Cats Maul Canes, 6-3
by Bob Wage on Dec 19, 2009 2:15 AM EST
67 comments
The Florida Panthers scored six consecutive goals while jumping out to a 6-1 lead and embarrassed the Carolina Hurricanes last night at Sunrise, Florida by a final score of 6-3. The Canes chipped in two goals after the game was out of reach to make things look somewhat respectable, but for all intents and purposes, the game was over when the Panthers chased Carolina goalie Cam Ward with the score 5-1 early in the third period.
After an evenly played first period, the Carolina goalie and the defense looked very deficient at times in the second and third periods. The Panthers seemed to score almost at will, lighting the lamp at 6:29, 9:25, and 11:05 in the second. All three goals were scored by defensemen, (Leopold, McCabe, and Ballard).
In the third, the home team scored two goals within 37 seconds, an all too familiar trademark of this season's Carolina squad. After Cam Ward was pulled, the Panthers would score yet again, this time on a shorthanded chance by Dominic Moore.
Looking for positives? The Canes continued to play like the worst team in the league, something which should guarantee them a highly rated draft pick this summer. But it's tough for fans to watch a performance like that one.
Patrick Dwyer started the game's scoring with a very nice shot off of a sweet pass by Bryan Rodney. But the 1-0 lead was very short term. Just 1:02 later, Florida began their scoring barrage. By the time it was eight minutes into the third period, the score was 6-1 and the Florida faithful were celebrating the win.
Scott Walker surprised Tomas Vokoun and got a puck by him on a rush and Eric Staal put back a rebound to complete the scoring.
The Canes put their pride on the line as they face this team again on Saturday night, this time in Raleigh. Cory will be covering the game for us and will be reporting from the RBC.
Game Notes:
- Carolina had 35 shots on goal led by Joni Pitkanen and Eric Staal with six each.
- Pitkanen again played over 30 minutes, (30:30). When it is an overtime game, that total is somewhat understandable. But that is a lot of minutes to play in a regulation game. He did look a bit tired.
- The team was credited with 25 hits led by Tuomo Ruutu with five. Andrew Alberts and Scott Walker had four each.
- The Canes had a total of five blocked shots. Dennis Seidenberg led Florida with four as the home team combined for 13.
- Eric Staal extended his scoring streak to four games with his goal, but finished with a -3.
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Sheesh, what a disaster. Award has probably eliminated any chance at trading him. I doubt we could give him away. The other Ward was awful as well. You could see the whole demeanor of the team just whither except for a couple of the kids.
Dwyer in particular I thought had a good game. I was also pleased to see Eric Staal playing his D role alot last night. He appeared to be skating with some speed and was mindful of where he was supposed to be. Now he’s scoring, skating and playing smart, I may have to call that a huge step into getting the team playing well.
On the other hand Ray had a terrible night. Eeegad.
If Pits doesn’t get some relief on minutes he’s gonna fall apart. Mentaly and physicaly they can’t keep milking that guy like that. I don’t know the stats, but with Pits out, that’ll hurt worse than Corvo being out…and if both of them are out Albany would be playing with 4 D guys.
I hope Taylor Hall is excited about Carolina hockey…
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
on Pitkanen’s TOI – what the heck is Mo going to ask of him tonight in the back to back with a flight in between? Who the heck is going to take up some of his time? post-game, Forslund/Tripp questioned on whether Gleason or Wallin were likely, and suggested <50% chance we’ll seem them tonight.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 8:27 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of the flight in between, I didn’t track the Panthers flight in but ours didn’t land until almost 1:30 am.
SISU
LOL - fan is short for fanatic
actually, this is LTD’s adopted responsibility. She takes on the role of making sure they make it home safely so the rest of us don’t have to worry. It’s a mom thing. I for one think it’s kinda cute.
If she was really over the top she would have greeted the plane with a big “coffee urn” of hot cocoa and warm cookies. (and maybe a reindeer and hashbrown casserole to be heated up for morning breakfast).
It’s not like she spends her days projecting a gazillion options for the Canes forward lines for the next 2 or 3 seasons made up of players that aren’t even in the Canes organization yet.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
True. Anybody who would provide long lists of power forward prospects and project future lines is indeed totally obsessive.
But, ADog, that’s why we love you and how we know you indeed are one of us!
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Actually, I don’t have nearly enough spare time. It’s one thing to click a favorites link and key in one of the two flight tail numbers that the Canes are using this year to take a quick check of their comings and goings. It’s quite another thing to bake cookies and reindeer casseroles.
You know I’d do it.
SISU
Yes, I know.
I believe you’d raise reindeer in your backyard if it was within your neighborhood covenants. :-p
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
I am convinced...this is coaching.
Lack of cohesion, disipline, tight gaps, and positioning. These are coaching issues. Lack of speed, aging players, and lack of talent…..that is a JR issue. I am sure that guy is feeling like he gambled and lost this year. Problem is you don’t only need to change the players, that coach needs to go. Your team at least needs to compete. Our team is playing north and south. The rest of the league is playing NORTH SOUTH EAST AND WEST. Result………one road win. Painful to watch …even for the number one pick. Tough times in Carolina. Fun is just around the corner.
It is now clear that Lavi is a superior coach. He always had a plan. He may have pissed off the wrong guy but he did win a cup. Just sayin.
I agree Laviolette is MUCH better Coach! Was that really ever a question though?
I also agree that the number of older players on the team has created problems, but the Coach has the responibility to adjust for that and Mo does not seem to have the ability to adjust nor to get anything extra out of a team. He also does not seem to be a coach that exudes confidence to team..he tends to go in to “Protect Mode” too often rather than staying with a constant message of aggresive attacking, confident hockey. To me when you go to that protect mode so often it really sends the message of “the other team is better we have to protect this lead” rather than the feeling of we are better look at the score now go get some more and do not let up the pressure for a single shift!
Yup,
Mo at first stuck it out with the philosophy of defense first that the team was confused and not that they are poor players, weren’t the guys who play Mo’s dream (nightmare) style that well.
Then when they went into that 14 game tailspin, they know that for all intents and purposes, their season is over.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
It was still a question in my head.
I really thought that Mo had understood that his system combined with Lavi’s system really was the style that worked. I believed that he would try to build on that system. The guys were very responsive to it last year…why make a major change? Clearly he went back to the old Mo dump and chase, defensive defensive style with a group of guys that pride themselves on their ability to score. It is a ridiculous thing to do. I have lost all respect for him and now Ron Francis as a coach. Had those guys actually learned anything from that run last year, they would have built on what happened instead of reverting to Mo’s comfort zone. We will get the number one pick but like a lot of you guys have said…..that losing attitude is a tough one to dump. In my experience…cut off the head is the only way. These are smart players and they aren’t blind followers. I think smart and independant thinking are on the same gene. These character guys are proud and smart too. Don’t piss in the wind then tell them its raining.
So now I know…..Maurice is just not a coach that can change his style to meet the talent strengths of his team.
As for the players. I have a question…….why aren’t you guys playing mad? What does it take to piss you guys off? WTF
That’s not surprise in A.Ward’s body, it’s revenge.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
For some reason Revernge is a really funny word.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 19, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t mind the game so much (we played pretty much like the last place team should play) or maybe a better way to say it was “I wasn’t all that surprised by the game”. Was it bad? Yup, but it wasn’t anything we hadn’t seen before. I am concerned that no one on the team seems to be bothered by it anymore. They’re are exceptionally competitive guys and yet no one is giving us anything more than sports cliches. That is a deeply seeded problem that starts at the top and works its way down. It’s something that the coaches needed to stop-you can’t let them be ok with that.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
It is obvious...
that the org is not going to take any hard action right now. Everyone knows that changes are looming in January and around the trading deadline. The dead weight continues to be dead weight ( A Ward, Yelle, Brindamour,..Walker?) , the tradeable UFAs (Cully, The Wizard, Corvo,,he being on the dead weight list possibly) play to a competitive level to ensure the chance at a playoff chance and a raise in the FA market. The superstars ( Staal and Ward0 try to be superstars..neigher has carried the team although Staal is performing nicely. The Core..(the Finns) continue to impress although not enough to win. And finally, the young Rats heap up ice experience. We are simply doing enough to be vialble and preparing for next year. I hope …though..that MO is on the way out…..MAYBE NOT..but we can hope.
IMO, changes need to happen within the current group first before anyone is brought in. Accountability and responsibility need to be re-introduced to this group of guys. And then you can start talking about bringing new guys in.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Accountability and responsibility need to be re-introduced to this group of guys
Cue, enter stage right : The one, the only, Emperor Tim Gleason.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Hanging Together
Caniac233 is totally correct. At the trade deadline, it is going to be a complete housecleaning of players over 32, I predict. There is some lack of intensity, but more there is a lack of size, speed, and physicality among the 32+ crowd.
Maurice made the point some games back that some of the Hurricanes 32+ players had not made it to the NHL by hitting, and that they were resisting his system’s requirement of hitting, forechecking and backchecking. He also made the point that this team overall has quickness but not speed.
After the trade deadline, this team will be vastly changed. In the meantime, the games we see will reflect the team’s present make up: the four dead weights of A.Ward, Brind’Amour, Yelle, and Walker will play at their present level until they are either scratched or traded. Cullen and Whitney will play their game, and sometimes that game will be inspiring and other times it will simply be puzzling (i.e. some quite uncharacteristic lazy penalties by Whitney). The young Finns will continue to battle and to be the real leaders of the team. Staal and Ward will have to find themselves and their A game. Sutter continues to be Sutter — usually one of the top two or three best forwards on the ice. Our young Rat defensemen will be learning their painful lessons about how good, how strong, how intense their opponents are and just how quickly things can fall apart on defense.
Maurice cannot reference this year as proof he is a top NHL coach; so he needs to turn his focus to building team confidence for 2010-2011. He was given a pardon for this year; but he has about 365 days to prove he belongs as the Hurricanes head coach. I hope he does really well; and I won’t predict either way because I don’t think the conclusion is inevitable either way. If Maurice wants to be the Hurricanes head coach, he needs to ask for a meeting with Rutherford, Brind’Amour, and Francis and the hard news needs to be spoken that Brind’Amour will not be team captain next year and will not play next year. I do predict that if Brind’Amour is on the team in 2010-2011, Maurice will be fired by December 1, 2010.
The Panthers team is comprised of many of the types of players the Hurricanes need to fill the holes — big, strong, fast, young, skilled forwards. The Hurricanes on the other hand are easy prey because they have only two power forwards — Ruutu and Cole. If either get hurt, the team is crippled. Additionally, Ruutu and Cole are on the smallish end of size for power forwards. They are not midgets, but they are also not supersized gargantuan figures on the ice either.
Whether this team losess 10-0 or 3-2 is of no import to me personally. All I want is Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin as the first priority. Secondly, I want to see significant steps this year toward honing the team for next year. Thirdly, I know it takes patience and that Cullen, Whitney, Corvo, and Walker have their greatest trade value (NTCs notwithstanding) at the trade deadline.
Cane's
Why single out 2 player’s when the team loose’s it’s the whole team that lost not just 2players. Remember that ya’ll. Maybe they the team can make amends tonight in Raleigh. We will see.
robert
Human Nature
Some players, this year, are sacred to a vast majority:
The Finns as a group are sacred.
Cam Ward is sacred.
Many are not playing poorly, just on the ice at the wrong time and that “wrong time” is when “Those two players” are on the ice.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
Human Nature -- Which Two Players?
I apologize, but I am having a hard time following the reference to “those two players.” Which two players did you mean?
Whoever you don't like at the time.
An almost universal consensus for one is A Ward.
The other is usually Brindy.
That is not always the case as each person has their idea of “who really sucks”.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
lets sit wardo
everybody is complaining about the defense, and it has been pretty bad, and the lack of offensive production, it seems like they have adopted the everybody has to touch the puck before they shoot, but in my opinion i think wardo is a major problem, hes looked soft all season, has not had a dominant game all season. i think ward needs to stop buying new masks and start working a little harder. a below .900 save percentage and 3+goals against is not a franchise player
Everyone on here knows I am a huge Ward fan (possibly to a fault), so take this for what it’s worht. Cam is just coming back from injury and it’s hard to say whether he’s 100% or not. I’m leaning towards him still being less than 100% because he has not shown the characteristic level of skill we’re used to. He hadn’t played in over a month prior to last week-almost any goaltender would struggle in that position, especially considering what he has to work with.
I’ll agree with you that this season has been a poor one for him, but I don’t think it’s him not working hard enough. It’s the combination of an injury, recovery from that injury, a horribly bad team in front of him (A.Ward anyone?) and some of his flaws coming out again.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I’ll be very surprised if Ward doesn’t start tonight. The only way to build confidence (quoting Tuomo post Kings game), is to work hard and work harder.
I’m pretty sure Ward’s problem is not so much the injury as much as it is the mental focus, quickness, required to be “an elite goaltender”. That will only come from facing a lot of pucks and making the saves and getting the W. I love that we have Manny as backup but the only way for Ward to get back in the saddle as our #1 is to work him so hard he doesn’t have time to think. He’s a goalie – he’s not supposed to be thinking and planning like Joni or Ray, he just needs to react. That takes live NHL "practice. and a lot of it.
And Barrasso propping him up.
Oh, and Gleason and…Carson?, keeping his crease cleared.
Since we’ve all agreed it’s okay to lose so we can get that draft pick, let’s work on building the keeper-players back so they’re stronger and more confident and more hungry with something to prove – next year.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Wonder when we’ll find out if Wallin or Gleason are playing tonight? No practice/skate today.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Wallin, Gleason and Manny practiced with Barrasso over at the RecZone. Just my guess, I don’t think any of those three will be in the lineup tonight.
SISU
I’d disagree slightly with you HM about the mental focus and quickness. I think when he gets in a rhythm he has those-take the last 20+ games last year for example. It’s at times like this when he doesn’t have any sort of flow that he has a hard time with that. And in this case, it’s because of him being out due to injury.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I think we agree, cg – he needs to get that focus back by playing a lot. Rhythm is perhaps a better word. But I believe he is thinking too much after weeks on the shelf, and needs to get the mind/body into NHL game mode. He’s not there yet. Lots of play is the solution. And that’s why I’m assuming (hoping) he’ll start tonight. It’s counterproductive to give him more time off to stew.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 19, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Ok. After re-reading what you wrote, I got that. The first time I read it, I got the feeling that you felt he never had the focus and quickness, which was a mistake on my end.
I do agree that he needs to be in the net tonight. He needs to work through this on his own, not sitting on a stool next to the coaches.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
my dad in in town and watches a good amount of hockey. He doesnt get to see the Canes play that much but watched last nights game. His comments went something like, ’the Canes defense sucks…do they think this is a non-checking league…I feel bad for Ward.
“It’s something that the coaches needed to stop-you can’t let them be ok with that.”
That is a very powerful statement which is very true. If the coaches and the powers that be allow this " oh well we lost another" attitude to continue, it will not matter what changes are made player wise. An I don’t give a crap attitude will eventually suck the life out of the players that do care. I am not saying that the vets DO NOT CARE, what I am saying is the attitude of accepting what is and doing nothing to change it. One of the Panthers after the 3rd goal should of had their head knocked off or at least a Cane should of made the attempt. Gloves should have come off to show that this yeam has pride, and will never roll over and die. With Gleason out or playing with half his face sewn up, the Canes’ are lacking this kill mentality. I love our Canes’ but damnit this is getting downright embarrasing. If me as a fan feels it , why wont the players at least act like it when getting blown away 6-1, IMHO of course :) GO CANES!!!
Opposing Players Building Tents in Front of the Net
Perhaps somebody ought to explain to the Hurricanes defensemen that in the NHL, letting opposing players hold a tea party in front of your net is a terrible idea. Other than Gleason and Alberts, I can’t remember any defensemen hammering an opposing player who shots the gap or sprints around the back of our net. Instead, it looks like a big party in front of the net.
Against the elite teams, the front of the net is a battle zone and you usually see forwards lying on their backs trying to remember their names and what day it is after they coming hauling around the back of the net. Against the Hurricanes, those areas are largely unprotected and certainly the opposing teams forwards are not showing any fear of getting pounded into the ice in those soft areas of the ice.
Yes yes yes........
I think this speaks volumes to the injuries too. We are hurt all of the time. Usually the guy who gets hurt is the one on the recieving end of a hit. The Canes clearly are not doing the hitting or clearing out or anything. I want to see fire. The area in front of the net is like your wife’s honey pot. No other guy gets in there without a big fight. Jamie tries to even skate near it and pow right in the kisser.
Maybe this lack of concern explains why our guys are always on their butts.
Seidenberg is looking pretty damn good now, as is Babchuk. I’m a huge Babs fan, even with the attitude. He had a real crappy playoffs which pretty much sealed his deal at the time. AWard was paired with Chara, with could have covered all his mistakes last year. Seidenberg won the lotto when he left. Good on ya, mate. As Carvile once said: It’s defense again this year, stupid.
Go Canes!
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Perspective: missing Gleason, Corvo (one entire “top” pairing there), Wallin (steady 6th/7th), Cole, LaRose…and, yes, them missing Stillman & Booth.
Good: some outstanding individual performances, including Dwyer’s strong goal with Rodney continuing his fine performance in the last game into this one with the primary assist. Sutter blocked a shot in a manner I’ve never seen before, looking over his right shoulder to spot the shooter with the puck, and then going down head to the goal and blindly, but clearly intentionally, kicking out with the left skate to catch the puck in mid-shot, deflecting it towards the sideboard. He’s the real deal.
Bad: There’s a lot, but the worst trend was on the defensive side, where we just let them skate to and shoot from the slot all night. No way Cam or anyone else can cover 24 square feet of goal when we’re letting sharpshooters like Nathan Horton shoot while we glide and watch (Staal!).
Ugly: In fact, I’m calling Staal out as the single worst defensive disaster of the night. He earned that -3 (plus one more minus that he cancelled out with a found rebound goal as he slowly glided in from the fringe) by not only being on the ice for 4 of their goals, but being the primary defensive breakdown for three of them and failing to help on the fourth.
He just does not even try. It’s beyond disappointing. There needs to be an intervention. Move those legs, son, or come over here and have a seat next to me.
Excellent post Elsker and I couldn’t agree more.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Staal and the "Staal Pouting Glide"
I think Staal is the real deal and that he is the franchise. I also am weary of seeing Staal pout and slowly glide back down the ice after a missed shot, or after a missed pass, or after being knocked to the ice, etc. I also can’t imagine that it is very difficult to notice when the coaches and team are reviewing game videos.
Last night Staal got out muscled by Weiss in front of the net. Weiss is 180 lbs in his skates and equipment. Staal has to decide whether he wants to be an elite player and play his heart out every thing or whether he wants to be a really good player who shows up most, but not all, the time.
If Staal wants to win Stanley Cups and get to the Hall of Fame, he must abandon the temper tantrums and the self-pity and go take names and bust chops.
Is there sarcasm in that statement?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Crosby -- Whines After the Play is Over
Crosby is fascinating. He is one of the biggest whiners in the NHL; but I have never seen him whine when the puck is in play. After the play is finished, he is the kind of whining. Crosby, Malkin, and Ovechkin are always in wide open throttle, every shift. It is one thing that differentiates them from other players — their ability to drive themselves hard each shift.
I also believe that he is the real deal. In addition, I have a 25-year-old son and know that “these things take time” :-D
But, the time has come. I don’t see us hiring a taskmaster coach to call out Staal in the media and push him to new heights. Neither do I believe that is the correct way to motivate.
It has to come from within. But, he may also need an intervention from the org for this to happen. I say the “org”, because this has to be a coordinated top-to-bottom push to activate him. We can’t afford to let the coach alone get cross-wise with him to where one of them has to go.
The key, I believe, to unleashing Staal the Man is for him to understand and embrace his chance to make hockey history, not only in this franchise, but in the league. He’s durable and started young. He could pile up numbers that would set every offensive franchise record there is. He needs Brodeur’s sense of history and where he is within it, but that’s difficult for a 25-year-old. Remember, he’s still our youngest player (other than Sutter, who has family history on his side) on the regular roster.
I’m going to be okay with his “me first” over the “team first” attitude, as long as he is an offensive force and a responsible defensive player. All artists come with flaws, so I don’t expect perfection. Just artistry.
Staal needs to be called out
Everyone keeps telling me that he’s scored all these points in his return. I’ll take the points, and solid defensive play. If he can’t do that, please change your name to Jagr. Good defense leads to good offense. Not the other way around, ya putz.
Go Canes!
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