Carolina's 7-19-6 Record, a Closer Look
by Bob Wage on Dec 14, 2009 7:00 AM EST
52 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes are in last place in the NHL with a 7-19-6 record. The team seems to be playing better of late, but the end results are the same and they keep falling further back in the standings. Just 10 games into the season we posted an analysis here looking at where the team placed in a variety of different statistical categories. Now that we are 32 games in, let's take another look to see if there is any progress.
_____
As of Sunday, (12/13/09), the Hurricanes' 20 points is a full nine points behind the next closest teams, Toronto and Philadelphia. They are 13 points out of a playoff spot.
They have the worst road record in the league at 1-12-4.
The team has allowed more goals, (117), than any other team.
Their 77 goals scored is tied at 28th, but both Tampa Bay, (77) and St. Louis (74) have games in hand. The team is 30th in "goals allowed average" per game.
Carolina's "goals for/goals against" differential is -40, the worst in the league.
The powerplay is clicking at 14.3% good for 28th in the league. The penalty kill is ranked 18th and has a 79.4% success percentage.
The Canes "5 on 5 for and against ratio" is also 30th at 0.68.
The team's faceoff percentage has improved a bit and is now 48.4%, at 24th in the league.
Carolina is ranked 16th in the league with an average of 30 offensive shots a game. They allow 30.7 shots and are 18th in that category.
The Hurricanes have improved upon their penalty situation. They went from 30th in the league to 26th and now have a total of 156 minor penalties. The Flyers are currently in last place with 168 minors. The Canes now average 14.6 penalty minutes per game which is 24th in the league. The Flyers average 17.8, again the league's worst.
Individual statistics also need great improvement.
Leading scorer Ray Whitney's 22 points put him in a tie at 77th highest in the league.
Rod Brind`Amour is tied with Brendan Witt for the league's worst plus/minus at -19. Aaron Ward, (-15), Chad LaRose, (-14), Joni Pitkanen, (-13) and Sergei Samsonov, (-11) are all near the bottom of the league as well.
The Canes are in a deep, deep hole, is it too late to climb out?
0 recs |
52 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
The Chance of a Decade
The Hurricanes dismal performance leaves them with opportunities that come along once a decade for good teams. They now can obtain through the draft a superstar without having to trade another superstar.
Almost without fail, the bottom teams in the NHL suffer from systemic problems that take three to five years of tremendous management to overcome. For example, Chicago and Pittsburgh were terrible teams for a long time before they could amass the talent base to become the teams they are now. The New York Islanders are only now starting to reap the rewards of years of misery.
For the Hurricanes, this year is a golden opportunity to draft the superstar forward needed to turn Staal into a consistent superstar. In addition, with the aging of the Hurricanes and the end of their contracts, Jim Rutherford will have plenty of available money to revamp the team with a combination of trades, call-ups from Albany, and potentially UFA signings.
It is indeed the best of time and the worst of times for the Hurricanes players, coaches, management, owners, and fans. The players surely must realize how close they are to being a top tier team and yet how far away they are from that goal at this point with their performance. The coaches, too, must certainly see the gap between the team’s potential and the team’s play on the ice. Jim Rutherford has taken responsibility for the team’s situation and has promised to fix it as fast as he can. Peter Karmanos has given support to the team, coaches and management. Finally, the fans although upset with the present situation are not abandoning the team in droves.
Not only is the present hole too deep to climb out this season, it is not in the organization’s interest to do so under the circumstances. Taylor Hall or Tyhler Seguin will boost the talent pool of the team tremendously. The second round choice will be an immediate impact player as well in all likelihood.
No NHL player will tank a game on purpose and certainly none will on the Hurricanes; however, the remaining 50 or so games can be used to hone the skills of the Albany Rats such as Boychuk, Tlusty, Bowman, Dwyer, Samson, Rodney, Carson, Harrison, and McBain. Few good teams have the luxury of a 50 game exhibition season. The Hurricanes are fortunate to have the talent on the team, in Albany, in trades, and soon in the draft, to redirect the team for the next six to ten years.
It’s time to seize the moment and make the most of this rare and precious opportunity. The magic is about to begin.
Good post.
This could truly be the season that sets the franchise in the right direction for years to come. If we are able to add another elite player to play with Staal, we will finally be able to witness his true potential. And really, two bad years out of 11 is not bad for a franchise.
A-dog makes excellent points in regard to the situations in Chi-town and Pittsburgh, they wallowed at the bottom of the league for years. We can also include Washington in this discussion. These three teams all have 3-4 Elite players, and elite players does a championship make.
To be fair, this year the Canes have had no elite players. I want to see us get back to what made us successful in the past. That is the speed game, we sacrificed speed for size this year and we are all seeing the result. With players such as Gleason, TKO, and Alberts we possess enough physicality to keep other teams honest.
The highlight of this season so far has been watching Gleason continue to develop into a bonified top tier Defensemen and team leader. We have a true warrior on our organization now, he will make our team better for a number of years.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
excellent post, I couldn’t agree more. I would still be on board if they had a shot at the playoffs, but if you look at what a playoff run would require (winning at least 35 games and then losing in overtime 4-6 times… in 50 games!) it’s impossible at this point. A strong second half will do nothing more than leave them without a top 2 pick and this will literally be a throwaway season.
When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.
Why are Rod and AWard not healthy scratches and Rats in the roster spots?
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Rods getting limited ice time, why would you bring a player up from the minors to play 5 minutes a night?
a young guy
Could handle more then 5 mins a night.
by packpigskinfan25 on Dec 14, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Fourth Line and Ice Time
Assuming for the moment that salary cap issues are resolved by buying out Leighton or somebody taking him on re-entry and Cole and LaRose on IR, I think it does make sense to use the remaining time this season to see who from Albany can play well on the fourth line. It is Brind’Amour’s limitations as a player that are keeping his minutes on the fourth line to a minimum.
When the Hurricanes have the lines to roll four intense lines they are at their best. Somebody other than Brind’Amour is going to be on the fourth line next year. Why not give some Albany Rats chances to show what they can do as a fourth line player? It might be Samson, Dwyer, or Blanchard, for example. It is about using this time wisely to make next year a much better season.
I’m with Killswitch on this. Their time would be better spent playing 15-18 mins. for Albany than the 5 mins. Mo might allow them. Now if they rotate them all thru for the proverbial cup-a-joe that would be okay.
by drifterscape on Dec 14, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Rotating Albany Rats for a Taste of the NHL
I think the team benefits from rotating the Albany Rats forwards and giving them both a taste of the NHL and a chance to succeed with getting more than five to nine minutes. It is entirely possible that one or two forwards will play so well they just can’t be sent down. I agree it is not helpful to a forward like Boychuk to bring him up for the rest of the season if he is only getting five to eight minutes a night on the ice.
Oh my!! What a novel idea, a player earns his playing time. I thought 5 minutes was the rule…
Homers just want to keep them down rather than give them a chance and benifit from the chance. Not to mention it wouldn’t take much of squat to perform better than Rod’s 5 minutes of crap. Then the player get’s moved up and more minutes are earned and non producers get shoveled to the bottom where the anchors belong.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
You dont seem to want to factor in any detriment into bringing what are obviously underdeveloped players up to play against the best player in the world. We’ve talked about how much confidence plays a part in hockey, what happens if these kids come up and get their asses handed to them only to be sent down? Let me guess, it would be a great learning experience, one that could set them back years in their development. Not to mention the risk of getting them injured playing in a league twice as fast as the one their used to, or are they even used to the AHL speed yet, not even having a half year playing pro hockey.
Rushing a young player is never prudent and does more harm than good. The NHL has a litany of players who floundered because they were not nurtured and allowed to develop. Detroit, on the other hand, is the model for patient development of young prospects through the farm system.
On the other hand, some young prospects are ready for the pace and strength of the NHL. They need small doses of NHL experience to see whether they are ready, physically and emotionally.
It is obviously far better to err on the side of caution and to give prospects a little more time than they need in the AHL rather than risk destroying their confidence by putting them into the NHL battle before they are ready.
To err is one thing, to be so utterly stupid as to pass up the opportunity of roatting any and all of the younger players through the big game is another thing all together.
I have never said bring all of them up to stay. I think there are 5 that could, Boychuck, McBain, Conboy, Dwyer and Rodney. All heve been up and seem no worse for wear. Whether the appropriate position is open or not is another matter.
That aside, i think calling up Dodeg, Bowman, Samson, Tlusty and if Hennigar is still there, him, too. ’ems the ones I can name. I would pose that any other player that has a glimmer of potential, bring him up.
We have what no other team in history has. An impossible season and player depth so deep it’s depth is unknown. My point has been to find out. To waste this type of opportunity is beyond stupid. We have all the time in the world to call them up 1 at a time or friggin’ 6 at a time. We can pick from a speedy NHL opponent or a bonecrusher. We can absulutley dictate the type of environment these guys can showcase their stuff or the lack there of. All the while improving the play on the ice for the fans, making lines and pairings out of the Canes core, checking on personality issues (all the talent in the world don’t make you a good team/room mate), not to mention getting the butterflies and newness to the NHL out of the way.
As for the question of getting their asses handed to them, duh, that’s the idea. Now they are under the protection of a 2 way (in most cases) contract so they always got a job in the “home” clubs nest. If they get their ass handed to them, we all now get to look and see why. Not ready? Jitters? AO being a dick? Whatever. If the young player just isn’ty making it, sit him and send him back on the bus, when his head clears and the meetings are over he knows what he has to work on.
None of these guys has to play at this level. The danger is almost non existant, as long as the org. has people watching. It’s a dangerous game and shit happens, but with a watchful eye you can pull a guy that is outmatched.
I think Lil cvhuck is case and point. He is a little dude, but he came up and played larger than he is. He understands what he needs. So develop his schedule and get him exper. up here at this level. He didn’t fail and we/he deserve to know if he’s going to be a an NHL player or not.
Some talk about how this season may be a blessing includes this or it was a squandered opportunity. There are no magic crystal energy drinks in the AHL that make you ready one day for the NHL. It’s a process, I think we are in an unique position to fully tryout our youth program and maximize the development ten fold over evry other team and probably more than any team in history.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
If I were king, I would definitely call up the Albany Rats and give them exposure to the NHL. I would, however, be a mother hen; and at the first indication one of the Albany Rats was in need of more nurturing down in Albany, I would guide him back down. I agree it is a chance of a decade for the Hurricanes. I would take full advantage of the situation; but I would not risk dashing the future of a prospect.
Again, if I were king, I would bring up Boychuk and Tlusty for some games to see what happens with a Boychuk/Sutter/Tlusty line. Patience would be my motto, but I’d also work to make the most of the debacle that is this season.
Amen A Dog! Let the coronation begin.
The other benefit is who else is going to be able to know the inner depth and strength of the teams affiliates. If properly done, the knowledgr gained from exhaustive tryouts will enable JR to go from having one of the weakest trading hands in the league to one of a trained assasin.
We will know exactly what we need and have a surplus of. What if 7 of these guys are keepers at the NHL level due to the exposure, exper. and opportunity they get now? We may be on the hunt not for some positional fill in, but maybe a superstar level player. Maybe it frees our hand on the FA exodus to say bye to whomever or keep whoever we want or feel we need.
This will be how to fall in shit and come out smelling like a rose.
I must admit the last month or so has pleased me greatly. Staal seems to be picking his game up, Rod got scratched (never thought that would happen), some of the young guys are getting rotated through. Some tough calls are being answered.
Long live A Dog the first!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Using the Rats to give the Canes custom tailored rosters?
Did anyone catch Bryan Rodney’s interview during the Rat’s game 1st intermission last night? He was asked about being sent down and he was kind of vague, saying that he clearly had some things he needed to work on if he was going to stay in the NHL. I wish he could have sounded more enthusiastic – but I think with the way the management is working the Albany shuffle, they’re trying to tailor the team’s line-up for the opponent. Rodney was not the best fit for that road trip.
With Dallas up Wednesday, they’ll likely be going tough (big and heavy – Harrison and Borer will stay). Hopefully we won’t see Conboy, but maybe another enforcer guy will get the call…kind of hope not, but I sure can’t see it as the proper setting for Boychuk or even Tlusty. Wonder if Dwyer will be invited to the meet? (thinking of the photo Bob posted yesterday)
Then for the Florida back-to-backs this weekend, perhaps we’ll go back with speed and skill and the whole roster will shuffle again. Perhaps they’re trying to put each call-up in the best possible situation for their skillset.
Rangers next Monday – back to the meat and potatoes. Just a theory.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 14, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
Kinda cool though huh? In essence we have a roster of over 30 (not an age crack, I promise!).
Did you guys win on Sunday?
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
i’m actually in agreement with Paladin (man, I can’t believe it). We need to see what we have so we can determine what other parts we need. We should rotate the guys that still have questions. We should also bring up the guys that we expect to contribute next year, so they develop chemistry with some of their linemates. Of course some trades will have to happen to make the call ups possible. Right now a rotation is good. After the trade deadline, we should start developing chemistry.
Question for Paladin – when the kids start playing more regularly, are you going to be more positive?
by PackPride17 on Dec 14, 2009 7:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Might have to, but I won’t enjoy being happy, dammit!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Nope – we lost 4-0 to the top team in the league. We held them scoreless till nearly the halfway point. Our goalie came up with 39 masterful saves. Couldn’t get on the board though – but tour whole team played smart and physical for at least 40 of the 45 minute game. (sounds familiar to Caniacs for sure)
Side story to that: Our goalie’s dad is a doctor at a children’s hospital and Sergei, Rod and Cam Ward were there today for part of the Canes in the Community efforts. Anyway, the dad emailed out 3 pictures of the Canes visit to our entire team this afternoon with this comment:
Cam was impressed with “Joey’s” 39 saves. (name changed for privacy)
All the parents were talking about the photos and comment at practice tonight. These are the moments that make me and so many others in youth hockey here diehard Canes fans. How often can you get that kind of access and connections with some of the best that play the game? So easy here. Way cool.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 14, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
You mean Harrison and Carson
Hopefully by next year’s training camp Casey Borer will be completely healthy!
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Yes you’re right Brett Carson and Casey Borer are kind of alike ‘visually" with the reversed initials etc. Heck – I’ve even heard Forslund say Pitkanen when he meant Jokinen – and then quick correct himself.
Yep – let’s get Borer back to 100%. Tough ride for him since February.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 14, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
They don’t need to play in the big league in order for the organization to know where their development is at. I see more harm done from bringing some of them up at this point, if not physical harm then mental harm. The first year pros can get their time next preseason if the org. thinks they’re ready at that point.
by Killswitch on Dec 14, 2009 6:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It has to be a life-altering experience to step on the ice for the first time in the NHL. Let’s get that over with this year.
Play ’em all. But just for a few games at a time.
by drifterscape on Dec 14, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
cap snap – always something, isn’t there?
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 14, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Healthy Scratches
What exactly is a healthy scratch? Is a player just removed from the active roster, allowing you to call someone up? And aren’t the Canes tight on cap space?
Cory did this to us. Remember his post before the season started about how losing would be a good thing?
I hope you’re happy Cory!!
Still not a crook!
by TrickyD26 on Dec 14, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Bob also did his post in September on how the Caps were “ripe for a fall”.
And I called it “bottom” when we were at 25th in the league before the State Fair roadtrip.
We were all so naive. I think there’s plenty of culpability to go around.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 14, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
No, no, it’s my fault for not wearing my lucky hat.
by drifterscape on Dec 14, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Tlusty wasn’t at the game yesterday and Dwyer was. My guess would be Tlusty didn’t even get on a plane, sending him down was a temporary cap move, and he will be back for Wednesdays game.
I agree we should take this chance to cycle through some of our AHL guys and see who we can count on to be reliable players for us next year. JR should just sit back and vulture the trade market for some more future high-end talent from struggling teams with cup dreams that are dying to make a serious trade (such as Philly). With another young forward and defensemen I think we would be set for next year.
We have Cullen and Whitney who are both playing great and increasing their value. Just need to let them move on as they are UFAs and look toward the future, with the assets they could bring back in a trade and a Hall/Seguin type draft pick we could be a seriously dangerous team next year.
Tlusty was supposed to go to Toronto to clear up some paperwork on his visa/immigration docs today. At least that’s what the Albany paper wrote Friday.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 14, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
Way OT, but TSN is reporting A.Ward is on waivers.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
It is the best news this season
Seriously, that is wonderful news.
I hope one of two things happens-he either gets claimed and we are free of him or he pulls a Yelle and gets his game together.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Aaron Ward on Waivers
I have no clue what is going on with Aaron Ward’s brain. Physically it doesn’t seem as if he has major injuries; but he has never played this bad this long before.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanShots on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
