would strip it from him but suggest it to him. Just my opinion
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 29, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
you mean when he can’t play as much?
Rod Brind’Amour has been great for our team and for our community…. but his body just will not allow him to play the minutes he used to play…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
Uhm...no not really
Rod was getting 20 minutes per game until the last 3 games. I don’t know what you mean by his body won’t let him. He can still play and honestly I think he still has some left in the tank. I think he would contribute more on another team if he were surrounded by younger players. He has been good for our community and team but time has changed.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 29, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
no…. he needs less ice time…. he is the slowest guy on our team….. and you can tell that losing is not helping his drive at all….
I feel bad saying all that about him… Kind of like kicking around the old family dog…. I really like him…. but he just can’t go like he used to….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
In my opinion, Rod still has close friends and supporters on the team. I think they would be upset if management stripped him of the “C” in the middle of a season.
But I could always be wrong, wouldn’t be the first time. :-)
GM of CanesCountry.com
Into an already shaken room, a sudden change in “leadership” is an additional distraction that is just not needed this year. I believe the outside world puts more emphasis on who’s wearing the “C” than the players do, anyway.
The roster’s in doubt for the remainder of the year, Staal is now the second-youngest player on the roster, with the addition of Sutter. The time to change the captaincy is next year when the roster is set and there is even more youth present.
I agree Bob, he’s done nothing to deserve being stripped of his captaincy. A lot of the suggestions on here would make the current situation worse. If you are going to lose, at least have some dignity doing it.
A lot of the suggestions on here would make the current situation worse.
I have to agree with this. A lot of us are just angry and upset and want to see something—anything!—done, when doing something just for the sake of doing something will only make matters worse.
by nomadologist on Nov 29, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
Something regardless
The chemistry on the ice and their level of play is low. I think people understand that a coach can only do so much. He has to depend on his leaders to pull the team together out on the ice. It is very difficult to do that while only getting 7 minutes per game.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 29, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
and yet he seems to be ineffective when given more TOI… I’m not saying strip him. I’m saying we’re in a pickle… and I think the coach is ineffective – he has to work with what he has and get the best out of them, which he is clearly not doing because we all know these guys are far more capable than they are demonstrating in 60 min intervals…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 30, 2009 12:32 AM EST up reply actions
I am not so sure he would be a terrible coach…. I just don’t think he is cut out for coaching…. I really don’t even think that he was all too comfortable w/ being the “associat-head-coach.” It is just that he is desperately loyal to Jimmy Rutherford….
Ron Francis is no-doubt one of the greatest hockey minds in the game…. and he was a great player. But to put him in charge of a team of under-achievers who would continue to lose would greatly tarnish his image.
Tom Rowe is my most likely candidate…. or even Tom Barasso…. Someone who is not afraid to call ugly ugly…. Someone who’s bite is much worse than their bark….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
Here's your answer
CanesNow at 2:26 this afternoon:
Rutherford “firmly” supports Maurice
with quotes from the bossman.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
Interesting
I am surprised Rutherford is that confident in Maurice. To not win a Road Game in 2 months and blow leads in the 3rd is really pathetic. I understand a goal or two but 5 in two games is just really really bad. To not score on a 5 on 3 is also bad. Mix it up a little, move some players and your coach light a fire under the team it doesn’t hurt at this point.
There is no doubt that Maurice can coach…. look at last year and at the season he had in 2001-2002 as your examples….
But he is also the type of coach who’s players can make him look all-out foolish if they do not all buy in to his system 100%….
I just do not think his players are all buying in…. and we get what we have….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
This is what gives me comfort:
“We’ll get through the game, then get everybody together Tuesday and Wednesday and get some more thoughts,” Rutherford said. "But I do not see any quick solutions. With the cap system, it’s hard to make quick changes.
“We’ll get everybody together and see what everybody thinks, if we feel good enough about our ability to get back in it, or if we need to transition some players, or whatever needs to be done.”
Step One: Get a plan.
As long as the brain trust that we have assembled (which is formidable) is focused on the issues, both large and small, that got us here and formulates a path to where we want to be, I’m content to invest the amount of time as a fan to get us there.
I’m a practitioner of the power of collaborative thinking within my firm. Just thank your stars we’re not under the thumb of a disinterested corporate owner and a tyrannical GM whose opinion is law. Those are the teams that are doomed to suck for years…and years.
i think if you are gonna pull the team together as rutherford proclaims will happen, you gotta think leadership and the captaincy will come into play. could this be the change that sparks this team? well, i really don’t know because i’m not in the locker room.. but i do feel that this should be addressed and for those players who don’t agree, well they must move on. it’s time to start playing like you mean it even if you can’t make the playoffs! we as fans defintley deserve better, and better to me.. is WINNING!!!
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Nov 29, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
this team needs a brand new attitude!!!
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Nov 29, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
disinterested corporate owner…PK is not local. Tyrannical GM… JR has free reign with this team. There is a case to be made that the Canes fit those descriptions.
While PK is not local, I’m not sure I would characterize him as disinterested.
Also, I like to think there’s a bit more of a consensus decision-making model running out of the front office than some orgs enjoy. Yes, the final decision is always the GM’s, but others in the brain trust are consulted along the way.
Draft decisions are almost entirely delegated to scouting.
i think that...
Is the kiss of death to mo and it’s music to my ears!
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 29, 2009 4:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The last time JR “fully supported” MO he was fired within a week…interesting!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
And lavi and some players too, if memory serves…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 29, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Message is clear but
I think you don’t want your guys playing out of fear. I think Mo said something similar last year before he let Lavi go. Change is coming but he is rather asking the fans to be patient is what I’m guessing.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Nov 29, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
exactly what I meant by the kiss of death for Mo
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 30, 2009 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
bad idea rumor from eklund
The rumors continue around Carolina who is looking like a team so far out of sync it is scary. the latest is that they have interest in Tomas Plekanec. While I am not hearing who could be heading back to Montreal, two prospects the Canadiens love I am told are Zach Boychuk and Drayson Bowman. Especially Boychuk. Of course the Canes would only move for Plekanec if they knew they could sign him.
LOL…. I love Rumors….
But apparently (according to John Forslund) Boychuck is having a little bit of a struggle in the AHL…
I thought he looked good when the ’Canes called him up….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
May have Babchuckitis. Nothing worse than getting a taste of the bigs and having to go back. Looks like the franchise has fostered another Babchuckian attitude. I was afraid of that. I need to find a biggar more full word than “epic” for this failure….
Though it is somewhat sophmoric of Lil’ chuck to throw a tantrum…oh wait he learned it from Staal, now I get it!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Whoa there. That’s a pretty big leap you’re taking there, even if just for effect. Nobody’s saying anything about attitude being an issue.
His struggles, if any, are simply related to being the undersized kid that he is right now. He just needs some time to grow and progress, that’s all.
Yes, but with an asterisk, since it bounced off a defender’s leg and barely trickled across the goal line (source). Still, good on him for taking the sharp-angled shot. Goal-scorer mentality: throw it toward the net.
Also had an assist and was named first-star. He’s not pitiful. But, that also was only his sixth goal. I’m just saying a little time playing big minutes against smaller bodies won’t hurt.
So his previous succes at that level his fair run at the NHL level and somebody rubs some magic crystals and now he needs sympathy and understanding and another yr. in the minors?
I got it, JR posts as Elsker!!!
Come on, put down the kool aid. This org. is full of pussy’s and that’s what they breed. Rod is an old soft puss, Staal is a younger overpaid pussy, Lil chuck just wants some of the love fest going on, Babchuck misses it, too! The boys down in the AHL ain’t half as rich or lazy.
Screw this team of misfits. Scew JR for putting it together. Lil’ Chuck earned a shot at this level, Staal is dead weight with his Binky. Makes me sick to think of it. This roster could and should be trimmed down to about 8 and then fill in with Rats, scabs or cheerleaders. Anyone that feels it’s a privalage to play in the NHL, not one of JR’s buddie brigade. Ruutu, Sutter, Gleason, Whitney, Jussi, Pits, Cullen, and The Hobbit. Maybe a few others will be keepers, but I’d rather see that crew stand alone and play with heart than watch this disgusting, pathetic display of moronic self assuredness JR has vomited forth.
No coaches needed. These are men, they are pro’s and know the job at hand.
Make me God for the day and I’ll give you some dam good hockey with some Rat fill in and call ups.
I ain’t sorry in the least bit, this is the most arrogant display of opulant don’t give a shit I have had the misfortune to witness.
Boo, Boo, hiss!!! Mo must go!!! JR sucks!!!!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Apparently you don’t get the difference between stirring the pot and sh#tt#ng in it.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 8:29 PM EST up reply actions
He and the rest of the Rats team were doing fine before we pillaged them. Not that I think Sutter should be down there but I bet Boychuck would be doing better with him on his line.
Yeah, seriously, Jeff Daniels must groan everytime JR’s caller ID shows up on his cell phone.
I think Boychuk was on the second line when Sutter was playing. Not sure, since they update the Rats lineup immediately upon call-ups. Act like the call-ups don’t even exist. So it’s difficult to see what was the line-up when all hands were on deck.
We should be in the mill for the remainder of the season. Everytime a team calls regarding one of the Canes players, Eklund will have them on his chart. “Hey JR, is Cam available, no he’s not, ok thanks.” Cam Ward E3.
None of the above...
was how I voted, before even clicking the link to continue reading.
Nothing should be done this week, unless trades or pick-ups off of waivers have already been arranged. If so, this week’s break with a home game at the end would be a good time to pull trigger, assuming the other side is in a similar break.
This week should be spent working on entertaining sane deals for later in the season, not offers from vultures that might perceive we are desperate and therefore time-constrained. We’re not. Season’s shot. Best deal available is now the mantra, not the quickest.
And, as for coaching changes…I’ll believe it when I see it. Not going to happen.
This is a player example/leadership issue. A bad culture on the team that we spoke about earlier in the season is in full bloom. Certain people need an attitude adjustment, and I’m looking to the associate coach level for the man to do that job.
Is it too late to bring back Babchuck?
As bad as I can’t stand his piss poor attitude…. we could use him.
Can we trade A-Ward to Russia for Chuckie?
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 3:17 PM EST reply actions
Chuck
We need a new Head Coach, but someone with experience and who knows the team.
Someone not tainted with the current situation. I nominate Chuck Kaiton.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
He looks the part for sure.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 29, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
He would probably make the players cry… That dude is grizzled….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 30, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
Any chance people start looking at Jim Rutherford as the responsible party? Is his job completely safe? I know he has a good reputation but basically all the problems can be directly traced back to him.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 29, 2009 3:30 PM EST reply actions
no not yet. Hes taking responsibility b/c thats what a good GM does. This team is under achieving and in our particular case that falls squarely on the shoulders of the players first, then coaching, then management. Its not likes hes traded our future away or anything astoundingly stupid. Hes kept the chemistry in tact by not bringing in a slew of new faces each year (cough cough rangers), 99% of people were happy with the offseason moves as well. I dont think that his dropping eaves for a ward, or his choosing alberts in lieu of seidenberg is the problem. No GM is perfect, and hind sight is always 20/20. How was Rutherford to know that Staal would be on pace for 29 pts. at this point? or that LaRose would only have 1 goal? Or that A Ward would become a total waste. The consensus around the league for at least a few solid years was that A Ward was a solid #2-#4 Dman, all of a sudden though, hes a #7. As to the topic above, I saw we wait it out. The playoffs are out of the question. .500 by xmas is a total joke at this point. I think the league knows that this isnt simply a “we have sucky players” thing, but more of a head thing. Its about clicking and right now we aint clicking. I dont think this hurts the value of the majority of our key trade chips. Cole still has somewhat of a return, Whitney will still be highly sought after around the deadline, and Corvo and Cullen as well. I say ride it out, trade em at the deadline when their value is highest. No sense in turning it around now just to finish 19th in the league. What good would that do on draft day? I believe Brindy will retire after this season. Thats why Im not voting to strip him of his C. If he plans to come back next year, then thats when someone needs to step up and talk to him. If were gonna suck anyways, why disrespect your captain. JR gets a pass b/c typically we are competitive. Sure we missed a few playoffs over the last few, but not by much, and when we do go, we go. The young core is still solid with Wardo, Staal, Pitkanen, Gleason, Ruutu. Bring along the fresh hunger that Sutter and the Rats bring, and we should be fine for the next few. Not to mention Taylor Hall!
“The consensus around the league for at least a few solid years was that A Ward was a solid #2-#4 Dman, all of a sudden though, hes a #7.”
Is that a joke? Aaron Ward AT BEST in his career was a #4 defenseman and spent many years as a third-pairing guy. At no point ever in his career did anyone think he was a anything close to being a #2 defenseman. If we was, the Rangers wouldn’t have traded him for Paul frickin’ Mara. Or the Bruins wouldn’t have traded him for Patrick frickin’ Eaves and a 4th rounder.
Oh, and he turns 37 in January. That’s right around the age where players start to break down.
Alberts and Ward in lieu of Seidenberg and Babchuk is a BIG PROBLEM. Seidenberg was fast and could move the puck well. Babchuk was slow but at least provided offense. Alberts and Ward are slow, suck offensively, and get skated around by ANY forward.
As for LaRose, there were many people who knew that last season was a fluke year and didn’t want us to commit big dollars to a career third liner when we desperately needed a top 6 winger. LaRose+Cole = 4.6M/yr = fail.
I felt that the cole resigning was a terrible idea. We are now committed to him for 2 yrs now, and paying him top six money for a third liner at best. That was a bad idea, but LaRose I felt was a good resigning. The guy was an energy player, but he has been anything but this year. I felt that at the time it was a good signing, however all of Jr’s decisions with me at least have been suspect (minus TKO and Yelle is looking a little better).
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
As for LaRose, there were many people who knew that last season was a fluke year and didn’t want us to commit big dollars to a career third liner when we desperately needed a top 6 winger.
I don’t think anyone KNEW anything. I think these same “many people” would come out and say they predicted it if LaRose had scored ten goals already.
I think the fact that there are almost 100 votes and no clear cut winner amongst the choices is in itself very telling. Which is why I voted that I have no idea.
SISU
I think that is a reflection of the fact that no one really knows what is wrong. Is it the players performance? Is it the Coaching? Is it the system? Injuries? Confidence? Who knows?
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Nov 29, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
No I think it’s a reflection of the fact that almost all of those things actually need to happen to right our team.
The coaching is a problem, teams don’t go from eastern conference finals to last in the league by a healthy margin in one offseason. Last year Maurice blended his system with Lavi’s and it worked, however now it looks like all Mo. His coaching is bad, these players look and are playing exactly the same as they did the season they had to fire Mo and replace him. He is just not a dynamic coach and we are clearly unsuccessful with him.
Aaron Ward needs to be put on waivers / traded to Russia / taken out back / ect. He just needs to disappear. He is slow, awful, makes bad decisions, drags our team down, has the worst plus/minus of any defender in the NHL, ect… I really can’t tell if he is just playing some elaborate joke on us or what.
Brind’Amour needs to lose the C, he is not a captain, he does not inspire anyone to play better, he is not stepping up when times are the worst, he is not leading by example… I can’t think of one captainly thing that he does do.
by JussiJuice on Nov 29, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good call…. I wouldn’t have a problem putting some of our old farts on waivers, but I don’t know as it’ll do that much for the team. I also wouldn’t have a problem if the coaching got shifted around, but I think our underachieving vets are more of a problem than Mo.
My biggest hope is that we won’t make a trade just to make a trade. We aren’t going anywheres this season anyways, so we might just as well hold on to our boys till the trade deadline…
Bring back Babchuk next season and I will be happy. I hope JR feels pretty stupid that he just let valuable assets like Babs slip away because he was so confident our team would be great without him. Maybe it gave him a little wake up call and he won’t act on his own personal feeling about a player and maybe think of what’s good for the team instead, like a real GM should.
Hindsight is 20/20, however you can plainly see how switching out Babchuk/Seidenberg with A. Ward/Alberts has driven this team into the ground. Without Babchuk and Seidenberg our powerplay has turned to absolute nothingness. It was bad last year, but at least we had SOMEONE (Babs) willing to shoot a puck on net (Notice I said on net not 3 feet to the side or above the netl). The decent defense they both provided (say what you want about Babs but I’d take his team leading +13 right now instead of A. Wards -13) has been switched out for Alberts whom I do like and think is solid on our 3rd line and Aaron Ward, who is the worst excuse for a defenseman I have ever seen in my lifetime experience of watching hockey. I would seriously rather have Ozsolinsh or Frank Kaberle manning any of our defensive pairing than A. Ward. What a poor excuse for a hockey player, his play alone I would place a large portion of our teams failure on. I’d place a good portion of the blame on Brindi too however he was just as bad last year so that hasn’t changed.
“Hindsight is 20/20, however you can plainly see how switching out Babchuk/Seidenberg with A. Ward/Alberts has driven this team into the ground.”
I think theres more to it that the swapping of those particular depth players. Everyone is underachieving, and Babs, and Seids would be underachieving in this situation as well. If players like LaRose were meeting expectations, then the loss of Babs/Seids scoring, would be offset and everyone would be proud of the physicality that Ward/Alberts bring…..well, as I stated above, who knew that Ward would be so bad? Also above you referenced Babs ability to hit the net. Coming into last year, it was well know that Babs couldnt hit the broad side of a big red barn.
I wasn’t saying these were bad moves, I’m just saying looking back that is a clear indication of what’s going wrong. Rutherford referenced it himself in his latest article that it was clear when Pitkanen went out we just didn’t have the defensive depth to keep goal after goal from going into our net. Not everyone is underachieving, players like Jokinen, Kostopolus, Sutter, Ruutu, and Cullen are all playing up to the expectations I had for them if not greater. Seidenberg is playing great in Florida and Babs is playing well in Russia.
Larose had a career year, it is an embarrassment to our team that he floats among our top 2 lines. I don’t think anyone thought he was going to ever be better than he was last year. He is a small player with a lot of heart and zero hands, a third line checker at best.
And A. Ward is absolutely terrible. It’s not a mystery why his ice time is diminishing and every D-man he plays with seems to rack up the negative plus/minus scores. I believe he is a huge reason why we have been so bad this year, not to mention moving him back to our third pairing because he sucks so much pushes Wallin/Alberts into our top-4 which creates problems also.
“Depth players”?
Seidenberg was THIRD on the team in average ice time last season. Babchuk led the defense in goal scoring and was second among all of our players in PP goals. Those aren’t depth players.
LaRose isn’t massively underachieving. He’s a career 3rd liner with a career high of 31 points. If anyone expected big offense from him they were out of their minds. Did we expect more than one goal from him at this point? Sure, but 19 goals from him again was just not realistic.
Seidenberg played a HUGE role in the team’s transition game at even strength. Babchuk played a HUGE role on the powerplay. Ward/Alberts do not contribute in those areas and never have at ANY point in their careers. Rutherford went and made our defense ridiculously unskilled by making those changes. We have the slowest, least skilled defense in the league when Pitkanen is out and it’s not even close.
With Pitkanen having a history of getting hurt, you wind up on many nights where Corvo is the only defenseman on the roster than can skate, move the puck, and contribute to the offense. That is a huge problem and Rutherford admitted it today when he said that the defense didn’t have enough depth with Pitkanen out.
I’ve only been to 5 games this season and I would say that that there’s no way A.Ward is as bad as Sandis Ozolinsh was. No Way. But your point is made.
I would also add that after Ozolinsh left here (under Mo) he played pretty well under Mike Keenan in Florida for like 30 mins a night. He couldn’t do 15 TOI under Mo.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
Ozolinsh at least somewhat made up for atrocious defensive play by providing offense and QBing the PP.
In his only full season here, Bozo had 12 goals, 44 points and a -25 rating in 72 games. The PP was 8th in the league.
Aaron Ward is on pace to CRUSH that minus rating while being on pace for for 13 points.
I’d rather have a defense comprised of Tanabe, Hutchinson, Tverdovsky, Ozolinsh and Kaberle than have Aaron Ward step foot on the ice as a Hurricane again. At least with those guys you might see a goal being scored or a nice pass to go with the terrible defensive zone play.
Good stat work. I confirmed your numbers and I ‘m surprised at Ozo’s point totals. But I stand by my claim. No one is as bad as Ozolinsh. Don’t forget Ozo put up his -25 and 71 PIM on a team that made the playoffs. Ward’s being dragged down by those around him? ; >)
Thanks, now I have Something to root for. A.Ward will not finish worse than Bozo. C’mon Aaron.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly, like in all sports, when things get tough, you just have to ride them out. Realistically, firing Maurice isn’t going to happen because of the length of his contract and since Laviolette is still on teh pay roll. For those of you that have called for Rutherford to resign, retire, or be fired, that makes little sense. We all supported his signings this summer and have given him high praise in years past, this year we have reached an all time low. As a Carolina fan in Hartford, I have experienced the decade long playoff droughts and although we’re awful right now , we have a good foundation of players on the NHL roster and prospects with the ability to right this ship next year. We need to hold true to our faith in the team and management as the rest of the season unfolds.
Switch maurice and daniels…
And how come there wasn’t an “all of the above” option?
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 29, 2009 4:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Btw good idea
All above is my personal opinion.
Thanks,
Andy_S
by Andy_S on Nov 29, 2009 4:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I mentioned switching Mo and Daniels in another thread. I think it’s a great idea, as long as Francis gets kicked upstairs, too. This team needs a different voice to lead them.
Yes you did
and +1 about francis being moved upstairs too.
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 29, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
I’m an excellent shot and good with explosives…
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
We were talking about switching up the coaching staff…
but if you wanted to take Mo out back… I guess we don’t want him near the rats, do we…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 30, 2009 12:36 AM EST up reply actions
I like this idea!
Is daniels already under Canes’ pay or is he payed by the Rats? If he is payed by us that sounds like a perfect answer!
Staal
Staal has played awful all year. While he has obviously proven his worth in seasons past as being a top NHL talent, this whole year he has been a ghost. When we put him on the point of the powerplay he missed the net with every single slapshot he fired by a good 2-3 feet, he is having difficulty driving through other players like he used to to create space, and he is getting frustrated which is making him worse.
It seems to me like every-time he overworks himself and tries to make a big play he will get the shot off and if it doesn’t go in (which has been a lot this year) he just gives up on the play. If the puck stays in the zone he wont jump back into position to get another shot off (I’ve seen a couple pucks fly right by him and he just wasn’t ready) or if the puck starts going the other way he will leisurely skate back up the ice to defense.
Don’t get me wrong I’m a huge Staal fan… It just seems to me like he doesn’t have the hunger or that extra spurt of energy to score this season that he has shown his whole career. If he is injured and has been this whole year, say it and sit him down… He isn’t helping much as is anyway. It just kills me to watch him try so hard to no avail every night. Our “top” line of Staal/Cole/Samsonov really has seemed to me to be more of a diversion to free up the real top line of Cullen/Jokinen/Ruutu (Whom I’m very impressed with) to play against lesser skilled players.
Staal is clearly one of our best players, but you’re right, he hasn’t been himself this year. Whether it’s the new baby or the new contract, I’ve noticed him giving up on plays a lot more. He’s got talent and instinct and size, now he just needs to get the fire back in him like the goal against New Jersey at the end of game 7. Where’s that incandescence that he showed flying down the wing and blasting a shot past Brodeur?
Ok, IMHO very first step is to put underperformers on waivers. This way maybe it can free hands a little and also will show to other players that change is coming.
Second-get rid of Mo, no questions here I believe. Lavi (if it is possible has a cup here and may do better) otherwise Ron or Tom will be better than Mo anyway.
3rd I would offer a team itself a decision of Brindy’s C.
No trades needed at this time as good players are not available. Unless someone will come directly from abroad if it is allowed. This would be the best fresh blood possible, the NHL experience is valuable but can be somewhat compensated by talent and other country major league experience. If scouts can look in russia, Sweden, Finland , check?
And main one – PK has to limit JR monopoly. If he is an owner he has to delegate gm-functions to someone else as I posted before.
This is to start from…
IMHO…
All above is my personal opinion.
Thanks,
Andy_S
by Andy_S on Nov 29, 2009 4:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions
ok lemme get this straight. the canes are still paying peter laviolette (a man who led the canes to the cup) yet they continue to let paul maurice do the coaching (a man who ALMOST led the canes to the cup). does anyone else see a freakin’ OBVIOUS solution to this????
It has to be an option for sure
All above is my personal opinion.
Thanks,
Andy_S
by Andy_S on Nov 29, 2009 5:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Here, here!
I think this is the screaming, obvious choice. And I don’t see why it would NOT work. Nothing now is!
This is a business
Firing Lavi last year with his record but supporting Maurice this year, letting Babs / Seids go but bringing back Ward for more money, bringing back Cole, all support the notion that JR is running the team like a friend and not like a manager.
If I was PK I would make it very clear that JR needs to start acting like a manager and treating the Canes like the business that they are.
F-N-A +9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 to the 9th!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I fully agree. The worst thing we did I think was let go of Dennis and pick Aaron Ward back up. A. Ward is about like Brind’amour at this point in his career. A winding down veteran who we didn’t need to get for that much money. I have lots of love for what A. Ward did for us in the past, and he’s a nice guy – but he was a bad pickup. :(
Letting Dennis and Babchuck go was a mistake. Both were relatively young, both could look forward to continued improvement for several more years. Ward is obviously on the decline.
by CanesFanFromLI on Nov 29, 2009 7:11 PM EST up reply actions
Canes need a new captain. If they want to stick with a Veteran...
I say make Ray Whitney the captain of the team. Not only has he been one of the few people wearing the A this year to still bring some of his A game, but he’s vocal from what I’ve heard in the locker room. I think Ray would make the perfect captain. Maybe put Rod down to an Assistant captain. But Rod certainly has not shown he’s earned that C this year. :(
I hope he ponders retirement next season. Contract or not, he’s just not playing of the caliber he should be nor what he was in years past.
Ray Whitney for he “C”… we as fans should start the campaign, and maybe that would keep him in a ’Canes sweater fr the reaminder of the year!! I vote for Whitney.. anyone else?
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Nov 29, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
His career and attitude warrant the “C”, but unfortunately his age and contract status mean that he’s prime trade bait. You don’t give the “C” to someone who’s gone by February.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think anybody right now would make a difference. Personally who cares who wears the 'C' thats not going to change anything. If I was a player I would play the same no matter who was captian.
Maybe they don’t even need a ‘C’ right now.
A TRUE CANIAC......YES I AM........
The year they traded Ron Francis to Toronto they finished the season w/ no C and 3 A’s…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 30, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah...
I love you Brindy, but we need a new captain. And while it seems like that wouldn’t make any difference one way or the other, it’s a psychological thing. When there’s someone with the “C” they should be the go-to guy — they “represent” management, in a way, and should be a conduit for concerns and inspiration both.
I tried to be not-so-subtle about the Brindy banner in the background of my FanPost pic. ;)
by Raccoon Fink on Nov 29, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
I spent entirely too long on it, but I’m happy with the way it turned out.
At one point I thought about trying to skin all the monsters with different team jerseys too, but I think it’d take way too long. :)
by Raccoon Fink on Nov 29, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
The mention of Tripp Tracy was my idea. :0)
I really like how well the StormSquad chick turned out.
Raccoon Fink, great job with the photo-smithing!
You came up with a number of the ideas, but adding Tripp as the screenwriter did, in fact, make me LOL. =)
by Raccoon Fink on Nov 29, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely. I took a moment to zoom in. The pair battling on the ledge on the right side – would that be Walker and AWard? with Cullen stranded in the quicksand?
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 29, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
top shelf – well done! (and I hope you make it a fanshot so more readers will see it)
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 29, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
whoa – check that. You already did. Thanks for sharing your talent to help us through these “dark times”.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by hockeymomof2 on Nov 29, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
“35 mins. of NHL hockey”. Funniest thing I’ve ever seen on here. And so nicely done.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
looks like we got 3 total vote for Whitney!! come on people.. keep’em coming!!!
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Nov 29, 2009 5:44 PM EST reply actions
The “c” should go to who ever has stepped up every time they are the ice this year, thats the kind of player I want leading my team… Ruuts!
Ah Ruuts, my favorite subject ;-)
You know, for all the talk about players that land big contracts in the and then not playing up to their potential the next season, no one ever says that about our Ruuty do they? Here’s a guy who got rewarded with a HUGE contract (a contract of consequence) and hasn’t let up at all; in fact he’s played up to it. And I think we affirmed what we already knew about his character as we’ve watched how he handled his suspension. And he’s a game-changer on the ice. That being said, I see him being a great teammate but I don’t quite see him being the leader among others like I see (now) Ray Whitney or (now/near future) Tim Gleason. But I’d love to see an ‘A’ on his chest and I think he’s earning it.
(and he did wear the ‘A’ for a brief time in Chicago).
SISU
I don’t get the impression that he wants it… He just wants to play. And give everything he has to every shift he gets…
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 30, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
Thank you, I am tired of people saying “well everyone is struggling, noone is playing up to expectations”. This is a cop out and completely wrong. Ruutu, Jokinen, Sutter, even Kostopolus for the role we pay him for have played above and beyond the expectations I had for them. Saying players are sucking just because the whole team is sucking is a bad excuse.
You are GM for a day
There are no salary cap issues or NTCs.
Who do you keep? Traded players can be replaced by draft picks.
My picks:
Forwards:
Staal, Cullen, Sutter, Yelle. Ruutu, Whitney, Boychuk, Dwyer, Samson, TKO, and two draft picks.
Defense:
Pits, Gleason, Rodney, McBain, and two draft picks.
Goalies:
CWard and Legace.
Coaches:
Jeff Daniels, Rowe, McCarthy, and Barasso.
Yes.
Juicy is awesome. Don’t lose him.
Dallas Stars 4 Life: Stars Blogging From Hockeyville, Iowa
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Nov 30, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
I really…. really think that Jeff Daniels should be behind the bench….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions
I do not mean as a head coach…. but as an assistant…. he could help w/ the special teams…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions
Staal -Superstar?
It used to be that when Staal was on the ice you knew it !When Crosby and Ovie are on the ice you know it and they consistently lead the league in goals. Currently when Staal hits the ice he’s just another player. Right now I notice Ruuuuu and Sutter as soon as they hit the ice. Did Staal get depressed seeing all the production and press Sutter got while he was out and is just going thru the motions now? The Staal we used to know would take it as a challenge to get the limelight back. Since Staal’s return and Sutter’s line demotion not much has come out of either of them. Let’s try them together and make a real top line!!!!
Staal can go back on IR…. that is probably the best place for him……
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions
There was a lot of talk here about Staal and Sutter together.
No disrespect intended to the Staff, but I don’t think they have enough imagination, or whatever, to try it. It would mean breaking up the Cullen-Ruutu-JJ line to get a decent third center.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions
This isn't Maurice's fault.
He can’t help it that he has some key players injured and things are just unlucky.
What’s happening to Carolina is what happened to Dallas last year, only worse. You get a good team that’s just lost it, and it’s not necessarily anyone’s fault.
I say go for the high draft pick because this season is probably not going anywhere, so why waste this golden oppurtunity to get a great young player?
Dallas Stars 4 Life: Stars Blogging From Hockeyville, Iowa
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Nov 29, 2009 7:56 PM EST reply actions
Dallas Stars
I agree with the “it’s not any One’s fault.” It’s a bunch of people’s fault here.
What did Dallas do last year ? Fire the coach ? Try new players ? I seem to remember them scapegoating S.Avery and dumping him. Best move they ever made btw.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately not being a Canes fan you probably don’t remember the last time Maurice was our coach with an almost completely different set of guys and the exact same thing happened the year he got fired. Noone had any spark or tenacity, Maurice had absolutely no fixes, and our power-play was just as bad (20 passes then shoot Maurice PP system). Our team this year is a splitting image of that horrible year we had to fire him.
I wonder how long before our fanbase starts getting ripped on because we want to trade Staal and fire JR and we wonder why we get no respect.
Nobody hates the Leafs, Canadiens, Bruins, and Rangers more than Leafs, Canadiens, Bruins, and Rangers fans. By booing our team every time they step onto the ice, calling for the trade of our franchise player and the firing of our GM, we are joining in on hockey’s oldest and most venerated traditions. No more pollyanna Canes fans giving standing ovations and supporting or team no matter what. We have to show the rest of the league that we hate our team as much as fans of the Original Six hate theirs! ;)
by nomadologist on Nov 29, 2009 8:29 PM EST up reply actions
I have just gotten to the point to where I don’t care anymore. Anything we do will not matter for this season. That is why changing coaches is not a good idea. Why change a coach in the middle of a bad season like this? To get the team in shape and playing better? For what? We need to play for that 1st rounder, not some stupid pride or anything like that. And trading for players needs to net us some prospects, not some other vets or 30 something guys to play on the team.
There is really no need for changes right now, because there is nothing to play for. There will be no playoffs this year, that is a given. I believe that we should wait until later in the season to start wheeling and dealing. Perhaps we can waive a couple of guys (cough….. Aaron Ward…..cough) in the hopes that they land somewhere else. However, right now, I think we just need to roll with the punches and look forward to a better season next year, with an infusion of youth into the oldest team in the NHL today.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
we do still have two things to play for
1) Fun
2) Pride
We don’t have to win games, but we should damned well have fun losing. Any other way just plain sucks.
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 29, 2009 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
Fun = Cole Laughing at Pitkanen
At Friday night’s game Pitkanen was let out of the penalty box with :01 left on the clock. They were getting ready to do a face off and everyone just kinds of looks around confused. The camera focuses on Cole who is laughing at the oops the penalty box operator made…
One of the funnier moments I’ve had in a while. So yeah, you’re right we can play for fun. And the truth is I haven’t seen Cole smile as much as he had the past couple of games (at least during the first two period).
Ok, I get that. I just don’t see the need for anything drastic or major at all right now. There isn’t any need for it. We don’t have any goals (no pun) to play for anymore this season. I have fun laughing at the ridiculous things this team does, so that helps.
There just isn’t any need for a coach switch or major trade right now. We don’t need a spark for anything now.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
we need a spark for the fans. We (us fans) need to see our team play with heart (see Ruutu)
by Andrea's evil twin on Nov 30, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions
I say Eric Staal needs to take a 5 million dollar pay cut and he doesnt get it back until he earns it. If he takes a pay cut then we’ll have a little more room under the salary cap. This is what always happens and why we aren’t a year-after-year contender. Whenever we make the playoffs and go deep, we get excited and sign pretty much everyone from that team to long term contracts for big money. We got to stop doing that.
by Caniacinthestand on Nov 29, 2009 9:20 PM EST reply actions
DANGIT!!!!!!
Well….I’m out of ideas.
by Caniacinthestand on Nov 29, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
sell the RBC center and play in the Dorton Arena on the fairgrounds?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
The RBC Center AKA Really Bad Canes Center is awesome except for the high prices. I think we should look to get the #1 draft pick the next five years.
by Caniacinthestand on Nov 29, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
my 2 cents
this organization needs a new chief, and if that new chief has a vision of a team that he thinks would not respond under Maurice then at least we are seeing the overhaul this club needs from top to bottom. The Canes have a very smart guy named Barrasso who I predict will be successful as a head coach or maybe a GM one day. We also have Ronnie Francis, who was a very smart hockey player and class guy. I am not sure ultimately how much input he gets, so I couldn’t say if he’s part of the problem or not. Between Francis and Barrasso I’m sure one of them has the head to be GM if Karmanos doesn’t want to go outside the club.
The huge mess this team is in doesn’t get created by a coach or a few players. It gets created by the front office. We have a team that yes, has shown the ability to come together and do great things, but also shows that half the time they grossly underachieve. We have had the same core team for a few years. We have cap issues. Think someone overspent and made some pretty bad decisions?? I have always respected Karmanos budget minded approach to the team. We are a smaller market and I want this team around for a long time. It has to bother him that he is in a position that he has tried to avoid with the team-fiscal irresponsibility- and has the worst record in the NHL to show for it. A little fish is successful in a big pond by being forward thinking and creative. Rutherford has shown that a couple of times, but not enough and this summer he really showed he is not capable of reacting to the teams success in a manner that would build on the great playoff run. There are good players on this team that should stay. There are good coaches that should stay. But this baby needs to get a fresh look from the top down.
What this teams needs is a FRICKIN SHRINK in the locker room… Some would say Kevorkian but Dr. Phil might help…..
LOL…. I wonder if Dr. Drew needs a new reality television idea…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 29, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
BAD PUN OF THE NIGHT
What we need is a strong FINNISH. Maybe we can figure out a way to make the rest of our team honorary Finns?
Change the direction of this team.. 3 years ago Dallas stripped Modano of the “c” and gave it to Morrow. Reflecting the new direction of the team…
<a "NHL captains weathering a “c” change">http://www.canada.com/sports/Captains+weathering+change/2058711/story.html
The future of the Canes is the youngsters, Sutter ,Staal( pains me to say it), etc.. the time for change is now, strip the “c” and see who steps up. Habs and Maple Leafs both started the season with no “c” on any jersey.
But they did it before the season started. Big difference.
It needs to be done. But from an organization standpoint it has to be presented as Rod’s idea.
It’s about class and respect, not winning in November. Rod didn’t shoot somebody, he got injured and he got old.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 29, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly.
This isn’t a bad person we’re talking about. We’re talking about a loyal, hard-working Cane who is aging out and is probably affected greatly by injury. Stripping the “C” is something you do if he embarrasses the organization OFF the ice. That’s not ever going to happen with Rod.
Love, love, love the 'Canes!
IMO, Its a change that doesn’t need money just heart, and alot feel thats what this team is lacking.. The “c” goes beyond the person.. The Canes’ need to be shaken from the base on up, JR will not be fired and neither will Mo, and a trade to shake things up just does not make sense. Plus if he is loyal and hard-working, the “c” should not make a diff. in how he plays or leads.. and since he IS so respected and has done so much, Rod goes beyond the “c” to this organization.. IMO
Hurricanes need to get rid of one or two veterans and larose and bring in some younger guys..rodney plays good defense and sutter is playing well….we need to trade soon
getting rid of larose and his current contract will be hard. I think the only vets that have value that can be moved would be cullen, whitney, corvo, and ward. but yea..no team neads a 1.5 then 1.9 million dollar small grinder who isn’t contributing. and then of course nobody would even think to sniff cole or his mess of a contract. But I think at a time like this, moving what value is there for some picks wouldn’t be a bad thing
Lines for tonight
We need a pregame thread. The lines for tonight are out via a Canes org Twitter alert pointing to their depth chart page.
However, this “depth chart” has recently morphed into a way for the org to flash lines, as implied in their tweet.
I like these combos, but will withhold further comment for the pregame thread.
Poor Kostopolous.
Just can’t seem to break out of the 4th line.
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 30, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Just A Question
What other teams have gone through this same thing before and recovered? Like had a GOD AWFUL season only to figure out the kinks and had by the next season or 2 seasons off a lot of success?
some have mentioned the Islanders…what others have been through a cringe-inducing season to come out at the end of the rainbow with some pot of something other than sh*t to win? the hurricanes are hardly the only team to have gone through this hell.
Rewind a few years and the Canes had a season that ended up pretty horribly. A lot of the players on that team went on to win the Cup a not long after.
by Iggy Reilly on Nov 30, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
‘02-’03 was a season much like this one, except more injuries and bad luck. Finished dead last, lost the lottery, so picked second. Took Eric Staal.
‘03-’04 just about as bad. Traded up to pick fourth (dramatic, since we were hosting that draft within the RBC Center) and selected Andrew Ladd, who is now with us in the form of Tuomo Ruutu.
Lockout season we picked third in the weighted lottery first round and selected Jack Johnson when he unexpectedly was still on the board. Jack is with us in the form of Tim Gleason and name-your-favorite-$2.7M-player-of-choice (Tverdovsky thrown in on the deal).
All three embodiments of those bad years now form the core of this team, with Cam Ward selected 24th in 2002 added to that group.
as has already been posted about, the Caps area a sterling example. Pens were a POS team right before the lockout and now have been to two SCF and hoisted the hardware on of those times. Though both teams were longer suffering than just a single season.
by wylde4canes on Nov 30, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
If it’s any consolation, when we were building toward the ‘05-’06 Cup year, we had NOTHING brewing in the minors whatsoever. Those draft picks were practically conscripted into the NHL right away, without the luxury of development, until the lockout year came along and showed us what a year in the AHL could do for teenage bodies and minds. We even shared a minor team with another NHL team, our cupboard was so bare.
This rebuild, on the other hand, begins with a fully-stocked pantry, not only at the Rats level, but with at least one still in college. My guess is that we’re back in the running much quicker after this year than after the crash from the 2002 Cup run year.
from N&O
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/monday-debate-the-blame-game#comments
a lot of good thoughts…
All above is my personal opinion.
Thanks,
Andy_S
Nice talent, but Whitney’s $3.5M escalating to $5.5M salary over the next three years and Mueller’s RFA status this summer does not make fiscal sense for a team that’s going to miss the playoffs and is really looking to open up cap space and roster spots for this year.
Good trade choices, in that someone probably wants Cullen/Corvo, but the return is more likely picks and prospects for these UFA’s, with the player filling the slot coming up from the Rats at an affordable entry-level contract rate.
Manny must be in the hospital w/ a coma…. because Leighton is playing tonight….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Nov 30, 2009 12:57 PM EST reply actions
LOL. Maybe they don’t want Manny to get mentally/physically destroyed tonight.
Carolina Hurricanes...2011 Stanley Cup Champions
by drifterscape on Nov 30, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
Actually – I was really glad for Leighton to get this. Quite unexpected from Mo. Maybe Manny wants out of this looney-bin of a team.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
JR made a bad guess about the direction the NHL would take
with their penalty calling. During the playoffs a looser game was called throughout, seemingly signaling a return to the viability of clutch and grab hockey. Instead the NHL officials seem to have made a concerted effort to push the game in the other direction with many more obstruction calls, odd roughing penalties, and penalizing teammates for sticking up for each other. What looked like a change of direction was merely a backing off before hitting the gas pedal towards the new NHL. Our new head coach and our personnel decisions were all based on this inaccurate reading of the NHL’s direction. At least they didn’t put us on the hook for years to come.
The time to panic was five or ten games in, it no longer matters. With the timing of our key injuries all we can hope is that the amount of practice that C Ward will get stopping shots will serve us well in the years to come.
What I would like to see now is Mo finding out how to become an offensive coach. I would much rather see us going down 8-9 verse 2-1 or 1-0. At this point it can do no harm. I would like to see the players come out of this healthy, even if I don’t want many to return. I would like a fifty/fifty chance to see a home game win when I can make it up there. I would like to see a team that is having fun on the ice and trying hard. I would like to not see E. Staal pouting after not scoring. I want to see E. Cole continue to throw the body around. I want to see our Finns continue to play well. I want to see Brind’amour finish out the year playing well. (He has done fine when the play is exclusively in one zone) And I want Fox sports to stop preempting Canes games for meaningless west coast football games.
interesting to me....
lavi’s record was MUCH better to be fired for our abysmal record now. has it not occurred to ANYONE in management that the reason we made the playoffs (which has been noted ad nauseum) is because mo (or someone) was using lavi’s offense strategy still WITH mo’s infused and successfuly defensive strategy. duh! but now mo completely only uses his NO offense strategy and ALL defense strategy which has buried us. absolutely buried us. can’t they find lavi’s old notes or watch footage of how he coached and combine the two again or since he’s still being paid call him up and say “hey, s’up? how the hell did you create offense before we fired you for a pretty decent record you were achieving?”. this hasn’t occurred to anyone on the canes board? noone? a 2 year old could figure this out. everyone has to be bitching about our lack of power plays or the instability of them. mo has got to become a more varied insightful coach who can pinpoint problems. schizophrenic line changes and constantly taking people in and out of the game hasn’t worked and will never work. and why we didn’t get youth, speed and more russians/finns is absolutely beyond me. i mean we all know americans are lazy. we just are. except for a few yankees on the ice that try, we look like bums.
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- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
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