Much A'do about Rod Brind'Amour
by Bob Wage on Dec 8, 2009 2:50 PM EST
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes turned a lot of heads when they healthy scratched captain Rod Brind`Amour last night in Pittsburgh. According to John Forslund, several people on the team were upset, including Brind'Amour himself.
Forslund even said that he was a bit upset about it, when he chatted about the situation with Joe Ovies and Adam Gold this morning on 620 The Buzz.
Remember our story about "buckling up" Caniacs? This is one of those situations where there are no easy solutions and some fans will be upset no matter what happens.
The problem? You have a well respected and in some cases well loved captain who has given his all to the franchise while helping to lead them to a conference final last year, a Stanley Cup Final in 2002, and a Stanley Cup Championship in 2006.
But, the aging veteran has slowed more than a step, has the worse plus/minus in the league, and is scoring at less than half the pace of the worst season of his career.
Some people would like to compare this situation with that of Dave Andreychuk, when Tampa Bay cut loose the team captain and put him on waivers back in 2006, in affect forcing him into retirement. When Andreychuk cleared waivers, he decided to retire rather than to report to the minor leagues.
But while the big center had led his team to a Stanley Cup Championship just two years previous, the Brind'Amour situation is a bit different than that one.
The Lightning had signed Andreychuk as a free agent in 2001. He hadn't even been in the organization for four years before getting the ax. This will be the 10th season for Brind'Amour in Raleigh and he is much more of a fixture, on the team and in the community.
But this is a business first world and the Hurricanes have tangible problems to deal with. They are up against the salary cap, and Brind'Amour is a huge part of that equation. While he earns $3,000,000 this year and next, his cap hit is even higher, 3.6 million. (He earned a higher amount in previous years) For a player with minimal production who was getting fourth line minutes, this is an absurd amount.
And that does not take into account that his plus/minus, (-19) is the worst in the league. The previous Selke Award winner is now a defensive liability.
Chip Alexander asked Jim Rutherford about what the GM had planned, but Rutherford kept his cards closely guarded. "It's a tough time", the general manager said.
Brind'Amour reportedly has a no-trade clause, so this strategy could be used to make the captain soften his stance regarding a possible future trade. But one might wonder, who wants to trade for a player with horrid stats that is making the kind of money Brind'Amour is making?
Or maybe the next step is the waiver wire?
It looks like management will continue to scratch him for now, and they will see what happens. With the way the team has been going, it's just a matter of time before someone new gets injured and the captain will get another chance to crack the lineup anyway. But until then, that is one expensive healthy scratch.
No doubt the Canes would love to get his salary of the books, not only for the remainder of this year, but also for next. But how will they go about doing that and how will the team react?
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He's not a horse,
you don’t shoot him nor trade him to a glue factory.
He should be be allowed to continue to break into the line up as that can only make the other guy he’ll bump try harder themselves.
But, I think #17 should retire to the easy pastures after this season.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Brind'Amour
Well, what does Brind’Amour expect to happen when he doesn’t earn the right to ice time? Does he really feel he is playing better than Sutter, Samsonov, Walker, LaRose, Yelle, or Kostopoulos? He needs to look at his own play and decide if he truly wants to play in the NHL.
Based in the merits of comparing his play and his teammates’ play, Brind’Amour would be a no-brainer as the healthy scratch.
Any bets if that doesn't happen for Wednesday?
Which one will be a scratch and Brindy back on the ice?
LaRose?
Yelle?
Walker?
Cole?
I can’t think of anyone being “sub-par” and even a few of those are a major stretch.
Is this too much like a dead pool?
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Def. not Cole … not the way with the way the top line is playing. Yelle perhaps.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
IMHO and $4.75 will get you a small Starbucks coffee.....
but the only two I can see being scratched are Brindy and Larose.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Walker is a grinder and is very good at that.
Yelle has been very good at stopping pucks, putting his body on the line.
{sarcasm=full throttle}
Maybe Sutter should be scratched. Or Ruutu. Naw, Timmy G (is he a relation to Kenny G?)
(ducks)
{/sarcasm}
(still ducking)
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
What I really like though CG is the "us" part.
Is that like the royal “We”?
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
You know Sutter hasn’t done much on the score sheet since Staal has come back………………………..
A TRUE CANIAC......YES I AM........
I guess when faced with real greatness,
he folds.
Oh well.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Make Good Idea Better?
I would say scratch A. Ward to go along with the forward and bring Rodney or McBain up. I was vocal about not agreeing with Scratching the Captain but hard to argue with result last night, I still think it could and should have been handled differently! (assuming Forslund’s comments were accurate and I fully trust that they were)
A. Ward looks completely lost he was by far the worst D last night and honestly has been in most games so far, maybe watching from Press box would help him find his way? Sure could not hurt!
The problem is that you can not just bring up players because another player is healthy scratched…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 9, 2009 7:31 AM EST up reply actions
True..
With all the injuries and movements I had lost track of where they were with space…I guess Leights being waived made room for Cam. I personally would have absolutely no problem with Waiving Aaron…if someone claimed him in my opinion that would be the best thing that could happen (I do not see it though) but he needs a wake up call. At this point I think Rodney or McBain would be an upgrade. If he stays in the line-up he needs to be on the 3rd pairing until he proves he has figured things out.
A tough situation, indeed. Gotta think that he has to be the one to make the next move. Waiving him would be embarrassing for everyone involved. Playing him is just not working out. What’s going through his mind? Does he still think he can contribute?
Does he still think he can contribute?
I think that is the actual issue. Rod is a competitor and a tough guy, and while not arrogant, is clearly a proud man as well. I truly think he believes he can still be the guy he used to be. He clearly can’t. In a perfect would it would be great if he could finish out his own way, but this disaster called a season and the retarded deal that JR signed him to ( This place did not exist when that deal was tendered, but you would have all be hating on me for questioning giving a third line [at the time] centre that kind of money) have forced this situation.
Really the best that can happen here is that he retires gracefully, but I don’t believe it will go down that way. Most likely we are going to see him waived like Andreychuk. As much as I would like it to, I don’t think this is going to end pretty.
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 8, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
I think you hit the nail on the head
by Andrea's evil twin on Dec 9, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
I want to save the team, the organization and Rod as much humiliation as possible. He has given far too much to this team to have his career end in that way. Almost all of the above options involve embarrassment for one or more parties. But you can’t put him in as being one of the 20 best guys when it’s clear that he’s not. I don’t know what you do.
Rod retires before he’s waived. It’s the best for everyone. The guy should retire a Cane.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
If he’s being healthy scratched then that’s being implied. It’s best he does it now before he is actually waived. No one is picking up his contract.
He can pull a Jeff Daniels, retire and go behind the bench the next day.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
And I didn’t like that decision either (healthy scratching him and not even making something up about an injury). Unless he comes to the decision to retire all on his own, it’s still him being forced into it. My wish is that it doesn’t come to that.
There was some chatter this morning on XM that Brindy had some health issues related to his ACL tear. If that is the story (be it cover or true) then fine. Also, if they can get him declared long term injured then the salary won’t count towards the cap.
The problem is he’s already being forced to do something. That happened last night when he was scratched. It’s up to Brindy now to stop the bleeding. He can pull an Irbe and go to Florida and make NHL money while riding a bus, or he can retire, put on a suit, and join the front office.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
None of the above - find out what Brind'Amour wants
I think an honest conversation between long time friends and business associates is needed. Not decisions by management without Brind`Amour’s involvement. Probably have Rutherford, Maurice, Francis in the room. Maybe Jason Karmanos. Maybe Forslund (maybe not, he just seems so calming) or an in-house counsel could facilitate.
Work out a win-win. Unless they already don’t trust each other to do what’s best for the Canes and for the Captain. And it should be done before the next home game.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions
I understand your thinking, but nothing says " Circus Tent " like having your TV guy involved in a business meeting.
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 8, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm… Francis. What’s the relationship like between him and Brindy? I wasn’t around when they played together.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Dec 8, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Sad that we are even having this discussion.
Rod needs to end it on his own terms. He doesn’t have to save face with Caniac Nation, we will always love him. For the sake of his rep around the NHL and fans everywhere else, he needs to find a way to end his career.
Would hate to see #17 waived, how depressing.
Actually, I don’t think there is alot the Canes can do. The money has got to be paid and that is really where the team needs help. I do wonder if he could be offered some kind of job off the team for that amount…would it then come of the books?
Contract Buyouts:
For players under the age of 26, a buyout costs the team one-third of remaining contract value.
For players 26 or older, a buyout costs two-thirds of remaining contract value.
On a buyout, the team takes a cap hit for a percentage of the buyout value (according to a very complex formula) spread over twice the length of the remaining contract years.
The 35-and-Older Clause:
When a player aged 35 or older signs a multi-year contract, his average salary is counted against the team’s salary cap during every year of the contract, even if the player retires before the contract is up.
If the player is sent to the minor leagues, his cap hit is reduced by $100,000.
A TRUE CANIAC......YES I AM........
If he were to retire, the team is not obligated to pay him. He would still count against the cap, but that’s not really a concern except for this season’s situation.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
What if he is sent down after clearing waivers?
I know if he is down there, his money does not count towards the cap, or at his age does being sent down not negate that? If being sent down does indeed take his salary off of the Cap, he clears waivers and is assigned, is he not technically a retiring AHL player at that point? I know its clearly not the spirit of the rule, but if no one thought to write that in, it would make for an interesting cap conundrum for the league.
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 8, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
IIRC, that does not apply to players 35 & older. Those contracts are on the cap book for good.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
So why would waiving him even ben in play at this point?
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 8, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
another reason to try the waiver wire is that he might be picked up by another team. Not so much the first time, but on re-entry at 50% of his salary.
Some team might take a “Flyer” on him.
GM of CanesCountry.com
If he gets picked up on re-entry....
….and then retires how does the cap hit work? Yes I know we have no entered theoretical territory but my curiosity has been peaked now.
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 8, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
good question, I think the Canes would be on the hook for half the salary up until retirement date, but then half of the total cap hit stays on the books, retirement or not.
I wonder if he has a “no movement” clause or “no trade” clause. I think a no movement does not allow him to be put on waivers. I think I read that Whitney has a no movement clause.
GM of CanesCountry.com
I only have one question, what is the status of the Brindamour fish in hockeymoms tank? There is where our answer is found……………
Actually – we’ve had three Brindy fish since 2006. All of them died and we haven’t replaced since summer of 08.
But for those who missed it, Cam Ward shrimp’s remains were found (hardly enough for popcorn shrimp) Saturday before the Vancouver game. And Corvo fish is in perfect health. I think the supernatural connections are breaking down. This is a huge relief.
And we’re still holding on to Babchuk-fish.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
And we’re still holding on to Babchuk-fish.
Good call. The way things have gone so far, we may see him back again.
And who killed Cam Ward shrimp? You don’t have a Legace or Leighton fish do you?
All I know is that it wasn’t Rick Nash fish – don’t got one of those.
We found the remains after he went missing for a couple days hidden in the sunken galleon with “Toronto”. Not sure if that was a frame by Babs-fish or if Toronto has a bit of Hannibal Lecter in him. You can see the resemblance.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
That plecastams (however its spelled) is freaking huge! Do you feed it wayward children?
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 8, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
If you're out of wayward kids,
I have some teenagers I think I won’t miss.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Its a lot harder to kosher butcher a teenager, they fight harder. I prefer 4 year olds.
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 8, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
to be clear
That’s not actually a photo of our fish. I just find similar photos of the species on the web. Ours is probably close to 5" long though. We had another one over 9" that we returned last Spring. However it is one scary looking dude-fish. You can see why I’m willing to bet it killed and ate Cam Ward shrimp. Even it he was an ecto-skeleton.
My children won’t put their hands in the water of the tank. I suppose they are a little worried about losing a minor digit.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
Oh and this is what our last Brindy fish looked like (before his namesake blew out his knee in spring 08)
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
I'll be he starved to death.
He kept missing his food on the claw side high…
by East of Here on Dec 8, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Nice.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 AM EST up reply actions
whatever they do needs to be done with class and professionalism. Have him, Mo and JR sit down and discuss opinions and options, come to a mutual agreement and hold a press conference to let everyone who is interested know the details.
Don't you think
they have given Rod all the professionalism and class he has needed? Look at what they did last season. Basically allowed him to play day in and day out with 20+ minutes when he was not producing. Any other player would have been benched. Same goes for the beginning of this season. I say its been a quiet message saying…Rod you have had the opportunity…as the Captain…you either call it quits or ask to wave your NTC.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Dec 8, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
More handwringing about the captain.
It seems that the consensus of the fans is that Rod is given a chance to retire. We all have a ton of respect for him and no one wishes him ill, but it’s clear that his skills are in decline. My scenario: he retires immediately, but the C is not awarded until next year.
Good on you Rod for your accomplishments and effort for this franchise. Do the right thing.
he retires immediately, but the C is not awarded until next year.
I definitely agree with that sentiment. They should use the rest of the season to see who would work best as the Captain. Staal seems to be the anointed one, but I think Timmy should be considered also.
by JBK on Dec 8, 2009 8:22 PM EST up reply actions
several people on the team were upset, including Brind’Amour himself.
This is the part that makes me think this is not going to be pretty. To me this says that Brindy thinks that he should still be playing (and that there may be others on the team who think so too). It would mean that sitting down with JR, etc. is not going to result in some nice deal where he can retire and become a coach or something.
Sadly the team played its best game after this. Maybe Mo has finally found the key to the emotions of the team.
WHATEVER
Really? Finally found? It has been so obvious that my wife noticed it last season when he was sent home on the Vancouver road trip. It has been something everyone has known by the way the team reacts when he is not on the ice.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Dec 8, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know how “ask him to retire” has so many votes. C’mon, this guy deserves so much more respect than to be humiliated into forced retirement. Granted, he has sucked the past two years, but we’re already in the basement. If we were a borderline playoff team and somehow Rod was sabotaging us, then in that circumstance maybe. But that’s not the case. Just because we benched him for one game and we won doesn’t make him the problem. There are a ton of problems and forcing Rod into retirement won’t fix them. It just disrespect a man who hoisted the cup for us a mere 3 years ago.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 8, 2009 4:35 PM EST reply actions
Rock and a hard place
Is “asking him to retire” any less humiliating than being a healthy scratch? I guess that’s for Rod to decide…..but I don’t see a whole lot of difference between the two. The bottom line appears to be that he’s not going to play much – so he has to choose between retiring or sitting in the press box.
I said my opinion wasn’t in the survey – I’d sit him for a few games until the (seemingly) inevitable injury to a forward, then let him try again…..if he is still a liability, then back to the press box.
I found the comment about Wesley retiring when he slowed down to be curious. I thought Wesley actually was very effective up to his last game. Yes, he was slower, but he figured out how to contribute even when he lost some speed – he relied on experience to be in the right position and understood that he wasn’t as fast and adjusted his game accordingly. My impression is that Brind’Amour hasn’t come to that acceptance and made those adjustments – yet.
I think for Rod both are the same level of humiliating. The man is one of the proudest men you’ll find; any perceived doubt as to his ability or worth has to be killing him and will likely make him push even harder to prove he is good enough. That’s just who he is.
That’s not to say he shouldn’t retire (I think he should), but I hate that this is the way he’ll go out.
Is asking him to retire any less humiliating than being a scratch? In my opinion being asked to retire is WAY more humiliating than being a scratch. If you’re a scratch you aren’t seen as a lost cause. If you’re being asked to retire it is someone else telling you your career is over.
I agree that Rod has to accept a new role as well. I said so in my blog a month ago as well. And I’m not saying that you’re saying this CaniacMom, but we shouldn’t be mad at Rod for taking up cap space that we could be using, we should be mad at JR for signing him to that contract.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 8, 2009 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
Being a healthy scratch repeatedly?
OK, I was making an assumption (always gets me into trouble) that he will be a healthy scratch for more, perhaps many more games….. that’s where it really gets ugly, imho.
Like all the other posters, I hate to see it come to this – no one works and has worked harder at his job than Brind’Amour, and I thought he should have won the Conn Smythe in 2006 (no offense to Cam, but when it was on the line in the early rounds, Rod was the man carrying the team through single-handedly) but sometimes no amount of work can compensate for the passage of time. Probably a lot of us know that from personal experience. ;-) Even if we aren’t NHL-level athletes.
I agree, being a healthy scratch repeatedly is quite a blow for Rod to take. I think all I’m lobbying for is that whatever happens, Rod is treated with respect for his service to the organization. Heck, if I were JR I might be asking the guy to hang ‘em up or accept a trade too, but I also wouldn’t fault Rod for saying no. The guy has got to look out for himself and his family.
This year has sucked and will probably continue to do so for the ’Canes. I just want to escape without a bad taste in my mouth.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 8, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
Koistinen on waivers
Totally OT … but will we take a run at another Finnish d-man? This is re-entry waivers. Here’s McKenzie on it, via Twitter:
Koistinen, BTW, makes $1M this season, $1.4M next season for a cap hit of $1.2M. If claimed, Fla is responsible for half of everything.
$500K, $700K, $600K? might be worth it…..
I would jump all over that if I was JR. Then put A. Ward on waivers.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 8, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Now that sounds like an idea. Anyone know what kind of a D-man Koistinen is? Offensive, Defensive?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Small, good passer, can run the point.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
also, been playing some forward in Florida. But there D, even sans Bouwmeester, is pretty good top to bottom. Kulikov is sick.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
He plays in a checking line? What kind of forward he is?
by outlander_caniac on Dec 8, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
He’s really a d-man. Just played some forward for DeBoer.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
In that case, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. We need another guy to run the point, especially if we are running A. Ward on the point on the PP.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
problem is it’s a three-year deal. Even at half-price, you have to consider if this guy would work over the long haul.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
I was going to make this point. What’s the point of picking up a guy on a three year deal on a team that is rebuilding? If he makes sense, which he might, I’d be okay. If he doesn’t make sense then it’s that much longer to clear the deck.
I’d err on the side of no though, just to keep the deck clearing time down. One thing the Canes have going for them in this re-building is that most of the contracts are over after this year or next. I’d prefer to keep that unless it’s the right player.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
well at half price surely he would be some attractive trade bait if packaged with some of the other players we have mentioned getting rid off in the past?
Another Finn is really tempting especially considering how much luck we’ve had with them in the past.
Hmmm…. four Finns, would that give us the undisputed lead for the most on one team?
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Dec 8, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
right …. right now the Ducks also have three.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
Ruutu, Jokinen, and Pitkanen have been tremendous assets for the team. I assume they know Koistinen and would be able to give Jim Rutherford valuable insights into his play. Ironically, the way Carson, Rodney, and Harrison are playing, the defensive corp looks good for 2010-2011. I have assumed Aaron Ward will be wearing some other team’s sweater or retired next season.
From a cap space standpoint it doesn’t matter due to his being so old when signing the contract.
Others have mentioned how the contract was originally designed to reward Brindy and keep him around when we needed him without killing our cap. Now that the need for him is gone it is up to the organization to continue to uphold their end of the bargain. Will 1.5 million make a difference to our payroll and end of years standing? Not really. As from what jr said it was about getting value from him to help the club out financially, his cost should already have been accounted for.
If Brindy doesn’t want to retire, he doesn’t retire. If the coach doesn’t want to play him, that is his decision. If JR wants to make noise about upholding the propriety of the contract process with players such as babchuk, he also needs to honor his agreements with older player that had to be expected to have minimal effectiveness at 40.
How we treat brindy now is an investment for our future. This year is shot, lets keep our class with our longtime players. Trade him if a team with a chance wants him, retire his jersey when he no longer plays.
His cost was accounted for, when JR, like all of us, thought this team was #5 in the East. Poor performance has no doubt lead to revenue that was lower than projections.
With Lavi and McCarthy gone to Philly I’m sure the team will put Brindy in the front office. They’ve got the money now, likely replacing his 3 million salary with something closer to 750K or 1 mil, if not lower.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I wonder if Rod even wants that. I think he’d relish just being with his kids.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
I thought the oganization is on the hook for all of Rods contract $$ due to the fact that Rod signed AFTER he was 35 yrs old? So, even if he retires, he still gets paid, correct? And its a cap hit also.
I definitely need to read up on this, but from a discussion on xm about the CBA and contracts signed for players >35 yrs old, I thought I heard them say that players get their money.
Go Canes!
I thought I had read that if he retires, he is not paid, but his $3,600,000 is counted against the salary cap. I also believe I read that in a buyout situation he gets 2/3rds of his salary over a two year buy-out period. Then again my memory may be tainted with wistful thinking.
I really hate this….
I do not disagree with it…. It is very hard to say that Brind’Amour has earned the ice time when there are clearly other players on the team who are “on the bubble” but also putting up more….
I’m not saying it was the wrong move to scratch him for the game….. I just hate… I really hate that it came to that….
And I hope that it doesn’t rip out team to shreds…. There are a lot of players over the years who love and who have loved playing here… Because the Hurricanes are a classy organization that treats it’s players with fairness and kindness…. and happens to be located in one of the best cities in the country…. We do not need to get the reputation as the team who turned on it’s captain and forced everyone out….
And I still don’t know why Aaron Ward hasn’t been scratched. But maybe he will get his turn whenever we have healthy defense….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 8, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions
Pride
Back on track here!!
I think the team is obligated to it’s fans to put the best team on the ice every night. Sadly that does not include Brind’Amour at this point. While I fully expect Rod to be upset about the press box, he needs to – and likely does- understand where his level of play is at. Other forwards will get banged up, Roddy won’t sit the rest of the year, but based on performance he needs to sit when everyone else is healthy. Maybe like last year the rest will give him a short term boost so when he does get back in the lineup he can be more effective than he currently is. Other players being upset Roddy was benched is a result of the friendships and respect players have for him. Benching him was a tough decision because of the respect players have for him, but it could be a defining moment for Maurice. If the players were upset they showed it appropriately on the ice as they won their first road game this season, and against the defending champs to boot. All 4 lines showed some good jump for the most part, jump Brindy physically can’t muster anymore.
We are talking about a proud warrior leaving behind the one thing he’s done his entire life, and done well up until recently. Others have been able to walk away when it was time, Brindy doesn’t think it’s his time yet. He has this and next season left on his contract. If what I read is correct even if he retired this year it wouldn’t really help with the cap, meaning JR still couldn’t bring up someone else without making another move. Correct me if I am off track on this one. I think a meeting between Brind’Amour, Maurice, JR, and maybe Francis is in order. Not to talk him into retirement, but to let him know where the team feels his level of play is. Then Maurice and company need to keep doing what they did last night, scratch Roddy when they can put 12 better forwards on the ice. All things considered, Roddy is #13. Some want to bench LaRose but really he is filling his role. Because JR wanted to or felt he had to pay LaRose like a scorer is besides the point. He’s an energy guy that will chip in when the rest of the team is firing, career year or not. He can stay in the play, he can skate, he has a chance because he can skate. Any production Brindy has had this year is sheer experience. Hockey is a skating sport. If you can’t skate you can’t play. Skating affects everything one is capable of doing on the ice, that is why Brindy makes mistakes he would NEVER have made in his prime.
Team leaders, tell him where he stands, with the utmost respect. Bench him when there are 12 better ready to play. Don’t take his “C”. Understand that you signed him to this deal and while it seemed he was soo fit ( and he still is) he’d never drop off his production suddenly when that contract was inked, he has and he can make you live with it. IF he were to ask to be moved, do it and let him know his #17 will fly in the rafters for what he’s done for us fans.
I’m really starting to feel bad for ol’ Rod. He is not playing well and his cap hit/salary is high, but he has been an important part of this organization for years. He still is our best faceoff man and does ok on the PK. My opinion is to play him on the 4th line and PK. Maybe he can mentor Sutter in the weightroom, so he can become a beast.
Getting ahead of myself but...
It will be really interesting to see what role Roddy takes on, if any, after he does retire as a player.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Dec 8, 2009 5:54 PM EST reply actions
packpride17 answered
your question. Special assistant to Pete Freisen. If he were interested in staying in the area he’d be a great consultant in the fitness department. Maybe taking a few current players or select young guys and making them Roddy style men!
Maybe taking a few current players or select young guys and making them Roddy style men!
Like teaching them how to over train and injure themselves in frivolous pre-season marathons?
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 8, 2009 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
hasn't hurt Rosie
LaRose has benefited from training with Roddy. I think Brind’Amours personal drive far exceeds anything he could make someone else go thru. Roddy put himself behind the 8 ball the day after he had ACL surgery. He never allowed his body to heal before starting the weights again. He is not a trainer or PT, just a guy who knows how hard an NHL player has to train. With the right players for the right amount of time he could be effective.
Maybe, but I think a dude who trains so hard he hurts himself could be a liability as well. If he does not know his own limits, how in the world is he going to know those of anyone he is working with?
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 8, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
He was one of the most durable guys in the league for the majority of his career. His training didn’t catch up with him, Father Time did.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree
Training is important but so is flexibility for speed and quickness. Rod’s style is old school and if it were beneficial long term he would still be playing regardless of his ACL surgery. Rod would have lost a step but not 3.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Dec 8, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
If its not from the cops or jealous husbands, anything over 100 yds is in fact a marathon.
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 8, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
5k is my warm up
and I’m 7 years older than Brindy.
It’s only 3 miles.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
Come on over,
I’ll help you get into shape.
I get up at 4:00am, just get here not long after 4:15am I warm up.
I run to Rush to get going.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
and lemme guess, if compared to a 20yr old LCD with the same routine you are as good?
Same folly Rod suffers from, if so.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
No, you didn’t, just wanted to clarify the applesis and the oranges.
BTW, running to Rush sounds..well hard. I would think music or something rythmic. maybe He is to you?
I dunno, never liked marching or running was more of a shoot ’em or blow ’em up guy in my running days and never carried the running thing with me.
I do kinda like chopping firewood, though.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Uh? Not Rush Limbaugh!
I think you need to get a musical education. ;)
by Raccoon Fink on Dec 10, 2009 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously, that run should be done by all the canes in town. If they can’t do it in twenty minutes while chatting with the fans, there is something seriously wrong with their cardiovascular fitness. Over training can be just as bad as undertraining, and adding muscle can make you slower. This is Rod to a t, and why I wouldn’t want him in charge of others’ fitness.
This just sucks
Seriously, who doesn’t love Rod? He’s our Captain. Let him figure it out, on his own terms. And let’s all of us trust that he will do the right thing, whatever that is, because he always has and always will. Dang, this is tough.
My '17' Rant
Rod’s got stats posted online dating back to 1986. What were you doing since 1986?
His entire Life has been hockey. He holds the Philly record with 484 consecutive games played. He’s played in 1432 games. You know he wants 1500 bad. Now he’s in the middle of a season with all the travel and day-to-day preparations. And he supposed to ponder retirement. I don’t think he’s wired that way.
The saddest part is 25% of you think he should be waived. I’m fine with the Healthy scratch until there’s an opening. Waiver says ‘We don’t want you. Somebody please take this guy.’
Records
I admire his determination to want that number. However, this is about winning and he has been an anchor. Let someone take him. I would love to see him hit that number for Rod and he doesn’t have to be a Hurricane to do it.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Dec 8, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
I think this is our Captain’s job to solve. If he can’t see the stress this is causing and can’t make this problem go away for the good of the team, then that’s not leadership. If they can work out a simple time table for production and minutes and if he doesn’t achieve – something that isn’t so symbolic. What an opportunity for him to do this with class and set his reputation in stone. He has a long proud legacy and risking that achievement (of 23 years) to play hockey for a few more months doesn’t seem like a good trade for the 2 different ways his bio might read.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 6:28 PM EST reply actions
No Waiver - Never that would be a horrible message
I do not think JR would consider Waiving Rod, the one attribute that always stands out with JR is Loyalty he would not do that to Rod. I can not even begin to imagine what it would take to get him to that point.
Probably not the right place..
Ray Emery just place on the IR, could Lavi put some pressure to bring in Leighton?
Sit him until something changes...
A win over the Pens kinda sealed this one for me, at least for now. I mean results speak for themselves and that weathering of the SC champs keeps Roddy out for at least a bit. I don’t think he has the ability to turn it around getting fourth-line minutes though, so I feel until someone (LaRose or Jokinen maybe) has to sit out due to injury he won’t get a chance to prove himself. But it is inevitable that someone will strain something and Brindy’ll get his time. Maybe some rest will do him some good and give him some hunger to get back. He has such great experience and work ethic I don’t want him to get put on waivers or traded. I think this is also a testament as to how front-loaded contracts have some definite advantages. Maybe JR will learn about not back-loading contracts on older players…
Not about effort.
The Rod situation has nothing to do with effort, respect, personalities or John Forslund. It only has to do with a career ending injury. We are all so used to professional sports atheletes getting hurt, having surgery, then rehabing and playing at or near the same level again. When I was young, the career ending injury happened all the time, especially to baseball pitchers. This is one of those instances. It is not lucky, not fun and certainly not fair. For a guy that has worked so hard his entire career, he probably deserved this fate less than any other player in the league. While unfortunate, it is not realistic to think that any professional sport team can afford to hold on to any player who is not able to perform at the highest level. In a league when one or two plays per game often make the difference between winning and losing, The Hurricanes cannot afford to give him ice time. They have shown him tremendous respect by allowing this to go on for last season and this. Now is the time for everyone to realize what this is…..it is a career ending injury. Rod needs to end his career. There is common ground here. He is very aware that his legs will not do what his head says anymore. The Canes can offer him a desk job or a coaching job.
Rod, thank you for everything you are and everything you have done. Go enjoy your family and your hard earned money.
TRADE? Why not?
I for one have been a huge advocate on getting rid of Brind’Amour. I think the guy has class and is a good person but has never been a top 3 performer (based on points) for our team except for one season. I really thought we built him up as this performer that he clearly is not capable of being. Granted he is a great person and a good leader and has done a lot for our team.
Having said that – Rod is still an average player in the NHL even though he hasn’t shown it this season. Basically I think he is under-performing like Stillman was before he was traded. I think Rod would be an asset to any team and if I were to guess – Rod will go back to the Flyers now that Lavi is coaching over there.
Trading...
An open question to anyone as well as to you TNC: What sort of player/prospect/pick would we expect to get for Brindy? I just think his salary is way to much for any team to take on. The only scenario, that I see him going to another team, is for him to be picked up on re-entry waivers, where a team would only have to pick up half his salary. A team that could use a face-off specialist or is weak down the middle would be the only one to pick him up, but most teams are against the cap.
If we were to trade Rod, which is a big IF, it would be a salary dump plain and simple. We should not expect to get much back for him at all nor should we hope for much.
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 8, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
Simple
Rod retire then sign with another team would do it but unlikely this season. However, I think teams will have an injury between now and the deadline. They will place someone on long term IR clearing some space and will make room to pay half his salary if picked up on re-entry waivers.
I say...
give the man a week or so off…
Then bring him back and see if he can improve. Was he not he awful last season until he was sat to “recover” for a few days… then came back and had a HELL of an end to the season?
If that does not work- ask him to retire and if he does not then put him on waivers.
by packpigskinfan25 on Dec 8, 2009 8:15 PM EST reply actions
Maybe Europe….?
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 8:32 PM EST reply actions
Absolutely. But it seems like that’s where (Sweden) all those NHL’ers on the cusp of retirement go to finally fade away. Almost a tradition lately. But then they don’t have 1 1/2 yrs left on a $3mil+ contract when they jump the puddle.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 8, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
He played in Kloten (Swiss League) during the lockout. I think he contemplated retirement at that time, he was coming off a very difficult season in 03-04 and decided to head over to see if he still had the game. (I think I have an article or two floating around if I can dig it up).
JMO but I can’t imagine in a million years him going back to Europe. I think he’d retire first.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Dec 8, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
That’s where average NHLers go … not potential HOFers.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 8, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
North American HOFers. Euro’s can go there (Forsberg, Jagr).
by drifterscape on Dec 8, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Hrm...
Retire him as a player, get rid of Maurice and make Roddy and Ronny coaches? :)
Promote Whitney to Captain?
:D
I think Mo is using the Herb Brooks philosophy. The team could not make a trade. He’s making himself the bad guy to bring the team together.
Seeing Cory’s article about Staal’s skates up for auction reminded me of something very special to me that’s appropriate for this discussion… this sits behind me on the shelf in my office…
One of Roddie’s skates from the 2006 Finals. He auctioned them on eBay in November 2006 to help a friend whose child had been diagnosed with leukemia, and my husband snagged one for my Christmas present. It’s one of my most cherished items, and I couldn’t be prouder to own something that was worn by not only a champion but by a good man of great character.
SISU
Problem is not only Brindy
Rod is not the only problem, we have been burned by Walker, LaRose and Samansov deals. All three of these guys need to go as well and let guys that are clearly ready like Rodney, Boychuk, Bowman, Carson, etc…. get called up and play.
I hate to say it but it is time for Rod to retire and go out on his own terms instead of being traded and hanging around for a year or two with declining numbers and with a different team.
- is going to be hanging from the rafters at some point for sure but the only question now is when ?
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 8, 2009 11:27 PM EST reply actions
Walker, LaRose, Samsonov
I agree that based on the performance during games, Walker and LaRose are vastly over-paid. When compared to the talent available in Albany, it seems like a no-brainer decision that Walker and LaRose would be traded. Samsonov is a more difficult issue for me. Recently, Samsonov has been playing some of the best hockey I’ve seen him play. In part his slow start was being saddled with Brind’Amour and Yelle as centers on his line. I would have thought that a Samsonov/Sutter/Kostopoulos line would give Samsonov a chance ot show what he can do.
An even harder question is whether to trade Samsonov when one considers the option of having Tlusty, Boychuk, Taylor Hall, or Bowman versus Samsonov. I keep coming back to simple math:
ADDITIONS TO THE 2010-2011 TEAM:
(1) Boychuck;
(2) Tlusty;
(3) Taylor Hall (Sequin or Kabanov)
(4) Bowman
SUBSTRACTION FROM THE PRESENT TEAM FOR 2010-2011:
(1) Walker;
(2) Yelle;
(3) Brind’Amour;
(4) LaRose
Unless Brind’Amour is off the team next year, the next forward in line to be moved would be Samsonov. I would prefer Samsonov 1,000 times to Brind’Amour.
The only other forward who seems to have some degree of likelihood of being traded is Whitney; and then only due to his age. If Whitney is traded, I assume it would be to a team that Whitney believes has a legitimate shot at the 2009-20100 Stanley Cup. In return, I would expect the Hurricanes to obtain either a power forward or a young, talented scoring wing.
In short, I think Samsonov continues to have enormous talent and when using correctly is an asset to the team. He clearly has confidence issues and needs to be used with players who enhance rather than diminish his abilities. With Sutter and another wing with size and good hands, he could regain much of his early career form. With Yelle and Walker, he may well look out of sync.
Work ethic
No one doubts the heart and work ethinc of the Captain. He has been the example and backbone of a Captain and a leader. It is yet to be determined if he will use the came “character” to apply his actions and attitudes towards his current role and circumstance. I hope his allowed to gracefully exit and will remain with the club, I see him as a trainer next to Friesen. I am not sure if he is a coach or not, he is definitely a monster in the gym.
How this story is playing out...
WRAL TV ran a piece on Brind’Amour’s scratch during last night’s news, using Forslund’s comments on 620 as the narration. Only a 30 second video, but since the Canes rarely get featured coverage in December, I’m linking it to show how this could turn into a major PR mess from Brind`Amour. He’s gotta be feeling some pressure. What a mess.
Link to video with the title: Is the writing on the wall for Brind’Amour? After being a healthy scratch for Monday night’s game against Pittsburgh, many are wondering what the captain’s future will be with the Canes.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 9, 2009 8:38 AM EST reply actions
I work hard...
…but I don’t assume i’m automatically better at others in my profession. Brindy needs to step back and say jeezum crow i’m washed-up, i need to get outta this business.
As for LaRose, I think he needs to be traded for picks. Some Western Conference team should want his speed as a fourth-line forward.
Rosey, with his production and contract, will only be traded for a similar player who is similarly under-producing. For instance, LaRose today could have been traded for Eaves last year. Also, given he signed a two year deal, it’s most likely that if he were to get traded it would be at the draft/off-season and not now or at the deadline.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
While I’m disappointed in LaRose, I haven’t given up on him. He has a role in “the room” and I think he will come through for us. I think it’s a little early to bail on him – the whole team is part of this, and Rosey’s lack of production is IMHO more a symptom than a root cause. I think he serves a role on the ice (and off) that isn’t necessarily reflected by the points on his line of the roster.
Hurricanes Hockey:
Never for the faint of heart.
Nor for the weak of stomach.
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 9, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
I like LaRose. I have a question that is not at all intended to be snide, but is just a question for your insights:
I wonder who of the four additions you would put in Albany in order to keep LaRose on the Hurricanes:
ADDITIONS TO THE 2010-2011 TEAM:
(1) Boychuck;
(2) Tlusty;
(3) Taylor Hall (Sequin or Kabanov)
(4) Bowman
Tlusty and Rosey may be a wash. I am not convinced that we are getting the player JR thinks we are getting.
If we could put Tlusty’s hands and feet on LaRose, that would be ideal.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 9, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Tlusty v, LaRose
It will be fascinating to see. I think Tlusty is either going to be like Ruutu and Jokinen and everybody will wonder how in the world a sane GM ever traded him, or he will be somebody who needs two or three years in the AHL to find his game.
I am going to hazard the guess that he gets brought up this year and is a man on a mission. He has all the physical tools to make an impact and this team is a good fit for his style. I think we will see him with Sutter at some point. Samsonov/Sutter/Tlusty is my guess.
My instincts tell me Bowman might need another year in the A.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 9, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Bowman
I would love for Bowman to get a chance to come up for a few games after he gets well. He might well need another year in Albany; but if I had t guess, my guess is he will work like crazy over the off-season to improve his strength. He sounds like he gets it and has seen what Sutter is doing and wants to be a part of that. The proof will come when he gets his chance. I suspect that will happen this year.
Not really relevant but...
Was it John that said Boychuk was having a tough time adjusting to the AHL? I thought it was odd that Boychuk was mentioned since he looked so good while he was here, but maybe that was just a flash in the pan and he hasn’t made the transition from junior to pro just yet?
Forslund and Boychuk
I have been watching the Albany games on AHL live. Boychuk has looked great to me. He has been fast, quick, solid on defense, and is making solid passes. He has not been putting as many pucks into the back of the net as one would like. Until Forslund tells us what aspect of Boychuk’s game is an issue, I will stick with what I see with my own eyes.
I think he needs to brush up on his zone coverage some, which is why I think he def. winds up at the wing in the end.
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 9, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. I think is is really hard for any person 5’ 10" and 180 lbs, no matter how fast, quick, and strong, to play center in the NHL. I prefer the Staal and Sutter physical size at center — 6’3". I would prefer Sutter to gain manstrength and about 15 to 20 lbs over the next two years or so. I think Boychuk is going to be mentored to replace Whitney on the first line.
I don’t think it’s as direct as LaRose for player X. Each guy brings something slightly different to the table. For example, to say Boychuk is taking Rosey’s spot is like making apple pie with an orange. Both are fruit, but only one fits in that role.
You can’t just put the 20 most talented guys out on the ice and call it a team. That was why I was an advocate of resigning Chad. Not for his hands (LOL) or his goal scoring prowess. He fits into a very important and specific niche both on the ice and in the lockerroom. To take that away has a ripple effect.
LaRose is great. I don’t know that his skill set commands $1,900,000 a year — which will be what he is paid next year. He is definitely a player whose importance is not measured merely by his statistics. On the other hand, with 12 slots for forwards, keep coming back to the fact some players are not coming back. I tend to think that either Samsonov or LaRose have to be moved in order to have space for all the talent — or a player like Bowman will spend another year in Albany.
I completely get that and, in terms of pure numbers, see where you’re coming from. We have 12 slots for forwards and need to insert at max 4 guys. People are going to have to go. I just think there’s more to it than that when you’re looking at who should go and who should stay. But I’ve always been a big believer in team chemistry trumping overall talent so maybe I’m a little biased.
I agree 100%. If all it took was to get the 12 most physically talented forwards on a team and viola there is a Stanley Cup, coaches would not be getting fired every season. The magic is the chemistry and attitude.
Some athletes are winners. At whatever level in all sports, they are the ones who take the key shot, make the key defensive play, make the impossible catch, etc. Whitney is that kind of winner. Jokinen as well is a winner. Staal and Ward, too, in key games are the kind of athletes who find a way to win.
I’m still assuming we get a Hall/Sequin/Kabanov, but I’m not assuming they’ll be NHL ready their first year. From a marketing standpoint there will be a lot of pressure to do that. Some are ready, some are not.
by drifterscape on Dec 9, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Great point. Only a handful of top five forwards are NHL ready. It’s worse to start in the NHL and get dropped down than for the prospect to start in the AHL and work his way up after part of the season. Reward psychology tends to work better than punishment psychology — and particularly for young adults.
I don’t think anyone wants him for his speed — he’s not all that fast. No if you said for his hustle….
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 9, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
brindy is going to have to leave with dignity
i hope he’ll choose to retire BEFORE they resort to putting him on waivers. i get he’s the captain and has earned that and is a truly great hockey player, but he’s just too old now and it shows and i think if he could leave quietly (if that’s possible) and on his own terms rather than being pushed out, that would be best for everybody. this needs to be his last season. just my opinion.
Rod is in for tonight…………………………somehow Sammy has a lower body injury??
A TRUE CANIAC......YES I AM........
Samsonov
I think Samsonov has been battling injuries. He only had eight minutes of ice time against the Penguins. Samsonov is much tougher than many people give him credit. I am disappointed, however, that Brind’Amour is on the ice. I hope, however, that he has the best game of his career and that I am shown by him once again how little I know about hockey.
Above Paladin6 stated correctly that I am not in the same league with a 20 year old. That is Rod's issue as well.
Now I know that I’m not 20 years old. I never said nor thought I was. That doesn’t mean I will stop thinking about keeping what I got for as long as I can as I will never roll over. That also doesn’t mean that I’ll let some 20 years old take the field without a fight. That’s where the Captain is right now, most likely far more intense than I have known. The mind is willing, the experience is there but the body isn’t what it was.
What happened to the Captain happens to everyone. I think if his knee didn’t get so screwed up, I’ll bet he would have lasted another year. Yeah, he would have lost a half a step, but he’s lost 2 or 3 steps. Hell, I broke my ankle LAST October, clean and no issues, and I still feel it. It does slow me down and the doctor says I’m completely healed, or so they say. Now imagine reconstructive knee surgery. I can’t.
It’s going to happen to everyone. How many notice now they can’t pull their leg right up to their body, knee in the face, so you can tie your shoelace? How ’bout stooping over in a small space to get things and realizing that you have a hard time lifting you leg or moving around like you used to? Remember when you could stay up all night, drinking and then go home, shower and be some what coherent for the next day when you did it all over again?
Sometimes, like recently, I give up and take it easy. Yeah, the longer I’m away the harder it gets to just get back. The problem is I don’t feel any older than I did when I was 16. Yet when I get hurt or after long exercise, I can’t escape the fact that I need to rest. I’ll bet someone who is a real athlete and that’s their life will not ever give it up easily.
So imagine someone like the Captain. I don’t think Rod has ever done rested and sat back. I’m sure he feels like he’s 16 and can do whatever he wants. Sadly as we all know, the body slows long before the mind ever does, especially when it the body takes a beating and gets hurt.
That sucks.
When all else fails, read the instruction manual.
None of the above
…was my late vote (been busy!). I’m content to let Rod Brind’Amour be fairly judged, along with the other forwards, as to who should be the healthy scratch each game. If him, then fine. If there’s an injury, he’s a mighty fine spare tire to take out of the trunk and insert into the lineup. Also, if through his play, he makes the case that someone else should be the healthy scratch, then good on him.
As the season progresses and the summer unwinds, there will be discussions and decisions. I doubt anything happens anytime soon.
Although I’m sure that it was, as Mo put it, a “hockey decision” to sit him last game, my guess is that Mo did not make that decision alone. Remember that JR said going into last week that during the break in games that management would sit down and have some discussions.
I believe Mo’s decision (and/or permission to do so) came from those discussions. I also believe Mo sticking to lines a bit better during the last couple of games comes from those meetings, along with some of the lines and pairings we’re seeing (an intervention?)
The brain trust is a good thing, properly used. Last week, I think it was.
Puck Daddy weighs in on the debate.
With quite a few references to Canes Country. Nice job guys (and gal).
(sorry if this was already posted didn’t see it anywhere)
SISU
I love Brindy but he is too stubborn to see how old and awful he is. In fact, he was old and awful last season too, as I said time and time again back then. He is a blight on this team and is one of the main reasons why we are losing. And Captains are supposed to know what is best for the team, and we are better off with him OFF the ice. Is it really a coincidence that we won our first road game (against a great team no less) while he was a scratch??? He should’ve retired after last season, and he has no one but himself to blame for the way he is being “treated” now. I think the Canes organization have actually given him more than enough time and “fairness.” Take him out, put a young guy in. That simple.
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- Best barometer of the St. Louis Blues’ success? Gifts from political lobbyists
- ‘Scott Gomez Can’t Put Anything In’: The ‘Hey Jude’ of Scott Gomez protest songs (Video)
- Puck Headlines: Jimmy Howard’s injury; top 50 players; drinking beer out of hockey skate (yuck)
- Jersey Fouls: Wayne Gretzky embarrassments; homemade Sedin; minor league Yzerman
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Clark scores in second period to lift IceCaps over Worcester Sharks 3-2
- Oilers' Gagner still in awe of his 8-goal night
- Website highlights Scott Gomez's one-year (well, almost) scoring drought
- Montreal Canadiens recall Palushaj, Blunden not expected to face Capitals
- Center Vitale signs a two-year, US$1.1-million extension with Penguins
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