Winning With Mixed Feelings?
by Bob Wage on Jan 29, 2010 3:00 PM EST
127 comments
Some fans of the Carolina Hurricanes do not know whether to feel good about the team's most recent winning streak or not. While critics might say, "this is just proof positive that you can never please fickle fans", there is some logic to these fans' seemingly, contradictory behavior.
As the team continues to win, these devotees think that the best available talent in the summer's draft, is slipping away.
But slow down Caniacs, and enjoy the winning streak.
First of all, none of the players available in the upcoming draft are projected as being franchise changing players. There are no Sidney Crosby's, Alex Ovechkin's, or even Eric Staal's in this group.
Of course, the acquisition of Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, or Cam Fowler could have an immediate impact, but none of them are guaranteed stars. Hall might not have the size to excel in the NHL, Seguin did not even make Team Canada's junior team, and we all know how difficult it is for young defensemen to develop in the NHL.
John Forslund said it best last night on the Aftermath. "The best thing to do is to play to win, enjoy any success the team can get, and let fate handle what happens at the end."
Despite the recent winning streak, the Hurricanes' present position puts them very much in the running for one of the top three picks, and they should continue to be in the mix.
Presently, Carolina is still in last place in the Eastern Conference with 43 points while the 14th place Leafs have 44. Edmonton has the fewest points in the league with 38. There is still a large gap between the three worst teams in the league and the rest of the bunch though.
The New York Islanders have 54 points and are in 13th in the East. Columbus is the closest team in the West and they have 51 points.
Some folk are clamoring for the team to finish in last place, but as long as the Hurricanes come within the bottom five spots, they still have a chance for the number one pick in the draft. Not that there seems to be a consensus number one this year. For instance, there have been hints that Edmonton might take Cam Fowler with the number one pick if they get it.
Who knows? But finishing in last place will not guarantee you the number one pick anyway.
The NHL instituted a draft lottery several years ago to help the league maintain integrity because some teams might have felt the urge to lose on purpose down the stretch as they vied for certain draft positions. With the lottery, you never know for sure what position you will get until after the season is over and the lottery is completed.
Of course, the lower teams have the best chances to win the lottery, but anything can happen. When Carolina finished in last place in 2003, Pittsburgh won the lottery and selected Marc-Andre Fleury. But it still ended well for the Canes as they picked Eric Staal with the second pick, who was number one on their list anyway.
Odds of Winning the First Overall Pick
48.1% - Last place (Edmonton - 38 points)
18.8% - 2nd to last (Carolina - 43 points)
14.2% - 3rd to last (Toronto - 44 points)
10.7% - 4rth to last (Columbus - 51 points)
8.1% - 5th to last (NY Islanders - 54 points)
While it seems that the team will need to finish in the bottom three to get a prime pick, you still never know. Perhaps Erik Gudbranson, (currently ranked 8th), or someone like him will be the steal of the draft?
How long will the winning ways continue? Time will tell. This present situation reminds me of a couple of years ago when the Canes were playing several call ups from Albany while the club struggled through a bevy of injuries.
Rod Brind`Amour, Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, and Justin Williams were among the missing, but Eric Staal put the team on his back and with help from Ryan Bayda, Keith Aucoin, Tim Conboy, and others, the Canes won a high percentage of games down the stretch to put them into position to win their division. What happened?
Whitney, Cullen, and Williams came back, (seemingly too soon), and the team went on to lose three of their last four, including a must win game against Florida at the RBC which turned out to be the last game of the season.
Could the same thing happen when Erik Cole, Tuomo Ruutu, and Joe Corvo return and the team is forced to bench Brett Carson, Jiri Tlusty, and Patrick Dwyer?
Cheer for the wins while you can Caniacs.
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This feels like it’s written about me. Or maybe I’m just self-centered.
sportstalkbuzz.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 29, 2010 3:10 PM EST reply actions
I think it’s a little ignorant to go ahead and say there are no franchise players in this draft….
In fact, quite to the contrary, both Hall and Seguin are putting up points in the juniors at a superstar rate. I can try to go find the study that I read and was very interesting, it broke down just about every single statistic of Hall and Seguin’s current year the data showed that both of these kids are playing at Crosby/Staal/Kovalchuk levels.
Depends upon what “study” you are reading. Perhaps you can find that particular one and share?
I also have read articles questioning Hall’s strength since Team USA was able to shut him down using physicality as well as questioning Seguin’s consistency since he was unable to make Team Canada.
There are a lot of different opinions out there, none more ignorant than the other, and none right or wrong, yet.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Hall scored a goal and 2 assists in the gold medal game. He was second in the whole tournament in scoring. They didn’t even have him on the first line… What more do people want from him?
Hall is a full year of development ahead of Seguin and it is extremely rare that a Sophomore makes Team Canada for the WJC. I just have never seen an article that even hints that Hall/Seguin will turn out not to be star players. Maybe not Crosby or Ovechkin, but certainly a normal Star such as Staal.
But you saw his goal, right?
I think these two are more on par with Stamkos — who is developing into a spectacular player. But there isn’t the confidence in superstardom in them that was in Crosby, AO, ect.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
I'm visiting from Second City today
If it makes you guys feel any better, 2007 was consider a non franchise draft and the Hawks ended up with Patrick Kane. While not in Ovechkin or Crosby’s class, he’s been working out for us quite well.
If you’re interested here’s a link to previous drafts;
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/index.html
Also, we’ve had a bit of a problem with someone who goes by the name “Redtribe”. He’s a troll that we don’t associate ourselves with. Please try to ignore him and maybe he’ll go away.
Sucker! Competitive violence, that's why you're here!
Patrick Kane and 1st Round Picks
Patrick Kane is a perfect example of a player who has the skill sets and the winner’s attitude to lead a team. Those players usually but not always are a top five pick. It is the very rare case where an Ovechkin or a Crosby are available in any draft; any more than a Peyton Manning or Michael Jordan are available each draft year; but teams can win Stanley Cups with the talent and drive of players like Patrick Kane. My guess is that Chicago has at least a 50-50 chance of winning the Stanley Cup this year; and Kane is a significant reason why Chicago is such a talented team.
I’m with you and John, Bob. While earlier in the season I might have been cheering for the first draft pick, that really seemed to be the only thing worth cheering for. With Staal, Ward back to their form, I’m hoping they win every game they can. Heck, if this winning streak is any indication of how our team can play when injuries are less of a concern (even with Cole, Ruutu and Corvo out), then who needs a Taylor Hall? I’m not expecting us to come close to the playoffs, our hole is pretty deep. But dang does it feel good to spoil some others’ playoff hopes.
Maybe we don’t need a Hall/Seguin type player but it is kind of hard to argue with the fact that the strongest and best teams in the league right now (Pittsburgh, Washington, Chicago) all got there through drafting pretty highly.
Yeah, but look at the top talent in the draft at the time. There is no Crosby or Ovechkin or Toews in the draft this year. Why put the fans through so much misery for such a risky, unproven award?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Why do you think this? Did you read it somewhere or is this your opinion?
Crosby and Ovechkin are pretty much generational talents, they are on their own level. Normal superstars (Staal, Toews, Kane, Thornton, Savard, Carter, ect… Pretty much every team has at least one) are found in the top-5 of every draft. Hall/Seguin could very easily (almost certainly given past history) become that level of superstar.
Carter was 11th, I believe … Savard was a fourth-rounder. I’d say the general rule is obvious: the higher you draft, the better shot you have of getting good players. But there are gems to be found everywhere, for sure.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
My opinion. Not trying to start an argument here. I just don’t think we need to finish last to get a kid who might not be as good as everyone thinks, but that’s just me.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
There isn’t any difference between finishing 14th and bottom 3 except that if you finish bottom 3 you have a free chance at getting a long-term potential Star player.
Oh, so because there isn’t a generational superstar it isn’t worth getting as high of a pick as possible?
This team STILL needs a quality winger of two or three regardless of their recent hot streak. Whitney = 37 years old. Jokinen, Ruutu = second liners. Cole = LOL. There is also a stunning lack of quality defensemen past Pitkanen and Gleason.
Putting the fans through misery would be continuing to be mediocre year after year. I mean, who needs Taylor Hall when you can just re-sign superstars like Chad LaRose and Scott Walker year after year?
Winning? I see a team that is 29th in the league. That’s not “winning.” And neither is coming in 9th or 11th place in the conference. Mediocrity is the worse team this franchise can put fans through.
If the team was “winning” as in being a top team in the league, nobody would be saying to tank for high picks as the team would already be good. But they’re not…not even close. This team sucks and I don’t care how they’ve been playing over the last two weeks against struggling teams.
I don’t care how they’ve been playing over the last two weeks
Well then I guess the answer is “yes.” =)
You can say it was against struggling teams or not, but if you’ve actually watched the ’Canes play, their play has improved. Whether or not you acknowledge it, this is not the same team game that sucked for 14 games in a row.
Will we get in the playoffs? Not really a chance, but we are at least getting the team some good experience for next year.
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 30, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
I can identify at least with being frustrated that our team was so god-awful, sitting in last place for the whole first half of the year, only to finish the season looking like a Cup contender and receiving a 10-15th overall pick instead of someone that would likely cement us as a cup contender next year.
I’m happy we are winning, but in winning we are also losing.
Hey look, Like I told JussiJuice, I am not trying to get into an argument here. It is my opinion. I know we need a star winger on the team. I was asking for that when the resigned cole (which was a mistake in my view). We can still be in the top five if we loose 2, win 3, loose 3, win 2, etc.
Like I said, just my opinion, not an argument maker.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I think the bigger issue is the fact that the Canes (as a self proclaimed “small market” team) cannot currently and probably will not ever have the extra cash sign a star winger to compete with similar teams.
What option does that leave? Drafting one.
Oh I agree with Cole. He will never be the star winger that we and JR have in our minds (Pre-Injury Cole).
I wouldn’t be surprised if the speculation I have heard is true and his injury is Career ending.
Yeah I heard it on here and I’m beginning to agree. Speculation is what it is, an educated opinion on a sketchy situation. As in it would make sense seeing as the Canes have been extremely hush-hush about ANY timetable for Cole’s return. He has been skating limited practices with a no-contact jersey for a month.
No need to rush anybody back off the IR list (unless it’s their bobblehead night, perhaps) these days.
In fact, I hope Bettman has to personally call JR and inquire as to “what’s going on down there?” from our extensive use of the IR list this season.
Relieves cap issues, opens roster spots, and might even draw a bit of insurance money in selective instances to relieve salary expenses.
I'm a huge Caniac...
As such, I would never cheer for them to lose. Some guy sitting near me when we played Philly back in December I believe it was – was like “should have kept Leighton” – but why? Goal-tending is not our problem. Cam Ward got injured. That takes time to get back to 100%. He’s playing great now. We have no need for Leighton. Just like we have no need to lose (especially purposely like Edmonton seems to be doing). No sports team will ever be the best every year for decades. That is the way of sports.
If Ray Whitney does not retire a Carolina Hurricane, I'll go egg Jim Rutherfords car and TP his house.
Absolutely my feelings on this:
First of all, none of the players available in the upcoming draft are projected as being franchise changing players. There are no Sidney Crosby’s, Alex Ovechkin’s, or even Eric Staal’s in this group.Been saying that all along. No need to finish last when there isn’t even a consensus #1.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
The reason there isn’t a consensus on the #1 pick is not because both are so marginal that neither stand out. It is because Seguin is a full developmental year behind Hall and many people think he has the potential to get even better.
The number of points and ppg pace that Hall and Seguin are putting up are comparable, if not better, to any other NHL superstar that has been drafted in the top-3. Every indication from how they have been playing is that both of these players will be future NHL Star players.
Another Thing to Remember
Similar thoughts were going through my mind last night, then I remembered the sell off.
It’s no surprise that we are losing Whitney and Cullen. We may as well lose LaRose, Corvo, and a bunch of others as well. Even though we’ll have some gung-ho youth, a lot of our current firepower is going to be playing somewhere else in the later part of this season.
I say enjoy these games, it’s the last time a lot of this gang will be playing together. I have a feeling that is motivating them too.
I can buy that there are no Crosbys or Ovechkins in this draft. But adding Staal’s name to the list is where I draw the line. Hall or Seguin could turn out to be stars on his level. Doesn’t mean that they will, but it isn’t unreasonable to suggest that they have a shot.
Agreed … I think what separated Staal (as a prospect before he was picked) was his combo of skills and size. Both AO and Crosby are average and slightly undersized, respectively. Hall/Seguin fall into the average size category as well … I’d say the margin for error is smaller if you’re smaller.
That being said, I wasn’t huge on Pat Kane going first overall, and other than his cabbie punching and shirtless endeavors, he’s made me a believer.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t know if I made myself clear on Sid and AO here … they were so immensely talented that no one even considered their size could be an issue. Not true with Kane.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
na … inflated. Look at him on the ice. Even the Caps only list him 6-2, and I’d say they’re giving him an extra inch.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
AO and Crosby
AO is the size of an outside linebacker and weighs over 225 lbs. AO is one of the strongest forwards in the NHL. Crosby is around 5’11" but he has always been crazy strong.
I know … but neither is truly huge. Would I want to brawl with either? No … but 6-1sh, 225 isn’t all that big. That’s around Cole and Wallin size. We’re not talking Nik Antropov big.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Wait a minute
While there might not be a Crosby, Ovechkin, or staal in the draft, one of the top 3 picks is extremely valuable EVERY year, and history (the past 5 drafts) supports that. Here are the top 3 picks from 2005 – 2009.
2005 – 1. Crosby 2. Bobby Ryan 3. Jack Johnson
2006 – 1. Erik Johnson 2. Jordan Staal 3. Toews
2007 – 1. P Kane 2. VanRiemsdyk 3. Kyle Turris
2008 – 1. Stamkos 2. Doughty 3. Bogosian
2009 – 1. Taveres 2. Hedman 3. Duchene
Yeah – Hall, seguin, fowler, kabanov…might not be superstars, it does nos mean that one of the top three would not benefit us greatly. Besides a couple guys listed above, the top 3 picks from the previous 5 years are pretty darn good players.
I am not suggesting we tank the rest of the season, I am saying that just because there is no apparent superstar, it shouldn’t de-value one of the top three picks
Plus a few of these guys really just need some time to develop before they become bonafied stars. From previous drafts:
2004 – 1. Alex Ovechkin 2. Evgeni Malkin 3. Cam Barker
2003 – 1. MA Fluery 2. E. Staal 3. Nathan Horton
2002 – 1. Rick Nash 2. Kari Lehtonen 3. Jay Bouwmeester
2001 – 1. Ilya Kovalchuk 2. Jason Spezza 3. Alexandr Svitov
2000 – 1. Rick Dipietro 2. Dany Heatley 3. Marion Gaborik
1999 – 1. Patrik Stefan 2. Daniel Sedin 3. Henrik Sedin
It’s really hard to find any example of any top-3 Canadian born draft pick (Russians have a sketchier history) that isn’t currently a star in the league or a retired star.
Right there on your list is an example in stefan
by wylde4canes on Jan 29, 2010 5:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Euro player. Played in the IHL and in the Czech Republic before being drafted. Players in Canada’s Juniors system are much better scouted and much more reliable historically.
Sorry I was speaking more from a point of all top 3 s not just the nuck born
by wylde4canes on Jan 29, 2010 6:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I may not be reading this right but I believe we have a 90% chance of finishing in the bottom 2 positions in the East. (reading the very bottom row). Compared to the Caps who have an 85% chance of earning the first seed in the East.
Yeah, we’re 6-4 in the last 10, but like Bob pointed out, if we’re shipping out some top end talent in the next month, and then mess a little more with the chemistry, anything can happen. At least they don’t seem to be fragile anymore or asking to get traded like the malcontents in Toronto.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
KEEP HOPE ALIVE
you gotta look at that logjam between 6th place and 13th place in the east.
Let’s just see where we are before the Olympic break if we win out to there who knows?
Game Tomorrow???
Does anyone know if there are contingency plans in the event of a severe snow event? I realize it is ice hockey, however we travel from Pitt County for games and it is unlikely we would be able to make it if the current NWS forecast comes true.
The only reference point I can remember for a situation such as this one is a few year’s back we had a big snow storm (1-2 feet of snow) and they did not cancel the game. It still went on as planned even with the roads being iced over.
Usually they will only cancel the game if the opponents cannot fly into the city, however I’d expect the Blackhawks flew here last night after their game.
There’s an NCSU game tomorrow at RBC at 2PM. There’s a note on gopack.com
NOTE TO FANS: With the threat of a winter storm this weekend, both teams and the officials will all be in the Raleigh area Friday night, so the game is planned to go on as scheduled. As a service to NC State fans, the live video broadcast of the game will be available FREE of charge through Pack Pass.
I suspect it will be the same for the ’Canes game, minus the free broadcast.
I think it would be kind of embarrassing for the Canes to have to come out to the NHL and say “Yeah we had to cancel the game due to a huge snow-storm, over 5+ inches!” considering 90% of hockey towns see more snow than that on a daily basis.
Most people would probably think it was a joke at first.
Bubba is just trying to say “Don’t fret guys, we still suck in the grand scheme.”
Also, traditionally, having the “top” slot in the lottery has not been kind to this franchise.
We could end up 5th, and still get the top pick.
exactly.
the primary thing I was trying to say is that the team does not have to come in last place in order to get a decent player in the draft.
GM of CanesCountry.com
I more than agree with this. The top-10 is very strong and I would be just as happy to have Mikael Granlund, Vladamir Tarasenko, Nino Niederietter, or even someone like Ryan Sheahan (But I’m a big Notre Dame fan).
I just hope we don’t fall lower than that.
This Year's Draft Class
Bob, I appreciate the comment above because from the article I misunderstood your point. I thought you were saying this year’s draft prospects were so weak that it didn’t matter whether the Hurricanes were 1 or 20. I my view, this year’s draft class has at least ten, if not fifteen, players are will make a significant impact in the NHL. My take is the top three are no-brainers - Hall, Seguin, Fowler - and that they will play in the NHL next season. The next seven to ten players are impact players. There are also some very talented players out of the top 40 players. Some players like Kabanov have had injury issues and others like McFarland and Telegin have had some consistency issues.
I doubt the Hurricanes will finish higher than 27th, so I see them as in the hunt for a top three pick. I think Rutherford is setting the tone for expecting the Hurricanes to give 110% effort each night and letting the draft positioning take care of itself.
We can still get a very good player in the top 5. The question is whether any of them will be ready to contribute immediately. I think we have a team that will be able to fill in the holes and give our draft pick the advantage of playing against lower level talent until he is ready. If he steals the show in camp, then let him play with the big boys.
Remember, the lower we draft; the lower the cap hit will be!
MIxed feelings ? Yeah a lottery draft pick would be nice.
But hoping for a lottery pick was kind like using a drug to make me feel better for how bad the season is/was.
I prefer winning. Screw the draft pick. We’re better than Toronto. Columbus your next.
26th place here we come.
It’s definitely a mixed feelings thing. Remember how good the Spurs were? Then Robinson got hurt, they missed the playoffs and miraculously won the lottery. Enter Tim Duncan and four NBA titles. I’m hoping this is a blip for the Canes and they bounce back — plus have something to show for this dreadful year in the prospect pool.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
That is my biggest problem with this season. I’m upset they gave away the first half of the year, made us look like a sure lock for a top-3 pick, and only now after we are almost mathematically locked out of the playoffs they are going to come back looking like an amazing playoff contending team?
I’m always happy to win, but half-assing the first half of the season and then fighting back like a demon simply to lose a top-10 draft pick just seems wasteful. I have said constantly this year that the Canes have done an amazing job of making nothing out of something (usually referring to on-ice matters).
It’s not like they weren’t even trying the first half of the season. There were injury problems out the wazhoo and confidence was shot. But don’t worry, after trading Whitney, Cullen, Corvo and the rest, they should settle down.
I don’t know, I’d say the team goes as Staal goes. As long as Staal is on fire I see us winning a lot of games. It is sad that is what it takes for everyone else to play well, but it certainly seems to be the case.
Even Yelle scored a nasty wrister last game. I hope they trade away Whitney soon, I just have a sinking feeling that if we beat Chicago tomorrow like we did Boston and NY then they might decide to ride it out and see what they can do.
I really don’t think they’ll try to ride it out. If you look at hockeymom’s link, we’d need a 20-4-5 record to have any significant chance at the playoffs.
I also hope they trade Whitney soon, but I think that’ll happen right before the Olympic break. I think the Kovalchuk thing is also postponing Whitney’s trade. Teams are still hoping for Kovy, but whoever doesn’t land him will be gunning for Whitney. That might be when he’s worth the most.
lol … those one-hour time changes are a bitch.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
I’m afraid we will drop even lower than 26th place. The fact is they have looked great for the past 3 games, certainly good enough to fight up to the middle of the pack and end up with a 10th-20th pick. In my opinion the whole top-10 has a ton of potential and I’d be happy to get any of them.
trade sooner than later
this is why I would like to see some trades made sooner than later. When things shake out, few points seperate teams teams that will pick 2-10, just like few points separate teams at the top.
Of course the Canes org is not going to intentionally tank games (or at least admit that they are), but I think that there is a way to gracefully make it tougher for them to currently win. IMO, that means trade your valuables sooner than later. If you’re JR you would like for teams to get into a bidding war over whitney and/or cullen and/or Corvo. Or at least trade them while thier value is the highest. But due to the recent streak, Cullen’s and Whit’s point total and, in turn, trade value has increased.
Unfortunately their value will probably be highest the very day of the trade deadline which means a long wait. I’d say Whitney’s value is very dependent on Kovalchuk’s status. If some GM goes out and shores up their Cup chances with a superstar like Kovalchuk, GM’s around the league will go into panic mode and likely pay far more for someone like Whitney.
In any case I think JR will be playing the waiting game.
Even if we play .800 hockey the rest of the year – we would end up with 89 points; that is not enough to get into the playoffs based on previous years. The lowest draft position we could get is 14th. We are playing better recently, but this is a parity driven league. If we play .600 hockey for the rest of the season; that means the Islanders, Boston, Tampa, St. Louis and Anaheim would have to play below .400 hockey for us to pass them. We’re pretty much certain to have a top 5.
jetlag
chicago flew in today so they maybe wore out with time difference
we better jump on them early and often ( GF likes that )
Does anyone remember...
Alexander Daigle? Pat Falloon? or for the older folk (like me), Brian Lawton? These guys were supposed to be first round, shoe-ins for Calder Cups, once in a generation all stars. They all flopped, as have quite a few other top draft picks.
From a players’ perspective, you play every game to WIN, regardless of what the fans or the franchise wants. It is about pride – and if the team doesn’t have it, you play for personal pride and achievement. You do not play hockey to lose. EVER. Regardless of what the team might possibly maybe able to get in the future – and the future is NEVER a sure thing. Hockey is about NOW. Those of you that play will understand this.
I feel bad for Falloon … he was actually pretty good to start, but I think playing on a terrible SJ team ruined him. That being said, I think the scouting has gotten better with all the video there is of these players. You still might not get the best player in the end, but you’re less likely to land a total flop.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 29, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
As usual you nailed it. Losing is like a disease it is hard to shrug off, the mire the young pups get a taste for winning in the bigs the better.
Also for all of u begging for a trade u gotta remember u got a find a partner willing to give you a decent return
by wylde4canes on Jan 29, 2010 5:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
After reading all the thoughts and comments thus far, it makes me come to the following conclution…no matter what JR does or doesn’t do between now & the 2010 draft…not everyone will be happy with anything the guy & the canes will do…too bad too…many of us forgot what were we taught as children…the best attitude is one of graditude…and this fan is greatful the Canes came here…but I’m just a fan, what would i know ?
enjoy the snow…:D
If you think you can't, you won't !
Sorry, but I don’t feel too grateful to pay thousands of dollars to watch losers. That’s for Cubs fans.
by drifterscape on Jan 29, 2010 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
Me, too. Not even going to try to make this one, although I gave a couple of our tickets to someone that was going to make the attempt, if they could get out of their driveway.
Said they go stir-crazy trapped inside during snows, so they may make it to represent us.
Screw draft picks, we usually trade them away anyway!
Win them all!!! Go CANES!!!!
I'm Jim Rutherfords assitant and decision maker. -Canescup
by canescup on Jan 29, 2010 6:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Carolina Hurricanes — Come and get’em, Part II. GM Jim Rutherford has gone on record that he has experienced players who have won Stanley Cups, so he is open for business. Ray Whitney’s name has been linked all over the place and Matt Cullen, Sergei Samsonov, Adam Ward, Joe Corvo haven’t been far behind.
I’d love to see “Adam” Ward be traded.
Wonder who would want the figure skating Russian, Samsonov? That would be interesting to see him go.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I’m sure Boston wishes he were playing for them rather than ’Canes last Spring.
by drifterscape on Jan 29, 2010 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
Dude Adam Ward has at least been better this year than Aaron Ward! Lol
by wylde4canes on Jan 29, 2010 8:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah – except he’s a 24 yr old goalie.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by hockeymomof2 on Jan 29, 2010 8:49 PM EST up reply actions
Like the rest of the fans
I want to have my cake and eat it too. I want the thrill of winning every game for the rest of the year, AND the joy of getting an immediate top 6 forward or top 4 d-man in the draft. I want Kovalchuk to sign with us for the league minimum. I want my season tickets renewed for free and brats and labatts to be a dollar. For both. I want my boss to say that I need to go to more games and take the day off afterwards. I want the Canes to skate and hit and never miss a shot.
I was asked the other day if hockey was my favorite sport. I thought about it and said “no, but the Canes are my favorite team.” When fans are as passionate about a team as these posters are about the Canes, every victory is personal and every loss is a disaster. Even imagined losses, like moving up in the standings and potentially losing out on the #1 pick in the draft. We twist ourselves in knots trying to find silver linings in dark clouds and dark linings in silver clouds. shrug Welcome to fanaticism.
Great job by Bob to say, “It will be all right.” For those that have reached acceptance about the loss of the 09-10 season, we have struggled with the dichotomy of resigning ourselves to the losing and OMG SCOTTY FREAKING WALKER IN OVERTIME AND WE’RE GOING TO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!!!1
Welcome to passion. Welcome to hope, and despair. Welcome to the Nation.
Nice job, Gillimus. =D
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by hockeymomof2 on Jan 29, 2010 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
I have said it many times on this site:
winning is important regardless of your position in the standings.
1. Isn’t it more fun for us fans to cheer the canes on to a win and to see this team playing a complete game?
2. Winning also puts butts in the seats and the RBC rocks. We do want the allstar game.
3. Winning is a habit. It is good for the young players to have success..just like it is for the vets who will remain. Losing breeds losing and individualism.
4. Winning increases the values of potential trade bait.
It is a WIN WIN WIN WIN situation
THE QUEST FOR TAYLOR HALL...or maybe Seguin..possibly Fowler...from 30th to the top!!! OR MAYBE 27TH OR SO....
Yes, nice Sig line, it’s very….Pythonesque.
by drifterscape on Jan 30, 2010 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
The purpose of any sport is to win championships. An argument can be made that if the Canes lose bad this season, it would help the Canes in the long run. You could also make the argument that winning breeds winning. Both theories work at different times. Pittsburgh lost for an extened period of time, which gained them top picks and they eventually won. The Red Wings have gone through the other process where success leads to more success.
I perfer to see the Canes win and let the chips fall where they may. People complain they we are a budget team and will never pay money for high priced free agents. They are probably correct, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have stars.
The best thing we fans can do is to support the team. We need to sellout games to help generate revenue for the organization. If that happens, the Canes are more likely to spend money to put a competitive team on the ice.
Let’s all just sit back and relax. We’ll see what the rest of the season holds and after all is done, then we can debate how things turned out. Again, the key is that we continue to support this team.
by PackPride17 on Jan 29, 2010 10:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Right on PackPride! I for one am enjoying these wins! Hope they continue to roll!
Let the new era of Hurricanes hockey.... begin!
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Jan 30, 2010 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
calder
Calder- Duchesne, Benn or Myers. Anything you insiders heard about when Walker or Cole is coming back?
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