Cause for concern?
by xlwino on Jul 3, 2009 11:19 AM EDT
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Is anyone else concerned that we seem, to this point, to be bringing back the same team while the rest of the division is making moves forward? I had just hoped that we could bring in a solid Top 6 forward and top 4 dman. Extremely happy to have Larose back, and Cole to some extent. But was looking for more. Am I asking for too much? I understand that TB and Atl were really weak and their moves aren't that worrisome, but they are making strides. What gives?
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good point
Was that b/c we were that good, or b/c we were riding the high of a new coach and having Cole back? Remember it took a helluva push too make the playoffs, and we were only in by a few points.
They were almost the 4th seed…..I’m not too worried about the Canes. I am gonna go out on a limb and say division leaders in January. We’ll see where we go from there.
The way Cam played the second half of the season, combined with the great team in front of him, I am feelin great about next season
+1 RE: Cam
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Request for analysis and opinions (I came to the right place)
I think Canes were pretty good in our own zone those last 3 months (actually a more than pretty good). I Love love love the coaching staff. I’d just like to see someone with some grit and smarts on the top 4 D – a topic now under discussion elsewhere on the fan posts.
I agree 100% with Iggy’s observation about this wheel taking us to the Conf finals. Our “tweaking” happened Dec (Mo), Feb (Jussi) thru March (Cole) – a little early to make further dramatic changes.
So, to you most knowledgeable and helpful hockey fans, from whom I learn so much, here’re my questions on our Eastern Conf rivals:
1. I don’t see Pittsburgh adding a thing the last week – mostly they’re shedding payroll. Will they be as strong next year?
2. Do you have confidence in the coaching and management of this year’s big spenders MON and NYR to play as well as they spend?
3. TB made some interesting moves – but again do you think they’ll find instant synergy? Management is still chaos.
4. WAS added Knuble but lost Feds. Where are they in goal? What are we expecting?
5. PHI added Pronger and that new goalie. That might be great for them or might just be more splash than substance.
6. Seems like BOS also shed some payroll. Do you think TT and Chara will be up to the same level under Julien? THey brought home a lot of hardware from Vegas – will they maintain caliber of play?
7. Buffalo, Ottawa, Toronto, and don’t forget NJ? Anything that really scares you that’s changed since April? (I think we can lay off ATL, FLA and NYI for at another year.)
I haven’t taken the time to research these questions myself – not am I really qualified to do so. I have found it’s better to ask and let the hockey wonks of Canes Country work them out for me to digest.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 3, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont have time or the patience to answer your questions with detailed responses by here are my answers
1. Yes they will. They will be sick again- Lets just hope we are sicker
2. Not at all for Montreal, possibly for NYR- they have a lot more to work with and weren’t the mess that Mon was last year.
3. I dont know if it will be instant, but I think they will find their stride at some time during the season. No playoffs or anything, but if management could just not F it up, they could win some games.
4. They are shaky in goal. Remember the season after the cup and how Ward played? That is what Washington is looking forward to in my opinion. They will still score enough goals to fight for the division with the Canes.
5. Oh its gonna be great(pronger that is. Not so much for Emery. He will be about what Biron was for them) for Philly… except for the 20-40 games that players will be suspended during the year.
6. Chara is always going to be a beast. Thomas is a huge question mark in my mind, but you ask any Boston fan and they are in love with the guy. But hey.. I dont watch them play 82 games a season either. The guy was $$ this season, but he hasnt been great every before.
7. Havent really looked at those teams much yet except Buffalo- they lost Spacek(sp?) and gained Montador. With a healthy Miller, they are looking to be about where they were last year… anywhere between 6th-10th in the East.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 3, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
1. No Chance. Don’t expect the MAF you got this year. It was a fluke.
2. NYR always spend a ton in the off season, and always languish is the atlantic. Expect the same. MTL Maybe a bit different. They really have nowhere else to go but up. Perhaps a playoff team again.
3. TB is a disaster. I expect similar stats to this past year.
4. I think they made a mistake signing Theodore. He is a decent back up at best. I expect Varlamov to pick up some more games this year, if not beat Theodore out for the starting job. That kid is real. He got worn out in the playoffs. They rode him too hard.
5. Ray Emory is not an upgrade to Biron. Emory is a cancer, and the Flyers deserve the headaches that will follow this signing. They gave up WAY too much for Pronger, and just to juxtapose this opinion, look at what CAL had to give up for Bowmeester.
6. Chara will be, He is always the same player. TT…….perhaps not. He had a great year this year, but with the players they lost this off season, don’t expect the same results.
7. NJ is the only team out of the ones you named that scares me. Any team with Broduer scares me.
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
Couldn’t you say the same thing about Ward that you’re saying about MAF? He’s young, sure, but he gave up two goals in two games where his team could have been eliminated from the Finals. I really think he and Ward are both poised to make their marks as true top flight goaltenders in the league.
I could most assuredly say the same.....
……but I won’t. MAF doesn’t have what it takes to be a Cam Ward. I can see the parallel between the two, but after this season, you will be able to see a difference………just my opinion.
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
Ward certainly struggled after his first taste of success...
Fleury followed his first Finals appearance with another in the very next year.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
my 2 cents-
1. They will be good, but will not make it to the finals. “Manchild” Malkin, Crosby, and Staal give them the best middle of the ice in the league.
2. If Gaborik can stay healthy, (big if) the Rangers could make a little noise. (Minnesota made the same claim for years) If not, they are the same old Rangers. Montreal might make the playoffs, but can’t see them much improved with those mercenaries.
3. Tampa Bay is still a mess, IMO. It’s going to take awhile for Hedman to get under his feet.
4. I think Knuble is an upgrade but there are still questions in goal. They will be good though.
5. Don’t think the Flyers have improved much, but still a playoff team.
6. I was wrong about them last year, (PIcked Montreal to win the division). Don’t see anyone in the Northleast able to knock them out.
7. It’s hard to say much about the other teams. I don’t think they are finished dealing yet.
By the way, Samuelsson re-upped in Detroit for three years.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Wow – that’s a bit of a surprise, isn’t it?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 3, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Apparently he has a history with the Sedin boys.
They formed a line in the ‘06 Olympics for the gold-medal winning Swedish team. Vancouver also liked that he’s a capable enough defensive guy that he can play the point on the PP.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Here are my answers to your question:
1. Pittsburgh will still be strong. They didn’t lose a lot and they have a little cap room to a solid piece to their group.
2. I’m really confused with the steps Montreal took this offseason, I think they might miss the playoffs. The Rangers have improved, but if Gabby can’t stay healthy they’ll be in trouble.
3. I think Tampa has the talent and I really like Hedman. If they can get out of their own way, they should make the playoffs.
4. Washington still has the firepower, but I’m not sure about them. I think the Canes and Washington will battle for the Southeast.
5. Philly looks strong, but they have no cap space. That could be a huge problem unless they make a trade.
6. Boston is already over the cap and they haven’t resigned Kessel or Hundwick. They too will have to make a trade and that could be a problem.
7. Ottawa is a disaster right now, Toronto still doesn’t have any scoring, Buffalo is a capable team, but not great. Jersey will be interesting, they might lose or have lost some key players. Atlanta should be improved, but by not much. Florida I think will decline some. I don’t think you have to worry about the Islanders yet.
Playoff team projections as of right now: Pittsburgh, Boston, Carolina, Philadelphia, Rangers, Washington, Tampa Bay, and Buffalo.
I agree on playoff team up to TB… I think the Habs squeak in over the Bolts at the end of the season. They(Habs) have the talent, but not the coaching or the front offices. Could be another interesting year with the last couple games deciding a LOT of things.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 4, 2009 3:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Tampa is still a bit too young to make the playoffs. Stamkos will be a second year player and Hedman a rook. Those are two lynch pins that will have off nights just because they’re young players in the NHL. Their goaltending is not stellar so I see those mis-steps hurting Tampa too much to make the playoffs this year.
That said, they are building, and could be a significant force in a few years.
With Stamkos and Hedman, if they can get a decent goalie… in 3yrs they are gonna be very tough! I completely agree.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 4, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
this
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Seeds 4-10 are usually separated by just a few points.
And we were on top of that. This is a quality team, and that same coach who helped fuel our success is back.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Good post, xlwino, i share your concerns. Washington got better with Knuble, and it seems from the outside that Rutherford’s plan is to bring back the same team and hope some young guys step up. I still hold out hope for a top 6 forward or top 4 Dman to get signed, but then I play powerball every week and I still have to work for a living :)
xlwino
I have had similar thoughts and expressed them in this article after JR first stated that he wanted to bring the entire team back and stay status quo. The “stand pat” strategy did not work for the team in 2003 nor did it the year after the Cup run. But I think management feels that the addition of Cole late in the season is enough of a shot in the arm so that they do not need to make any other major changes. Also, they will insert a couple of the rookies where needed, and that will help. The defense will also see a couple of new faces.
My belief, (for what it’s worth) is that the same group year after year can eventually become stale over time and complacent. Every team needs some change to keep things fresh and keep everyone on the edge. Now I am not advocating gutting the team every year, just attempting to make a couple of key improvements here or there can be enough.
For example, even though the Pens and Wings played for the Cup two years in a row, they had a couple of major changes on their rosters the second time around. (Hossa on the Wings, Guerin on the Pens)
Hockeymom regarding your question, and it’s a good one, Cory, Scott, and I will officially analyze the other team’s improvements within the division and conference a bit later, after most of the roster changes have been completed. Cory and I still have to review our predictions from last season. that should be fun.
In the meantime….I think Knuble is an upgrade over Fedorov, but Washington’s goaltending is still a question mark.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Bubba, spot on
Thats exactly what i was saying. Very few people love this team as much as my family and I do. Heck, my 4 year old can name every player and tell you what number and position they are. so I so not wanna gut the team, but a healthy tweek is always good. I was hoping to be in on Komisarek, we need that kinda guy. We need a Gionta type. I was just hoping we couldve done more during the first few hours of free agency as opposed to sifting through the scraps and hoping for the best.
HM
just my opinions, #1, MAF will be strong, not stellar like he was against us and the wings. Crosby is Crosby, like him or not hes a great on. They are great through the middle. Loss of Gill and the piece will hurt. #2, Mon will be a mess, big time scorers under a D first coach, not a good mix. See Gaborik in Minn. as example. NYR, Torts plays the style of run and gun, sounds familiar huh, works occasionally but will be exposed more often than not, sounds familiar huh. #3 TB, Stamkos will figure it out this year, Lecav and St.L enough said. Ohlund and Hedman will be an immediate impact. If they go with a bunker mentality b/c management probs, could be trouble. #4 Was, VARLAMOV. He was great in the playoffs until the pens, sound familiar? He will be solid and is still developing. I think they lost 3 total russians, so now i cant call them the Washington Russians. They will be very good again. Green will improve on work in his own end b/c he lost the Norris just b/c of that. #5 Phi, I think Emery caught a bad rep in Ott. Even after he left the team was and still is in turmoil. At one time he was great for them, one of, if not the most athletic goalie in the league. We’ll see. Pronger will be Pronger. Would look good in Red and Black. If nothing more they will fight and be entertaining, and if they lose, they may fight in the locker room. #6 Bos, Bos will be very good again, Lucic, wow. will be a 1-3 seed. #7, Tor is building, wait 2 years, Burke will have the ship righted. Ott,Buff same ole same ole. In closing, wow this was fun, dont forget Fla. They added Clemmensen, NJ pretty much owes their last season to him. Look what he did when MB30 was out for so long. Clem will win that starting job. Thank you for keeping me away from the weed eating… it’s just too hot for that crap.
In regards to tweaking due to success...
It’s not like in 02 or in 06 where the guys went all the way to the finals. They got CREAMED in 4 games to the Pens. I’m no p-sychiatrist, but I would think that would only instill drive and assertion moving forward. In 06-07 the team seemed like they thought they should have been handed wins and couldn’t account for losses. After the coaching change last year just about everyone contributed and hauled booty. It just feels like a different situation to me.
I agree, it’s not the same as 2002 or 2006. Plus unlike 2006, there are several Canes playing for new contracts next year. It should be interesting.
GM of CanesCountry.com
The Tweaks will come...
But probably not until the trade deadline. This group is solid and if we are in a good position mid-season JR will add some pieces. I am sure he has someone in mind already. Hopefully someone like Beachemin out in Anaheim or Vaananen in Vancouver. Maybe Ranger in TB or Coburn in Philly.
by SouthernHockeyFan on Jul 6, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree...
Although I don’t know if they’d agree that they got creamed in the ECF. A few breaks our way and we’re right in that series.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow!
Ask and you shall receive – this is great stuff.
And I agree that July 3 is probably a little early to predict where they’ll be Oct 1 (or April 1, 2010), but with all the musical chairs the last couple days this was probably a pretty good time to see a progress report, based more on gut than analysis.
No one mentioned the coaching vacancy at NJ – that’s a piece of the puzzle to consider too. They shed some guys – Gionta, Madden, couple others- but they haven’t signed anybody new.
Anyone else looking to avoid yardwork? I’d love to hear what you guys/gals are thinking on this.
Thanks kiddos!
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 3, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions
NJ is hurting after losing Gionta and Madden. Thats why I dont see them as a PO team, but you cant ever count Marty out.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 4, 2009 3:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Has Anyboy Noticed?
If we resign Ruutu, which I pray we do, and bring up either Sutter or Boychuk; our 12 forwards will all have a cap hit of $1.25 million or over. We have a good possibility of having a $3.6mil (Brind’Amour) or a $2.5mil (Walker) guy on our 4th line. A $4million plus 4th line is a lot of money. I know I’ll get blasted for this, but we really need to look at trading Walker and Eaves.
that would be a really nice deal for whoever would bite. We could come out with something big, but we could also be losers on that. Eaves has been very disapointing, but he has it in him to VERY good. I would like to see him stay and be awesome, but thats like wishing in one hand and S#($ing in the other.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 4, 2009 3:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Yawn
I’ve been hearing this since Ottawa. Tank him, he brings nothing to this team other than a warm body. And if they want one of those, I’ll do it at half the cost.
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
That sounded d!ck-ish. Didn’t mean for it to………..unless you’re Patrick Eaves…..in that case……..leave…………….for real…..leave.
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
hahaha. No offense taken.
I see what your saying, just hope your wrong.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 4, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
...would net us absolutely nothing.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
To really shake up your thinking
Check out this from TSN.ca’s Scott Cullen: Off Season Game plan for the Hurricanes
The view from another planet. Worth reading if only to wonder what team he’s talking about in his all-knowing style. Can’t conceal his disdain for Pits and Corvo (based on their play at EDM and OTT for sure). Oh, and apparently our 3rd leading young prospect for D is Kyle Lawson. (Not a name you hear often in Raleigh, do you?)
Also – he describes Walker as a candidate for buy-out.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 3, 2009 4:35 PM EDT reply actions
I think he’s got a case with Lawson. He is still a few years off, but after McBain and Borer I could see an argument that could be made for him over Borer and Rodney, especially long term.
Could be....?
From Canes in the system roster:
Age 22, 5’11, 192 lbs
playing at Notre Dame ( is he still playing there next year?)
7th round draft choice 2005
Detroit boy (but not Compuware)
Just not one of the usual names you hear around here.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 3, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
As far as I know he is returning for his senior year. He was CCHA Defensive Defenseman of the Year this past season, which is impressive considering that he is more of an offensive guy. The 2005 draft is shaping up to be a pretty terrible one for the Canes, but we managed to get a steal I think in the 7th round.
I like Lawson … got to watch hi quite a bit this year on TV … lots of poise, can run the PP (on a college team .. prolly not in the NHL) and has great positioning. He’s just smallish … but he fits the mold of a lot of Carolina character guys … good leader, confident and capable. Don’t expect a star, but he could make it down the road.
by Cory Lavalette on Jul 4, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, GREAT character guy.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Lawson is a guy who's done well for a big-time program and gotten better every year...
But for most people, NCAA hockey is out of sight, out of mind, even more so than major juniors.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 9, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Eaves and Babcuk could be packaged later in the off-season for a top four guy if there is a team that needs to make cap room. Eaves is reasonably priced at about 1.5 each of the next two years. Babchuk will likely come in around that same number. So those two and maybe a pick could be moved for a top 4 defensive defensemen in the $4 million range. That way the Canes could add the player they want while only taking on a little of 1 million in salary.
I honestly believe this will be the move that’s made, but this won’t happen until late in July, and more likely closer to training camp. It’s also the reason I’m not too worried right now about some of the moves the other teams in the division/conference have made. JR doesn’t generally go out on to the market to make moves. He works via trade and those happen a while after July 1 usually.
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