Carolina on the Brink - Pens 6, Canes 2
by Bob Wage on May 24, 2009 3:16 AM EDT
in Hurricanes Game Related
204 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes scored the game's first goal and had the loud support of their home fans behind them, two factors that have usually meant success, but the team could not stop the onslaught of the Pittsburgh Penguins last night in Raleigh as the Pens put the Canes on the brink of elimination, 6-2.
Once again members of the team and the coach do not seem to have any answers on how to beat the powerhouse Penguins. When Eric Staal was asked if the team had to play a perfect game to defeat the Pens, he shook his head no. "We just need to play better".
Erik Cole said the same thing when asked what the Canes needed to do in order to beat the Pens. His reply, "We need to play better."
Obviously, that's easier said than done. The Canes have been saying that for three games now, but have been dominated as Pittsburgh has been seemingly scoring at will at times and has scored 16 goals against the Canes in the first three games of the series.
The Hurricanes started the game with a lot of jump and nearly scored on a few close chances. About four minutes into it, Matt Cullen received a nice pass from Patrick Eaves and beat Marc-Andre Fleury to give the Canes the lead. But Eaves would be called for slashing a couple of minutes later, and the momentum shifted to the visitors.
Tim Gleason had the puck and tried to scoop it out of the zone, but he ended up giving it right to Evgeni Malkin, and the Russian wonder-kid took the puck by Gleason like he was not even there and scored easily.
The teams went back and forth throughout the period, with the Pens carrying the play most of the time until the final minute of the period. With just 43 seconds left, Bill Guerin fed Sidney Crosby a superb saucer pass, and with perfect hand-eye coordination, the superstar buried it. Crosby beat Joni Pitkanen to the net on the play as Ward had no chance going post to post.
Then with 12 clicks left, Malkin would strike again as he just waltzed in on Ward, untouched. He did the exact same thing in game two, with just 6 seconds left in a period.
That made two goals in the final 43 seconds for the Pens. It's puzzling why the Canes continue to allow late scores.
The Penguins carried the play once again in the second period, but Cam Ward literally stood on his head to keep his team in it, making 16 saves on 16 shots.
About two minutes into the third, Sergei Samsonov would knock in a rebound on a nice reflex play to give the fans some hope. But Pittsburgh scored three more times later in the period to put the game away.
When asked after the game about the insurmountable odds his team now has to face to win the series, Paul Maurice replied as if he was not thinking about the series. "We have to find a way to beat them once." The coach and his staff will have an extra day to try to figure it out as game 4 will be played Tuesday night at the RBC.
Game Notes:
The Canes do not have an answer for Evgeni Malkin. Tim Gleason will be seeing the Russian in his sleep. "Geno" has owned Gleason all series.
The Canes were outshot once more, (40-34) as it seemed like Cam Ward was under siege most of the night. (Look at the picture above and ask yourself, where is the defense?) Ward is reportedly playing hurt, but there is no word on the details. The visitors had a 31-16 shot advantage after just two periods.
The Pens had 22 blocked shots compared to 14 for the Canes.
Carolina seems to have no luck at all as every rolling puck or close chance goes just wide. Pittsburgh even scored once as a face-off was sent back into the Hurricanes open net.
The Canes look tired and some people are speculating that it's because of the two, seven game series they had to battle through. That could be part of it, but the team has basically been playing playoff hockey for three months. They were under extreme pressure to make the playoffs and started their push in early March. While both Staal and Jokinen said that they were not tired, the team could be mentally fatigued by now.
At least they have two days to attempt to regroup.
______
Post game interviews-
Jussi Jokinen says that the team will not quit.
Eric Staal- "We did not get this far for no reason."
Paul Maurice- "You don't want to be chasing that team."
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Way to be classy Pittsburgh fans......
I would like to congratulate the fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins….. Not for the way their team handed our team their asses (again) on a platter last night….. I’ll get to that later…. or tomorrow….. or whenever…..
I’m writing to congratulate Pittsburgh fans for officially dethrowning Buffalo fans as the most classy set of fans in the world…. Boy… you guys love your team….
The Pittsburgh fans who were punching the Hurricanes fans in section 114 while the police were trying to carry them away…. They love their team…. Way to be classy guys!!!
The Pittsburgh fans (too many to count) who were randomly yelling “Hossa is a bitch….” Those fans really love their team….. (and how Dare you Hossa go to a superior team that was willing to pay you more money…. you are a bitch…. you’re supposed to stay poor in Pittsburgh along w/ everyone else…)
The the Pittsburgh fans who were burning their rally towels in the parking lots…. That’s a celebration worth watching…. hell…. I thought I was in Detroit for a second….. Way to go guys…. Classy….
And then when I thought the class had run out the same group of Pittsburgh fans out did themselves even (a feat of mass proportions) by standing in a circle jerk circle around the burning rally towels and pissing on them to put the fire out while women and children looked on…. That’s class!!!! You guys should go teach that one to Lord Mario….
But the Pittsburgh fans who took the ultimate prize were the ones who were just randomly pissing on…. anything they could find….. Most notably someones car… Yes… You… Pittsburgh fan… you know who you are…. come and get your prize! You walked right up to that cold colored 4-door and pissed right on it…. and then walked away as if you were hoisting Lord Stanleys cup yourself…..
Way to be classy Pittsburgh fan…. Way to be classy……
I’ll send out a memo to Buffalo fan… and Rangers fan…. to tell them that they have been unseeded as the most classy fans in the league…..
Do me a favor….. GO THE HELL BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!!!!!
Ps. I miss Oilers fans!
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 24, 2009 9:27 AM EDT reply actions
@Mateos_Canes_Lamp
Hossa didn’t go to Detroit for more money.
by Dalliquippa on May 24, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
ya we offerend him just as much 1 year, and a large 5 year deal, he just didn’t wanna play for us…grass WAS greener on the other side, we’ll see how good of an idea that comes out to be soon.
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
i really despise you already after 3 posts. I can’t wait to hear your excuses when poor old Pittsburgh has to throw games in order to be good again. Wa Wa Wa, aww Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin left us, wa wa wa. Go throw games again you lackluster city filled with fairweather fans
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on May 24, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
the argument that pittsburgh is only good because they stunk and got good draft picks is the most pathetic thing i’ve read. wait, to suggest that they threw games to get picks is more pathetic.
would you rather they try to buy a team, ala the rangers?
you know how the most successful team in recent NHL history (WIngs) remains on top, that’s right, the draft.
And furthermore ask the Detroit Lions what they did with the last 30 #1 draft picks…what lose 16 games?
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
The point of my story was that the people from Pittsburgh have no class….. I may have possible supported their team in the next rough…. but now I hate them….. Not the team… their fans….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 24, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
You classify a whole city of many thousands under the same umbrella of the few people who got drunk and got unruly at your stadium? Just wanna make sure i got that correct.
It was more than a “FEW” and to further explain, I have NEVER witnessed such disrespect from any other fans of any other team (even Buffalo). I was appalled at their behavior. Thank god I had enough sense NOT to bring my kids, but I really felt for all the parents who did. You try to raise your kids to be fair and teach them good sportsmanship and last night was a perfect example of the poorest sportsmanship I have ever seen. I was truly disappointed in the Pens fans. I am all for some friendly ribbing, our team beat yours, whatev….there was a line that was crossed before the game ever started. And yes I am classifying a city based on the acts and lack of class of their representatives, just as we are classified as a bunch of “rednecks” who don’t know anything about hockey.
That’s fine i can understand where your coming from, but we’re not all like that. I’m talking trash on a blog, but i would never start a fire in a parking lot and piss on it, or try to fight a kid half my age or size (i’m a big dude). If you wanna throw me in with them go for it, don’t matter to me what you think about me you don’t know me.
this comes from a guy...
…who curses in posts that is shared by a hockey mom. you’re not quite the class act you like to think you are.
as far as poorly behaving fans, they’re everywhere. none are really worse than others (though i wonder about philly fans). regardless, a few morons do an entire fan base make. and somewhere deep inside, you know this.
Ya clearly the poorest acting fans are in Philly, the Link had a jail in it, A JAIL IN THIER STADIUM…how sad is that.
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
the link was lincoln memorial stadium for the Eagles, mostly for the Giants games from what i hear. Regarded as the worst place on earth to play a football game, things flew from the stands like it was raining beer cups and whatever else they had.
Don't use me to put down a fellow blogger
If it bothered me I would deal with it myself. I’m a big girl.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank you, we are big girls and furthermore if you don’t like what we have to say GO BACK TO PENSBURG!!!!!!!!
i have no problem with what you say, just take it with a grain of salt, as i would any other sports opinion from a female…
now, girlfriends
Don’t go falling for a sorry old line like that. Lame. lame lame. (limp too?)
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
So let’s see, we’ve gone from discounting the hockey knowledge of “Southerners” to dismissing the sports knowledge of an entire gender. That is a prime piece of trolling right there.
hey, i never questioned the knowledge of hockey fans in the south!
and i shouldn’t have thrown the sexist bait out there…
If you have a problem w/ the word shit (which is the only curse word I’ve used on this forum) then don’t read it….
Cory and Bubba haven’t said anything to me about it…. it’s their blog site….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 24, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I repeat, there are no complaints from me on colorful word choice.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
We had seemingly the only halfway decent Pens fans sitting next to us.
Counter that with the asshole sitting two rows in front who also got kicked out for trying to start a fight with a kid who was clearly 10-15 years younger than him.
by Iggy Reilly on May 24, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I have never in all the games i have EVER been to @ the RBC EVER seen a fan ejected. we were in sec 122 and saw at least 15 fans escorted out after fighting and only one Caniac among them.
Same. never seen anyone ejected.
Everyone was glad to see this guy go thats for sure.
by Iggy Reilly on May 24, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Jason-
I believe the favor in the last of Mateos post was for you and those like you. GO THE HELL BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!!!!!
Show some class in your your celebrations. Acts as described by Mateos will only anger the Hockey Gods. While most likely, the Pens are on their way this season….the Hockey Gods can and will have their vengeance. Finally, remember where you are- too many poorly executed celebrations will prompt the Caniac Nation to rise up and slay you displaced Penguin fans.
Go Canes!!! Now and Forever!!
I wasn’t there, i was in the comfort of my home iin my game watching chair with a beer in my hand. I had nothing to do with those shenanigans. Very unfortunate that people do that but alcholol is a helluva drug.
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
whether @ the RBC OR from the comfort of your home on our site, makes no difference, Still the same thing
So your gonna charge me disorderly conduct because Joe Schmo got ejected from the game? I don’t care what someone did at the game, he was wearing a pens sweater so i’m grouped with him whatev…that’s ridiculous reasoning but go for it.
And to be clear i wouldn’t have pissed on a car, i prefer squirting Heinz on a cars windshield, you can leave a message and everything, pee just dries up.
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
It is because you have shown yourself to have no interest in discussing hockey.
Only being an arrogant douche and antagonizing people on the other team’s message board.
by Iggy Reilly on May 24, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
What exactly does my age have to do with anything, you really think i’m out there squirting ketchup on cars? I’m messing around on a blog with fans of a team we’re playing in the playoffs. Do you take everything you read on the internet seriously? If you are taking all this personally sorry, but i was under the impression that we could have some banter about our teams and take shots at one another all in good fun of the playoffs…news flash neither of us are playing, so who cares what anyone thinks.
Some people like to talk about hockey, not just talk shit to people.
What you are doing is called trolling. I’m glad you are having fun, but you have taken a crap on any conversation that people have tried to have in this series.
Well all i said was i had nothing to do with the piss and fire party in the partking lot i was at home and i got told it dosen’t matter same difference…so that’s when rational thinking went out the door, with that ridiculous comment.
Ridiculous??? You have been trolling over here since before the series started and if I recall correctly, Bubba has even threatened to ban you for your adolescent behavior. There is a big difference between some friendly banter and what you have chosen.
Exaclty which is why i toned it down, what did i say that was soooooo bad i’m sitting at home watching the game? oh god how dare I..jump all over me for that and classify me with the pee’ers in the parking lot, ya that makes sense.
gosh
I didn’t know us saying the Canes are playing poorly is was so offensive.
Phillip Bunting
"Stairway To Seven"
by SteelersChatPack on May 24, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
gimme a break
It’s not what you say. It’s how you say it and, by extension, what your intentions by coming here to post in the first place.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey
Maybe Eric Staal will join the Penguins next season. We would love to have him and give you Adams back.
Phillip Bunting
"Stairway To Seven"
by SteelersChatPack on May 24, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Last I heard on this blog a few days ago, we were going to give you Eaves for Jordan. I like that better.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
This is coming from a Flyers fan
But to the Carolina fans, wow, your team is a huge disappointment up to this point. Down 3-0? Really, to these guys? You are a better team, start playing like it. I root against Pittsburgh every chance I get, but i find myself rooting for the wings or the hawks because they are more capable of facing the pens. This is so aggravating that this POS pittsburgh team is going to the cup finals again. Wow
buries face in hands
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on May 24, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions
How aggravating is it going ot be when we steam roll Detroit
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
As a follow up thought, how aggravating is it that this pos team knocked you out of the playoffs two years in a row in embarrasing fashion…you are supposed to be our rival act like it, make it interesting, we’re about to give that title to Washington.
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow that is the same arrogance I saw from all the jerk Pens fans @ the game last night!!! Way to go!
He takes a shot at your team and you comment about what i said to him? way to go to you!
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Jason, there really is no way around it, you are just a deushbag. I pity you. It is obvious by your multiple postings on our blog that your sole goal and purpose is to antagonize and aggravate. That being said, I am not sure if you werent hugged enough as a kid, or whatever happend, but you really need to consider a different hobby- its just not normal. Dont you have any friends to go hang out with? Stop wasting your time here and spend some time on E-Harmony- things might end up ok for you…maybe.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Aw attacking my childhood and love life in one fell swoop, nice. You guys are really sensitive today, 2 posts i did that were so far away from bad get comments like this…i was talking to a flyers fan who posted in your blog about nothing and you say that? The other post that i got bunch of heat from you guys is when i said i wasn’t in the parking lot, i didn’t piss on anything. These beat downs must be breaking your spirit if your jumping all over me for nothing. I’m at work i have plenty of friends to hang out with, unfortunately they are not allowed at work here with me. E-harmony is a joke, if you are recommending it, it must have worked for you so thumbs up for you! I hope you two are happy!
working hard huh? Bet your employer is proud to hire a lazy deushbag. Now stop blogging- and get back to work..chop chop…time is money!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t rub it in, you guys had your shot.
by Iggy Reilly on May 24, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
The Canes look tired and some people are speculating that it’s because of the two, seven game series they had to battle through. That could be part of it, but the team has basically been playing playoff hockey for three months. They were under extreme pressure to make the playoffs and started their push in early March. While both Staal and Jokinen said that they were not tired, the team could be mentally fatigued by now.
This is an interesting point, but I’ve got to disagree. The Penguins have played a 6-game series against Philly and a 7-game against Washington. Furthermore, the Pens and Canes were basically in the same predicament way back in February and March — being out of the post-season and having to face regular season games as playoff ones even back then.
What I’m saying is, this can be a legitimate argument for why the Canes can’t get anything going, but not when they’re facing a team that’s been right where they are.
I think the most thrilling thing for this post season run is that we have found a way to win even when we were out-matched. While Staal and Ward are “elite” players, we have had to overcome the perception that we are undeserving and lucky. I think mentally it is hard to keep believing when the whole world is telling you to just forget it. That’s the difference between the Canes and the Pens, and the nature of the “fatigue factor” you’re questioning. If you listen to the analysts, we win and we’re lucky (or it’s the other team that handed it to us). The Pens win and they’re deserving champions. Talk about a buzz-killer.
I don’t know if the Canes can keep away from the tsunami of those hopping on the Malkin/Crosby bandwagon after the Pens blockbuster series over the Caps, but that’s been The Story of the playoffs. Instead of getting Cinderella status (and support) we’re regarded by too many as the undeserving bad guys ruining everyone else’s fairy tales. Why is that? In that context, doubt creeps in and I think that has been the difference this series in Canes’ inability to sustain momentum. The coaches certainly have their work cut out for them the next couple days. But if anyone can do it, we can believe in Maurice, Francis and all the rest. (remember Adams’ nominee Julien failed miserably when facing this predicament)
The Hurricanes need to go out Tuesday and play for the joy of hockey in May, the pride of how far they came from December, and with the love of their teammates and coaches. I read an interview of Ovechkin yesterday by a Russian journalist. Ovie is devastated to be home in Russia and not still in the playoff hunt. He sounds like he should be on a suicide watch. All that world-class talent and spirit reduced to feeling hopeless.
Look with pride at what the Canes have accomplished as the unrivaled giant killers this post season: Brodeur, Parise, Chara, Thomas for starters (Check out the Sporting News team of the season posted Friday – we’ve beaten many of them on this path , but get no mention on the list)
I hope they can find a way to remember the pure fun and privilege of playing hockey in May, enjoying the challenge of solving this extraordinary puzzle of the Pens at the absolute peak of their game, and celebrating their place in hearts of their teammates and the great and unique Caniac Nation. If they can do that, then the lessons and achievements of this season will carry them far in the Tuesday’s game (and the next season).
And I do expect we might be looking at least a couple more games before the end. One game at a time.
Go Canes!
(pardon the mom-speech, but it’s what I think needs to be said)
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
The two teams situations are not identical.
While the Pens beat the Caps in Washington in game 7, that was an easy win. The Canes had to go to OT in Boston, and had a last minute win for another game 7 in Jersey, and have played from behind in each series with their backs against the wall, almost non-stop. I realize that the Pens played just as many games, but the Canes look mentally fatigued. But obviously, I could be wrong.
GM of CanesCountry.com
not to mention that Carolina played two actual teams.
Pittsburgh played a big, but not very good Philly team, and a Washington team that is really a one man show. (and which we would have destroyed as well).
by DidJussiThat? on May 24, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I completely understand and agree that the situations aren’t identical, just vaguely similar. And yes, there is a big difference between mental and physical exhaustion. However, I’m reminded of something that Maurice said following the Boston series — something along the lines of “Boston didn’t have that adversity throughout the regular season that the Canes did.” It’s very true, but I’m saying that the Pens have had that adversity and have also made it this far.
Also, though this is really just me thinking out loud, I’m wondering what the stronger emotion here is … the joy of winning the Cup three years ago and wanting to make it back there, or the pain of losing the Cup one year ago and wanting to make it back there? I am not at all questioning the resolve of the Canes, I’m just saying, the Pens have a pretty solid motivating factor as well.
DidJussithat posted on the game thread that Forslund’s reporting that Ward is playing hurt. I haven’t seen that anywhere else (Chip Alexander of N&O usually is the first to know after Forslund). Anyone have info?
The only place I heard this was from Forslund on 99.9. The Canes are not confirming any of this.
GM of CanesCountry.com
the way they've been wording it...
I’m wondering if it’s not an injury, but whether there’s a personal problem (in the nature of Walker’s wife comes to mind – tho perhaps irrelevent) that’s making it hard for Ward to play at the usual 120% to which we’ve grown accustomed. I agree the high GAA is more on the D, but if they’re feeling the pressure of defending against 87 and 71, it doesn’t help if they are also worried about #30. These guys wear their hearts on their sleeves.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
"Not the player he was in the first two series"
That’s what Forslund said. He said “he’s definitely playing throuh something, and as a result, he has not been the player he was in the first two series.”
That and the fact that Joe Corvo, “Frances” Kaberle and Tim Glea(fully applauding Malkin as he skates by)son have just laid down and let the Penguins take shots.
I say it again – why is Malkin even standing up when he is near the goal?
by DidJussiThat? on May 24, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I believe he said he was injured (unconfirmed) in game one and the nature of his injury is such that he shouldn’t be on the ice
Have you noticed Cam hasn’t been available to the press since before Game 2 in Pittsburgh? That’s very unusual. He’s usually out front-and-center when the press wants team quotes.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU WON’T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS NEXT YEAR AND YOU WILL NEVER WIN THE STANLEY CUP!!!!!! DON’T SAY WARD IS PLAYING HURT. YOU HAVE TO MAKE UP AN EXCUSE!!!! SORE LOSERS
hahaha!!!
Am I the only one who sees the irony in the phrase “sore losers”?!?!!
by packpigskinfan25 on May 24, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
LOL!!! I laughed my butt off after seeing this- by the way, LetsGoDevils- we won a stanley cup after driving through NJ in ’06- Wardo is 2-0 against Brody in the playoffs.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Will Never Win The Cup?
Look in the record books under 2006 champions. Dont be mad that your team got booted in the first round.
by letsgocanes on May 24, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
your ass was whipped several weeks ago. How’s the golf in Jersey with all th emethane seeping out of the old dumps under the course?
by DidJussiThat? on May 24, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
People who lose in the first round don’t get to talk. And never is a strong word, besides the fact that they already won one a few years ago…
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice to see you are a troll on every site, LetsGoDevils, not just mine. And not only are you an idiot, you don’t know your hockey.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on May 24, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I wish my team could suck for 3 years straight to get superstars from the draft! Just remember, my team has made the playoffs the last 13/14 seasons. You are a disgrace to the NHL, and I hope Detroit or Chicago bury you in Pittsburgh, the sh*ttiest place on earth. Go Canes, Hawks, and Wings
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on May 24, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions
i absolutely love hearing that whining from a Flyers fan, you are so cute in your displaced rage over your team getting spanked out of the playoffs again and again by the one team you truly hate, enjoy the summer…
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
This series is all on the defense. Cam Ward, if he is really playing hurt, hasn’t been hurting us. The goals that he has let in that he should’ve had have come at times in games that it didn’t even matter. Except goal 3 in Game 1.
Bubba, you certainly could’ve had better timing with some articles this post season. Corvo/Gleason isn’t exactly looking like a shutdown pair right now are they?
Also, I think Mo is messing with the lines too much. Eaves/Cullen were showing some good chemistry and got that early goal. What does he do? He CHANGES THE DAMN LINE!
It’d be nice to be able to roll the same lines for a period at a time. The Canes won that big Game 7 with this strategy, but other than that, they have dropped 5 out of their last 6. Mo needs to get his head straight. I feel his pain though, I wouldn’t know what to do with this team right now either.
by Iggy Reilly on May 24, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I disagree, if Cam is hurt, putting Leights in would have made our defense (and probably the rest of the team) step it up, I think they have become too reliant on Cam being a rock…He can’t do it every time, especially when our D just seems to be standing around in awe of the skill of Crosby & Malkin. Plus is there is an injury to Cam why risk putting him in to add insult to injury???
More from Mo on Ward and the poor performance of the D (which includes the forwards)
This is from Chip Alexander at 12:30. The rest of the article about Coach Mo’s comments today confirm he’s obviously been reading this blog and agrees with us entirely (trying to find some reason to smile).
While there have been whispers Ward may have been dealing with some type of physical issue, Maurice — without saying what might have been bothering Ward — said his goaltender was “100 percent today.”
“Everybody’s got something at this time of year but when he’s gotten to the net each game he’s felt good enough to perform,” Maurice said.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
So, what I take from that is he IS injured but thinks he’s OK to play??? Forslund also said Ruu had no business being on the ice last night.
Here's the video of Mo around noon
Paul Maurice takes a few questions
no mention of Ruuts that I can hear. I’m not surprised if Ruutu was playing despite a painful injury. Surely you remember that hellacious scar on his face after he got high-sticked his very first game for the Canes vs the Rangers in Feb 08? (I was there ans saw the trail of blood across the ice – hard to forget). No keeping him down unless an important part of his body is missing.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
who could forget that??? He even stopped and signed autographs in the parking lot stitches and all, good guy..
ditto
the beginning of a Caniac legend right there.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Any one heard anything about Bayda?? I was sure he would have has a suspension handed to him by now…
i don’t know anything about bayda’s history, prior to this series of course, but do you think it was, i hate to say risky, but i can’t think of a better word, for maurice to put him out there with 30 seconds left considering the pervious game?
i loved seeing boucher go after him that whole shift. not from the perspective of a pens fan, but as a hockey fan. the fact that guys remember things from previous games and try to get back their pound of flesh. cole fighting orpik a few years ago is a great example as well.
no other sport generates such passion…
Not typically his character, I guess once the frustration sets in of being down three games in the series, they will do things, or repeatedly do things that are not necessarily the best things for the team. I am all for a good fight or a good check but its kind of pointless that late stage in the game. I don’t think Mo put him in there for that purpose as he is not an “enforcer”
that would be Conboy
He’s the guy ready to go at slightest invitation
Thank goodness we traded Brookbank. He used to get 2:15 TOI with 12:00 PIM every other game under Lavi. Jussi contributes a little bit more to the team, yes?
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd be surprised
Not if Mo’s looking for better D – Babchuk is pretty awkward, and took a couple stupid penalties. His shot accuracy is not inspiring either.
Conboy is not my favorite.
Others have suggested the exact same thing today, so we shall see.
We need to be getting in 71’s space. Our D seems to be afraid of challenging him physically – maybe they need to put a Boston B’s “Hub” on his helmet to make him seem more deserving. Or maybe it’s a vast NHL conspiracy instructing our guys to hand it over to them. Sure looks that way.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
before I draw silly responses
the NHL conspiracy comment WAS A JOKE!!!! and a tired one at that.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
To put Conboy and Babchuk in for game 4 is pretty much saying “WE CAN’T BEAT THEM ON THE SCOREBOARD, LET’S BEAT THEM UP” If MO puts them in, might as well just say we can’t win this one. Not even Washington put Brashear in the line up against this Penguins team.
Penguins have some scrappers on the team who would go at a moments notice. Matt “Cookie Monster” Cooke is one the leading “Pests” in the NHL, then you have Chris “Y2K” Kunitz who can score and fight. Eric Godard who has been a scratch most of the season is a beast averaging 160-200 PIMs a Season. Ruslan “The Ukraine Train” Fedetenko will drop the gloves and has and broke his hand on Thrasher Colby Armstrong’s face. Even if you get those guys out, the Penguins have alot of depth, even guys waiting to get back into the action like Petr Sykora.
Goons can change the momentum of the game, but Coach Danny Bylsma makes sure his team plays thier game.
by OrlandoSeal44 on May 24, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
well I wasn't even in the country...
let alone anywhere near Raleigh, but Canes fans, I’m sorry for the “drunken idiot” factor last night. We’re not all like that.
(And the ‘Cam Ward’ chant in his own building. That was cruel.)
fwiw, I have been nervous every game of this series. And you all get major props for not immediately resorting to ‘Cindy’ comments.
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 3:00 PM EDT reply actions
I understand that all of the fans arent like that- but after living in Pittsburgh, I would have to admit that most, as in about 95% of them are. I have never been around a more obnoxious fan base in my life. Pittsburgh pride can best be described as something similar to ebola. I believe that it is bred into the children at a very young age. In fact, during pens games, I can hear the kids watching the game, screaming, swearing, and yelling all up and down my street. Ten years from now, they will be the ones pissing on fires, starting fights, etc. etc., there is no doubt in my mind.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
It is bred into us, we were born into Steeler Nation and we expect wins and championships, that is slowly being shared to Pens Nation. It is our birthrite to win Super Bowls, and while we’ll never ever ever have as many cups as Montreal Detroit or Toronto we’ll certainly try.
wow- good luck with that birthright- its kinda like your a little King in your decrepit kingdom! Are the other pittsburgh birthrights limited to the right to a decrepit house, 15% drink tax, failing port authority, child mayor, potholes, slums, shootings, unemployment, soot covered buildings, etc. etc. just to name a few, or are those just bonus items for shitz and giggles?
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s city livin baby, crack open an arn city and wait for tomorrow. That’s actually what happens when you have an old city that actually contributed to the birth of america, i’m sure the smokers of america aren’t complaining about the tobacco but if you dare to compare the significance of Raliegh to what Pittsburgh has done for the country industry wise you need to go back and read some history books.
Btw go to New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Detroit or any other large city and you find the same thing…
industry wise, you are correct. technology wise, google RTP. And by the way, it seems that the Pittsburgh contribution (when the mills closed) got shut down not long ago, and the city is now broke and fairly worthless with the exception of ketchup. shut ’er down and close up shop….
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Technology wise? Google "CMU"
Uh, okay, we’ll ignore the fact that for the last 20 years plus the city’s economic base has been centered around health care (like, uh, all those transplants [of organs] that started when the mills got shut down) and education, or that the city STILL has more Fortune 500 companies than most. Or that Pittsburgh’s actually gorgeous and the cost of living is way better than most places in the country. (Hey, we’ve already had our recession.)
What is it you moved to the city for, again?
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
SHHH healthcare and education don’t count, UPMC isn’t a leader in transplants or cardio or anything…
…The best part is, the guy lives in Raleigh! :D (/homesick)
But…ease up on the “entitlement” thing, Jason — you don’t want to resemble Red Wings fans in any way, shape, or form. (The Stillers are close enough.)
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Where is your head? Do you really, honestly, seriously believe that Pit is some beautiful blossoming city- its in FINANCIAL RUINS!!! the skyline only looks good because you arent looking at the crap below it. I always laugh at the people here, because I think you do know how nasty your city is, but try to defend it- hence, your skyline pics! Pittsburghers are brain washed. I compare your vision to the likes of beer-goggles.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Im not talking about Raleigh, I am talking about how NASTY pitsburgh is. (and their are more than 4, try to use both your hands to count)
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Why are you so angry today? Did someone do something to you, you are all up in arms about something, i’m sure Pittsburgh isn’t your problem, wanna talk about what’s really bothering you?
hahaha- not angry- you are entertaining me with your Pittsburgh beer-goggles! I wish I had them!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I bet 500 lb hairy women look like celebrity hotties to you! I feel like I am missing out….ur my shallow hale!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Your just so cute at your attempts to upset me, keep living in a city you despise i hope you are stuck there for years to come, enjoy!
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
sorry buddy- you can reach for a few things- but there is no comparison. CMU v. Duke, Chapel Hill, etc. and the top technological companies in the world in a park built for them? I am not from Pit or Raleigh, but have lived in both cities, currently in the prior- biding my time to get out- its a dump. That is why the fans here are freaks when it comes to Pit sports- its all they got. I actually feel bad for you guys, its a really nasty gross city.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
you are still in the recession- it never went away up here!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
how would your state work
without microchips?
by DidJussiThat? on May 24, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, i guess you better tell China and Japan that you are the microchip oasis of the world so they can stop producing them, i don’t think they know yet.
you didnt answer his question. where did he mention China and Japan? Ya had a little pittsburgher assumption there- some of that soot from the mines must have gotten in your brain and clogged it up.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I get where you’re coming from PittsburghCaniac, but until you’ve divided 20 years of your life between Montreal and Toronto as I have, you — quite frankly — have no idea about the depths and levels of entitlement that is bred into fans.
All fan bases have thier undesireables. The fact that Washington didn’t want Pittsburgh fans going down wasn’t because of “unruly-ness” it was because they wanted the home crowd to be Caps fans and not like it has been in the past with vast majority being Penguin fans.
Philly by far has the worst fans. They will NEVER give Pittsburgh ANY credit what so ever. They are the ones who beat up Santa for crying outloud… SANTA!
by OrlandoSeal44 on May 24, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
So if they gave Pittsburgh credit, would they be good fans then? And by the way, there is no santa, that was just a man dressed up as him. Had he shown up with a Philly jersey at a steeler game, you guys would have stoned him to death- and that would have been if you werent drunk yet.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Your right about that, I have no idea about the depths and levels of entitlement bred into the fans here, but does that make it right, or ridiculous?
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
so you live in the Hill District not my problem you live in the hood. There is great city beyond your ghetto if you ever venture out into it.
by OrlandoSeal44 on May 24, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
is that the place where they shot and killed all the police officers?
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I forgot, PITTSBURGH must be the ONLY bad city in the US with its little areas.
CLOWN
by OrlandoSeal44 on May 24, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Isn’t UNC chapel hill campus where they slayed a girl for an ATM card, c’mon man crime is everywhere don’t be silly.
crime is everywhere, but in disproportionate amounts- Pittsburgh has more. It makes sense though- half the city moved when the mills closed, its barely surviving right now. Crime is proportionate to economic status and education. Over the years, the best and brightest have been moving out, no longer in- leaving the crap behind. Why do you think places like RTP are blossoming and the Pens barely stayed in Pittsburgh not long ago?
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
again, healthcare, education, and high tech have actually been attracting a lot of educated people to the city for years. almost like the triangle…but obviously, you’re not a part of that.
and the Pens “barely” stayed in Pittsburgh because Lemieux had to play chicken with the local govt. that had been screwing him for the last decade in order to finally get the arena he needed to keep the team profitable…Why does Carolina have a hockey team, again?
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
They have a hockey team because a bunch of northerns had to move south when cities such as Pittsburgh crapped the bed- they still liked hockey, and wanted to be able to watch it live in the south- hence, hockey came south because of the new market. Pretty simple actually- supply and demand…you supplied your educated people (leaving the crap behind), and demand increased.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow someone is bitter about the spanking they got so far in the series, attacking a whole city like the crime rate is somehow related to Sham Wards swiss cheese impression. You are clearly unhappy up there while i can’t wait to move back, reasons i can’t wait to move back? i can give a ton, Pittsburgh is superior in so many ways appealing to my life, it’s city life and you don’t like it we get it, move away, come back down here to the “country” where everything is 30 minutes away. This fake ass country video everyone is in down here gets tired, you are not a cowboy settle down.
hahahaha- you are an idiot! 30 minutes away? Pit isnt built on a grid- its too old!!! It takes 30 minutes to go 4 miles in this city!!! Combine that with bridges and tunnels- traffic nightmare! I am not bitter about the spanking, Canes have had a great season, I am bitter about being stuck in the grossest city I have ever seen for a little longer. Hey, if I found living in the sewer appealing, I guess I would move to it….i guess…
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry to let you know this but you aren’t hurting me in any way saying Pittsburgh is a dump, your opinion means diddly squat to me. Your rage is coming from how terrible your team is so you displace that anger towards something else, i understand your pain, losing hurts, we all lose games or series, it happens. Go grab a box of tissues and cry it out, it will make you feel better.
if it meant diddly squat to you, why did you post so many responses? I would imagine that someone who was indifferent wouldnt have spent the time to post back? You care that your city is a dump.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
What city isn’t a dump?
The South doesn’t have all the charm it’s made out to be. I’ve played hockey alot in the south and the 2 cities I found to be better than any of the carolinas was Tampa and Orlando (both have been very good to my hockey career walking away with 2 brand new rings ;) )
by OrlandoSeal44 on May 24, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions
To answer your question, numerous cities aren’t dumps.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought that I was being graced by the presence of a superstar (had my fingers crossed)!!! TWO RINGS!!! WOW!!! CONGRATS!!! I only have one- this one time at band camp I got lucky and found one in a cracker jack box- but that was years ago, and I only have one- BUT TWO!!!! KUDOS!!!! you are a SUPERSTAR!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I respond to see what stupidity you post next, what other thing you can make fun that happens in any other city. And your opinion dosen’t mean anything because it’s hidden behind the computer screen, you are totally trashin a whole town because you have nothing to say about the series, you are totally irrelevant, go down to the next pens game or next steelers game and say all that stuff and see what happens…
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
if you dislike it so much why has it made it into your handle?
-David
sixminutecynic.blogspot.com
www.piratesmix.com.
by pascaldupweevil on May 24, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
do you even speak english? habla espanol? you want to do what in a handle? must be the Pittsburgh schools- lack of edumacation
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
handle – nickname.
the first definition in the dictionary is not always the only one.
So, to rephrase the question for the monosyllabic crowd:
Why, if you don’t like Pittsburgh or the fact that you have to live there, is it part of your “user ID”?
-David
sixminutecynic.blogspot.com
www.piratesmix.com.
by pascaldupweevil on May 24, 2009 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
they don’t have guns or anything in North Carolina, right?
Just checking.
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
yep- an amazing statistic- real zinger. share it with your friends at your next slum party.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
‘Bout as interesting as police officers getting killed in the line of duty. Except, y’know, worse.
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions
hey blame it on the news- they are the ones that found it interesting enough to discuss for a week straight
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
And clearly, you’ve never been to New York, Boston, or Philadelphia, just to name a few places filled with more obnoxious fans!
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
let’s not start up the NASCAR discussion.
by hockeymomof2 on May 24, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
My bad… ive lived in the south and im sure there is some sort of track where hundreds of drunk people watch a car go around in a circle and i know there was some event involving cars and a track
by OrlandoSeal44 on May 24, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
almost as bad as watching guys on skates go back and forth on a hockey rink for 60 minutes?
by PittsburghCaniac on May 24, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
BTW if Ward is HURT why not bring in the back up? The Wings did and dressed thier AHL’er Howard, and Osgood must be hurt because of NHL Rules stating you can’t dress a third stringer who is NOT on your roster unless one of them is HURT
If you're talking about in February or whenever it was...
They were only able to bring In Howard because they had other guys and their salaries on IR, not Osgood (you can have 3 goalies on the roster; you can have 6, but you can only have 23 guys). There’s no cap in the post-season, but clearly, they’d rather play Ward than Leighton, who has possibly never played in the playoffs before. (But you see Chicago, Khabibulin got hurt and Huet bit and today they had to put the AHL’er in!)
by Exceeding repeating on May 24, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
John Curry is up for the Penguins but is NOT on the Roster, like Howard is NOT on the roster.
by OrlandoSeal44 on May 24, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
P.S. I have lost all respect for the Pens and their fans
I am sorry that some of you have decided to judge me, and my favorite hockey team and an entire city of people based on the reproachable behavior of a few, who for all you know may even be Raleigh residents who like the Penguins. It’s shameful. You should know that Mario Lemieux is a man of high regard not only in Pittsburgh but all over North America and the world. You should also know that Pittsburgh is full of all kinds of people, not very much different from Raleigh. There are good ones and there are bad ones.
Thank you, we are big girls and furthermore if you don’t like what we have to say GO BACK TO PENSBURG!!!!!!!!
Most importantly you should know that JasonGoPens has never posted a single comment on Pensburgh, and is not a very good representative of what goes on over there. He gets off by getting a rise out of you, and you feed it to him like candy.
Please, be my guest, open a new tab and read some of the discussions at Pensburgh. It’s a nice atmosphere, with people discussing the game and the players. It gets out of hand occasionally as does any sports blog, but not like this. This is reprehensible.
I’m going back to Pensburgh.
-David
sixminutecynic.blogspot.com
www.piratesmix.com.
by pascaldupweevil on May 24, 2009 10:14 PM EDT reply actions
It certainly makes no sense to judge a city/fanbase/etc on the actions of a few. I mean, I’d be horrified if some drunk ‘Canes fans made a mess in some other city and gave them the impression that we’re like that. But unfortunately, playoff series + beer + cockiness + emotions running pretty high + more beer … well it’s bound to happen. Let’s remember that the Pens are a great organization, and Pittsburgh probably is a nice place (I’ve never been there), and let’s try not to let a few rowdy drunks or belligerent commenters get under our skin and cause us to be jerks to each other.
I believe you are not all like that, I just didn’t see any that weren’t last night!
I guess you missed that one, that was after I cooled off a little bit. I go to Pensburg, read what you have to say, but don’t troll. and you are right for the most part, and then there are things like this….
P.S. did I say anything about Mario Lemieux??? Jason is a non-issue he’s just like the jerks @ the RBC last night.
you didn’t say anything directed at Lemiex, but he is the owner and the heart of the organization. When you say you don’t respect the Pens, then, right or wrong, he is involved simply by association.
Graphics like that are pervasive all over the internet and should not be taken to heart, as they’re meant to be funny. Aside from that I don’t really get that one.
I did not see the comment you quoted above, and I’m sorry I missed it. It was not my intention to call out any specific individual. It’s just disappointing to read a comment thread of nearly 200 comments that consists more of asinine attacks at one another than discussion about the game(s).
-David
sixminutecynic.blogspot.com
www.piratesmix.com.
by pascaldupweevil on May 24, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s just disappointing to read a comment thread of nearly 200 comments that consists more of asinine attacks at one another than discussion about the game(s).
Absolutely. I think people here are a little thin-skinned lately, after having to deal with the whole ‘hockey in the South lol’ thing for the first two rounds. Jason swung in ostensibly trying to stir things up in a ‘good natured’ way, but on the internet, it’s hard to know if the person behind the slam is smiling or scowling, you know? So people kind of started up in trash-talk mode and it just went downhill.
It gets out of hand when ass clowns go to an away game and do some ridiculous things then schmucks like PittsburghCaniac go an a tirade bout the economics and cleaniness of a whole city and how much it sucks. I was only defending it…my comments were bland if anything stating i wasn’t at the game i had nothing to do with it and i got attacked and grouped up with them, scroll up see how it all went down, i didn’t antagonize anyone until it started on me and the whole city of Pittsburgh.
by JasonGoPens on May 24, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
NOTICE
I have never been a fan of censorship, so I am the worst person possible to be trying to police these comments for what is right and wrong. People should have a place to vent, (within reason) and others should have an opportunity to respond and give their point of view. Usually, reasonable people end up finding common ground and can come together in compromise. Sometimes that is not going to happen, but again, usually having a discussion, even if people disagree, can be healthy for all concerned.
For the record swearing is not allowed here. Sometimes kids read this blog, (or they used to) and we need to keep it PG13 rated. Also mainstream media links here and SB Nation has spared little expense to provide us with that. Now having said that, sometimes during or after the emotion of a game, expletives can slip out, especially in a live game thread. So occasionally, things can slip out and that is understandable, but we need to keep things at PG13.
I know that having fans from opposing teams coming here and leaving their opinions could be a recipe for serious arguments and problems. But sometimes we can learn from each other, as long as the discussions stay respectful.
Finally, if anyone takes serious offense to something posted on this site, please send me an email with specifics at canescountry@gmail.com. Our primary objective is to make this a place where fans of the Hurricanes will want to come for discussion. But I can no longer keep up with the 100’s of comments left here in a timely manner and it is possible that I might not see a particular offensive comment. Maybe we should adopt a zero tolerance policy where fans of other teams are not allowed to post? We never had any problems here before the playoffs started.
At some point, we will have to designate someone to moderate these comments.
any volunteers?
Thanks
GM of CanesCountry.com
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