Powerplay Powers Carolina to 4-2 Win over New Jersey
by Bob Wage on Mar 19, 2009 11:11 AM EDT
in Hurricanes Game Related
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes scored on the first two powerplay attempts they had, scored another powerplay goal near the end of the second period, and then held on to defeat the New Jersey Devils last night, 4-2.
Anton Babchuk was the hero as he scored the all important first goal of the game as well as the game winner. The defenseman has been on a torrid streak of late and now has 11 points, (7 goals), in the last 14 games. He has also been one of the top plus/minus players in the entire league since the All Star break.
The Hurricanes started the game with a lot of jump and at one time they were outshooting the Devils by a 10-2 margin. They finally were able to get a puck past Kevin Weekes when they had a man advantage because of an interference penalty by Bryce Salvador. Rod Brind'Amour put the puck on net, Sergei Samsonov tried to tip it in, but Babchuk was pinching and knocked in the loose change.
The period ended with the score 1-0, but the Canes would score again just 1:25 into the second. Eric Staal rifled in a shot at a tight angle, this time with Brandon Shanahan in the box. It was the 34th of the year for the Carolina sniper. Ruutu and Cole picked up the assists.
The Devils would gather some momentum and put 17 shots on goal during the second period. They notched a goal themselves while on the powerplay at about the 13 minute mark when Zach Parise got one past Cam Ward. It was his 41st of the season.
But Anton Babchuk would answer yet again. Things got a little chippy and Salvador took two more penalties late in this period. With just 38 clicks left, Babchuk took a nice pass from Joni Pitkanen and blasted in a shot from the point.
About midway through the third, Sergei Samsonov would put the Canes up 4-1 which put the game out reach. Samsonov started the play by stealing the puck from out of the corner, and was helped out by some beautiful passing by Rod Brind'Amour and Jussi Jokinen.
Eventually, Brian Gionta would make things respectable for the Devils as he scored with about two minutes left while on yet another powerplay.
Game Notes:
Cam Ward made 41 saves and had another outstanding game for the home team.
Speaking of home teams, the Canes have now won six in a row at home.
Of course Martin Brodeur was on the bench for this game, but the two teams meet twice more this season. Chances are good that the Canes will see him eventually.
The Devils had 13 blocked shots in the first period. Couple that with the Hurricanes 18 shots that did make it on net, and that is a lot of action in the New Jersey end during that opening period. Jersey finished with 21 blocks.
Jussi Jokinen seemed to fit in well with Samsonov and Brind'Amour. The Canes now have three solid lines which can all score at anytime which is bad news for opposing coaches as they try to figure out the best matchups.
Paul Maurice said after the game that the powerplay is clicking right now because both units are more confident. They are also moving the puck faster. Matt Cullen was recently moved to the point position and is playing alongside Corvo, while Pitkanen is matched with Babchuk at the backend of the other unit.
Erik Cole drew three penalties because of his hard work along the boards. He can be as agitating as Tuomo Ruutu when he is on his game. They both were credited with three hits each and Chad LaRose also had three.
Next up for the Canes will be a visit from the Islanders tomorrow night.
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What a game. Brind Amour looked very good. He was skating hard and made some great plays! I still have hope for this guy returning to old form!
Like you said Ward was outstanding. He was the difference in this game. The two goals that got by him were a little unfortunate but you have to expect to give up a few against a team of that caliber!
I’ve said it since the past offseason, and I’ll say it again……I really love the Babchuk signing. He’s a first rounder and we’ve really gotta sign him to a longer term deal. It takes d-men longer to develop and he’s still very young. He’s good now, but one day he may be great. Its also good to see Wardo still getting better and better and better, just like Babs, Cams really good now, but will probably be great really soon! This team has potential to be a really good team for years to come.
Who can beat this team?
Nice game guys.
If the Canes make the playoffs, what team can beat them head to head? I see Boston as the toughest test to the finals. I think the Canes will have to play them. I think with the season that they have had and all the expectations in Bean Town, they may be nervous and ripe for an upset in the first round. That is where the Canes have the best chance to beat them. Once they get comfortable, they could dominate to the finals.
To me, an opening round series with the Bruins would be a 50 – 50 proposition for the Canes.
If they get by Boston, they will likely have to face Washington. While Oven Chicken is dominant and Semin is slippery, they give up a lot of chances and they can be outscored by a balanced attack. That is what we have right now. Rolling 3 excellent, balanced lines.
I was worried about the Devils earlier in the season but after watching that game last night, I can see that the Devils just don’t match up well against the Canes. Their style will not beat the Canes in a 7 game series. They weren’t just beaten last night, they were exposed. They looked surprised by the Canes. I have to believe system to system….player to player, the Canes are better head to head.
The rest of the teams in the East are simply not built for the playoffs.
I give the Canes a 25% chance of getting to the finals. Feels a lot like 2002 and Detroit looks most likely to come out of the West. Oh this year, they are not an allstar team. They are very good but at least whoever comes out of the East has a very good chance to beat Detroit.
Sit back, relax and enjoy. Even you Paladin…………
I respectfully disagree. You would be fine facing Washington? Really?? To be honest, this is the 1st year since ‘99 that I am deathly afraid of all 4 top teams ( and that’s considering they MAKE the playoffs ).
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
Ummmm…… we have handled Washington and New Jersey relatively well this season…….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Mar 19, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh please!
You people are not students of the game. Hell, I am happy you guys aren’t on the ice with your fears……..I am afraid of all four of the top teams……….my God….they are people they can be beaten. Your team is competing every night. They are talented and deep. The defense is coming together. The offense is balanced and experienced. They will make the playoffs. If you guys don’t believe it, go root for the Crapitals or the Devils. This website should be for fans that believe in their team. I am not being overly optimistic. I have seen tremendous improvement in this team. They are peaking at the right time. Where the hell is your pride. I don’t care if you like me or not. You guys suck.
KenRab, ShcmenRab
Not a student of the game? I played hockey in high school. As Bubba stated everyone is entitled to their opinion, mine happens to be that we are in a very precarious situation right now. We are literally on the bubble for making the PO’s. And,, you are right, every team can be beaten. But in a 7 game series against any of the top 4, I wouldn’t put money on the Canes. As far as pride, I was at the 1st game they played in G’boro, I have a Canes tattoo, " Rock U Like a Hurricane " was on my wedding playlist, I have been a fan since day 1 my friend. Pride and blind devotion are not the same thing my friend. I love my mom, but I can tell you from experience, her meatloaf sucks…….
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
Nice to see your passion Ken, but everyone is entitled to their opinions.
After last year’s debacle I think people are a bit gun shy, even if the team is playing well. Plus, things can change very quickly.
GM of CanesCountry.com
One man's opinion.
One point last year..after an unbelievable finish. I was happy with last season. I wouldn’t call that run to the playoffs a debacle. They played hard to the end. No way to hate that. Sometimes life isn’t fair. This is another season. I like the make up of this team. They can surprise some people. I feel strongly they will get in. About 80%. Just one man’s opinion. Hope springs eternal………..
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