The Show Must Go On: Blackhawks at Hurricanes, Game Day Preview

by Bob Wage on Jan 30, 2010 2:09 PM EST

The Chicago Blackhawks are in town to face the Carolina Hurricanes and the game will be played as scheduled, regardless of the ice, snow, or the governor declared "state of emergency".

Local authorities are warning folk to stay off the roads, so if you can not attend the game tonight the Hurricanes are offering to exchange your tickets to this game for any other future game this season. Also, if you can make it to the RBC, there will be free parking.

The Canes have been hot of late and have won three games in a row, as well as four of their last five. They are led by new captain Eric Staal, who has scored eight goals in his last five games and has 37 points in his last 28 games since returning from an injury.

Cam Ward has also done very well between the pipes and has a GAA of 2.13 and save percentage of .934 over his last 16 games. Ward has appeared in 21 consecutive games for the Canes and will start again tonight.

The Blackhawks are one of the best teams in the NHL and are currently just one point behind the Western Conference leading San Jose Sharks. They are led in scoring by "20 cent" Patrick Kane, who has been in the news again recently because of his off- ice behavior.

Defenseman Duncan Keith is next in line for the high-scoring 'Hawks.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Patrick Kane	54	21	39	60	15	18	6	0	5	0	173	12.1

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Duncan Keith	54	11	38	49	21	28	2	1	1	0	141	7.8

According to Second City Hockey, the Chicago's lines are as follows: (updated)

Brouwer-Toews-Kane
Ladd-Sharp-Hossa
Versteeg-Madden-Byfuglien
~~Bickell~~-Fraser-Kopecky-Eager

Keith - Seabrook
Campbell - Hjalmarsson
Sopel-~~Hendry-~~ Barker

The Hurricanes will probably stick with the same lines which have been successful for them in recent games:

Staal, Jokinen, Whitney
Cullen, Kostopoulos, Samsonov
Sutter, Tlusty, LaRose
Yelle, Brind'Amour, Dwyer

The game will be televised locally by FS Carolinas starting at 7 tonight. We will have the open game thread cranked up at 6:30.

(A couple people asked if I would be attending. It will be a game time decision).

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Comments

Lines??

The top line has been Toews, Kaner, Hossa for 99% of this season, so I don’t know what’s up with the line change.

Go Canes!

by ivyleager on Jan 30, 2010 2:11 PM EST reply actions

Nah

That was perhaps a 2 week experiment when Hossa first returned from injury. It didn’t quite work out. The only difference now is Ben Eager at LW on the 4th line, Bickell’s back in the minors. Also, the Hawks are on the last game of an 8-game roadie, and just wanting to get home, so if you guys would like to just roll over, it would be much appreciated. However, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Cam Ward bust out a 40-save goalie win for you fine folks. Cheers.

...Feeding Rene Bourque his own dick since 11/19/09

by Hjammer of the Gods on Jan 30, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

thanks for the update

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Jan 30, 2010 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Cam Ward bust out a 40-save goalie win

Prescient.

me dot com

by hip_check on Jan 30, 2010 10:02 PM EST up reply actions

you were very close with that prediction

by Cyn4Canes on Jan 30, 2010 11:56 PM EST up reply actions

The TKHo line is not the most common for these guys

You do see it at times, but for the most part Toews and Kane stay paired while Hossa is on the 2nd line right now with Sharp. This 1-2 punch seems to be working quite well since the 3rd and 4th line have been contributing allot as of late. It will be intersting to see how Bolland changes things when he comes back next week.

If it works don't go and F*** it up!
"SQUIRREL"

by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jan 30, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

very nice of the hurricanes to exchange these tickets for us! I just don’t want to go outside…

by Andrea's evil twin on Jan 30, 2010 2:17 PM EST reply actions

Hawks/Canes talking trade?

Hockeybuzz blogger John Jaeckel claims that the Hawks have inquired about Nic Wallin: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/John-Jaeckel/Hurricane-Trade-Winds-Blowing/128/25872

by outlander_caniac on Jan 30, 2010 2:37 PM EST reply actions

While the roads are not as bad as I expected, I will not make my way to the Big ATM. This was/is a game I really was eager to see (I guess TV will have to do). The Hawks were my favorite team when I first got into hockey (the Canes were still Hartford at the time). My best friend was from Chicago and really introduced me to the sport. When the Canes moved to NC, we would go catch a few games in Greensboro and many more in Raleigh. I quickly transitioned to a Hurricanes fan and as seasons went along, hockey/the Canes became my favorite form of entertainment. As much as I love the Canes, I still have a spot in my heart for my first NHL team. I think the Hawks are the far superior team, but I hope the Canes put in a good effort and make it a game. Everyone going, please be safe and Go Canes!

by PackPride17 on Jan 30, 2010 2:42 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Man, can’t even work Cam Barker onto the third pairing?

What depth. Maybe they’ll be doing some shopping tonight.

by Elsker on Jan 30, 2010 2:42 PM EST reply actions

That's actually a mistake..

Barker will be the third pair.. those lines are kind of out of date. As someone said above, Bickell is down in the AHL now and Eager is replacing him on the fourth line too

Second City Hockey

by Killion on Jan 30, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

Okay, thanks for the update. Didn’t see Barker on any injury lists, so was wondering if he was a healthy scratch or had some minor something that had suddenly emerged.

Heck, he’d probably be top 4 here, at least at the moment.

by Elsker on Jan 30, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

thanks for the update

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Jan 30, 2010 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

Would'nt miss this game if it was a blizzard outside!!!!!!!!!

I’m a little disapointed there is only 5" of snow here. That being said we drove through last night in the snow thinking it was going to be bad in Raleigh today. Great hockey weather.

Lets go Canes!!!! Big Win tonight.

I'm Jim Rutherfords assitant and decision maker. -Canescup

by canescup on Jan 30, 2010 2:43 PM EST reply actions

We’re not going to make it…. My little car can’t even get out of my neighborhood……

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

Same here.

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

On top of that…. my dish is Caked w/ ice and keeps cutting in-and-out…. So I’m probably watching the game on my laptop….

On a brighter note…. I’ve made myself a very tasty and highly alcoholic snow cone :-)

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Well at least we don’t have that problem at my house. The snow cone idea is a good one though…

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

Just make sure to scoop snow off of the roof of a car or a grill (or something that is high enough off the ground that it couldn’t have been peed or walked on….)

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah that is key. Especially considering we have two dogs.

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

How are the roads closer to RBC? We’re near Fuquay-Varina and am wondering how much time to allow to get there. Usually takes us 25-30 minutes. Thinking we might leave around 5pm.

by Cyn4Canes on Jan 30, 2010 2:44 PM EST reply actions

I’m checking for you my brother leaves in Fuquay.

I'm Jim Rutherfords assitant and decision maker. -Canescup

by canescup on Jan 30, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks… We’ll probably take Hwy 42 to 401 to 40. I know all those had been salted since Thursday and are mostly likely be plowed, so I think as long as we can get out of the neighborhood we’ll be ok.

The NCSU game was general admission. Would be nice if they did that at the ‘Canes game, too. I’m sure it would look better on TV to have the lower bowl filled up.

by Cyn4Canes on Jan 30, 2010 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

You should be fine…. Drive safe buddy…..

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks – I’ve got an emergency kit of food, water, candles, matches, blankets, flashlights, shovel and kitty litter in case we get stuck anywhere. Chances are I’ve overly prepared so well that nothing will happen. :0)

by Cyn4Canes on Jan 30, 2010 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

I really like the inclusion of the kitty litter when you’re just going to the RBC Center. :)

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

hehe – tires were spinning in just to get out of the driveway and being in a very rural location, no chance they will plow the roads around here. I’m more concerned for the drive home after the game where the snow has melted and re-froze as ice.

by Cyn4Canes on Jan 30, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

I’m more concerned for the drive home after the game where the snow has melted and re-froze as ice.

That’s why I’m staying on my sofa.

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

There is no melting and refrezing what’s froze now will stay that way.

I'm Jim Rutherfords assitant and decision maker. -Canescup

by canescup on Jan 30, 2010 5:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

That is my problem… I have to go up a hill to get out of my neighborhood… and judging by the OTHER cars who have attempted it… I can tell you… it is not happening for me this evening…

Not to mention…. I’ve got alcohol laced snow cones….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 5:13 PM EST up reply actions

I guess you never know…. right?

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

Cyn, I’m not far from you, I’m on the Fuquay side of Apex, and I’m thinking around 5 pm as well. Timing is going to be interesting, even if they relaxed the rules and said they’d allow folks in the building ahead of time, with the State game and the changeover I’m not sure they could.

Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu

by Jamie Kellner on Jan 30, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

I worked in the Arena Club restaurant in late 06, early 07 – They can’t let fans into the building until the fllor is completely off the ice. Those guys work furiously to change it over, and did it usually within 45-60 minutes. It truly is a sight to see.

With only a thousand or so NCSU fans in attendance today, though (reportedly), it shouldn’t be an issue to get the doors open perhaps by 5:45pm or so.

by OriginalCaniac on Jan 30, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

If you make it to the main roads (401, 40, 440, 540) you should be ok if you just take it really easy and give yourself plenty of time…..

I can’t even get out of my neighborhood…. so obviously DOT has not gotten to the secondary roads (in Cary at least)

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

I really want to be there tonight. But wanting to and actually being able to are two very different things. :(

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 2:49 PM EST reply actions

WRAL blog is saying around 1,000 people at the NC State game.

by Killswitch on Jan 30, 2010 3:12 PM EST reply actions

That would be a shame if that many Cane fans show up……….sorta embarrasing.

I'm Jim Rutherfords assitant and decision maker. -Canescup

by canescup on Jan 30, 2010 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

On the radio they said they expect more people for the hockey game….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

I hope so we’re getting ready to leave now.

"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason

by jenniwa30 on Jan 30, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

Drive carefully! Just got a tweet that said the roads around the RBC are a mess. And so is the parking lot.

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 4:39 PM EST up reply actions

At the backyard bistro now roads were fine once out of the neighborhood. Going to be out numbered by blackhawk fans tonight……at least here at the bistro.

I'm Jim Rutherfords assitant and decision maker. -Canescup

by canescup on Jan 30, 2010 5:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

You and Jen be safe…. I know a tow truck driver if you need one :-)

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

Def. more than a 1000 fans here already even though 900 are Blackhawk fans (in full indian gear).

I'm Jim Rutherfords assitant and decision maker. -Canescup

by canescup on Jan 30, 2010 6:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

That makes me warm inside

Seems the ’Hawks fan base in becoming more and more like the Cubs. They show up everywhere.

Good Luck to you all tonight

If it works don't go and F*** it up!
"SQUIRREL"

by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Jan 30, 2010 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

Rumor mill is swirling like the snow today. outlander_caniac posted that link about Nic Wallin interest, and it seems logical to assume that JR and Stan Bowman are talking about it.

Would Wallin waive his no-trade to go to Chicago?

Perhaps Wallin + prospect for Ladd?

by OriginalCaniac on Jan 30, 2010 3:15 PM EST reply actions

Ladd has really come into his own with the Blackhawks, but I don’t want to see another recycled player.

I physical forward is one thing this team needs, but defense is more of a concern in my opinion.

by PackPride17 on Jan 30, 2010 3:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

by rubyhawk on Jan 30, 2010 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

I always liked Andrew Ladd… But I just do not know if (or how) he would fit into our team again….

He seems to be holding his own in Chicago….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

I just checked with a DOT friend responsible for getting the roads clear, he said I-40 is clear in the area and Trinity is clear. He said anything goes once the moisture on the road decides it wants to freeze.

by Killswitch on Jan 30, 2010 3:33 PM EST reply actions

It’ll be a nasty few days ahead in terms on ice on the roads though. I hope the Canes have a decent turnout though…

Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader

by Ivan459 on Jan 30, 2010 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

Hockey Day in Canada

If you have access to the NHL Network, don’t forget it’s Hockey Day in Canada. Coverage all afternoon on hockey in general, including lots of pond/river hockey. Afternoon game (Habs vs. Senators) in progress early in the third.

Both evening games will also be carried by the NHL Network, instead of only the first and having to chase the second one on Center Ice. It’s an annual all Canadian team event.

Lots of hockey for a snowy afternoon and some late night viewing if the Canes leave you wanting more.

by Elsker on Jan 30, 2010 4:21 PM EST reply actions

Perfect day for it. That hit on Cammalleri looked like it did some damage

by Killswitch on Jan 30, 2010 4:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Yep, leg dangling as they carried him off.

by Elsker on Jan 30, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

I watched a few hours of this today, and it was really great. Some touching stories.

me dot com

by hip_check on Jan 30, 2010 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

I loved the story about the 80-something y.o. woman that still plays hockey.

by Cyn4Canes on Jan 30, 2010 5:02 PM EST up reply actions

Giving UP

Being from Syracuse I spent all yesterday laughing at the weather. Then I spent hours this morning getting about 30% of the way out of my driveway. It’s solid Ice and the road I live on hasn’t been plowed.

So unfortunately I will have to watch it on TV. It’s a shame, this was probably my most anticipated game of the year.

Wallin to Chicago is an incredible surprise to me. Nicky would be wise to waive his clause for that one. I liked Ladd pretty well while he was here, but I sincerely hope JR has learned a lesson about retreads this year.

by TOS on Jan 30, 2010 4:51 PM EST reply actions

And in regards to getting Ladd back: don’t we already have a #16? I think CG could answer that.

by PackPride17 on Jan 30, 2010 5:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

We do have a #16 and he will not be changing numbers. So Ladd would have to pick something else.

"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!

by caniacgirl on Jan 30, 2010 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

+1 I’m stuck in my neighborhood too….

Unless I walk to the RBC Center….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 30, 2010 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

I actually think I could make it there, but the drive home would not be fun. To many hills between here and there for my comfort level. But I am from the south, so I would probably just run into a tree getting out of my driveway. :)

by PackPride17 on Jan 30, 2010 5:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Gave up yesterday!

Well TOS – I’m originally from Oswego and after checking to be sure there is enough provisions I closed all my blinds and refused to acknowledge that stuff out side! I didn’t move to the sunny south to put up with this sh -stuff. Thank the hockey gods for FSCarolina

by cardiacaniac on Jan 30, 2010 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

I’m also from Syracuse. Just finally decided am not going to the game. While I usually like southern approach to snow and free days off work, I’m irritated when 5" ruins my plans.

by zoodani on Jan 30, 2010 6:02 PM EST up reply actions

Road Status

The roads are covered to and from the RBC, but not too bad to drive on. 40 and 540 look mostly clear. If you have 4 wheel drive, then you should be fine. Saw a few Blackhawk fans at the State game, about 8-10. Make it out if you can.

"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill

by SouthernHockeyFan on Jan 30, 2010 5:14 PM EST reply actions

Hey folks! In the building, drive wasn’t bad because not a lot of folks on the roads. They’re anything but clear though. Lots of Hawks fans here so far. GO CANES!!!

Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu

by Jamie Kellner on Jan 30, 2010 6:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I was expecting the drive home to be worse, but I think coming home was easier than the drive there. No ice, just firmly packed snow. Glad we made the trip – great game to see in person!

by Cyn4Canes on Jan 30, 2010 11:59 PM EST up reply actions