Hurricanes at Penguins: Game Day Preview - Brind'Amour to be Scratched?
by Bob Wage on Dec 7, 2009 3:01 PM EST
155 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes, (6-17-5) bring their much heralded 0-10-3 road record to Pittsburgh as they take on the Penguins at Mellon Arena tonight. The Hurricanes are the only team in the NHL yet to win on the road. Coach Paul Maurice thinks they have played well, but just have not gotten the victories.
Much of the game time news has already been reported. Jay Harrison and Brett Carson have both been recalled to help out on the blueline. Bryan Rodney was sent back to Albany.
Harrison started out the season with the big club, with less than sterling results. Although, his numbers do not look bad compared to some of the other blueliner's at the present time.
This will be the first recall of the year for Carson, who recovered from a broken wrist earlier this season. Both defensemen had excellent numbers for the Rats.
- Carson 14GP 3G 8A 11 points +4
- Harrison 15GP 1G 7A 8 points +4
Niclas Wallin was injured in the Vancouver game and is questionable for will not play tonight. If Wallin can not play, look for Harrison and Carson to be paired up. Talk about "trial by fire".
In other news, Jussi Jokinen has been cleared to play and will return to the lineup. There is no word on who will be the healthy scratch. Chad LaRose? Stephane Yelle? Perhaps we should open another poll? The coach will make his mind up at game time.
UPDATE: According to John Forslund on 99.9 The Fan at 2:45, Rod Brind`Amour will be scratched.
Could this be the proverbial shot across the bow?
Manny Legace will get the nod in goal while Michael Leighton will be backup, even though he was placed on waivers today. Jim Rutherford said this afternoon in an interview with Paul Branecky that the final decision regarding the goalies has not been made, but Legace holds the edge in play so far.
They expect to activate Cam Ward for Wednesday's game in New Jersey.
The Pens have many of the familiar characters which routed the Canes in last year's playoffs. Sidney Crosby has been nursing an injury of his own, but will play tonight.
Of course Eric Staal missed 10 games due to injury, but brother Jordan has better numbers.
The Canes are led by Ray Whitney and Tuomo Ruutu, although Matt Cullen has a five game scoring streak.
Marc-Andre Fleury should be in net for the Pens, although that is unofficial.
The game will start at 7:30 and will be televised locally by FS Carolinas. We will have the open thread up and running at 7.
For the latest about the Penguins, check out Pensburgh. Frank D and company do an excellent job.
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Seems like this kind of thing happened with Dave Andreychuk in Tampa?
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Yes, Dave Andreychuk was a healthy scratch for at least one game, I can see from several postings (vs. Montreal).
Elsker I don’t want to be a dick, but if the grin on my face was any bigger I’d fall over!
ABOUT FRIGGIN" TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More Rat’s!!
Talk about making a ballsy move! It’s like I have been saying though, if ya gotta pay the guy no matter what. At least think of the team first and if scratch, waivers or a buy out and a wedgy are whats called for, then pony up.
I’m super stoked, shame the Canes will probably get smoked, but I can’t wait to see the call ups inject some life into this putrid heap we call a team.
Anyone wanna take bets on which Staal is better tonight?
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
They didn’t call up anyone else to fill a spot.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Nope, but it’s a start. First time this shipwreck has budged from the bottom.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
that wasn’t a budging of the boat, that was the captain being thrown over board. all the while Commodore Mo sits in his comfy chair on the Bridge while Admiral Rutherford fluffs him in front of the media.
I take Eric and wager you a pint of your favorite!
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Yea I’m wondering if the shot across the bow wasn’t meant for Eric. We shall see!! Next time we are at a game maybe we can split it? I just want entertaining hockey, that means effort, not really results. What worries me is if they go hog wild and bring up and keep the kids, they will start getting the hang of the game and screw us out of a prime draft pick. I hope they keep rotating and give everybody a good LOOOOONG look. Save alot of hassle next year.
A
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Other than the end of last year and Playoffs
Eric Staal has played his best hockey when Roddy was out of the lineup. Come to think of it, he really kicked it in gear after they sent Roddy home from the trip out west.
Dallas is the next game I will attend!
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
he’s already got four points in last two, six in his last five. Don’t think he needs a motivator.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder what this does to Rod Brind’Amour….
I wonder if this is the coach and staff saying to him: we know you can give more…. but you have to earn your spot…
Wonder if there will be 3-A’s or 2-A’s and 1-C on the ice….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 3:23 PM EST reply actions
If they gave someone else the C, that would be a huge slap in the face. Don’t see it happening.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
I agree – probably no “C” on the ice to night. Whitney and Staal with the A. (Staal got to wear the C when Rod was out with his knee in 2008, right?)
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
I thought Staal got the C too….but I cant find anything to back it up.
I hope they go with 3 A’s tonight….throw it on Timmy….
by camwardsaysno on Dec 7, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
They went with 3-A’s when Rod was out injured…. (actually they rotated 4 guys)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
just keeping you sharp :-)
Welcome to CanesCountry… don’t know if I’ve seen you on here…
Cheers.
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
No C change yet. I would be surprised if it even happens this year. Depends on what, if any moves JR has in the works. Remember JR’s words the other day and how he kept mentioning “respect” for Rod, ad nauseum. Rods on his way to a suit, but JR won’t thow him under the bus lickety split. Not to mention I’d say there is maybe 4 guys that have an equal shot at the C.
My .02
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I think it would be a huge slap in the face to do that in mid-season….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting tweet from ice_chip:
ice_chip Fourth-line duty is one thing. Sitting in the press box is an entirely different thing. What’s next, giving up the ‘C’?
Someone likes to fan flames.
Yes – but it’s not usually Chip Alexander. I thought he was a company man.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
He is a basketball guy…. he has no clue….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
If the Captain is a scratch - sad day indeed
I know that Rod is not the same Hockey player he was before his 2 knee injuries but he is still the Captain. Honestly bringing Mo back sinking to last in NHL again with Mo at the helm, why at this point would you Healthy Scratch the Captain??? Makes no sense to me but that is the samething I said when Mo was re-hired. I guess just more fodder for the bashers of this organization around the NHL.
Yep it’s sad in some ways. I respect that, really.
However a LW line up of Whitney, Jokinen, Samsonov and LaRose is just fine by me when playing a team with the jump, skill and momentum of the Penguins. I am sorry it has come at the expense of as great a player as Rod Brind’Amour.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
with where the team is just can not agree with Scratching the Captain!
To me this will be very disturbing…Hey Scratch Aaron but not the Captain! Sorry just can not agree with this…not with all the other mistakes that have been made by this Coaching staff and Management team. Rod is no longer a great player that is clear the injuries and I guess his age has caught up to him but it is terribly unfair to make him the scape goat.
JR should be ashamed if he can sit by and let this happen while continueing to defend MO and his poor game management! How many games have they lost because Mo decided to completely change modes in the 3rd period to protect a lead???? Yet Mo is never to blame in the least…..according to JR his best friend.
I will admit that I would be Happy if Rod would retire but not like this not because his own management and Coaching staff turned on him and embarrassed him but making him a Healthy Scratch…. just not right! JR signed him to a 5 year contract when he was 36 now he should deal with that in a way that is fair to all including Rod!
I wonder if Rod was consulted on this or if it was handed to him…? JR put it as Mo’s call in the Branecky piece on Leighton’s waivers.
Rutherford said that Niclas Wallin will not play tonight at Pittsburgh, paving the way for Brett Carson to make his season debut on defense. He also said that Jussi Jokinen will be in the lineup, and that Coach Paul Maurice would need to make one forward a healthy scratch.
As for AWard being the scratch, the problem in 13 forwards are healthy. Shall we try asking Rod (or Jussi or Cole?) to play D?
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
Ya’ll keep missing the point of Caniac Jack’s post.
It was not that Rod is untouchable or cannot be the recipient of negative comments.
Instead, it was addressing the incidents of open contempt and casual bashing that was going on in the threads for a player that was a big part of Canes success stories. A little decorum and respect was the call, not “don’t touch”.
well
now we can say how they play
and cant blame it all on RODDY being the caption and being too slow. etc etc.
Man, I feel bad for Brindy. I like what Pokecheck said on Twitter:
I will watch tonight’s Pens/Canes game at home while very proudly donning a Rod Brind’Amour jersey. Thank you, Roddy.
All I can sayin gis that the Canes are trying.....
and I’m not saying “trying my patience”
Just look at what they could look like:
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Wow
I feel it had to be done, but damn it’s sad when you think about it! I’m pretty sure almost everyone on here thought Rod was the best Captain in the league 2 years ago and now look where we are…
Sad day indeed…
Still not a crook!
I love it
This is the way that the team should be run. If you are playing well enough to be in the top 4 lines then you suit up, if not, then you sit. No knock on Rod as I would feel the same way about any player being sat. As a coach and GM you have to put the best 4 lines out there that will give you the best chance to win. Plus as we all know Rod has lost a step or two and tonight we go against a very quick and explosive team. I think this was well calculated and not a bad time to do it.
Brind'Amour as a Healthy Scratch
Brind’Amour deserves all the praise one can imagine for his years of service and his accomplishments. He also has not scored in over two months and is the worst +/- in the NHL for the second straight year. He is entitled to the $3,000,000.00 salary he negotiated. Like any other player, however, he is not entitled to ice team. He has to earn it like every other player on the roster. The “C” he wears is not immunity for responsibility and accountability for his play. He has been given every benefit of the doubt possible. He is the person who should be healthy scratched.
Well said.
He is a legend, and I will always remember the incredible things he’s done for the team… (And I will still choke up a little every time I see that video of him hoisting the cup.) BUT, memories of the past are no replacement for his play now. As you say, he’s gotta earn ice time like everyone else.
I was hopeful during camp that he was gonna be rockin’ this year — he looked like he had more jump in his step, but other than moments here or there, I haven’t seen it this season.
Brind'Amour as a Healthy Scratch -- typos fixed
Brind’Amour deserves all the praise one can imagine for his years of service and his accomplishments. He also has not scored a goal in over two months and has the worst +/- in the NHL for the second straight year. He is entitled to the $3,000,000.00 salary he negotiated. Like any other player, however, he is not entitled to ice time. He has to earn it like every other player on the roster. The "C" he wears is not immunity for responsibility and accountability for his play. He has been given every benefit of the doubt possible. He is the person who should be healthy scratched.
Think this motivates Eric Staal? It damn well should.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
as mentioned above … four assists the past two games, six in the past five. What “stepping up” needs to be done? I’d take that any day of the week.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
As above, friggin’ score, that’s what he gets paid for, assists are nice and a good step in the right direction, but he is paid to change games with dominant play aand scoring ability. 4 assists is tepid.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I’m now pretty positive your pessimism goes beyond just being disgruntled with people’s play. You look for something to complain about.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
+1 Cory
He couldn’t stand Cole’s hatty Saturday. That was another clue.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
Notice that he originally was bragging about the team losing because they didnt listen to him and opt to play the younger guys during teh offseason. Now that they are doing that, he’s saying that he just wants to see effort. He’s backpeddling now because he knows they still wont win with the Rats playing.
and have said so often and already below. .Maybe pay attention and learn.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
what? Ive never seen somebody look for acceptance as much as you. Everyday you are on here with the same ‘I was right’ bullshit. I would hope youre right sometimes as much as you run your trap.
Well Thank you, I like being right and have been on many things.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Why do you say that? Granted I don’t have the mique toast attitude most have. I want success as much as anyone and Staals stats suck, period. Granted he’s been on the ice and helped on a few plays of late, but that in no way shape or form excuses his poor sportmanship and whiney little fits. It also doesn’t come close to earning his contract and at his contract level he is paid for results. Sorry if that is to accurate and critical, but it is afact non the less.
As for Binky’s hatty? Guilty, i did hate that.
So maybe half guilty.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
But his stats don’t suck since coming back. And he hasn’t “whined.” So now what?
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Well if you pick and choose your periodicity for performing, Cole is the next Gretz?
Stats are over a year period, just like that one you keep chucking out about him being a top scorer since the lockout.
Where’s he sit now?
Year to date this year is poor. Cherry picking a few games isn’t indicative of anything, really.
Making a come back? Maybe, but making a few assists is not what is expected of him and shouldn’t be.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
So at what point is he considered successfully “motivated?” You didn’t say “I want Staal’s numbers for the season on par with where they should be.” You said you wanted him motivated. Well, the past week-plus indicate he’s motivated just fine.
Didn’t you argue that if he was hurt he should sit? Well, he did sit … and now he’s back and putting up points. Staal could never score again for all I care if he’s getting two assists a night.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
insane, really .. Gretz averaged more than two assists a game in, I think, 85-86. 163 in a season (80 games back then)
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 7, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
I believe I made the same exact point and got sodomized for wanting 2 points a night out of Staal….
The kids got talent, until this small last stretch he hasn’t shown it. He should be =/- 35 goals and +/- 25 assists at the bare minimum. I think at his pay level an 80 point season should be in the works. He’s got the skill and if he had the tools around him, I’d opt for 80, with what he’s got today the 60 mark. he has always done better when he had good support.
I will also disagree slightly on never scoring again, while you and I may think 2 points a night is good, i believe it’s the expectations of the org. for Staal to dominate on some nights and steal a game. I think Ward has the same weight on his shoulders.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I’ve been hard on Staal… But it’s hard to argue w/ his stats over the past week or two….
Some goals would be nice… But he is helping out quite a bit….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
It’s been a long day…. I no longer have the will or the energy to fight…
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Oh… and how was that Christmas Party this year?
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Carson/Harrison and Wallin
As somebody who has been highly critical of Aaron Ward’s play and Wallin’s play, I am really hoping that there will be a quantifiable and inarguable improvement in the defense tonight. I think Carson and Harrison will get paired together. If they can hold their own against Pittsburgh, they will have shown they deserve consideration as permanent members next year. If they get owned tonight, I can feel a beating coming on with respect to my assessment of Wallin.
On the other hand, surely, there is no dispute that Aaron has been the worst defender on the ice every game he has appeared.
You will never hear me complain about Wallins play…. I think he one of a few guys who has consistently done what is expected of him…. and put the team first while doing so….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 7, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
I think that we need big strong defense against the power forwards of the Pens (Malkin and JStaal, plus the Sid-kid). Rodney was not ideal. Perhaps he’ll be back to skate around Lemaire’s d-men in NJ
Looking just at their size:
Rodney 6-0, 195 lbs
Harrison 6-4, 211 lbs
Carson 6-4, 210 lbs
to replace:
Wallin 6-3, 220 lbs
Corvo 6-0, 204 lbs
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
thanks Iggy……that makes sense. I wonder why it was Harrison that got the call up instead of someone like McBain
McBain needs a little more work at the AHL level from the AHLlive games I’ve seen. I think he will be fine; but for defensemen it is a huge jump from the NCAA to the AHL and even greater from the NCAA to the NHL. He’ll be great; but the physicality and speed is causing him some issues. He is an excellent athlete and will make the adjustment. It will just take some patience and time, I think.
I agree with you on that. I’m not even sure we will need him next year on the team though. Our D-men could be (assuming we let all of the FA go and re-sign Harrison) could be:
Gleason-Rodney
Harrison-Pitkanen
Alberts-Carson
I think that could be a pretty good group. Rodney looks like he could be a go, Harrison has played well when called upon, and Carson looked good when called up earlier (we shall see tonight). McBain may not even be needed.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Don’t be so quick to run Corvo off. I still think he’ll be one they resign if any.
A TRUE CANIAC......YES I AM........
From NHL.com:
A matchup between the Hurricanes and Penguins is probably about as close to a David vs. Goliath showdown as the NHL has to offer this season. Carolina has steadily spiraled south in the standings and it would definitely be considered a major upset if they were able to snatch a victory from the prolific Pens. However, if Pittsburgh is sans Crosby for a second straight game then the ’Canes could maintain a glimmer of hope.
And Crosby will play tonight.
That, may be the motivation Eric Staal needs. He’s stepped up his game in the past when Rod is gone. The team had a win last game and being counted out tends to piss off the likes of Cullen, Whitney, Ruutu, Gleason and if Staal and his Binky can keep rolling, it may be a change in direction.
Will the Hobbit be a wall is a big question, but may be a good game after all, I was expecting a blow out, but some of the guys have some pride and a reason to have it.
Gonna be a hard evil night on the call ups and the Hobbit, though. Thjat may be a good thing, a 15 to 25 minute night at the NHL level is like a couple weeks at the AHL level. The boys are gonna get some lessons. Hope the MoRon TomTom can turn the mistakes they will make into learning exper. things..
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Don’t be to hard on Manny now. The guy has kept us in several games and has given us a chance on many nights.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Jeez, the Canes are suckin, we are playing the team I hate the most tonight, Rod is scratched, Leights on waivers, is it possible to be any more depressed? And yeah Crosby is miraculously well enough to play tonight, couldn’t be more excited! :(
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
You need to calm the hell down!……. but yeah it’s gonna be rough.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 7, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
I stand type corrected.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 7, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
So tempting…
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 7, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
Puppies hate Tim too.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 7, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
Chin up, we are going to have training camp at last and a dam long one. Mistakes will be made, but so will our future be forged in the same flames. I’ll go out on a limb and say most of us agree the veteran idea flopped. Well the cap doesn’t give squat for wiggle room to buy a player and trades are pretty much few and far between. But man have we got some kids. Bring ’em up and play ’em hard against these monsters. See who thrives like Sutter, see who needs what.
This season is all but over so use the schedule and time to introduce these future players to what they want and are gonna see. My whole world would be tickled to see a squad go out and try like crazy. Mistakes will be made and games lost, but seeing the heart and thirst will be a victory for me. I believe that will translate into victories on the ice at least next year. There are 8 or more guys I’d like to see get a 8 or so game streak with heavy minutes. I wish Dalpe could come up and get a taste. That’s what I think we have left, maybe be spoiler later on, but we can get a whole ton of rebuilding done over the next few months. See what pieces we have inhouse and what sort of polish they need. See what we just ain’t got and need to find, when the FA exodus happens.
I think the org finaly sees it’s folly and is taking the only logical course.
‘bout time and don’t expect good hockey. Expect good to watch, maybe even inspired effort, but mistakes will abound. I pose that we have already had the mistakes and no inspirational play.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
There may be a few 14 year old midget players that the Canes scouts have their eyes on, might as well see what theyve got. Throw ‘em to the wolves, it’ll be good for em.
Ugh, debating on whether to go and scalp a ticket tonight; this could be really ugly.
by PittsburghCaniac on Dec 7, 2009 6:25 PM EST reply actions
probably a bad idea PittCaniac. After all of the losses Pittsburgh has seen over the weekend, they may be looking to hang someone of another team…..
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I know. I really want to go because the Canes dont come back here until March 20 for a 1:00 Saturday game, but this one tonight could be really really ugly. WIthout wardo in goal, and the way are d is starting to shape for tonight….i just dont think I can bare to watch thousands of people scream over and over again as we get pummeled.
by PittsburghCaniac on Dec 7, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
knowing that Rod is a hardcore and maybe even hardheaded competitor, I think this is the organizations attempt to subtlely let Rod know that the best thing he can do for himself and the organization is retire after this year. Some players just dont know when their time is up and need a nudge out the door.
going back 3 months, my prediction on Rod during Brindy Camp:
I’m thinking Rod’s going to do everything humanly possible to prove his nay-sayers wrong this season. It will either be inspiring or embarrassing. But he will bring it all to the ice.
Let’s go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Aug 27, 2009 4:29 PM EDT
There’s really no way to be “in-between” with the Captain. He doesn’t leave anyone many alternatives to where we are tonight..
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
In My Own Words...
You know how they always showed “Rod Brind’Amour: In My Own Words” before almost every FSN broadcast this year?
Well tonight we’re getting “In My Own Words: Eric Staal” ……..!
Still not a crook!
If you like the new Fox Sports Carolina site has it all ready to be viewed over and over again…(It’s linked at the bottom of my C&C story today). Aren’t we fortunate? (He’s pretty dull interview despite Forslund’s best efforts)
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
Thanks for this!
+10000000000000
My confidence in the folks who work for the Canes wearing jackets and ties is growing by leaps and bounds today.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
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