Same Lineup Tonight: Avs at Hurricanes, Game Day Preview
The Carolina Hurricanes, (11-24-7) will take on the Colorado Avalanche, (24-14-6) tonight with the exact same lineup they used last night in Nashville. Cam Ward will be in net again for the Canes.
Andrew Alberts will not face any disciplinary action for his hit on Steve Sullivan last night and will also play.
Home has not been very sweet recently for the Hurricanes as they have lost four games in a row at the RBC. Their last home win was against Florida on December 19. They also have a 1-6-1 record so far this season in the last of back to back games.
The Canes lost to the Avs earlier this year in Colorado in the midst of their 14 game losing streak. Tuomo Ruutu hit Darcy Tucker from behind in that game and was subsequently suspended for three games.
The Avs last played on Long Island where they suffered a 3-2 loss to the Islanders on Wednesday night. For more information about them, check out Mile High Hockey, another fine SBN blog.
To revisit the lines, they will start off as follows:
- Cullen, Whitney, Ruutu
- Sutter, Jokinen, Tlusty
- Dwyer, Boychuk, Kostopoulos
- Yelle, Brind'Amour, Samson
Expect them to be shuffled though as the coaching staff sees fit. It might be nice to see Samson moved up on another line, to see what he can do alongside more speed.
Several injured players took the ice before the morning skate today, but there were no updates about their status.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast by FS Carolinas. 99.9 The Fan will have the audio. We will have the open thread here starting at 6:30 and I will be reporting live from the rink.
Giddy-up!
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Shifting Lines Around
I, too, would like to see how a Samson/Dwyer/Boychuk or
Boychuk/Dwyer/Samson line worked.
I am hoping Maurice as well will try Jokinen/Sutter/Ruutu to see how that line performs.
I’m disappointed Legace won’t be in net. If not on back-to-backs, when?
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 8, 2010 2:13 PM EST reply actions
I think MO was satisfied with C.Ward’s play last night as he should have been. He got a couple of unlucky bounces I.E. the second goal off of the glass but if you look at his performance as a whole it was very good. I think that if we wouldnt have been a man down for a portion of the game the outcome would have been different. Ward was not to blame therefore thats why I believe he plays again. Remember, he was out for over a month, hes well rested and probably was asked if he wants to play or sit. The answer was obviously, play.
The only bad goal was the shorty. Who ever was responsible for Sullivan in the slot on the one-timer should still be skating laps as I type this.
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 8, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Wasn’t that the goal where Wallin was standing around guarding nobody other than the invisible man and looking slightly dazed and confused?
Yup, I believe it was. Cam had no chance on that goal, none.
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 8, 2010 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Agree, they must still think there is hope. With the injuries, and the veteran emptyheadedness we are done , no need riding Ward into the ground.
Cam Ward Tonight
I would play Cam Ward tonight if I were Maurice. I would do so because I would want to see how the Albany Rats played defense as well as offense. I would use Cam Ward as the “control.” We know how veterans played or didn’t play for Cam Ward. The more chances the Albany Rats have to show their abilities, the better idea I would have where to play them next season.
Wow, you finally have a good back up goalie, and you play ward yet again? WTF do you have Legace for maurice??? I honestly believe this guy is a bad coach. Stupid hockey ideology coupled with an ineptness to see who deserves to play and who doesn’t. You cannot win playing “prevent hockey” in the NHL.
To bad we are on the hook with this guys for 3 damned years.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Cam has shown he plays better on back to back games (well he did last season). The Canes were just off four days so its not like Cam is worn out.
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
by canescup on Jan 8, 2010 3:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
S/B Manny
Sorry, but that’s the same logic that was used over and over in not playing Leighton. Facts are that it’s the second of a back-to -back, traveled last night, a Western conference team. That’s when you should play your backup.
Pre-game skate
I was at the pre-game skate today, most of this is probably a repeat of what’s already been reported or tweeted but in case there’s new news here…
Practice today was optional and a lot of the regulars took the morning off. Chad LaRose came out before the rest of the team to skate and practiced awhile with the rest of the team during some of the initial drills then went in early. Joe Corvo was out early, participated in the full skate, and then stayed late after most everyone else had gone in to do some conditioning work with Tom Rowe then he practiced shots before heading in. Both players looked fine in terms of their movement but you can tell they need more time to get up to conditioning speed.
The rest who showed up today: Alberts, Sergei, Jussi, Tuomo, Stephane, Brandon, Dwyer, Carson, Tlusty, Boychuk, Samson and Manny. They mainly did some brief skating and passing drills and then shootaround, no real lines since so many were off the ice.
That Jiri is one smily fellow, either he’s got a sunny disposition in general or he’s really happy to be here.
SISU
Thanks very much for the update
Thanks for the update. Jiri Tlusty, I think, is going to be a great acquisition for the team. It may be one of those trades like Ruutu where we wonder why in the world anybody would trade those guys.
And not surprising, both of them skated today even though it was an optional day. Coincidence?
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 8, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
Not at all, dedicated hard playing guys. Those guys are an example of why it is great great being a Canes fan even though we are having the season we are.
Impossible for me to agree with you more.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 8, 2010 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Jokinen definitely in the group
I had a mind malfunction and meant to include Jokinen. I could call it an “Aaron Ward” moment, I guess. As I was first typing I was thinking Jussi was a waiver acquistion, but you are correct, it was a trade, which included Melichar and Brookbank. A trade for the ages. You are 100% correct.
+1000
Now I’ll go check out the Juri photos (if they’re up yet) . Glad to hear he’s a ray of sunshine. We need that – especially from the youngsters.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 8, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
FYI they’re not up yet, I’m in calls all afternoon and then always have to weigh do I upload practice pictures first or game pictures from tonight, have to see how tonight goes, but they’ll be up soon and I did take quite a few of him and Samson (and Boychuk) since you just never know how long they’ll be up here.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 8, 2010 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Okay I lied, I uploaded a couple for you.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 8, 2010 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
Wow LTD. Ruutu may have some competition for happiest player on the team. Good for him-I hope that enthusiasm stays with him.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Don't worry
He is young enough for Mo to suck it out of him completely.
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 8, 2010 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
Peter Budaj to Start Tonight in Goal
Peter Budaj is in goal tonight.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_14149385?source=skipframe-vyous.com
Article also says Liles won’t be in the lineup tonight.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 8, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Nah, he played 11 games last year in our tailspin of a 2nd half of the season.
And if you have seen Liles play in the past month or so, you might be hoping to see him instead tonight :D.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Aph on Jan 8, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
Is Darcy Tucker playing?
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 8, 2010 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
I think so too and I can’t wait to see him try to get in Ruuty’s head if they’re matched up.
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 8, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
Not really on topic, per se, but I once heard the Colorado announcer say “Budaj, Budaj, Budaj, Budaj, rockin’ everywhere” after he made a safe. It was cringe-worthy.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 8, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
If Budaj gets hammered when in goal, is it called shaking our Budaj by the Colorado announcers? Just wondering is all.
Well since he’s in net tonight I guess he got a Budaj-call.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 8, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Same lineup
hopefully not the same result. I am surprised to see Cam get the nod again, I agree with whomever it was (max) who said why ride him into the ground. I am hoping to see a more disciplined team than we saw last night, some were BS calls, but some were just unnecessary penalties taken at the worst possible times. and my god do they ever practice the freakin PP??? Hoping to see that Rats get some more “quality ice time”! Go Canes!!
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Taylor Hall
…this losing plan is working to a T. We will land the #1. Lose out while obtaining draft picks for the older parts and letting the kids play.
Edmonton has the same plan
…but at least we have a nice cushion.
Central Scouting Midseason Rankings
Totally unrelated, but NHL Network will have the CSS’ midseason rankings on at 7 p.m.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=512909
We’ll see if Hall’s play at the WJC changed their mind concerning him and Seguin.
So are you going to be upset when JR trades his #1 pick next year for a NHL player this year?
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
by canescup on Jan 8, 2010 3:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes, I would be outraged, ballistic, enraged, apoplectic, beyond astonished, and otherwise hardly civilized; unless the player we trade for is Jordan Staal. In that case, I will be euphoric.
I meant to reply to this idea earlier, but forgot. I honestly don’t see that happening. Eric has all but flat out said he wouldn’t want to play on the same team with his brothers. Now he obviously doesn’t run the show over at Edwards Mill, but I don’t see JR doing something that he knows would make his franchise guy unhappy.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Jordan Staal
All I can say is that I had a very different conversation that was a private conversation so I won’t say more other than I am certain he knows the organization’s position and was told directly that the Hurricanes have tried before and will likely try again to see if Jordan Staal is available. It wouldn’t make sense that the Hurricanes organization would be trying to do something that was unacceptable to Eric Staal.
The truth is that Pittsburgh would be insane, I think, to trade Jordan Staal — even for Taylor Hall; so the situation has no real chance of occurring.
Fair enough-obviously I can only go by what he’s said publicly (still trying to find that interview but am coming up with a big goose egg).
Maybe my thought/concern isn’t so much that it wouldn’t happen because he doesn’t want to play with Jordan but rather that it wouldn’t work out as well as it looks on paper (and therefore it may not happen). Some guys can play with their brothers and are better for it. Other guys have a hard time doing so. I don’t know what category our Staal falls into, but I have a gut feeling it’s the second one.
Either way it probably won’t matter. You’re right, Pittsburgh is very unlikely to agree to a deal that sends Jordan elsewhere.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
With Eric at center and Sutter at center, do they have room for Jordan as well? (salary wise?) Sutter will be due a raise and Jordan won’t come cheap. Someone like Jokinen and his salary might make a better choice for third line center, as far as finances go.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Good point Bob. It would be a lot of money to throw into one position. J.Staal makes 3.5, 4.5 and 4.5 million each of the next three years. We all know Eric makes a ton and while Brandon is making 875K through the 10/11 season, he’s undoubtedly due for a raise.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Another excellent point. Pittsburgh is finding out how hard it is to have three very, very talented, but expensive centers. I suppose the question also becomes whether a player like Taylor Hall is a better fit for the team.
It’s all hypothetical; but I think the Hurricanes would find a way to make the finances work if Jordan Staal were available. Caniacgirl is 100% correct. Having brothers on a team can either be magical or a nightmare. When it works, it’s inspirational; but if it ever goes bad, it’s like having your two best friends be married to each other and then get a divorce. It’s a total lose-lose situation.
IMO, if the Canes did acquire Jordan then Eric would play one of the wing positions. Sutter or his brother would center him and he could switch to center due to injury. If that happened, the Canes would have two Selke like centers on the top 2 lines. I think Eric is average with his defensive responsibility, but Jordan and Sutter do a very good job in that department.
Again, I don’t see us getting Jordan and I think Hall will be one hell of a player. But, I wouldn’t mind getting Jordan and would be thrilled.
If we do that, let’s go ahead and get Marc as well. Then Paladin’s dream could come true, the Carolina Staals plus Sutter. Paladin would have endless amount of things to complain about.
Sorry for picking on you Paladin, its just to much fun.
by PackPride17 on Jan 8, 2010 5:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
he was No. 2 to Seguin in the OHL list last time around:
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 8, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
It is one reason why getting either the first or second pick matters to the Hurricanes. Either Hall or Seguin will be game changers and will put fans in the seats; and either one will be a huge boost to the Hurricanes for years to come. Hall remains my first choice; but I would be excited if the Hurricanes got Seguin.
I can’t help but wonder if Carolina’s ties to Plymouth will lead to the selection of Seguin.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 8, 2010 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t clear on this, but this is MONDAY .. not tonight.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 8, 2010 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
central scouting
good catch. I’ll try and check that out. after watching Hall play, I’d be shocked if he wasn’t the clear #1 and in the 1% chance that someone else is close, I’d still be shocked if the Canes didn;t go for his scoring and speed over a young D prospect. JR no likey young D…repeat and review everyone…JR no likey young D.
Last time we played Colorado, Cullen got his first career hattrick. Maybe some of that mojo will find its way into the guys tonight. :crosses fingers:
I probably would have started Legace if Cam really stunk it up last night, but from what I’ve heard/read/saw on replay, he didn’t. Then add in the 4 days off and I’m not really all that surprised. Plus Mo’s MO (pardon the pun) is notorious for riding his number one guy into the ground (just another thing we can look forward to this season and next). I hope Legace got a nice comfy stool for Christmas because that’s where he’ll be 99.9999% of the time.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Mo’s M.O., +1
"Great Ice-Pectations":http://www.greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 8, 2010 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
This is off topic, but related to a post from last week. Marc Staal played a nice shutdown role against Atlanta last night. He shut down Eric for two straight and held the always dangerous Kovalchuk to just one shot.
If the Rangers really do entertain trading him, the Canes would be wise to make a call. He would be a nice first pairing guy with Pitkanen.
by PackPride17 on Jan 8, 2010 4:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions





![Have you seen the "Google search make your own 30-second video" [FIXED the link, sorry] at Youtube? I made my take on the Canes season this morning. Check it out and if you make one you like, post it over here. Lot of fun.](http://cdn2.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/111208/2_small.jpg)
















