Carolina Rally Falls Short: Thrashers 5, Hurricanes 3
by Bob Wage on Jan 17, 2010 7:00 AM EST
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes had another slow start, fell behind by a score of 3-1, then rallied to tie the score in the third period before eventually succumbing to the Atlanta Thrashers, 5-3 on Saturday night at the RBC. Jussi Jokinen scored two goals and Joni Pitkanen had three assists, tying his career best for a single game.
The home team had a very slow start helped in part by a roughing penalty called on Pitkanen just seven seconds into the game. This might be a good example of how an untimely penalty can help a team get off to a bad start because not only did Atlanta have a powerplay, they had and kept the momentum throughout a good deal of the period as well.
Technically the Canes killed the penalty, but just a couple of seconds later Zach Bogosian would knuckle a long shot past Cam Ward to give the Thrashers an early lead. Then the visitors took advantage of their momentum by keeping the puck in the Carolina zone a good deal of the period and at one point were out-shooting the home team, 8-2.
The Hurricanes eventually did get a head of steam going and drew a penalty themselves with about two minutes left in the period. During the powerplay, Joni Pitkanen found Jussi Jokinen at the blue line and the Finnish sniper skated in alone as he deked out Atlanta goalie, Ondrej Pavelec to tie the score, 1-1. How many times has that pair accomplished that play this season?
In the second period, both teams battled back and forth fairly evenly. About midway through it, Eric Staal made a move at center ice and broke open in the clear for a moment. He was slashed on his way to the goal and was awarded a penalty shot, but Pavelec seemed to make a pretty easy save on the shot and Staal's attempt was denied.
Toward the second half of the period, the Thrashers started to dominate again. They controlled play in their end for good chucks of time and eventually scored two goals about a minute apart, one by Jim Slater and the other by Rich Peverley. Both goals were from in close.
In the third period, the Canes came out with more jump and drew a 5-on-3 advantage. After Peverly was called for slashing, Boris Valabik got into a shoving match with Eric Staal which escalated into a couple of punches being thrown. Much to Atlanta's coach, John Anderson's dismay, Valabik was the only one who got the call. (After the game, Staal said the Atlanta defenseman was not "brightest person in the world" and should have been called for shoving Staal into the net on a previous play.)
The Canes moved the puck around pretty well with the two man advantage and Jokinen would light the lamp on a nicely placed tight-angled shot. Carolina was not finished though.
Just one minute and change later, Ray Whitney knocked in a Pitkanen rebound to tie the score and the momentum officially turned to the home team. The score was 3-3, the crowd was into the game, and there was still 10 minutes plus to go.
But Ilya Kovalchuk would quiet the crowd just 44 seconds later when he ripped a high, hard shot past Cam Ward to give the Thrashers the lead back for good. It was one of those plays where the sharp-shooter had too much time and space. It looked like the Carolina defensemen had their men covered on the play, but a forward did not drop back far enough to stay on Kovalchuk and he the had time to make a perfect shot.
The home team looked a bit deflated after the goal and did not mount enough of an attack to tie the score. The Thrashers put in an empty netter to rub some salt in the wounds, and the final score was 5-3.
Next up will be the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night.
Game Notes:
- The Canes had 32 shots on goal to 37 for the Thrashers. Eric Staal led both teams with a total of 10.
- Drayson Bowman had a decent debut as he finished with one shot on goal, two missed nets, and a really good hit while on the forecheck. Rod Brind`Amour set him up for a good chance in the second period, but he missed the net with his shot. After the game, the youngster said he was pretty happy with his performance. He said needs to make adjustments for the higher speed of the game and needs more experience playing at this level. When asked if his linemate and team captain had any words of wisdom for him, he chuckled as he replied, "Yeah, he said Samson had an assist on his very first NHL shift. No pressure or anything though."
- Aaron Ward led the Canes with three blocked shots. Ron Hainsey had seven on the other side.
- Carolina was credited with 31 hits led by Matt Cullen with six.
- This is the second game in the last three that Joni Pitkanen tied his career best with three assists. He's made a trademark of hitting countryman Jussi Jokinen for a breakout while on the powerplay. But apparently, the head honchos of Team Finland are not aware of that fact. It's still mind-boggling that Jokinen did not make the Olympic team, but maybe he will get in because of injury.
- The Hurricanes are now 1-15-4 when trailing after two periods. The Thrashers are 11-0-1 when leading after two.
- Staal and the Canes could have really used a goal with that penalty shot but it looked like he tried to squeeze one through the five hole which didn't make it. The last penalty shot by the home team on RBC ice was against Edmonton on 1/18/08. Eric Staal also took that one, but scored that time.
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The crowd was dead, the team was rather dead, just what the Dr. ordered. Oilers can kiss my butt, we earned that draft pick.
They want a fight, we got exper. at sucking and we got the lead.
All BS aside, anybody else wonder if Staal is playing with a clear head? Last two games he has dropped off his “return” pace.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Forslund was talking on the post-game about how moving Staal to the wing was a good quick kick of adrenaline, but he really needs to be back at the center getting more speed down the middle again.
I’m not sure it’ll make much difference, but I think the comment came from that same thought.
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 17, 2010 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
They want a fight, we got exper. at sucking and we got the lead.
Our trump card is the mannequin behind the bench that would skate 6 goalies every game if he could since getting to over time " gets a point ". Last place is ours, now if only we could win the draft lottery.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Jan 17, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
I really think the Management just decided to throw the game last night, I really can’t think of any other reason they would be spreading around our dinosaurs (Yelle and Brind’Amour). Why, oh why, a coach would think that somehow throwing in a road block in between our youngest and fastest players would work I just don’t get.
What sealed the deal for me (That they were definitely throwing the game) was when Maurice sent out Brind’Amour the ice for our 5 on 3 powerplay he and proceeded to misplay a puck and then whiff an easy shot. Really?? I think I’d probably rather have Manny Legace in there on a 5-on-3 over Rod.
I figured Brind’Amour, ala Brett Farve, had put himself in on that 5 on 3 because I could find no other explanation for his presence in the lineup at that point in the game.
Brind’Amour A.K.A. Brett Farve? Now thats funny. I only wish he was contributing as much as Brett Farve does for his team. Brind’Amour is a waste of space.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Jan 17, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Offensive strategy
What is exactly is the Canes offensive strategy? I sit there watching the games (putting aside from the sheer boredom that is Maurice hockey) and all I see is a rag bag of forwards running around chasing the puck and either taking long-range shots or passing it to Pitkanen as he seems to be the only one with any offensive knowledge. Just think what they would do if Joni wasn’t there…..maybe they can persuade him to play 60 minutes next game?
Offensive Strategy
It is impossible to have offensive continuity if Brind’Amour plays more than four minutes and with Yelle paired with fast wings. Brind’Amour and Yelle bog down the offense and lack the speed to be in position defensively. Aaron Ward and Wallin are too slow to help offensively. Defensively they are out of position and forwards have to cover for them. As a result A. Ward and Wallin clog up their own team’s passing and shooting lanes. Until the Hurricanes play their best players and sit the chumps, we won’t see the best of the Hurricanes and can’t accurately judge the offensive system. With either A. Ward, Wallin, Brind’Amour or to a lesser degree Yelle on the ice, the game becomes a 6 to 4 game. A. Ward, Wallin, and Brind’Amour help our opponents more than they are a positive factor for the Hurricanes.
So the obvious solution would be to spread out our slow, ancient, terrible players amongst all the youngsters to slow them down too right?
If anyone still had respect for Maurice, it has to be gone by now right? I seriously think a monkey could put together better line combinations by randomly drawing them out of a hat.
Groundhog Day
The players I consider the core team (Staal, C.Ward, Pitkanen, Jokinen, Sutter, Gleason, Kostopoulos, and Whitney) played perfectly well enough to win. The soon-to-be core team members, Boychuk, Tlusty, Carson, Alberts, Dwyer, and Bowman, all had very credible games and played well enough to win. Really that is all I want out of the Hurricanes this year, to have the players I think will be returning to play hard and intelligently. Cullen did not have a horrible game by any means; but again he has difficulty in finishing.
The Hurricanes replicate their games by how the lines are formulated. The math is not complicated. If Brind’Amour plays on the third line, the odds are heavily stacked against the Hurricanes winning. If Brind’Amour plays more than four minutes, the odds increase dramatically that the Hurricanes will lose. If Brind’Amour is on the ice a total of ten minutes, the odds are he is going to wind up +/- 2. If fast players are paired with Yelle, the fourth line will give up at least one goal and will be stuck in the mud offensively. If Aaron Ward is given more than eight minutes, the odds are that the Hurricanes will lose and htat he will be at least +/ 1 if not +/ -2. If Wallin plays, the odds are he will make a crucial mistake at a crucial time and will give up a goal.
The Hurricanes operate like Swiss trains in that regard. One can check the event summary and predict the outcome. One can check the lines for a given night and predict the outcome. I wonder what facts, figures, videos, and other data are blinding Maurice/Francis/Rowe to the painfully obvious. The Hurricanes have earned the record of the worst team in the NHL following the steady, predictable path of destruction caused by playing A. Ward, Wallin, and Brind’Amour. How much more proof is needed that all three are worse than useless in Maurice’s/Francis’/Rowe’s defensive scheme and the skating skills and rapid decision-making that approach requires?
$7.8 million in cap dollars
Coach Maurice has no choice but to play AWard, Wallin, and Brindy because there is no alternative — they can’t afford to send them to Albany and no other team will trade for them. AWard and Wallin will be gone next year, but Brindy’s salary is on the books even if he retires. Mo kind of has his hands tied.
I really did get the financial restraint part; but what I don’t follow is why any of the three are played any more than absolutely necessary. For example, why not put Brind’Amour on the fourth line and play him no more than 4 minutes? Why have any of those three catastrophes out on the ice during the last four minutes of a game when a win is feasible? At home, the Hurricanes have the last change, so why ever have any of those three playing against the opposing team’s top players?
It’s obvious to me that Aaron Ward, Wallin, and Brind’Amour are so bad no team wants them; so why do we want them on the ice at critical times?
The problem is Rod on the fourth line under x min. started getting a few points so they moved him up. The main reason for him getting points was do to Samson. Samson started keeping the puck deep giving them more ice time. Basically because Samson was playing well he made Rod look good, but we know what happened after that.
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
I think even a blind squirrel will find a nut once in a while. Rod is awful and if he plays more than 5 minutes a night, we might as well just forfeit the game. Maurice’s lack of common sense is beyond me however… What makes him split up Yelle and Brind’Amour, essentially just destroying the speed and skill two lines instead of one, I just don’t know. And then he goes and puts Brind’Amour out on our 5-on-3 powerplay, this is a joke right?? I really hope Maurice is just trying to throw games and he isn’t actually really that stupid.
Brind'Amour's 4 goals
I went to www.nhl.com to see what other NHL players had 4 goals this far into the season. Needless to say, I couldn’t find an upper tier, healthy center.
Here are a few of the players:
Petteri Nokelainen — Anaheim;
Vladimir Sobotka — Boston
Todd White — Atlanta
Marty Reasoner — Atlanta
In short, Brind’Amour’s goal scoring puts him among players who really are not $3,000,000 a year salaried players. Then add the +/- of -22 and compare that to the other Hurricanes forwards:
Tlusty +/- even (0)
Cullen -1;
Jokinen -1
Dwyer -1
Boychuk -3
Yelle -4
Staal -4
Sutter -5
Whitney -7
Ruutu -7
Brind’Amour is more than 3 times worse in that +/- statistic than the next forwards. Considering how little overall time Brind’Amour has had to accomplish his mission of turning victory into defeat, it is an amazing show of ineptitude.
It’s pretty sad that a once HoF caliber player can not realize just how bad he sucks and how bad he is hurting his team. I honestly didn’t think Brindi was that type of guy who would put himself above his franchise but the past year and a half have pretty much sealed that.
I certainly have lost much of the respect I had for him as a NHL great.
Re: Bowman TOI
On the pregame thread there was some talk on my part regarding the foolishness of playing Bowman with Brindy. Some, with good intent, said pregame list didn’t matter as the lines change during the game. Not yesterday. Bowman played every shift with Brindy. There were a few seconds of line-changing where he was on with others. Ironically including Kovalchuk’s game winner where Brindy had just come on for Sutter.
Bowman ended up with a little over 10 minutes, he seemed to do well but didn’t do anything spectacular.
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
Bowman's Play
I respectfully suggest that Malkin or Ovechkin would look like AHLers if they had to play with Brind’Amour. Look at the video and see how many times Bowman was trying to gain space and either didn’t get a pass or there was Brind’Amour driving his defender into what had been open ice. If Brind’Amour were trying to be a horrible player, he could not do any worse that he is doing now giving it his all. Every wing who has tried to play on Brind’Amour’s line looks dysfunctional.
Bowman may of had the hit of the game. Good solid legal crush behind the net. Hell earned a spot just for that over some of the guys…
I’d hope he was on the anchor line for a chance to see what it’s like and will get moved up with some higher quality line mates. Since Sutter is the only guy that seems to know where the front of the net is and knows that’s the place to be, Sutter, Staal and Bowman would tickle me pink for a period and if it clicks, ride it.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I’d say we had 2 pretty equal fourth lines last night due to the amazing line-pairing of our mastermind coach Maurice. You would think he would just salvage the two and make a decent, fast, young line of Boychuk-Dwyer-Bowman however that is beyond his realm of comprehension.
Maybe from a talent level, but the elements of Brind’Amour’s third line got two-and-a-half to three plus more minutes of even strength ice time than the elements of Yelle’s fourth line. Some shifts were skipped and shortened for that fourth line.
Rookies vs. Vets
I actually did notice a couple of times he was in good position but didn’t get the pass. I wonder how much of that is earned and they just aren’t comfortablepassing to an AHLer. Samething happens to Boychuk, I’ve seen 4 or 5 times where he had almost open netters (because of good positional play) but didn’t get the pass over someone already on the team.
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
I’ve seen the same thing, but my recollection is that it was with Brind’Amour or Yelle. My assumption was Brind’Amour and Yelle didn’t have the vision on the ice and the hands to make the pass. It is the point I was trying to make, but made less well than you. Boychuk is getting to good ice and making good passes, but all that is wasted when he is playing with centers who would struggle to play in the ECHL.
One thing that frustrated me last night was the multiple icings and turnovers our defensemen were making. We would have the puck behind our net, Atlanta would set up two guys midway in our zone along the boards and the defenseman would try to make a long pass off the boards out of our zone. It would either be knocked down and controlled by Atlanta or go for an icing. This isn’t all on our defenseman, the forwards need to move instead of being glued to one spot. The Atlanta coaching staff saw our tendencies and put together a smart stratagy against us. We never adjusted and part of that is on the players and part on the coaching staff. When Pitkanen is not skating the puck out, our defense has trouble moving the puck.
On a side note – I think Carson is starting to play a more solid game. I actually like how he is developing.
by PackPride17 on Jan 17, 2010 11:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I’m getting to be a big fan of Carson, too. He’s got great size and you can see him becoming more comfortable every game.
Agreed. He’s looking better and, i would agree, more “comfortable” looking in his role lately. I think he’s going to turn out to be a useful part of the team.
+1 Agreed, Carson is looking better every game. For some reason that seemed very obvious last night. I guess he can enjoy it till Corvo gets healthy. Unless we can trade away Ward or NTCWallin.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 17, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
I can honestly say I notice Brett Carson very little when he’s on the ice, but I think that’s a good thing. Seems like the few times I’ve noticed him were because of a nice pass or approach, very little in the way of anything really blatant to the contrary.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 17, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
I think a defensive defenseman is a lot like an offensive lineman in football. If you don’t really notice them, they are doing their job right (except for the occasional big hit).
by PackPride17 on Jan 17, 2010 1:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
A-men.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 17, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Despite all this, what really bothers me is that when I switch TV channels to a different game I see teams playing an exciting up-tempo game. The Canes are playing a slow, defensive-first game that is dreary and is slowly sucking the atmosphere out of the RBC Center.
One big difference from last year is the defense. Last year, the D-Men were offensive contributors in Pitkanen, Corvo, Babchuk, Seidenberg. Right now we really on have one offensive defenseman. Wallin, Ward, Gleason, Alberts, and even Carson are not offensive threats or even puck-moving defenseman. Our offense is somewhat dictated by the defense and that is lacking season.
Its amazing how that playoff series against Pittsburgh caused JR to reorganize the defense and it has not worked out.
by PackPride17 on Jan 17, 2010 12:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The changes from that one series is the definition of over-reaction.
by PackPride17 on Jan 17, 2010 12:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well, don’t forget that we’re missing Corvo. At least there would be someone capable of spelling Pitkanen in the puck-moving department who also has a shot on net from the points.
Also guessing that they remembered Ward’s shot from the points, but surely they didn’t expect any puck-moving out of him. Yes, we’re missing O from the D.
But, we’re also missing D from the O, and THAT’s what’s killing us.
well put!
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 17, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
The Canes are playing a slow, defensive-first game that is dreary and is slowly sucking the atmosphere out of the RBC Center.
Oh, you mean Paul Maurice hockey? It is kind of sad that 3/4th of the games lately you could probably literally hear a cricket chirping amongst the muffled conversations.
Maybe Maurice just likes it nice in quiet, it would explain why he throws Aaron Ward and Brind’Amour out on the ice seconds after our game-tying goal (When the building finally was getting excited and we had some momentum) to give up a game-winning goal and suck the life back out of the building.
The Crowd Reaction When Aaron Ward and Brind'Amour Hit the Ice Together
That sound we heard was literally 14,000 people at the RBC in unison going “Oh My God what are they doing out there?” It was pretty comical actually — like something out of a Disney movie. And then moments later, alas Aaron Ward and Brind’Amour did not disappoint our skepticism with play worthy maybe of ECHL rookies. Then there was the sound of 14,000 people at the RBC going, “we knew, knew, knew, they would screw things up if given half a chance.”
The Canes are playing a slow, defensive-first game that is dreary and is slowly sucking the atmosphere out of the RBC Center.
This is JR’s conundrum. Lavi was hired for a reason and that reason was that JR understands that Offense is what is going to sell the game here. People would still come out and watch this team if they were losing 6-5 or 5-4, but losing 2-1 or 1-0 is going to kill this market. His stepson CANNOT coach offense. All he did last year was add some defensive tweaks to Lavi’s system and we saw how well that worked. They still scored in bunches and were able to lock it down on the other end. This summer its clear that he went to stepdad and said " Offense is hard to coach " so they let Seids go and played hardball with Bab’s. The did not even attempt to find a winger that could take some pressure of of #12 and re-signed the human bobble head to placate him. They brought in old and slow grinders and this is the end result. A team that cannot score and is to old and slow to keep up with those that can.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Jan 17, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Mo must go???
Even with a few wins here and there I’m seeing a trend in some of the loses. The coaching rather its Mo or not some has been the big killer. Some of the decision are just crazy, stupid or suicidal. If you are going to rebuid the team might as well start with the coaching.
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
Rosie and Sammy both practicing on the fourth line with Yelle and Dwyer, Boychuk back to the Rats. More line shifting, UGH!!
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
That move was inevitable with the return of Samsonov and LaRose. It was really not particularly helpful to have Boychuk on the fourth line with Yelle. It was like asking Boychuk to skate with one skate and one combat boot and then say, wow I thought he was better than that.
Hopefully they keep Brind’Amour up as the third line center. Edmonton has been scaring me with how much they suck but they have nothing on Brindi! We will have Taylor Hall on LOCK!
I think the wisest move, once Corvo comes back, is to scratch Wallin or A-Ward and continue to give Carson paying time. He pinches into the offensive zone very smartly and does not over commit. Although he doesn’t have much offensive flair, his outlet passes are crisp and on-target and he has a decent shot. As of now I would prefer him to stick with the team over Rodney because he offers more sound defensive zone responsibility and size. Ultimately I think they both play significant roles next year with A-Ward and Wallin coming off the books, and possibly losing Corvo to unrestricted free-agency.
Obviously I know Rodney is in the A, but I am saying in terms of giving a young defenseman NHL experience for the remainder of the season
the problem with that is having the cap space to “healthy scratch” a “healthy player” once everyone is back off the IR, they will not be able to financially. Some player movement to free up some cap space is the only way to do it, IF you can find a taker, and IF there is a taker this team will lose someone we wont necessarily want to see leave.
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
I think Carson plays a good overall game however he needs more time to work on his defensive zone crease play. It seems far too many times pucks have slid right across the crease while he has been standing right there but that is a Rookie mistake.
I’m more excited about McBain than Rodney or Carson, McBain has been a strong defensive leader for the Rats while Rodney, Carson, and Harrison have been up and he has also been scoring a good number of points. I would guess we will more than likely be seeing McBain up here in the next few weeks.
Rats won 4-3 in OT last night. The first 2 goals were scored by Rodney and Harrison, then Paiement got a tying goal when the Rats goal was empty to give them 6 men. Nick Dodge for the winner in OT. First 3 goals scored by Dmen. Guess all their good forwards (5 of ’em) have been up here.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 17, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
I just think it’s crazy and pretty amazing that the Rats continue to be an AHL playoff contending team (2nd in their division no less) while their lineup is in constant flux. Their best scorers and defenders are constantly moving back and forth and yet the team still manages to come together and beat other NHL farm teams night after night.
OT, but
Man Eaves and Verteeg just went a good round. When did Eaves grow a pair like that?
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
As a Rats fan I’ve been reading these boards with a lot more interest lately. Love to see our guys in the big show. I attend every Rats game and I think that after watching McBain play, that those here who think he is ready to make the jump now might be disappointed. Way too many turnovers, rushed/inaccurate passing, sloppy on the point, etc. I will say that he does have a rocket of a shot and shows some flashes of good puck handling but he needs more work. I think that Rodney’s next trip to Carolina should be his last. Smart player with good puck skills, doesn’t react to pressure, and can put points on the board. Just my two cents.
Thanks for the reality check. Easy to want to fast forward to the expected result upon first glance here.
Good news is that all deficiencies noted are fixable items, although better done with lots of minutes under Daniels hand than on our fourth line and third pairings (your opinions may vary).
I honestly think some of the prospects we’re seeing are here in band-aid mode, moreso than NHL showcasing. Interesting to glimpse, but not yet ripe.
Thanks for stopping by and giving some insight. We’re reading your blogs more often too.
Sounds like you think Rodney is ready. We were similarly surprised when they sent him back. His defensive acumen wasn’t up to Mo’s standards is my best guess on getting sent back before Carson. We saw a quick effective puck handler who could handle the point on the PP – something we desperately need.
Any word on Mike Murphy? What kind of injury – have they said?
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 17, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
You’re right. They are things that can be fixed. McBain has the talent. Just needs the time to develop. From what I see don’t think it will be this year.
We are also surprised that Rodney isn’t up. I am amazed how cool he is with the puck. Doesn’t rush passes/shots and skates through pressure very well. Good on the PP and PK. If Carolina doesn’t give him a spot in the line-up next year someone else will.
The word on Murphy is pulled muscle. Spoke to him at the game yesterday and he said he didn’t feel too bad, being cautious, not rushing things. The all-star break should give hime some good time to heal.
ALBANY RATS
Thanks very much for the input. I think the Rats have done a great job at Carolina. I’ve been watching the Albany Rats games on AHLLIVE; and they really are a talented team. I hope you will tell Boychuk, Samson, and Rodney in particular that we really want them to be permanent members of the Hurricanes next season; and hopefully, Jim Rutherford can trade away some players and open spots for the Albany Rats this season.
Clearly, it will only help Boychuk, Samson, Rodney, and McBain to get some more AHL seasoning; but at least as far as I am concerned Boychuk, Samson, and Rodney would be helpful additions to the team now if there were not salary cap and financial issues keeping it from being feasible until trades occur or players are not re-signed at the end of this season.
For what it is worth, many Hurricanes fans are excited about the possibility of seeing either Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin (and some include Cam Fowler) at Carolina with Boychuk, Samson, Tlusty, Rodney, Bowman, and Carson. I see Sutter as an alumni of the Albany Rats.
My only concern with putting so much hope & faith in draft picks/prospects is that the top picks don’t always make the best long term players. For that matter, being drafted at all isn’t always a sign of things to come. It seems to me from what I have read here that the feeling is that the ship has sailed this year and everyone is just waiting for next year. It makes being a fan very tough.
I hope that the coahes like what they see from Dwyer and Samson who come next year may be out of the spotlight with players like Boychuck and Bowman. From what I saw (and read on these posts) that Samson impressed alot of people and Dwyer continues to impress. I think that Carson (hope) and Sutter (should be 100%) may be Rat alumni although we will take them back for the playoffs
Samson and Dwyer
I think the coaches and the fans are very impressed both with Samson and with Dwyer. I think they will be permanent members of the Hurricanes next season and will be part of the fourth line:
Samson/Dwyer/Kostopoulos.
Hopefully, the Hurricanes will roll four lines and give that line approximately 10 minutes a game. In fact, that line could well serve as a third line if they are rocking in a particular game. I for one think Boychuk will be a permanent Hurricane next season; and that Bowman will also be a permanent addition IF he works out with Sutter and builds up his acceleration (not pure speed, but acceleration) and his strength on his skates. Both Boychuk and Bowman I predict be be much faster and much stronger by the start of next season.
Pespective
Just want to point out that despite all the offensive and defensive woes that we enumerate here, the Cane have managed to at least right the ship on the won/loss record.
Yes, we lost the last two, but we also won the two before that. In fact, we are 4-4 for 2010 and 5-5 over the last 10 games.
Back to the “forever 0.500” Canes we know and…love? Still, not bad for a team still missing major parts like two (all?) of its power forwards (Ruutu/Cole), it’s #1 or #2 D-man (Corvo), and a couple of top-nine forwards (Samsonov/LaRose).
I think the line of Dwyer/Samson/Kostopoulos would work very well. Dwyer has the ability to be used in multiple rolls so he can be moved around as needed. .
I think that Boychuck is one of those guys that is SO close to making the jump he can taste it. By playing here and getting alot of ice time he can polish of this game and be ready for next year. When the Rats make the playoffs it will be a great experience for these younger guys. The intensity of playoff hockey will really show them what to expect for an entire season.
As far as Sutter, we can hope to get him for playoffs. I know from past seasons that players will most often stay in Carolina and not sent back, but we can hope.
Encouraging viewpoint, since you know some of these parts better than us. Would be nice to homegrow a fourth line, instead of importing parts for it. Makes it way more affordable, so that money could be spent elsewhere, too.
Would rather see Kostopoulous in a top-nine role, now that Mo has “discovered” him and/or he’s passed the hazing audition. Also, no true center among those three, although Samson is a LW and Dwyer a RW.
How about Nick Dodge as their center? Think he could make the jump with a limited fourth line role?
Also, always a bonus when your fourth line guys can serve on the PK unit. Any of those three (Samson/Dwyer/Dodge) have PK experience for the Rats?
so each line needs someone to muck it up in the corners and pass it to someone with good hands to stickhandle and pass it to a finisher. i’m not sure we have enough stickhandlers or finishers on this team right now, plus they’re hesitant to chase dump ins for fear of the other team outletting it quick and our slow pansy ass defensive corps letting them drive it down our throats
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