Team Carolina Falls Again: Senators 4, Hurricanes 2
by Bob Wage on Dec 13, 2009 12:09 AM EST
129 comments
The Ottawa Senators, (16-11-4) defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, (7-19-6) on Saturday night by a score of 4-2 as Alex Kovalev netted a hat trick for the home team. Ray Whitney scored two goals for Carolina in a losing effort as his team fell deeper into last place with the loss.
The Senators doubled up Carolina's shots on goal in each of the first two periods, (10-5, 16-8) but the Canes held on, tied the score 2-2, and were in a good position to at least earn a point for the second night in a row before a key penalty was called with three minutes and change left in the game.
Ottawa took advantage of the penalty by scoring a goal off of a Carolina defenseman's skate, then put in an empty netter to seal the win.
The Hurricanes came very close once again, only to find a way to lose at the end of the game.
Kovalev started off the scoring in the first period as he beat defenseman Andrew Alberts to the net and tipped in a pass from Nick Foligno.
Ray Whitney would tie the score early in the second on a powerplay blast from the point. The Canes were on an extended, four minute man advantage which carried over from late in the first period when a Mike Fisher high stick to Tom Kostopoulos drew blood.
Later in the second, Jason Spezza put the Sens back ahead with a powerplay goal of his own on a shot from the side, slightly behind the net. That might have been one of the only questionable plays goalie Manny Legace made all night, but the bad angle cost him.
But with less than three minutes in the period, Ray Whitney would score again with a perfectly placed floater which somehow beat Sens' goalie Brian Elliott.
With the score tied 2-2 throughout the third period, the teams battled evenly before Joni Pitkanen was called for holding as he used his free hand on a Senator behind the Carolina net. Kovalev scored his second goal during the ensuing powerplay when his shot bounced off Jay Harrison's skate, making the score 3-2.
Then Kovalev completed his hat trick with an empty netter with just 29 clicks left.
The loss gives the Canes just three points on this four game road trip, certainly a disappointment after starting off with a win in Pittsburgh. They remain the last place team in the league and also happen to have the league's worst road record.
Next up is a home game against Dallas on Wednesday night.
Game Notes:
- It's easy to blame Joni Pitkanen for the penalty at the end of the game which ended up resulting in the go-ahead goal, but the defenseman had been on the ice for over thirty minutes at the time. He finished the game with 31:11 of ice time. When you compare those minutes with the league leader in that category, Dan Boyle at 27:06, those are quite frankly, too many minutes for anyone to be on the ice. Couple that with the 29:52 he played the previous night in Washington, and him taking the penalty is more understandable. When the body is fatigued, not only is there going to be a physical letdown, but a player will make mental mistakes as well. Maurice has got to figure out how to keep the big defenseman's time under 30 minutes, especially in the last game of a back-to-back or you have to expect the mistakes.
- After the game, Ray Whitney was quick to blame the refs. He thought it was a marginal call at that point in the game and the refs should have let play go on. The replay did show use of the free hand which is a penalty, but NHL referees certainly pick and choose what they want to call and when they call it. It was a lightly called game as the Canes ended up with three penalties and the Sens had two.
- The Hurricanes need to generate more shots on goal or scoring chances. This is the second game in a row where their opponent has dominated in the Carolina zone for much of the game. You usually can not win if you are getting doubled up on shots and scoring chances most of the game.
- The team finished with 25 shots on goal as Ray Whitney led the way with five. Ottawa finished with 39.
- The Canes were credited with 35 hits compared to 25 for the Sens. Rod Brind`Amour might have played his most physical game of the year and led the team with six hits.
- Carolina had 10 blocked shots led by Joni Pitkanen with three.
- Manny Legace played another solid game and had 36 saves on 39 shots which will help his save percentage.
_____
In other notes, the Hurricanes sent Michael Leighton to Albany before the Ottawa game so that they can eventually put him on re-entry waivers. Teams can now claim him at half price, with the Canes picking up the rest of the tab.
The Albany Times Union has the latest with quotes from Leighton at this link.
"The plan was I was going to go on re-entry waiver. That’s what went on today, but the league refused it, so tomorrow I’m going to be on re-entry. It’s kind of wait and see. If I don’t get picked up, I go back up to Carolina, and they’ve got to figure something out from there. If I don’t clear, then I’m going somewhere else."
"I know Carolina’s got their thing sorted out. I’m not going to get many games there. I’m a free agent after this year, and I just want to find somewhere where I can play some hockey. Whether it’s in the NHL or the AHL, I’ve got to find the right fit for me. Whether I get picked up by another team or get loaned to another AHL team, it just comes down to playing hockey, and that’s all I want to do right now."
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So Close and Yet So Far Away
It was an exciting game to watch; and much of it was well-played by the Hurricanes. One cannot discount the difficulty of this particular four game road trip. Ending that four game cross-country tour with back to back games is brutal.
Brind’Amour did increase his physicality which is a positive development. He continues to struggle with the puck and is not much of a factor in terms of acting like a captain on the ice. He is surprisingly weak on the puck these days. On the other hand, by increasing his physical play, he is making the most of his diminished abilities. I would hope that if these games really meant anything, Maurice and Francis would have more sense than to give Brind’Amour ten minutes of time on ice.
The team is firmly entrenched as the 30th team in the NHL — which is frankly an amazing accomplishment for a team that was four games from the Stanley Cup. You could watch NHL hockey for decades and not see that happen again.
As far as I am concerned, the team is much closer to being a play-off team than one might think. The fact that many of the games are so close and that victory slips through the team’s fingers in ten seconds to forty seconds of mind-numbing brain freezes is heartening for next season. It is a sign of things deteriorating, however, that tonight both Forslund and Manascalco are spitting mad; and seemingly are upset with some coaching decisions.
I think both Forslund and Manascalco have lost perspective. They criticized Maurice and Francis for having Tlusty and Sutter on the first team on the power play. As far as I am concerned that decision was completely proper. There is nothing to be served this season other than to have young players endure the weight of close games. The truth is the older veterans are not winning games for the Hurricanes. The veterans are coming very close to winning games; but when the time comes for a key shot or a key defensive play, it is the veterans who cannot seal the deal.
The time will come with this team in the not to distant future where the Stanley Cup will rise or fall on the courage of a few players and their belief they can take the game into their own hands and win it. They need to know what losing feels like to understand how to win. These miserable days are useful almost exclusively for teaching the core players who will remain after the house-cleaning and the young players how incredibly different it is to win in the NHL and to let them taste the bitter fruit of defeat. It’s a difficult and painful lesson; but each season has its truth and purpose. Ironically, in some ways, it is the seasons of complete failure that teach the most.
you deserve an award for this Adog. that last paragraph is perfect. I didn’t listen to the post-game on 99.9, but you perspective is right on.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 13, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
You could watch NHL hockey for decades and not see that happen again.
Just one decade…In 01-02 the Canes made the playoffs with 91 pts and went to the finals…61 points in 02-03 and a 30-spot in the standings for the entire league. That precipitous fall landed us young master Staal in the draft.
t is the seasons of complete failure that teach the most.
.
This season HAS been a complete failure. We suck equally at all aspects of the game, including coaching. Let’s hope the experiment to rotate the Rats through allows us to stumble on some form of chemistry.
Gillimus, it ain’t like they can go any lower than 30th and since the call up rotation began and Rod got scratched, the hockey is far better to watch. The longer they keep it up, the shorter the rebuilding process, the quicker the holes are apparent, the easier the choices on the FA’s, the better and faster the kids develope.
They’ll stop anyday now…
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
If I didn't know better....that sounds positive
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Paladin6: absolutely right. 1000% correct. Ever since the Rats were called up and Brind’Amour was held down to 5 to 8 minutes a night, it’s much better and much more exciting hockey. The comparison between the truly fast, hungry, and intense Albany Rats and some of the veteran players who are more on cruise control is apparent.
As far as I am concerned, the fourth line: Brind’Amour/Yelle/Walker are far too expensive for what they bring to the table these days (as much as Walker is a warrior among warriors). It has to be the oldest fourth line in the NHL — perhaps in the history of the NHL and certainly is the most expensive fourth line in the NHL. They account for $6,000,000 of salary and have six goals. $1,000,000 a goal is step for anybody’s NHL team.
Just remember that two of those fourth-line troopers were NOT hired for fourth-line duties. Pretty sure they had higher expectatons (3rd line or better) for both Walker and Brind’Amour when those contracts were signed.
Yelle? Yes, signed for a fourth-line slot, with ability to be field-promoted upward if injuries demanded.
I think both Forslund and Manascalco have lost perspective.
McSackerjack is a sycophantic gas bag, so anything he says is immediately discarded as either complete idiocy or to company line ( which I guess are the same thing most of the time ) but I am a little surprised with Forslund. Having Tlusty and Sutter on the first unit is a shockingly good decision and actually rewards two young guys for doing a good job, something Mo is not exactly legendary for. It almost seem like he would be going out of his way to criticize the coaching staff with those comments. They are not doing a good job, but surely there are more legitimate things to complain about from them.
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 13, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Agree with hockeymomof2 about the quality of your thoughts within the last paragraph. The former core of this team was/is still a bit too content with the still-recent Cup success. Hunger does indeed build from defeat and shame.
However, before completely giving up on our veterans, don’t forget that one of the most veteran of the them scored the only two goals scored for us last night.
It takes a village.
I don’t blame Pitkanen for the loss. I know he was exhausted. I think he played a fairly decent game after playing 30 minutes or more in back to back games and traveling in between. I blame the coaches for not sitting A. Ward and bringing up a defenseman who can at least take 3 or 4 minutes away from Pitkanen to keep him fresh for when they really need him on the ice.
Bravo on the your last paragraph abram.
Live & Learn
While Joni’s hold was frustrating, keep in mind the TOI the man has had in the last 6 days, with Corvo out (and Gleason missing much of the Caps game).
Pitkanen has averaged 30 minutes TOI for these 4 road games. Wow. That’s – I think that’s heroic in its own way. I’ll cut him some slack. At least he wasn’t so undisciplined to argue (though you could tell he wanted to) and end up drawing the unsportsmanlike.
I guess the alternative was more time for Carson or Harrison – since we were looking to catch up and needed Joni’s shot on the ice. Alberts time has been down of late. Wonder why? He sure looked great in Pittsburgh. Wonder if he’s nursing something?
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
At one point in the third, Pitts was on the ice for the entire 2 minutes we were on the PP.
Hope we don’t wear him down too early this year.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Am I reading the TOI report right that Joni had already been on the ice for over 2 minutes when he took that penalty?
SISU
Hey, oop. If you look at the singular moment that initiated the loss, it was Pit’s. Like Gleasons double minor earlier in the year. I’d rather see Pit’s play his heart out and make a mistake and lose the game than watch that unispired garbage that has been the bulk of the season for the rest of the season.
Gleason cost us that game awhile back and he also gave the most inspring effort all season the other night against the Caps. If I can watch inspired hockey, the win or lose is not as important.
It’s a game and has to be fun, both to watch for us and play for the team. Most of this season has sucked, because it was obvious the team wasn’t having fun and really sucked to watch it. Bob, said “only 3 points on this road trip”. Sounded a little negative, maybe was maybe wasn’t. I see it as the only points on the road, the best hockey yet, were seeing the youth, Mo really doesn’t own a cool tie, the team is beginning to sort itself out.
Rod get’s scratched, we win against the defending champs. Coinsidence? Corvo’s out and there isn’t enough depth to cover that loss, are we learning? The inexper. youth call ups have given us mistakes, but also a bump in speed and desire, they are now playing the best hockey of the year, JR….Mo…learn, just like these kids are. Gleason has stepped up to the plate, the C will have to be taken from him, nobody else has actually carried this team until he did.
Theres alot going on and much of it is good. Be interesting to see it play out. The tie in DC and the win in Pitt. has proven us as a spoiler team at least. The bubble teams in SE arer gonna fear us and respect us. A month ago this team was an easy 2 points. We just covered alot of ground in a short time.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
+1
Agree that the highs and lows of the season, for both individuals and teams, are far more entertaining than…well, Ottawa-hockey (which has been, is, and maybe always will be BORING).
Kudos for invoking the “fun” factor, for both fans and the players. At the end of the day, it’s an entertainment product.
And, yes, the sub-plots are now where the season is at, not an overarching March to Destiny. And, frankly, there are far more interesting stories that emerge from a season like that (‘02-’03) than more successful years…if one is paying attention.
so what your sayin is he was just trying to hold himself up? :)
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Not sure whether he was holding himself or not. I do think he did his job to the best of his ability. I would hope he holds himself….in high regards and gives himself the same effort…if he’s trying to please himself I mean. My point is, the guy looks like he is playing pretty good most of the time and the team is lacking skills back there and he is giving everything he’s got. All you can ask of anybody, no matter how they hold themselves..
Man oh man…
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I think that Tripp mentioned last night that Sutter should shoot it more. And I totally agree. Our lack of shots on goals come from not shooting the puck at the goal.
If I see Pitkanen take that shot across ice to the other wall one more time where there is no one there to redirect it in I’m going to scream. Why cant he just shoot it towards the net?
Pits has sent that shot across the zone many times with good results.
Our forwards are getting their sticks lifted or getting tied up or just plain not driving the net. I agree with your assertion that he need to put it on net more. But, a lot of teams run this type of play, Pittsburgh comes to mind, the advantage is that it gets the goalie moving across the crease and out of position.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
The Hurricanes need to generate more shots on goal or scoring chances
9 SOG in the last two first periods (3 goals, too…go figure) won’t get it done, especially on the road. The team seems like they’re coming out with some jump but the pucks aren’t getting to the net.
It will be interesting to see if Mo let’s the new guys (Carson, Tlusty, etc) settle in to some form of regular work. Since Cole and LaRose are out for the rest of the month, I’d keep this version of the Canes together through the FLA game Saturday (5 of the 10 games minimum Cole and LaRose are out). Then, reevaluate and bring up another 1 or 2 or 3 and give them 5 games to try to jell.
Speaking of shots or lack thereof… Looking back through the stats, I’m trying to figure out how Tuomo could play on the top line and top PP unit and not even log a single shot until the last minute of the game after we pulled Legace? He’s usually not shy about shooting, was he outmatched on that line or was he just deferring to his linemates?
SISU
Ruutu on the Staal, Whitney line
Ruutu is the ultimate team player. Every time he plays on the Staal/Whitney line he battles in front of the net and isn’t in position to take shots. He was the body you see in the video being hammered across the ice from in front of the net, which left Whitney wide open for the shot.
On that line, he and Cole seldom get set-up by either Staal or Whitney; and instead they charge the net without the puck looking for rebounds.
In terms of Pitkanen’s time on ice, playing 30 minutes on the fourth game, on an away game, back to back, is monstrous. It was a weak penalty that probably should not have been called given the context of the game; but in the end, Pitkanen put himself in a position where the penalty could be called. It’s less than ideal and hopefully Pitkanen will use it as a learning tool to improve his self-discipline even when he is exhausted.
Pitkanen is being played so much because the Hurricanes’ offense, poor as it is, becomes anemic when he is not bringing the puck up or making his creative passes. I think and hope the time will come soon where Rodney can also be brought up to see whether he, Carson, and Harrison can work with Gleason, Pitkanen, and Alberts.
Aaron Ward needs to stay away. Pretend he has H1N1 virus; pretend the season is over; pretend anything but keep A. Ward out of games. It’s impossible for the team to get any flow or any confidence with he is there flailing around purposelessly.
Newsbreak: The H1N1 virus has been renamed, the virus is “Awardsux1” from now on.
That is all.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Just spit coffee all over my keyboard....now you owe me a keyboard and a Pint!
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Symptoms: Concrete around feet and hands. Complete lack of desire to hit or shoot. Excessive brain-farting.
Don’t forget the vaccuos look on his face and coma like symptoms..
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
What’s real scary is Wallin may be a carrier..
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Unlike the normal flu virus, the awardsux1 virus mainly affects otherwise healthy men in their late 30s.
by nomadologist on Dec 13, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Ya know if bathrobes can take off, white face masks with “awardsux1” on ‘em ain’t a big stretch…
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
If that’s all I’m wearing, I’ll be all alone…
A G-string…nah
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I din’t say thats ALL you were wearing…mind out of the gutter P
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Oh oop. There’s aplace over on Blue Ridge that sells ’em. If I get down early enough….
Here I was thinking you wanted to see me naked..
A-wanna be nakey boy..
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Ya know it’d be a beggar to drink beer with a mask. May be the downfall of that idea.
Hmm, Strom Squad in nurse outfits…Now THAT’S an idea!!!
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Quarantine Mandated
Quarantine Mandated. When located, please notify authorities. Mandatory quarantine is required and needs to be instituted.
I don’t blame Pits for losing the game. I think what happened is just a snapshot of the whole season for us. The wonderful depth we were told about at the start of the season hasn’t carried over to actual games. We didn’t have a suitable answer for when Corvo went down, we had to hire one when Cam got hurt, etc. And then add in the fact that some players aren’t doing jack. Because of that the guys who aren’t lucky enough to be hurt are worked to within an inch of their lives.
I understand the coaches and players want to win games and no player in his right mind is going to say “hey you know what coach? I’m feeling a little winded, maybe next time around eh?” when tapped on the shoulder. But at some point, you have to wonder if it’s really worth it at all. Is winning one more game in an already dismal season worth working your defensive core into the ground? Spread time out evenly and you may find that they actually do better because no one is as tired.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
+1
Not only does this team need to learn how to work together to see how the new parts will fit, the coaching staff needs to learn how to coach them. I understand that we need to lean on Pits and Gleason as our top D-pair, but what has that achieved so far? Scrub 5 minutes off their TOI to avoiding burning them down and maybe some other guys will step up if they’re given more time.
Aaron Ward as Seidenberg Replacement
Aaron Ward as a Seidenberg replacement was a total failure. I understand the reasoning and realize hindsight is 20-20; but that change alone accounts for a hug amount of this year’s misery. Add injuries to the defense and Cam Ward and it’s the start of a perfect storm.
1 step closer to a lottery pick!
Last night may have been a gross loss. But it was a net win. They need to play .400 to .500 hockey from here on out. Win just enough to keep the fans interested, but not enough to upset the draft position.
If we continue to tank, trade away the geriatrics for some decent draft picks, and bring up the ready rats, we should have the raw materials to form a great team. But, the only hitch I see is that I am not convinced that Mo is the correct coach for a young team. I fear it’ll be like buying a Lamborghini Diablo, then giving it to your grandmother to drive.
The Canes have 50 games left and would have to get a point a game in the standings to end up with 70 points, which would have been the 4th-worst record last year.
70 points may be at the upper end of what this team can achieve, and last year the 4th-worst team had a 10% chance for the number 1 pick. Last year’s #4 was Evander Kane, who’s getting a half point per game with 14ish TOI and +7 with Atlanta.
anyone else see this on ESPNs Rumor Central?
“There are whispers around the league that the St. Louis Blues are looking to make a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun writes.
The deal would be centered around Eric Staal, whose $8.25 million cap hit is something the Canes want to get rid of. It’s no secret that Carolina is trying to dump everybody with a heartbeat — a fire sale of sorts — so this would make sense.
Garrioch writes that the Blues have several pieces they could deal, including defenceman Alex Piertrangelo, winger David Perron and 2007 No. 1 pick Ian Cole."
Wow – that ‘s a little more legit a source than eklund, but I still can’t imagine Staal going anywhere.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 13, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno, JMO but isn’t saying Garrioch is a more legit source than Eklund kind of like saying the National Inquirer’s a more legitimate news source than the Weekly World News?
SISU
Yes. =D
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 13, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
I would go so far as to say Eklund (whose site I refuse to view for any reason—I don’t want to give that hack any more hits than he already gets) is a more credible source than Garrioch.
by nomadologist on Dec 13, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve always heard the Ottawa Sun isn’t that great a source. In fact Puck Daddy (albeit not the silver star of hockey journalism) rips him on a fairly regular basis. He “broke” the story a few seasons ago (maybe last season?) that the Pens were sending Malkin to the Kings. I think it’s safe to say he was wrong. Very very very wrong. Anytime something this sensational comes out, I’m a little skeptical, but this time especially since JR has all but renamed the team the Carolina Staalicanes.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I know a lot of people here do not like Staal, but I think this would be a huge mistake. He has had a bad year, but he is a really good player. I feel he is a key piece to this franchise along with Cam, Sutter, Gleason, and Ru. I might revoke my fandom if this were to occur.
by PackPride17 on Dec 13, 2009 1:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’m NOT a Staal fan, but I agree with you 100%. This would really be one of the dumbest things JR could possibly do. Talk about making a trade for the sake of a trade. I don’t see it happening, but I didn’t see this season going down like this either.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I dunno, I could see a Staal trade, maybe, not that one, but I can see a set up that would make sense. I also disagree Staal has a bad year. He has been kinda on a downward trend since the cup run. I think it would have to involve a diff. sort of player, though ,to shed Staal. A. Kopitar and a pick or D. Booth. You can’t give up what Staal represents for prospects or hopes or less than 2nd tier marquee. You woiuld have to fill in the forward spot with a body that has proven potential.
That said, I don’t see JR pulling it off. Binky is not a stand alone player and would then have to go. Too much blind loyalty in the front office. The only way I think Staal would move is if he asked to be traded and I don’t see that happening.
I think Rod on waivers to cut his gaping wound of salary drain in half would come first. I also don’t see that happening. Let alone it working.
My .02
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
JR trading Staal would be the last sign that this franchise is beyond repair. He’s having a crappy year, but you can’t throw away your future because of one year. Staal, Ward, Ruu, Gleason, Sutter, Pits are our future.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Nah, you underestimate just how crazy this crew can get. Would you of thought about saying screw the season before T-giving? These guys are good, man, they know everything so believe me when I say, there is potential for alot more crazy stuff going on. Though I have a hard time believing Staal’s going anywhere.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
No, I know how crazy they can get. But there’s a difference between crazy and moronic. Crazy can pay off, moronic gets your butt fired. Trading Staal for the random three guys they listed would be moronic.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
40 goals last season, you think thats a downward trend?
A TRUE CANIAC......YES I AM........
by canescup on Dec 13, 2009 3:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
82 points the year after the cup, 75 last year and this year he ain’t gonna hit 70, that’s a downward trend like the IQ’s around here when you pick on Staal. Blame what you want, but he came out of the cup year smokin’ and has trended downward since and this year will be the worst barring some insane tear.
Is 40 goals nice? Sure. So was winning the cup, wtf has that got to do with a trend or a poor performance this year? Whumping 6 goals woo hoo Staal for God…
You can rationalize it how ever you want, injuries, sub par line mates or whatever helps you sleep. Bottom line is his point production has trended downward since the cup run.
Cory and I went around on this, too. His numbers have trended down, his numbers suck this year. ‘ems the facts. If he keeps bagging 2 points a game, he can change that. I don’t see it happening. Got a good piece of ground to make up and pretty bad team situation to do it in.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
that’s a downward trend like the IQ’s around here when you pick on Staal.
Epic Win!
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 13, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
I admit that I am a “Staal lover,” but I also love this team. Like I said, he is having a bad year yet still is 2nd on this team in PPG. It’s not all Staal’s fault that some jackass gave a aging center a 5 year $18M deal or traded for disaster named AWard or never really considered that the starting goalie could get hurt someday, so we might need a legit backup. Sorry still pissed from last night and that little story didn’t help my mood.
by PackPride17 on Dec 13, 2009 1:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Staal and the need for another superstar
I think it is totally unrealistic to expect any one forward to carry the scoring burden alone for a team. Staal has enormous talent, but they desperately need to pair him with a legitimate superstar; and Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin seem to have that ability. The glimpses of brilliance one sees with Staal and Cole are indicative of what he could do if there were a blazingly fast, big, natural scorer paired with him. At this point, Staal is one hand clapping. He has started slow, but it would be insane to trade him. Talents like Staal don’t come along often at all.
“pair him with a legitimate superstar”
‘cause Staal ain’t. I agree 100% If Staal had more to work with, his numbers would be better. I don’t get why they aren’t rotating Lil Chuck, Sutter, Tlusty and everybody else through with Staal. Binky’s day is done and Staal looks mighty lonely. I’d like to see Staal, Ruutu and Lil chuck. Pits gains the zone, Lil chuck is where ever he wants to be drawing at least one body with him, Ruutu is too dangerous not to cover, Pits would have coverage, sounds like the set up we want…
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I know Sutter’s a center, but he plays sound hockey and makes his line better. Put Staal between him and Ruutu and we have a first line with grit, speed, and brains. This kinda guts the other lines but at least we’d have 3 guys that would bring the puck up, fire away, and crash the net.
Staal has tons of talent. He has been hurt all season. I don’t know if Malkin would be all world if he lacked superstar support. Even injured, he has had his moments this season; but hasn’t had a run yet like last season.
Manascalco reached a similar conclusion saying last night in a fit of anger that “this team lacks a superstar….although Staal has been a superstar at times, a real superstar is there for the team every game.” My take is that in today’s NHL, it takes two superstars. I think Staal needs to mature emotionally more than physically to reach his potential. I also am convinced having Taylor Hall and perhaps Boychuk paired with him will make him a much more dominant player after he regains full health and strength.
Manascalco reached a similar conclusion saying last night in a fit of anger that "this team lacks a superstar….although Staal has been a superstar at times, a real superstar is there for the team every game
Holy Crap! McSackerjack said something half intelligent that that does not conform to the " Staal and Wardo are invincible " company line? I think the Pod People invasion has begun.
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 13, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
100% agree with Staal being hurt. Stiil (see what I did there?) he is our offensive centerpiece and with 15 points in 22 games he is indicative of the level of fail this franchise has achieved. I think he’s playing hard and I think his heart’s in it, but this is just the year we’re having.
What I would like to see from Staal , a young player that is the face of the franchise, is improvement as the year goes along. Work on your game and get better, young master Eric. If you and the team are better April 10th than you are today, the fans will continue to embrace this team.
I think we have an advantage in the Triangle: we are used to chamionship expectations with our local sports team because of the ACC. As fans if we see a team that can’t win it all but works hard every game and competes, we give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, there is a 5-year grace period after winning a championship. And yes, that grace period expires this year.
As many of you have posted, new guys in the lineup and a good show and competing will get people to come to the Big ATM and maximize revenue for the team. JR has his hands full trying to figure out what the roster will be like next year and who to trade and who to sign and 30th in the standings gets you a 48% chance for the #1 pick. In the meantime the 09-10 season has become a tryout for next year. Keep the guys that get better and move as many of the rest as you can and the fans will see that you’re working to make this team better.
I think we have an advantage in the Triangle: we are used to chamionship expectations with our local sports team because of the ACC.
There is also a disadvantage to being a college town, in that you NEVER boo or criticize your team. With kids, I totally get that, they are ( in theory ) not getting paid and the expectation is that they are " trying their hardest ". With a pro-sports team " Positive re-enforcement " gets you the Chicago Cubs and the Hartford Whalers.
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 13, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Saw the Staal Rumor -- not happening
I think the chances are zero that Jim Rutherford will trade Staal. Whitney on the other hand could well be traded. If I were king, I would sign Whitney for one more year. I would move Maurice up to the press box after next season and would have Francis be head coach and Whitney be assistant coach. Whitney is going to be a head coach in the NHL sooner rather than later. Great hockey mind, great personality, and a winner through and through.
Francis can’t coach wiping his butt and doesn’t want to. set somebody up to succeed, not fail. Ron needs to get away from the bench, remember he’s the PP coach..
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Whitney is a take charge person. Put him behind the bench as assistant coach and he will be able to work with the core team and the young guys. The head coach needs to be more of a big picture person — like ACC basketball. Delegate authority on the bench and exude confidence is what is needed by a head coach.
Francis as coach
Hasn’t he been in charge of the power play for the last year?
I am not so sure I would want him at the helm. Plus I read in more than one place that he wasn’t crazy about assuming that responsibility.
I like the idea of retiring Whitney here and seeing what he can do behind the bench.
Wish this was true.
If given the choice I would trade Staal and retire Whitney as a Cane. I would much rather see Gleason become the next captain and franchise player that Staal is supposed to be.
That being said, I think it has nearly zero chance of happening.
Garrioch is in the same league as Eklund, hell he may be Eklund!
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Every time Rod was on the ice I could not help thinking man it is so bad he did not retire at the end of last year. I had fond memories of him now all I can think of is someone who I deeply desire not to get the puck because either he misses the pass or is out of position, he is basically a ghost on the ice, at least the rest of his line hustles and hits…. I so wish they could ditch Rod and then I think the team would start winning, it would inspire so many to step up and fill the gap. PLEASE find a way to get rid of Rod asap is all I can hope for.
Can Maurice Coach a Truly Talented Offensive Team?
Can Maurice coach a truly talented offensive team? Logic would say that any intelligent, experienced NHL coach should be able to take a team of talented offensive players and figure out a system that enhances and emphasizes their ability. Maurice is certainly intelligent and has years of experience as an NHL coach.
On the other hand, there is nothing thus far to suggest Maurice has had such a revelation. I hope he doesn’t have so much hubris that he cannot adapt his system to his players.
Boldly going where no man has gone before… I think Maurice needs to do the following:
1. TO CHANGE THE TEAM, CHANGE YOURSELF:
If you want to be a U.S. Senator, look like a U.S. Senator. If you want to be an NHL coach, you first have to look like an NHL coach. His glasses make him look dazed and confused as he stares blankly at the scoreboard. Seriously, it is not the body language of a winner.
Take the season for what it is, a disaster on the ice and roll with it. The more irritable and upset Maurice becomes, the more he is losing control of the team. These guys are professionals. The fans are not naive. The magic didn’t work this year. Deal with it. Take lessons from Whitney. He conveys the agony of the situation without sounding defeated.
Get a power play coach now and put the young kids on the first unit power play. Wins mean nothing other than to keep the fans engaged. Fix the power play and everything else falls into place. Get your best offensive players on the ice for the power play and roll with it. Let the kids fail until they succeed.
2. SHOW SOME SPINE AND HEALTHY SCRATCH BRIND’AMOUR:
Brind’Amour is the elephant in the room. He adds nothing to rebuilding the team for next year. Man up, Paul Maurice. It’s not fun for anybody and nobody is to blame. It’s a lose-lose situation. Face the problem head on and show some leadership. It’s your team, so act like it.
3. HEALTHY SCRATCH AARON WARD:
See paragraph 2. Aaron Ward is useless to the building process. Sit him on the pines.
4. QUIT LETTING OPPOSING TEAMS SKATE BEHIND OUR NET AS IF THEY ARE AT AN ICE RINK:
I haven’t seen any other team treat the area behind our net as a no hit zone. Get real. How many goals come where the opposing teams set up shop behind our net and play peek a boo with our defense.
5. STOP TREATING THE SEASON AS IF YOU ARE AT A FUNERAL:
It’s an exciting season. NHL hockey is a fun. Lighten up, dude and let the team lighten up.
why don’t we send Francis back upstairs and bring in the fired Flyers coach Stevens. I don’t know if he was in charge of the Flyers special teams unit or not. But they use to be very good on the PP and PK. He might show this team how to work. Our PP can’t get much worse, what is it 28th?
by PackPride17 on Dec 13, 2009 2:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
why don’t we send Francis back upstairs and bring in the fired Flyers coach Stevens. I don’t know if he was in charge of the Flyers special teams unit or not. But they use to be very good on the PP and PK. He might show this team how to work. Our PP can’t get much worse, what is it 28th?
by PackPride17 on Dec 13, 2009 2:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
So why would they send Dywer and Tlusty back down? Cole and Rosie are out for weeks. Maybe its Samsons turn to come up and Boychuk?
A TRUE CANIAC......YES I AM........
by canescup on Dec 13, 2009 1:44 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Well there’s Samsonov too. But we need someone to fill Cole’s role. Can Samson play with Sutter and Samsonov? Is he a power guy?
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 13, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Samson has a mean streak. He is not a small guy either. He is rough around the edges, and I see him as a Yelle replacement next year. Who knows, Samson is the kind of player who might well come up and rattle some bones on the forecheck. He has excellent hands from what I’ve seen. Mostly, he is consumed with the desire to succeed in the NHL and is doing everything in the AHL to get a shot on the Hurricanes.
Roster page at the Rats’ site. click on his name #17 for Samson’s bio. The Basics:
Name: Jerome Samson
Number: 17
Pos.: RW
Shoots: R
Height: 6-0
Weight: 194
Birthdate: 1987-09-04
- eh?
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 13, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
SIgh. I saw that too. My typing of “#17” somehow became 1.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 13, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Jerome Samson -- scouting report:
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11382/hurricanes_top20_prospects_fall2009/
(17) Jerome Samson, RW, 21, 5.5C
Signed as an undrafted free agent
Samson has quietly put together back-to-back 20-plus goal seasons in his first two professional campaigns. But like Chaput, Samson faces an uphill battle in the struggle for ice time on the 2009-10 River Rats.
His 54-point season last year ranked tied for first on the team with Europe-bound Jakub Petruzalek, but Samson was passed over for Petruzalek, Patrick Dwyer and Michael Ryan on a couple occasions when the Hurricanes needed to recall a forward to Raleigh. Entering the final year of his three-year entry-level contract, Samson will need to prove his worth if he is to get another deal. On the flipside, Carolina has to make sure the young winger feels valued in the organization.
Boychuk and Samson Maybe
I am hoping this is a sign they are going to give Boychuk and Samson some chances with the Hurricanes. It could be that Samsonov is ready and they are unwilling to healthy scratch Brind’Amour.
as much as the cap alows
The team needs to give players like Boychuk and Samson looks at the big club. I don’t see real difference in the result either way. Even though Rutherford has painted himself into a corner with some of the contracts the team is carrying, there is opportunity to give the Rats players some experience up here, and the team needs to do it. Also I don’t get the negative comments from Forslund and that radio boob over giving Sutter and Tlusty PP time. That is just plain ignorance, given the season the overall situation the team is in. The vets have managed to have the worst PP in the NHL, time to move on and good on Mo to realize that. I am surprised Forslund would go there- not so much for that useless radio boob.
Regarding Staal, I don’t think he’s a superstar. I don’t think he has the personality to be a good Captain. As far as trading him I don’t think it should be a goal of the team, but really the club can’t afford to not hear offers for all but a few players. Look what trading Lindros did for the Quebec/Colorado franchise. I have always felt Staal may be better suited to play the wing at the NHL level. I remember when he was drafted he thought to be a Ronnie Francis type center. I haven’t seen it. He is winning face-offs at a 40% clip. He likes to shoot, and looks to shoot maybe before passing. That works for now because Whitnety looks to pass before shooting, but Whitney is no center. I hope Eric makes the Olympic team because it would be on the wing. I keep going back to when Jeff O’Neillwas moved out of the middle. He played his best hockey. I do think Staal has been more successful down the middle than O’Neill was, but I’d lke to see what he could do without the responsibility of the center position.
On Brind’Amour, my 2 cents is that they scratched Brindy once and many were up in arms, and now the team is afraid to do it again. As long as cap space allows it Mo needs to sit him. For the future as well as now. I’d sit him to look at Samson for a few games. We can be building for the future, but are too worried about insulting the past.
Probably more like to the extent that PK is willing to experience negative cash flow than a cap constraint. I think that proper use of the LTIR (and maybe even being on the IR helps here) will take care of the cap ceiling that was limiting salary budget moves earlier in the season.
Now it’s probably more about cash flow. When people are sitting, they’re still getting paid, while suddenly a Rat is now also making NHL money for a few days. That strategy could actually end up raising the real cash budget, which was lower than the cap budget.
We ideally need to find a few new homes for some of the salary, which means identifying teams that can take on salary and shed picks/prospects. If trade partners are also capped out, then it has to be talent-for-talent, which doesn’t help PK’s cash flow, but could help the team.
JR’s busy this season, instead of being able to sit back and enjoy the vets playing while the young’uns bake. There are many permutations of potential deals through which to sort.
In a perfect worl you take the magic eraser and remove Rod from the ledger and you could afford any or all of the Rats you could fit.
Not in the cards I reckon, but I keep finding that poor Rod and I mean it, is the anchor. Poor guy get’s squat for inutes, makes a killing in m oney and knows he’s not making the grade. The problem is that he can’t even fall on his sword. To my understanding outside of death or a trade, Rods money hit is here to stay. He ain’t getting traded and he’s in phenominal shape.
I imagine Rod feels like he petted the pony at the park and all the animals died because he couldn’t wash his hands. I feel really bad for the man. The player, I like the death option.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Geez, man, at least you could get a saddle if you’re going to ride the guy so much.
No way either he or his contract is responsible for our current position. We’ve been over and over the contract. It is what it is and it helped the team’s cash flow at the time. It was a reasonable gamble and it will be honored by JR, short of something else being worked out.
Here’s another horse analogy. Find a new dead one to beat.
He ain’t dead yet, still getting 4-6 minutes a night, when he’s dead I’ll stop. I find it ironic how you think the player with the worst plus minus in the league, THE WORST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE, and his over 3 mill. contract that is called captain has zero respo for where this team is.
If that ain’t stick your head in the sand milque toast denial, I don’t know what is.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
As long as you deny the truth it will be sung. I understand the new top ten hit “Staal sucks” is even less popular…
When the team shows the stones to scratch him, trade him or waive, I will see progress. Until then this is just another in the long line of foolhardy mistakes they are making and I will continue to bitch. Complain to the Canes for playing playing the washed man.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Not buying your usual twisting of the other poster’s message.
The complaint is not, Brind’Amour is not as bad as you say (although he is not). It’s the unwarranted nastiness of your postings.
Dude, nothing can be done immediately and your lack of patience is childish at times.
Plus, the tone of your remarks are unseemingly. Really? You wish the man dead?
You should be ashamed.
It’s called facetious. I know it’s a big word, so I typed slow. If you can’t handle that you should lay off the internet, it’s rampant.
As for unwarrented, i disagree, he’s arguably the worst player in the league (tied for last), he got sat and we beat the Pens….
Do they have anything to do with eachother? Did it send a message to Rod? To the Team? To the fan base?
While I doubt the move was directly causal to the win, I think “yes” is the answer to all the other questions.
As for bing ashamed, Rod should be ashamed for dragging his team down and providing such a pathetic example. JR should be ashamed for creating this debacle and having no plan B. You should be ashamed for accepting it.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I know the word “facetious”, with all the vowels lined up in order.
I also know what I’m seeing within your posts, and it’s just sad. May you reap what you sow.
Just can’t touch the facts of the matter once again, can you?
Here’s another word. Apathy. You keep up this tone of wait and see. What? How far can they sink? You contend you are seeing what I am saying in my posts. I think the content is pretty plain and literal. Yet when you attack a point i give a def. of my point, you cowar away with a I hope you reap what you sow.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. While you’s like to wallow in apathy and self pity and some misguided loyalty to players of yore. I prefer a proactive approach. I think the Canes themselves have proven sitting around and having a proactive training camp or preseason was a huge mistake. Languishing in a fugue of denial is no better at this point.
Scratching Rod and Award makes a lot of sense on many levels sans maybe the money aspect. If Rod has some bank account of respect earned, he should take it and go. Every game he plays he loses respect. He no longer the iron warrior, he is noiw a pathetc has been. Move on with grace, do what’s best for the team.
What’s best for this team is #17 not being on the ice and let the natural progression of events happen. While he is here that is hindered if not quashed.
Were I to reap what I sow, we will all be rewarded with an accellerated rebuilding process and pretty exciting hockey.
Shame you don’t see that.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Again, you twist intent.
It’s not about the players or the team. It’s about you and the tone of your posts.
Now, Mr. Last Word. Have at it. I’ve said my piece.
I will agree that Staal and the organization should look at moving him to wing. His faceoffs are horrible. On the point of trading him, I just believe it is the wrong decision. Remember, other than the Rats, Staal is the youngest player on this team at 25. He has areas to improve on and has time to do that. He has tremendous upside and is a building block for this team. You trade him away, you set this team back further. With Staal, Sutter, Ward, Gleason, Ruutu, Pitkanen, and a top 3 (probably #1) we have the capability to get real good, real quick.
by PackPride17 on Dec 13, 2009 7:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree. I do think many had stars in the ol’ eyes and felt Staal was a superstar. He isn’t an elite player. He can be a kick ass player. He can be a wicked part of an awsome line. This has always needed a head guy. During the cup run both Rod and Ray were 80+ point guys and Staal hit like 70. That’s where Staals strength lies. He’s not an ov that can be the man every night, but he is better than secondary scoring in the right environment. I have wondered about some lines with him. Say a Sutter center with Ruutu ans Staal as wingers. Maybe Staal centers Ruutu and Lil’ chuck. Staal needs a big body/net guy and some speedy little puck mover. The more any or all of them can shoot, the more goals a line like that will score. Being fed and assissted by the likes of Pit’s on a mild 25 minute night would be more gravy.
there are a lot of things. Now that Rod has been found out, I hope he is a healthy scratch from here on out. Staal is working on finding twine and has been making points. Now is time to rotate Rats and start finding lines or at least combo’s that work and give fruit.
I thought Mo was the shit last year going into the PO’s, now, I don’t think he is the man for the job. I actually think he has the skill and knowledge to do it, just not the ability to run with a pack of youth. I think Daniels may be the key to making shit click in a very quick fashion. As quicly as this year got flushed, we have many times that amount to get it right next season. I hope JR can keep hold of his humility and see a path. It’s new territory. the B-Hawks are a good place for examples. Detroits drafting and bring up style can give clues, but we have a great need for warm carbon units that can make a diff. All the pieces are not to be found on the Canes roster and the Rats’. Gonna have to bring in by trade or checkbook a piece or two. So rool them Rtas, know what there is to be had from within and what we need to get.
The friggin’ get it.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I might be misunderstanding you and sorry if I am, but during the cup run Staal was a 100 point guy, Rod 70, and Ray was mid 50’s. Ray didn’t get the minutes Staal and Rod did and missed some games due to injury. I think Stillman was a key to Staal’s big success that year. He was the set-up man for Cole and Staal.
You’re right Staal is not a Ovie type of player, but I think he can be Parise or Malkin type. He is a little fragile mentally in my opinion and if he can get over that he could become great. Right now, I consider him a top 25 player, but I can understand why you don’t. I think JR did him a disservice by giving him that huge contract, but that was before the markets crashed, so everyone thought the cap would continue to have huge increases. If didn’t and now Staal’s cap hit is crazy. I thought Staal with about a $7M/yr cap hit would be more appropriate for this team.
I don’t know about Sutter center him and Ruutu. I really think Sutter with his Boy Chuk and Ru would be a very good 2nd line. Knowing Mo, we’ll probably see every line combination that could possibly be next year.
My bad on the stats, you are correct, mine were the next year.
That’s why I don’t consider him top 25. He’s 34th in shots, his best stat.
636th in plus minus
231 in goals
130th in assists
179th in points
439th in shot percentage
He is not a top 25 player this year. Maybe in everybodies mind around here he is, but when the skate hits the ice, Eric Staal is having a real shitty year. He has lot’s of potential mojo, but his kinetic perfoprmance has come up lacking big time.
IU agree on the lines, my point was try any and everything this year so maybe we don’t get the Mo omlette of liones next year. Hope against hope, kind of like saying Eric’s in the top 25.
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The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
You’re right that he is not a top 25 statistical player this year, but over the past 3 seasons (not including the cup year, which was his best) he is. One bad year does not kill his career. He has been injured and is producing points since his return. He really hasn’t found his goal scoring touch yet, but give him time.
Since the cup year, Staal is 13th in the league in goals scored (112) and 12th in percentage of goals scored for his team (14.86%). In that category, he is in the neighborhood of Malkin, Hossa, and Vanek. He is above Semin, Crosby, Carter, and Marleau.
Staal is a very talented player and I think he is a top 25 player.
Best quote...
I liked the interview from Whitney b/c the words about he didn’t want somebody like that on his team – about somebody who was just concerned about playing for points and not playing to Win
I know everybody is all about the let’s jump on the Tim Gleason for Captain bandwagon, but I am still all for Ray being captain – and Tim keeping the A.
I think if Ray was clearly going to play a few more years, he would be the natural choice. But he’s only a year younger than Rod. His contract is up in June when he’ll be 38 yrs old – how much longer will he be here? Rod looked like gold in 2006. One key injury and he’s never been the same.
My concern is that we need someone younger who will have a longer tenure with the role.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 14, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
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