Clicks and Clippings: Penguins and Devils and Caps. Oh my!
by hockeymomof2 on Dec 7, 2009 11:12 AM EST
35 comments
These next six days will be loaded with challenges for your Carolina Hurricanes, with a road-trip that one writer called "brutal" and another at The Hockey News safely predicted wasn't going to give the team much chance to put a dent in the winless road-game streak. The conspicuously horrendous road-game record of 0-10-3 means that terms like Underdog and David-meets-Goliath are the phrases that will be repeated early and often. Take a look at the itinerary:
MON DEC 7, 2009
HURRICANES
PENGUINS
7:30 PM
FS-CR(HD)
PREVIEW
WED DEC 9, 2009
HURRICANES
DEVILS
7:00 PM
FS-CR
FRI DEC 11, 2009
HURRICANES
CAPITALS
7:00 PM
FS-CR
SAT DEC 12, 2009
HURRICANES
SENATORS
7:00 PM
FS-CR
Take note, hockey fans, those first three games are against the #1, 2, and 3 teams in the East by points, with a combined record of 19-7-4 in their last 10 games. Then they fly to Ottawa, where the Senators are now 7th in the East, on the 2nd half of a back to back. This roadtrip requires all the a) Courage, b) Sisu, c) Cojones, d) All of the above, that these Hurricanes (and us Caniacs) can muster. There will be no room for the pusillanimous this week, and after the shaky win over the Canucks Saturday, if there was ever a critical time for a show of leadership and character, I believe this will be it. Who do you see will come to fore and lead this team most visibly over the next 6 days? That is your poll question this morning.
Then, after the jump, some news and views from around the League, Albany, and maybe even checking in on Coach Laviolette.
Calling in the reserves
The Canes announced yesterday that Bryan Rodney was enroute to Albany. He scored a goal in last night's game in the River Rats 4-1 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. However Jay Harrison and Brett Carson will join the Canes tonight, if Niclas Wallin can't play. Here are a couple reports from the Rats' side of the story.
Rats notes ‘n quotes: Carson also Carolina-bound - timesunion.com - Albany NY The Rats, who have been carrying eight defensemen most of this month, were down to six. Even though D Bryan Rodney was returned from Carolina, the Hurricanes recalled D Jay Harrison in the morning and D Brett Carson about an hour before the game.
The Infestation: Carson called up Brett Carson impressed the NHL coaches during the Canes' training camp in September, but was sidelined early in the season with a broken wrist. His performance in Albany, both before and after the injury, has been nearly flawless. Carson has developed tremendously over the past year and provides a unique combination of offensive and defensive awareness, putting him in the running for a permanent spot in the NHL, either this year of the next. In 14 games with the Rats this season, Carson has three goals, eight assists and a plus-4 rating.
Newly acquired Czech winger Jiri Tlusty was held up at the border Saturday, but did make it to Albany to play in Sunday night's game. No action from him yet, but those like Abramsdoug who watched the feed of the game last night commented his speed was impressive and he looked like a good fit with Zippy Zach Boychuk. Tlusty will wear #19 when he plays in Raleigh. A little bit more on the Rats after Saturday's win over the Phantom's with some nice player quotes as well is here.
This is a story on Tlusty, the day after he heard news of the trade to Carolina: Tlusty eager for new start with Carolina - thestar.com Between saying goodbye to friends and packing his bags, a harsh reality came into focus for Jiri Tlusty on Friday.
A little more weekend news: Saturday's Three Stars: Savard, Cole call for hats; Kipper steals win - Puck Daddy What's more: no Canes were named in the "dishonorables" . Progress.
Money questions
I see that ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is saying that the Hurricanes are completely off the hook on Peter Laviolette's contract with his new position with the Philadelphia Flyers. ESPN.com -- LeBrun blog -- Weekend roundup Peter Laviolette returns The Carolina Hurricanes, like other small- to medium-market teams, count every dime. So imagine their pleasure with the fact the Philadelphia Flyers are paying the full freight on the year and a half still left on Peter Laviolette's contract with the Canes. Everyone goes home happy in this one; Laviolette gets a new start, the Flyers get their man, and the Canes save some coin.
And here's some recent calculations of where we stand in regards to the Salary Cap, linked originally from Puck Daddy. Check out the site at nhlnumbers.com and take a look at space given Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) allowance, with Staal, Ward and now Corvo all suffering major injuries, only a third of the way into the season.
Building on the Injury issue
Tendon injuries preventable: Don Cherry Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Joe Corvo was the most recent player to get clipped by a skate on the back of the leg, and it's the type of injury that has to be addressed.
I linked this in another context in a fanpost over the weekend but here is another view on how dangerous the NHL is now. Nikita Filatov: 'I realized Hitchcock does not plan on trusting me' - Puck Daddy. Filatov recently returned to his native Russia to play in the KHL and was interviewed on his experience with NHL hockey.
Question from Russian journalist: You played in the NHL. Did you feel an overwhelming level of aggression there? We can remember a very recent example when a Florida defenseman hit his own goalie in the head with a stick.
Filatov: "I did not see that moment. But injuries in the NHL happen virtually every day. It's like madness over there. People come out to play to battle. It's like a war. No one spares anyone. And it doesn't matter if you're a star or a rank and file player. Tough guys are openly ready for a fight. You dump the puck in and chase it. That's exactly what I was doing when I was playing on the fourth line with Columbus with fighters Boll, Dorsett and MacKenzie."
Lavi-links
With the one-year anniversary of Rutherford's release of Paul Maurice 2.0 last week, I thought this was worth following. The Philadelphia Flyers players began the season with high expectations but now seem to be suffering through a enormous crisis of confidence and leadership prior to the firing of John Stevens last week. I liked this story from ESPN's Scott Burnside to hear how a similar situation is playing out compared to the woes here in Raleigh. Pay attention in particular to the description of the dynamic between Flyers' captain Mike Richards and veteran/legend (but new-to-Philly) Chris Pronger.
Here are a couple predictions on the longevity and appropriateness of this new marriage. Phil Sheridan: Flyers' organization drifts nowhere | Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/06/2009 and What We Learned: Suspension debates; wrong coach for Flyers? - Puck Daddy (from Ryan Lambert)
The Flyers were embarrassed Saturday night in the debut of Coach Laviolette (and McCarthy) against the Ovechkin-less Capitals. The "least-likely-to-ever-win-the-Lady-Byng" Daniel Carcillo dropped the gloves a little early, early in the second period, received 19 minutes in penalties and was further suspended 4-games for his "sucker punch" of the Capitals' Matthew Bradley (here's one story with video). Wonder how long before he sees more than 10 minutes icetime under his new pacifist coach?
In case you were wondering how the Flyers responded to their first full practice with Coach Laviolette On The Fly - Official Flyers website blog - Philadelphia Flyers Here's a sample from Danny Briere: "It is exciting. This is something new. It is going to take a little bit of time for us. Right now, we are going through the basics, the emotions and the new systems. But the mood is good and the guys are excited about it. We believe this is going to work."
Free Alex - Really?
via cdn2.sbnation.com (Japers' Rink)
Apparently those inside the Beltline are having a hard time coping with the suspension of the man known as Alex the Gr8. Over at SBN blog Japers' Rink, they created several signs for Caps fans to bring to the home game Friday in support of their big Russian gun. The "Free Alex" Movement - Japers' Rink
Harwood linked this in some comments over the weekend but here it is again if you missed it. Suspended Alexander Ovechkin refuses to stop reckless play - Jim Kelley - SI.com To date, most of the reaction to yet another dirty hit by Washington Capitals superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin has been pointed at the NHL and Colin Campbell, its Director of Hockey Operations.
Still haven't had enough? Alex Ovechkin's defense of the caveman - Puck Daddy More quotes from Ovechkin to a Russian journalist.
Hockey in the Carolinas
Always must listen to the Hurricanes Report (podcast) - from this past Friday, December 4th.
Droschak: Legace as Old School as They Come - Carolina Hurricanes - News From last week, some of the goaltenders quirks from David Draschak. Before the big question of whether we will be seeing any of this veteran after Wednesday and Cam Ward's anticipated return.
Hurricanes’ Glen Wesley Leads Live Healthy Triangle 100-Day Challenge - Raleigh Downtowner Magazine "I am please to represent Live Healthy Triangle," said Carolina Hurricanes Director of Defensemen Development Glen Wesley. "By committing to prevention and healthy behavior, the Triangle area can enjoy improved health, productivity, and a greater quality of life."
Talkin' hockey is winning hockey in Charlotte - NHL.com - ECHL Report There is Hockey in the other Carolina city.
Miscellaneous
Here's a possible tech-y solution on the way to a hockey arena near you. Just as baseball has a computerized system for tracking pitches in the strike zone for TV... - On the Forecheck
Finally - there is a new and improved Fox Sports Carolina Hurricanes website you can bookmark here: Fox Sports Carolinas. This week they are featuring the recently completed "In his own Words: Eric Staal" in conversation with John Forslund. While I think we all can safely predict that this will be aired plenty of times in the next few years before those 7:30pm games, here you can see it on the small screen, as many times as you like.
Again, here's your chance to name your Hurricanes superhero who will do the most to carry the team on his shoulders this week:
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Ankle injuries
Tendon injuries preventable: Don Cherry Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Joe Corvo was the most recent player to get clipped by a skate on the back of the leg, and it’s the type of injury that has to be addressed.
In the Tuomo Ruutu version of the It’s a Caniac Thing TV ads that are currently running, it is easy to see the gap between the back flap of the skate and the back of the ankle area that Don was talking about during his Coach’s Corner segment this Saturday night.
If that flap were taped, it would certainly provide more ankle protection from skate blades, but probably also feel stiffer, which is no doubt why some choose not to do so.
Some hi-tech armoring solution is badly needed.
If they can make luggage out of Ballistic Nylon, they can make hockey pants and socks out of the stuff. Sure it would cost more but that stuff is nearly impossible to cut through.
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 7, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
Great work HM!
I don’t know if I need to clarify my vote, but I picked Gleason. It should be Staal, but unless Stevie Y is planning a scouting trip that coincides with our road trip, I don’t think it will be. I sincerely hope I’m proven wrong.
In regards to the ESPN article about Richards vs. Pronger, it just goes to show you that the most talented guy isn’t necessarily the best suited for leading a team. And makes me exceptionally grateful to have the guys we have here in Raleigh. Of course the thought of Pronger wearing the C makes me gag a little, but that’s a whole different story.
Not sure what everyone is worried about
“Some of our best hockey has been on the road” – Paul Maurice.
http://carhur.com/334 @ 1:03
Wow, great posting HM!! Gonna take me all day to go through it all inbetween chores.
HmmmCG put a vote for Gleason…I never would of guessed!
Gee Mo ain’t got a vote yet, where that voter that used to always give out an F to the players?
HM, that was a very interesting poll, but the big question is do we get a first road win, I think. While individual performance and stepping up is good, it does not a team make. The ’Nucks game was awsome, unless your a ’Nucks fan. Can we actually win a game against an EC team AND on the road?
Keep the Rats coming!!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Well Sutter wasn’t an option. ;)
Seriously though, there is a lot of extra responsibility on Gleason now that Corvo and Wallin are gone. The man will probably play every situation and have a ton of ice time. If this team has any shot this week, he’ll have to be the one that we’re talking about. You can score all the goals you want (courtesy of Staal, Whitney and Cullen), but if you’re slacking defensively you’re done. And our forwards still haven’t figured out the importance of playing defense and offense.
And Mo has a vote now.
Gee Thanks, another sneaky move on kick a mitsubishi day.
Hey CG, I was pointing out to my hockey friends just how often Sutter is the first or second man back. I think he has been playing almost perfect positional hockey this year, he’s like a mini Lidstrom. While I obviously don’t want him back there, He’s been a great D man and is almost unnoticed as he does it. It’s kind of interesting how Sutter knows when Corvo or somebody pinches it’s coming back at our net and he’s been back to save a run on a bunch of occaisions. He can out run Wallin (if Wallin even notices it’s going by him), no need to compare to A. Ward and Pits and Timmy are usually his outlet. I think it was the ’Nucks game Sutter was back, got the puck and sent it up to Timmy in the neutral zone. Sutter is still making an impact but has moved more into helping a lame D core for scoring.
How many Rats? ALL OF ’EM!!!!
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
You’re right-some of our forwards have figured out defense, but sadly it’s not the ones out there the most or in the most important situations (i.e. against the best opposing lines).
The issue as you've stated before.....
is not that they can’t play defense, it is that they can’t play Mo’s defense.
The Canes defense is great when they are on the attack and hammering the other goalie with rushes and taking shots.
It is when they stop and get back on their heels that they fall apart.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Right, that’s probably a better way of putting it (although I do think there are some on this team that view defense as a second priority even when they are attacking). And if that’s the way they are coached, we’re going to see the same thing every game until they figure it out or Mo gets the axe. Since I don’t see the second thing happening anytime soon, they better figure it out.
Paladin – I used your wizard of Oz reference Pusillanimous in both the story and the twitter on this. Here’s your glove tap for finding another word to help us through this season (along with “sisu”, which came courtesy of LTD). Thanks for increasing my vocab!
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
I wish, HM called it. I watched The Wizard of Oz with my son and picked it up in context. The spelling was just a lucky guess. No genious research here, go to Bob, Cory and HM for well researched things, i’m more of a blind ground hog.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
It is my pleasure to share the sisu.
And I snickered at the reference to Alex the Gr8.
SISU
by LTD on Dec 7, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
Backup's
I’m hoping a lot of team’s may go the Vancouver route and play their Backup’s against us. If so, we might actually be competitive in some of these games.
Some teams you want to "#1" Goalie though
Like the Flyers. Their backup is much better stat wise recently than their starter.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Hate to burst your bubble but most teams have already been playing their #2 goalie against us, and of course the results have been the same.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Dec 7, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
two votes for Mo??
Only reason I see for being proud to be talking about Mo would be if he is no longer the Coach…sorry had to be said, I know it will not happen…oh well!
Brind'Amour as the healthy scratch?
Forslund is on 99.9 The Fan right now and has reported that Brind’Amour was the last one out after practice today, skating extra, as those that are not in the lineup for that night normally do.
It’s come to that.
Wow. That would be something wouldn’t it? Although Rod is always one of the last ones off the ice so I wouldn’t hold my breath.
As in the decision has already been made? Or as in if this were to happen, it’d be the coach’s decision?
As if it had already been made, hence the extra minutes after practice.
I think it’s a done deal. He was pretty definitive about it, not just speculating.
Maybe they’ll put up an audio link later. It was a pretty short interview.
Call it what you will.....
I like the Captain but like all players who aren’t showing up as often as they should, things need to be done.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Well, my mom's team is the Devils
and I was fully prepared, until Jussi and Staal got two past Brodeur in 80 seconds, to cheer for the Devils vs anyone in the finals last season.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
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