Islanders At Hurricanes: Game Day Preview
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 1:19 PM EST
in Hurricanes Game Related
138 comments
Sutter, Weight Meet For First Time Since Hit
With back-to-back 5-1 wins and its injured players still not ready to return, the Carolina Hurricanes will look for the same lineup to lead the way in pursuit of the team's second three-game winning streak of the month and season tonight against the visiting New York Islanders.
Staring across the ice at them will be a familiar foe, but one that hasn't played in Raleigh for more than three years: goaltender Rick DiPietro.
DiPietro's injury struggles are well documented, but since finally returning to the Isles cage he is 2-2 in five games with a decent 2.54 goals-against average and .907 save percentage for the in-the-playoff-hunt Islanders. But the RBC Center has not been a friendly — or frequent — stop for the one-time first overall draft pick.
The Canes did face DiPietro early last season on Long Island, when he received a no decision after being yanked for allowing two goals in the first period of a 4-3 loss Oct. 25, 2008. It was one of only five games the netminder played in 2008-09. Tonight, DiPietro will start at the RBC Center for the first time since Jan. 6, 2007, a 4-2 loss that piggybacked a 5-1 loss 15 days earlier in Raleigh. You have to go all the way back to before the lockout to see DiPietro's name in the win column in Carolina, when a 6-4 win on April 2, 2004 clinched a playoff berth for New York.
In the Canes net, Cam Ward will get his 18th start in 19 games — plus he relieved Manny Legace less than 7 minutes into the other, a Jan. 23 loss to Philadelphia — coming off a stellar 37-save performance vs. the Rangers at MSG last night. He'll face the Islanders' young roster, which is led by another first overall selection in rookie John Tavares (two goals in two games against the Hurricanes) and Canes killer Jon Sim, who has 10 goals in 21 career games against Carolina.
Also coming in to town is Isles captain Doug Weight, who won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006 as a deadline rental but made a few enemies among the RBC faithful with this hard hit on Brandon Sutter last season:
With Sutter's shuffle from Raleigh to Albany over and Weight recovered from an early season upper body injury, it will be the first time the two have played against each other since the Oct. 25, 2008, hit.
As for the Canes, the team has found chemistry among its forwards, led by the first line of Ray Whitney and Jussi Jokinen centered by new captain Eric Staal. With two points tonight, Staal would reach 400 for his career, a feat only previous captain Rod Brind'Amour has accomplished as a Hurricane (467 points).
And there's reason to believe he could do just that. Staal has goals (eight seven of them, to be exact) in all four games since being named captain Jan. 20, coincidentally when the new top line was formed. Whitney (one goal, five assists) and Jokinen (two goals, five assists) have thrived as well in the new combination.
With the lineup the same, expect the same lines from coach Paul Maurice:
Staal-Whitney-Jokinen
Cullen-Samsonov-Kostopoulos
Sutter-LaRose-Tlusty
Brind'Amour-Dwyer-Yelle
Gleason-Wallin
Pitkanen-Ward
Carson-Alberts
For more insight into the Islanders, check out our friends at Lighthouse Hockey. The puck drops at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast by FSC and 99.9 The Fan. No local television tonight.
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Might not be the greatest idea for Brandon. Despite his skills, Doug’s a pretty big and tough guy. I’ll never forget him fighting Halpern near the end of the regular season in 2006. One of those moments that just make you love a player.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
I remember that one Cory, that was after Halpern butted Staal with his stick during a faceoff. Staal returned from stitches in time to see Weight throw down. If I'm not mistaken, Weight and Halpern are good friends
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Earlier in that same game Halpern had fought E. Staal (for his one and only career fighting major)
Neither fight was mind blowing…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 28, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
I’d prefer to see Mr. Alberts introduce himself to Mr. Weight and to leave a lasting memory for the good Mr. Weight. I thought Doug Weight did a fantastic job for the Hurricanes in 2006. I was very disappointed in him for the hit on Brandon Sutter because I thought it was a borderline cheap shot — even if Sutter as a rookie had his head down. I thought Weight could and should have made the hit without going for Sutter’s head. I still like Weight; but I think he is owed getting owned and trainwrecked one time to even things up == not an out of body, in the hospital experience, just a friendly reminder that karma lives in the NHL.
he got H1N1, maybe from Stormy … perhaps that’s the karma. lol
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Is it too late to get Georges Laraque down here for tonight??
Joking aside I would love to see him here.
I’m not going to argue it’s the best move for the team, and I know it has less than 0 percent chance of happening. A character guy of Laraque’s level would be EXTREMELY popular here, and his numbers aren’t any worse than Yelle’s. He’s one of the best 3 fighters in the league and we could get him for a bag of pucks.
With all the kids on the team next year I wouldn’t mind having some 4th line muscle. At least it would keep Timmy and Albert’s from hurting themselves while policing the team.
If you’ve never read about all the community stuff he does take a minute. It’s pretty amazing.
It’s hard to call a guy a “character guy” when the coach says he doesn’t want him anymore b/c he won’t stand up for his teammates — and that’s his job. Just my two pesos.
I know off the ice he’s a great guy … I just think he’s done as a player.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
Where did he say he wouldn’t stand up for his teammates? I didn’t read that. I heard Jacques Martin say they didn’t need an enforcer, that was about it.
With all the power forwards they have in Montreal they should be fine. You know, Gionta, Gomez, Cammalleri.
Not saying if I were in JRs shoes I would do it, I think you’re right, he’s probably done.
Personally AD
while like yourself. Mr. Weight maybe an ok human being…but i’d love to see him sandwiched between Gleason and Kostopolis at the glass behind the net(@ the trap) a few times…sigh..i know..it isn’t very sportsman like …but hey dude…this be Hockey !! esteban looks around for his genuine hanson brothers industrial grade and stength roll of tin foil…hmmm was here earlier…:-} Go Canes !!
If you think you can't, you won't !
It was a bad hit, but if Weight doesn’t make that hit than Sutter has a breakaway on the penalty kill in a game where the Isles were down 2 with ten minutes to go. Weight had to make that hit, and that was the only way to make it. My bigger problem with it was Lavi not sending someone out there to make Weight answer for the hit.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
My bigger problem with it was Lavi not sending someone out there to make Weight answer for the hit.
+1 I think Bayda tried to go after Weight and may have even gotten a hold of him, but a bigger response (from the team) should have happened at that moment.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I don’t remember that (and don’t want to watch the video to find it), but I’m sure you’re right. Did he get a hold of Weight?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
No, then he tried to get at Campoli. The refs shut it down before it could happen.
sportstalkbuzz.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 28, 2010 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t remember actually, I think it all turned into a scrum.
by outlander_caniac on Jan 28, 2010 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
I agree 100%
I thought it was entirely unacceptable that the Weight hit did not meet with much more of a physical response from the Hurricanes. It has been quite some time since I reviewed the hit, but at the time it thought Weight was taking advantage of Sutter being a rookie. I have seen the hit a few times in the past and had the same reaction. I agree it was not a hit that was totally out of bounds, but from a respect of the game standpoint, my view was the Doug Weight was far too classy a player to make that hit the way he did.
I thought Weight could and should have made the hit without going for Sutter’s head.
Not to ignite this debate with y’all, but I’m a pretty firm opponent of hits to the head (including by players on the team I root for) and, while you can debate whether Weight had alternatives, one thing I think is objectively false is to say he went for Sutter’s head. Weight kept his arm tucked through the whole check, and Sutter leaned forward (lowering his head) at a very late moment. It’s a split-second play regardless, but targeting the head? No. With the video evidence his record over nearly 20 years in this league, I’m pretty sure Weight at minimum deserves the benefit of the doubt on that point.
Lighthouse Hockey: Under contract through 2021, knees and hips be damned.
I agree that Weight is a tough player who is clean and honest. My take from watching the hit live was that he was going to teach a rookie what it meant to play in the NHL and went up through the chin. I am confident Sutter would say he should have known not to drop his head; but even so, I continue to think Weight knew he had a player in a vulnerable position and went for the chin. Reasonable minds obviously can disagree on that point.
Sorry CG, I just think Brandon needs to at least show that he didn’t appreciate the head hit from Weight. Just stand up for yourself and then spin around a little and go to the ground, even a weak fight will get the respect of his teammates…
Still not a crook!
Brandon doesn’t even remember the hit, let alone not appreciate it. LOL.
I understand your point. I’d rather he show his feelings on the scoresheet rather than by fighting someone who’s so far out of his league experience wise. To get caught up in revenge and “making things even” is a waste of his time and energy which could be much better served by lighting up DiPi.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I too will be at the game, and very much hoping to meet the girl, diva, puck bunny, hockey honey of my dreams……. I have been to a few games at the RBC, and I know she is there, some lawyer guy told me that a hockey game is the best place to meet my true soulmate ;), now why am I going tonight, oh yea, GO CANES!!!!!!!
I was late to the party but just read through all of those comments from the Everblades guy’s post: HILARIOUS. And why exactly did he INSIST on putting CANES and other random words in ALL-CAPS?
Now the perfect woman. Drinks beer, swears, calls opposing players names and yells at the refs. Now the question …. upper deck or lower, alot riding on that one LOL. Sorry I was busy and did not get to see the coveted “female hockey fans” stuff till today. I’ll bet this guys wife threw him out, if he even has one.
Upper deck. She sits next to me. We’re already married.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
What?!? Cyn4Canes, I think we need to have a talk. When were you going to tell me you’d married C-Leaguer!?!
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 28, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Unlikely
He’d need an axe to separate himself from his left hand.
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 28, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
And I won’t be there until Saturday so he has no shot. LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I will also be there on Sat., as for tonight… might have to go for the hookup with a nice sexy concession stand diva :)
’Canes website says no Corvo. Same lineup as last night.
by drifterscape on Jan 28, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
No FSC tonight
Just a note…FSC is not carrying the game tonight…ACC basketball on instead (Wake vs GA Tech)…but I just got offered a ticket so I’m pumped…the Canes are 3-1 in games I’ve been able to attend this year…hope the trend continues.
-martin
whoops … sry about that. Second nature to list it.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
means that season ticket holders can trade in unused tickets for additional tickets to tonights game…
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 28, 2010 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone hear on 99.9 in the last 30 minutes where they’re saying to be sure to tune in at 4:05 PM for a major announcement from the Hurricanes organization.
Awfully close to game time to be making major announcements. Was that marketing to get people to listen to “the Insiders with Mike M” or is sumthin up?
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
Did they say a Canes announcement? b/c their FB page just says “a major announcement from the RBC Center.” If it’s anything to do with the Canes, I’d think it was not player-related — Europe to start the season, Rats purchase, perhaps All-Star game. It would’ve leaked somewhere by now I think.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
I believe they said “from the Hurricanes Organization” – but again, it was the guy doing the local ESPNnews 2pm update during the David Glenn show. He said it after announcing the Insiders would be broadcasting from the RBC (as usual on game days I think) starting at 3pm. Then they went right back to ACC basketball. He spoke casually, so I’m not sure what to think.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by hockeymomof2 on Jan 28, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
And I agree it’s not likely to be player related – we would have heard something tweeted by now. But then there was Chris Clark to CBJ that happened lat in the afternoon and suprised everyone.
The fact that they’re giving the heads up makes me think it’s something like what you said, Cory. Important but not “emotional”.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by hockeymomof2 on Jan 28, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
No mention of any pending announcement on the Canes site.
99.9 website has this announcement in the upper right corner of the page:
Today at 4:05 pm on 99.9 The Fan Big announcement involving the Canes.
This may be just some announcement involving their coverage or something and not a Canes announcement at all.
They are talking about the NBA right now yawn
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 28, 2010 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
FROM 99.9's FACEBOOK
99.9FM ESPN Radio It’s none of the above guesses. The hint is- we as a radio station are part of the “news”. We are big fans though of getting the All-Star game here just in case the commish is one of our FB friends.
Some of the guesses are things we’ve discussed (Finland, Rats, trades, All-Star Game). So it’s probably something to do with the Canes and 99.9’s partnership.
Eklund said it’s not a big deal? Now I’m excited about it!
by outlander_caniac on Jan 28, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe they are going to announce the snow emergency plan for tomorrow.
"Last season we couldn't win at home and we were losing on the road. My failure was that I couldn't think of any place else to play." - Harry Neale
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jan 28, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
errr, I meant Saturday.
"Last season we couldn't win at home and we were losing on the road. My failure was that I couldn't think of any place else to play." - Harry Neale
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jan 28, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Nice to see the ’Canes bring it against NYR, hoping to see them bring it against NYI. Check out a blog I wrote in Sept. of last year on the Weight-Sutter hit:
sportstalkbuzz.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 28, 2010 3:32 PM EST reply actions
they’re scraping Sutter off the ice
Jeez, I’m handing these out all over the place… :glares:
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Sorry about the descriptive language, but it’s true.
sportstalkbuzz.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 28, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
I know, I shouldn’t have clicked on the link (no offense).
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Look at it this way, he’s fine now, and playing better than ever!
sportstalkbuzz.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 28, 2010 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Haha, I’d rather write about knitting.
sportstalkbuzz.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 28, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
A little late to the party, but thanks for posting that video Cory. And having “Sutter, Weight meet for the first time since ‘The Hit’” as the tagline for the tweet. I really needed those flashbacks. :glares:
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
The announcement is: the signing of “The Empty Net” to a long term deal. I’m back baby! Just kidding.
I’m going with: Cole’s neck injury has forced him to retire early, but he will stay part of the organization as the “Personal Assistant to the Captain.”
Now the signing of “The Empty Net” to a long term deal is something that would require more fanfare. There’d be balloons and a long table with lots of chairs and glasses of water. It would be broadcast live on local news stations and possibly FS Carolinas. Think big man!
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
:( unfortunately 99,9FMs little “clue” about what it is made me completely lose interest in the announcement…
extending their contract with the team?
Ok… that announcement…. while I’m ok with that…
But geez…. did I have to stop what I was doing for that????
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 28, 2010 4:06 PM EST reply actions
The Canes wouldn’t get beat on a big announcement. It’s about what I figured.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
LOL Maniscalco just admitted they gave Sundheim and the Canes staff major heartburn today having to deal with all the calls about what was up.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Bob, HM and I are happy to announce we weren’t among those on the phone or even e-mailing. lol
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 28, 2010 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Soooooo, what is going on? Has an announcement been made yet?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I just checked out Lighthouse Hockey’s preview, and it’s great. Love their style over there.
http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2010/1/28/1273676/islanders-gameday-text-matt-for-20
I agree, they do a good job with their website. I also love the fact that they refer to this place as “Laand of Staal,” I think Paladin would agree with that. :)
by PackPride17 on Jan 28, 2010 6:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
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