Hurricanes Hold Edge In Game 7 Experience --And Success -- Over Bruins
by Cory Lavalette on May 13, 2009 4:46 PM EDT
35 comments
Thursday's series finale against the Boston Bruins will be the Hurricanes fourth-consecutive time going the distance in a seven-game series, spanning back to the 2006 Eastern Conference finals against Buffalo. The Canes roster is loaded with experience — Carolina has won the previous three Game 7's — in the situation that will present itself at the TD Banknorth Garden.
The Bruins, on the other hand, have had just one Game 7 since the lockout, last year's Round 1 matchup with the Montreal Canadiens.
For the Boston faithful, it must seem eerily similar to last season. The Bruins, trailing the series 3-1 against the favored Habs, roared back with a convincing 5-1, Game 5 win in Montreal and followed that up with a four-goal third period in Game 6 en route to a 5-4 win.
But despite how good the B's looked in those two wins, things didn't go as well in Game 7. The Canadiens scored early — Mike Komisarek notched one just 3:31 into the contest — and often en route to a dominant 5-0 victory.
It wasn't pretty for the Bruins, especially after they had restored hope with their efforts in the previous two games. Does that Game 7 result sit in the back of this Boston team's psyche? Perhaps. This year's Bruins squad is not the underdog, but rather the favorite. Instead of going on the road for Game 7, they get to return home to Boston. And they've also added some valuable playoff experience (namely Mark Recchi). Still, several of the Hurricanes players have seen multiple Game 7's since 2006. The B's have five — two of which saw the majority of those must-win games in Carolina red, white and black.
But it never hurts to look at the numbers. So here's a closer look at the Game 7 resumes since the lockout. Let's start with Boston:
2008 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Boston Vs. Montreal (Montreal wins 5-0)
P.J. Axelsson: 0-0-0, 16:13 TOI, minus-2, 1 shot
Zdeno Chara 0-0-0, 24:04 TOI, minus-3, no shots, 2 PIMs
Andrew Ference: 0-0-0, 22:39 TOI, even, 2 shots, 2 PIMs
Shane Hnidy: 0-0-0, 17:50 TOI, even, 1 shot
Phil Kessel: 0-0-0, 17:59 TOI, minus-1, 4 shots
David Krejci: 0-0-0, 17:43 TOI, even, 3 shots
Milan Lucic: 0-0-0, 17:56 TOI, minus-1, 1 shot
Mark Savard: 0-0-0, minus-1, 3 shots
Mark Stuart: 0-0-0, minus-2, 1 shot
Tim Thomas: 0-1, 30 saves on 35 shots
Shawn Thornton: 0-0-0, 6:27 TOI, minus-1, 1 shot
Aaron Ward: 0-0-0, 20:04, minus-4, 1 shot
Dennis Wideman: 0-0-0, 21:19 TOI, even, no shots
Not exactly Boston's best effort, but for the majority of them that's all they have in the way of Game 7 experience. Three of Boston's players played in Game 7's with the Flames. The results aren't much better.
2006 Western Conference Quarterfinals: Anaheim Vs. Calgary (Anaheim wins 3-0)
Andrew Ference: 0-0-0, 21:50 TOI, even, 2 shots
Chuck Kobasew: 0-0-0, 11:12 TOI, even, 1 shot
Stephane Yelle: 0-0-0, 12:04 TOI, minus-2, no shots
Yelle was also with Calgary last season when they faced the Sharks in a deciding Game 7.
2006 Western Conference Quarterfinals: Calgary Vs. San Jose (San Jose wins 5-3)
Stephane Yelle: 0-0-0, 13:11 TOI, even, no shots
The Bruins with the most Game 7 success got it courtesy their time with the 2006 Hurricanes. Ward (who, as seen above, was statistically dreadful in Game 7 vs. Montreal last year) was valuable in both games, while Mark Recchi — a deadline addition — was a key veteran for the title run. It's also worth noting that these are the only Game 7 wins anywhere on the Boston roster (post-lockout).
2006 Stanley Cup Finals: Edmonton Vs. Carolina (Carolina wins 3-1)
Mark Recchi: 0-1-1, 17:58 TOI, even, 1 shot
Aaron Ward: 1-0-1, 21:49 TOI, plus-1, 1 shot, 2 PIMs
2006 Eastern Conference Finals: Buffalo Vs. Carolina (Carolina wins 4-2)
Mark Recchi: 0-0-0, 16:53 TOI, minus-2, 1 shot
Aaron Ward: 0-0-0, 23:51 TOI, even, 1 shot, 2 PIMs
Given that several of the Canes have played in all three of their recent Game 7's, I'll highlight some of those who stand out.
- Cam Ward: What can you say about the Canes' netminder? He's turned himself into one of the dependable big-game players in the league, and is probably the main factor — for either team — in determining who will win this Game 7. His resume? A .923 save percentage (72 saves on 78 shots) and just two goals allowed per game. The biggest number, of course, is 3-0. And he hasn't just been good in these games. Ask Fernando Pisani.
- Rod Brind'Amour: His role is decreased dramatically since 2006, but the captain knows how to get it done. He's been plus-1 in each of the three games and averaged more than three minutes on the penalty kill.
- Matt Cullen: He had two assists in Game 7 vs. Edmonton and was the best skater on the ice. He also had an assist in Game 7 against New Jersey last round. Against Buffalo in 2006 he was held without a shot and minus-1, but don't overlook him.
- Ray Whitney: Need a goal or perfect pass at a crucial moment? Whitney is your man. His stats during the three Game 7's aren't awe-inspiring (1-1-2, plus-2), but given the way he's performed this year at key moments he could be the biggest X factor.
- Nic Wallin, Chad LaRose and Eric Staal will all be in their fourth post-lockout Game 7 Thursday, with this being the third for Erik Cole and Sergei Samsonov (one playing for Edmonton against Carolina). Staal's game-winner vs. New Jersey is one for the ages, while Cole's gutsy return for Games 6 & 7 vs. Edmonton are the stuff legends are made of. Frank Kaberle, if he plays, would also be in his third.
So experience definitely favors the Hurricanes. But momentum is clearly in Boston's court. Like they say, that's why they play the games.
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Interesting article loaded with stats. Might as well throw them all out the window though. I’d feel better about the B’s lack of experience in this area if the game was in Raleigh, but alas, it is in Boston.
Just wanna take this opportunity to thank you guys yet again for the work you do. It has been an agonizingly slow two days at work and I have been on this site for almost 48 hours now. Thanks!
I dunno Cory, that’s kinda like a Ross Perot rose colored glasses thing. The only stat that counts is the final score. If Recchi was such a great asset, he’s on the B’s with Ward like you said. Rod’s exp is all well and good, but his play is still off. Staal can’t perform without Cole, I still don’t like that whole thing. I think the fact is the b’s were the superior team during the regular season, they dropped thre games, we just dropped two must wins and now find ourselves looking at elimination when we had them looking at that. Stats or not, I think all the smart money is on the b’s at home. That said in ‘06 the smart money bet against us and they lost. This ain’t ‘06 and the b’s are a very good team that is well coached. While I think there is a chance, we have played great hockey at times this year. I do not believe this team is tight enough to go in thier house and put them away. I’mn listening to the Pen’s game and the great teams pick it up to another level when they have to. Pens 6-1 at this point. that game is over. the first 5 minutes in our last game it was over. I missed the stat where we lost most of the games when scored against first. Our team sucked the first couple months of this season. They made alot of changes and really turned it around, I’m not sure they are tight enough to make the step up they need to make.
Big advantage Bruins, I respectfully disagree.
A
Yeah. I said exp. favors Canes, momentum favors B’s. We saw tonight want exp. can give you with the Pens tonight. That being said, I’m sure the Bruins learned something from last year’s debacle. Like I ended the article, that’s why they play the games.
by Cory Lavalette on May 13, 2009 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Tripp Tracy would say “momentum shifts throughout a game….”
For what it’s worth….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 14, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
“Momentum can change, experience cannot.” – TrickyD26
We can steal all of Boston’s momentum by scoring the first goal tonight.
Still not a crook!
It doesn't matter who scores the first goal
but it does matter who has the most.
I’m looking forward to the ’Canes getting the Bruins out of their collective heads and playing THEIR game, tnot the one the Bruins would prefer them to play.
For examples of the games the Bruins want to have the ’Canes play, see Games 1, 5 and 6 of this series.
Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!
Tripp Tracy would also say: “Boy… I’ll tell ya…. If the Hurricanes had scored three more goals in that first period they would have won the game….”
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 14, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
If you pay attention…. Tripp Tracy will say the damnedest things…….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 14, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think cory was saying that the canes will win because of this. I enjoyed the read. You guys always impress me. On a slow media day, it is easy to just let things slide. I like the fact that yall dig stuff up and give us some mental munchies. I don’t know how much this will effect either team, but i do think it opens up the first five to ten minutes of play for us to get the ever important first goal. If we can do that, the pressure and emotion (from fans) might cause Boston to take some penalties. This will have some effect, just on the smaller part of the game.
over all Paladin, you are right. The situation is not the best. But I don’t think it is as bad as it can be. We are healthy and experienced. This team knows it can play with Boston. I’m not going to be shocked if we win .
All the talking is done.
Now is the time that we can be real fans. Let’s enjoy this game 7. No matter what happens, I am proud of this team. They have done us proud. If they win, the wind will come back into our sails…….if not, it was a good ride. Let’s watch a great game.
I dont know about y'all
but I’m emotionally drained now. I don’t know how i can handle another series. But of coarse It’s a problem I would like to have.lol
by CarolinaCanes on May 14, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Regardless of statistics, regular season points, and the events that transpired over the past few games- the Bruins have earned one “quaint” advantage- the right to play on their ice. Frozen water is frozen water- lets thaw their ice out with a NICE SOUTHERN CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE!!!!! Lets pour some sugar on their teaparty and make it nice and sweet- GO CANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THAT PUCK TO DROP!!!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 14, 2009 2:59 AM EDT reply actions
There ya go Bubba- if the Canes win, I would love to see the newstory title “Canes sweet the tea in Boston”
by PittsburghCaniac on May 14, 2009 3:04 AM EDT up reply actions
A little OT, but who's going to the Cool Bar tonight?
Unless I get called into work, I should be there.
Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!
With all the nervousness that goes along with game 7, I don’t think I can stomach any Ale House food. ;)
That's why the hockey gods gave us beer.....
it’s not just for ugly people to find true love
:-D
Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!
The hockey gods did no such thing, Beer came before hockey.
Beer is the basis of all civilization. Without discovering it, Humans never would’ve domesticated the grain. (Well, you can make a case for bread, but being a brewer, I like to say Beer is the cause of it all.)
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy” is how I’ve always heard it.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 14, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
You forgot to mention that Stephane Yelle has played in more Game 7’s than any active player in the league and is tied for the 2nd most Game 7 appearances in history.
by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 14, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah, the red wings don’t make it to a lot of game 7s. That or Chelios is just to old to play in critical situations like that.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 14, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
There was nowhere to research Game 7’s back 20 years that i could find, so I stuck to post-lockout.
by Cory Lavalette on May 14, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Add Montador to the list of the Cgy players, and all four of them played with Cgy the year before the lockout that took Cgy to the finals. I know there were several game 7s for Cgy in that postseason (of course they did lose that final one…)
by Andrea's evil twin on May 14, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
‘course that could mean he’s a psycho nervous wreck that drools in a corner in a fetal position.
At least that’s what I think a game 7 would make me feel like doing. It’s not really a game at this point…
A
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