Jiri Tlusty Looking for Fresh Start: Hurricanes at Capitals, Game Day Preview
by Bob Wage on Dec 11, 2009 1:33 PM EST
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Print(Washington, D.C.) The Carolina Hurricanes are in Washington to do battle with the Southeast Division and Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals tonight at the Verizon Center. Things have not gotten any brighter for the Hurricanes since their Wednesday night loss to the Devils as they placed two more players on the injured reserve this morning.
Erik Cole and Chad LaRose will not be dressed for tonight's contest.
Cole's injury is reported as an "upper body." When pressed for details, Coach Paul Maurice stated that it was a lingering injury that Cole had been fighting for awhile, even though he had played very well lately. "They just feel it's time to rest him and want to give him a chance to heal."
LaRose's injury is a lower body concern that he has been fighting for some time. Maurice said that the forward had been trying to play through it "heroically".
The coach went on, "While our injury list has been long this year, the list of guys playing through injuries is even longer."
They join Joe Corvo, who is on long term injured reserve and Niclas Wallin, who is also banged up. Sergei Samsonov skated today, but was not apart of any of the forward lines in practice and does not appear to be in tonight's lineup.
The team recalled Jiri Tlusty and Patrick Dwyer from Albany to fill in. Tlusty had just been acquired in a trade which sent first round draft choice, Philippe Paradis to Toronto.
The newcomer sounded excited about his opportunity with the Canes and is looking forward to scoring goals for his new team. I asked him about his game and what fans could expect to see.
"I'm always trying to score some goals," Tlusty said. "I try to leave everything I've got out on the ice. And that is what I try to bring every single night. I will look to help on the offense, in any way I can and hopefully we can win some more games here, and start out from there."
Tlusty will be skating with the Brandon Sutter line. Paul Maurice feels the two should do well together and wanted to match up their quickness. For now, Tom Kostopoulos will be joining them.
Patrick Dwyer will start out skating with Eric Staal and Ray Whitney. But Maurice said he would be moving Dwyer around.
The lines at this morning's skate were as follows:
- Staal, Whitney, Dwyer
- Cullen, Jokinen, Ruutu
- Sutter, Tlusty, Kostopoulos
- Yelle, Brind'Amour, Walker
Gleason, Pitkanen, Alberts, Ward, Harrison, and Carson will be on the blueline.
Cam Ward will start in net and will be facing Jose Theodore for the Caps.
Any good news for Hurricanes fans? Ward has had success against Washington in the past and is 12-5-2 lifetime with three shutouts against this team. He looked a bit rusty in his first game back against the Devils two nights ago, will he be back to normal tonight?
The Capitals were just shut out by Ryan Miller in Buffalo on Wednesday night, so they will be in a testy mood. Of course, they were not happy about Alex Ovechkin's two game suspension because of a knee-on-knee collision with Tim Gleason about two weeks ago, so Ovechkin might come out with some extra fire for this game, not that he needs it.
Alexander Semin has returned to the lineup after missing a few games, including the contest in Raleigh on November 30th which the Canes lost 3-2. Mike Knuble has also been out but will return tonight as will Matt Bradley.
The Hurricanes are trying to improve upon their league worst 1-11-3 road record, but will be hard pressed tonight. Will a healthy Cam Ward make a difference? Will Eric Staal light the lamp for the first time since his return from injury? Will newcomer Jiri Tlusty make a difference in his Carolina debut?
The puck drops at 7 tonight and the game will be telecast locally by FS Carolinas. I will be reporting from the Verizon Center and will crank up the Open Game Thread at 6:30.
If you would like more information about the Caps, check out Japers' Rink for the latest.
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I'm always trying to score some goals
How cool is it that Bob was the first from the Canes media corps to get a face-to-face interview with Tlusty ? How’s his English?
He sounds like he’s ready to show what he can do. Interesting that he was chosen over Boychuk to go on Sutter’s wing. Did Jeff Daniels’ make that decision? Based on only one game and a couple practices. Let’s hope he brings it. What an opportunity in only 8 days from Toronto’s AHL roster.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions
I think the organization feels that Boychuk benefits more from playing big minutes in Albany.
Seems like I read that he is having a tough adjustment to the more physical game in the AHL. He’s looked good when I have had chance to watch the Rats play, but he has yet to be the best player on the ice for us.
Speaking of that, when will Staal have one of those nights where he is the best player on the ice? To me that’s what we have yet to see out of him this season. Rutuu has done this several times this year, time for Eric to play angry.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
by SouthernHockeyFan on Dec 11, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
Why do you think he has yet to find his stride in the A? Is it any one thing evident in his game? I know a lot of us are counting on him being that wicked sniper the team has been missing.
Here are his game-by-game stats.
While his numbers have dropped since Sutter came up (around Nov 1st?), they’re not bad.
I have heard people repeat in the CC comments that Forslund said Boychuk was struggling in the AHL. I actually never heard the original statement by Forslund (that has then been reiterated a dozen times here) and further, I haven’t seen it anywhere from anyone , except the second-hand comments…
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks. I still wonder what is missing from his game. Is he just not used to having the time to get his shot off, or is the physical part of the game. God knows from what I have seen in his nhl call ups it aint about his speed.
Someone said something about his defensive zone coverage. Not sure how true this is, or even who said it though.
He was -6 in November, but is +4 so far in December.
The Rats went 6-5-2 in Oct, they were 6-7-0 in Nov, and they’re 3-0-0 so far in Dec…
I also was clicking around those game sheets and it appears Boychuk was rarely on the same line as Sutter. He had a 3 point game early where Sutter was part of 2 of the goals. But then he seems to be playing with Samson and Chaput. Or Samson and Bowman.
All in all, I think it’s a little early to judge what he’s going to be by this time next year.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’d be more inclined to go with what Swenksta said originally about him having a hard time adjusting to the physicality and size of the AHL than with him not being defensively sound (he looked fine in that aspect when in Raleigh). He went from playing against boys to playing against men and that’s a tough adjustment to make, especially considering his size limitations. However, stick him with someone with some size (like Cole) and I think he’ll be fine.
Boychuk
My take from watching the games on AHLLive is that Boychuk is doing great. He is working on his timing on defense — when to use his speed to gamble for stealing a puck, when to use his body, and how to protect against his man shooting the gaps. He is not at all a bad defender in terms of being indifferent to defense. I think he did fine on defense when with the Hurricanes; but clearly could use some more strength on his skates. I saw much the same thing when LaRose first was killing penalties for the Hurricanes. I think they know what Boychuk can do and they are giving him development time in Albany. I predict he will be given more time with Carolina this season.
Good points.
I have only watched parts of three or four games. Boychuk’s release is sneaky fast and is really quick on his feet. From the stats listed by HM2 it seems that he is getting stronger as the season progresses.
I think back to where Sutter was last year at this time and to where his skating is this year, I think we can expect the same from Boychuk. The things Boychuk lacks can be learned or earned.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
by SouthernHockeyFan on Dec 11, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions
Power Skating and Sutter
I think Sutter ought to take virtually all the Albany Rats and have them duplicate his workouts after last season. Sutter mentioned he worked on power skating and it made an enormous difference for Sutter.
It was obvious the moment Sutter hit the ice this year that his acceleration and power on the skates had reached an entirely new level. I know if I were on the Hurricanes team, I would shadow Sutter in the off-season. He’d think he had just found his twin brother.
I agree that it is night and day on his skating ability. He was always good, but now he’s practically my favorite player to watch skate. Always balanced on his feet and able to change vectors quickly.
Have never understood why millionaire athletes don’t invest in their own “business” by enhancing physical, mental, and verbal skills as a continuing education effort, if nothing else.
Excited to see Tlusty and Sutter together, but if Mo thinks they’ll be good together, I dunno…
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 11, 2009 1:44 PM EST reply actions
“I’m always trying to score some goals,” Tlusty said. “I try to leave everything I’ve got out on the ice. And that is what I try to bring every single night. I will look to help on the offense, in any way I can and hopefully we can win some more games here, and start out from there.”
Sounds like the kind of guy who likes to let it all hang out.
SISU
I guess I’ll have to wait to get my first look at Tlusty (beyond the er…obvious)-Clemson once again did not check the Canes’ schedule prior to setting exam times. I wonder if he’ll stay on Sutter’s line or work up to Staal’s with Dwyer working his way down.
I dont think i want to see Tlusty work his way up anything! Zing! Am I right?! Am I right?!
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 11, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
So much for that fresh start Bob promised him!
I guess there’s no avoiding those jokes no matter how many times you re-write. :shakes head: It was funny though. LOL
As much as I poke make fun of the guy, I’m excited to see what Tlusty can do on the ice.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 11, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Same here. It’ll be nice if he comes right in and makes an impact, but I’m prepared to give him a few games before making a call.
as long as he doesn’t come out and play like A Ward
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
From what I understand...
….we don’t have to worry about that kind of impotent and limp play from him.
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 Dec 11, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Hockeymom says
I feel like I’m in a Bantam locker room with these lame comments. What – are you all revisiting 9th grade?
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
Jinx
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 Dec 11, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone here who is male really never left, we just learned how to hide it better.
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 Dec 11, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
You would almost have to TRY to suck that bad….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 11, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
OMG this just hit me as I was setting the DVR… we are going to have a field day with Tripp’s commentary tonight.
SISU
I’m glad to have Tlusty in the line-up. Hope he has a great night! Let’s Go ’CANES!!
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Dec 11, 2009 4:10 PM EST reply actions
I hope they all have great nights….. we need a good game!
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 11, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions
Another interview with Tlusty here
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=876745&category=RIVERRATS&TextPage=1
(having problems with the link process – sorry)
The most interesting statements:
“I was trying to get traded in the summer, and they said no,” Tlusty said, “so I didn’t expect they were going to trade me in the season. I was surprised, but it’s a fresh start…..When I came here I couldn’t speak English. It was hard. I left my family for the first time. I was 18 years old. Everything was hard. Now I’ve been here, this is my fourth year, I’ve learned English and the North American lifestyle.”
The transition isn’t over for Tlusty, who must fly to Toronto after Sunday’s game in Hartford to finish his visa paperwork.
“It’s just different to leave Toronto,” Tlusty said. “I lived there for three years. I had friends there. Now you have to make new friends. It’s always nice to meet new people.”
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 5:46 PM EST reply actions
Need in on the joke...
Whats up with all the innuendo? And why do the Leafs fans call Jiri "NSFW’?
I must have missed something this week….
by packpigskinfan25 on Dec 11, 2009 6:08 PM EST reply actions
In case you're not kidding....
Do a Google Image search for “jiri tlusty”. And, warning, the results are NSFW. Really. Now you know. Just promise me you won’t dwell on it, okay?
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
Ha – once again CC is the one-stop shop for all your Hurricanes information needs.
I really can’t wait till an LTD photo posted on Canes Country pushes the XXX images to page 2 of the search results. Reading his comments above, the poor guy just had no idea how the internet works in the US and Canada. He sounds very naive. I really do feel bad for him.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions
Me too. I’ll try to load up on replacement photos starting Wednesday night.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Dec 11, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
ok....
so I did the search and read the captions… I will leave it at that. Not my cup of tea. hahaha
by packpigskinfan25 on Dec 11, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Make sure you have Safe Search " Off "
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 Dec 11, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
An image google on Jiri Tlusty will probably be the quickest way for you to get the answer to your question.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Dec 11, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
Just heard Forslund on 99.9, Cole’s injury is apparently neck-related based on Forslund’s comments that it’s “in the area where he sustained his most serious injury”. He was sent back to Raleigh after the NJ game and had MRIs done here and was hoping to be in the lineup this weekend but based on the results of the MRI he needs to sit out.
SISU
That is concerning. I know a lot of people like to hate on Cole, but neck problems for him aren’t encouraging.
Oh NO!
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
I know. Hopefully the news that he was hoping to get back into the lineup means he’s not in too much pain. But still…
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Dec 11, 2009 6:19 PM EST up reply actions
As long as Casey Borer’s recovery has taken, I just hate this broken vertabra thing combined with hockey. Awful mix.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 11, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been told by a number of different people who ought to know that Cole continues to have pain with his neck. I am not surprised at all given the nature of compression fractures. I thought Cole was playing his best hockey in years these last games. I suspect he was having pain and they decided to rest him.
My Cane's
Tlusty and sutter will be great together in the long run. This team is gonna get better, it is already starting to show.5 points out of a possible 8 on this read trip so far, a lot better than the first 4 games of the season.
robert
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