Five Observations: Hurricanes at Coyotes
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2010 11:56 AM EDT
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes capped off their seven-game international trek with a win over Phoenix, 4-3 in overtime. That matches Carolina's record, which stands as one of the league's most impressive given the Canes’ travels and the quality opponents they faced since opening the season Oct. 7 in Helsinki against the Wild.
On the average night, blowing a three-goal, third-period lead would infuriate a head coach. But Paul Maurice couldn't help but admire his team's resolve in recovering to win in overtime. Here are five observations from Saturday's win.
1. Even before scoring the game’s third goal on a shot in the slot, Sergei Samsonov looked like one of Carolina’s best skaters on the night. The veteran winger was strong on the puck, avoided overskating when in possession, and won several battles along the boards. He now has two goals in just 37:21 of ice time this season. That's the least amount of ice time of any player who has dressed for Carolina this year, but only Eric Staal has more goals (three).
2. Anton Babchuk's game-winning tally in overtime game was courtesy a beautiful pass from Joni Pitkanen. While the play will probably be best remembered for Pitkanen's pass, it is Babchuk's offensive versatility that is worth noting. The 6-5 Ukranian is best known for his booming slapshot, but is never given enough credit for his timely pinching in the offensive zone. Not many would have predicted that Babchuk's first two goals of the year would come with 10 feet of the net, but that's what happened. He showed off his underrated hands in finishing off Pitkanen’s picture-perfect pass, but remains a threat when anchored at the blue line in the offensive zone.
3. Chad LaRose has had a solid start to his season, but if for whatever reason the Hurricanes don't retain No. 59 when his contract expires after this season, Patrick Dwyer seems like a reasonable long-term replacement. And it's not just that Dwyer scored his first career shorthanded goal — he can always be counted on as a reliable penalty killer and is an all-out hustle player. He doesn't make many mistakes, stays out of the penalty box and always gives an honest effort.
4. Jay Harrison held his own against pugilist Paul Bissonnette — a more skilled fighter and, presumably, better tweeter — but the decision to accept Biz Nasty's invitation to brawl was a curious one. The Canes had just moved ahead 3-0 in the second period and Carolina had little to gain with the momentum already clearly in their favor. That being said, Maurice would surely rather see his No. 6 defenseman fight Bissonnette than the guy who wears No. 6.
5. Maurice was a bit of a mad scientist through the first seven games, trying about half of his forwards at center at one point or another. But for all the line mixing (both on offense and with the defense pairings), power play struggles and near-collapses, the Canes walked away with a 4-3 record. Some would say they did it in spite of Maurice, but his handling of a young team with obvious holes and early season chemistry struggles shouldn't go unnoticed. He still has problems to fix — a long-term solution at third-line center, troubles in the faceoff circle, ill-timed defensive-zone turnovers — but any coach that can take his team halfway around the world, back, and then practically to the edge of the other half, and return with a winning record deserves a round of applause.
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Bonus also to Jeff Skinner, who drew a couple penalties.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions
I really agree with #3. Those 2 players have had a pretty good first 7 games. They are not stars by any means, but both do the things that help you win games. Obviously both are UFA’s at the end of the season, but one should be back next season. I love Chad and wish he would stay, but he is definitely increasing his value right now.
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
by PackPride17 on Oct 24, 2010 12:08 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The way role players get the bottom of the barrel in contracts right now makes me think LaRose won’t find a very big market for paying him more money. He makes decent coin right now ($1.9M, $1.7 cap hit) and I find it hard to believe he’d get more than that — or even that much. Still, Dwyer will be the cheaper — and slightly younger — option.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Duh.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 24, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
LaRose and Dwyer
Cory,
The Hurricanes organization loves LaRose and he loves the organization. If LaRose continues to play this way, I don’t envision LaRose taking off for greener pastures; and I don’t see Jim Rutherford not reaching an agreeable number. I agree, however, with you that Dwyer is playing the role that I would think LaRose ought to be playing as the younger forward prospects develop. I have become persuaded by those people who argued LaRose has intangibles that go beyond his statistics. I admit I was wrong in undervaluing the intangible aspect. I do think LaRose is better suited for 3rd line and perhaps ultimately 4th line roles and penalty-killing; but the way he’s playing now, he has more than earned the minutes he is getting.
Dwyer has done a great job for the Hurricanes. He seems to be the guy who makes the right move at critical times in a game. He does an excellent job on penalty killing and has speed to burn.
LaRose and Staal
Although I usually agree with abramsdoug on a lot of his analysis, I personally think that LaRose is well suited to playing with Staal on the first line. I had a chance to talk to Paul Maurice last year and asked him why he didn’t put LaRose on the power play, for the same reason that I think he is good on a line with Staal (to which his reply was in part, who would you take off). I think that one of Chad’s greatest talents is forechecking and stealing the puck away from the other team. When he was on the 3rd or 4th line, I would so often see Chad steal the puck, but then not have any one up with him to pass it to for a scoring chance, while I see Staal as being great when someone can get him the puck when he is somewhere around the net and needing someone like Chad to help get the puck free. Now with them together, Chad is helping create some good chances for Staal, and an added bonus is that if the other team is keying on Staal once Rosie gets the puck, it allows Rosie the chance to take a quick shot, which is why he is tied for the team lead for the number of shots on goal with 25. I have seen Chad with a number of great scoring chances in recent games, and I think with a little luck (or without some great saves by the opposing goalie) he could easily have had 4 or 5 goals by now.
by canadianexpatriate on Oct 24, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
LaRose and Staal
LaRose is proving game after game that he does have great chemistry with Staal. I readily acknowledge that fact. I do wonder if LaRose has the more nuanced hockey stick skills to be a first line wing; but the way he is playing, he is making a strong case for himself in that role. If LaRose were finishing on those great scoring opportunities off of passes, he could easily have 4 or 5 goals, as you mention.
Good players with Chemistry > Big Name Mercenaries
Don’t get me wrong. They will win games, a lot of games and maybe even go deep in the playoffs.
Case in Point Yankees
All "Real Men" have one name in common: "Daddy"
Prima Donnas Need Not Apply, signed Hurricanes Organization
I am 100% in agreement that a super star with a diva attitude doesn’t win as many games as excellent players with chemistry and character. On the other hand, having players with the skill of Staal, Sutter, and Skinner who also have character will win a team a ton of games.
Has to be some give and take. One of the big reasons we won the Cup in 06’ was because we had hard working, skilled guys like Cullen and LaRose on our 3rd line.
4th Line in 2005-06
I think the 4th line in 2006 was Adams-Adams-LaRose. Andrew Ladd was playing with Cullen.
b/c he has zero career power play goals.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 25, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s pretty hard to score power play goals if you don’t get to play on the power play! In the last 3 years LaRose has averaged 15 to 28 seconds a game on the power play (during which he did get a couple of power play assists, which is where I think his value would be anyway), compared to over 4 minutes a game for players like Staal who play it regularly. I’d be interested to see as an experiment what happened if he got to play a few games on the power play… If he didn’t get any points, then end the experiment. It’s not like the Canes power play would have anything to lose by giving it a try!
by canadianexpatriate on Oct 25, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Cory
Nice article and well put. Samsonov’s play has been a very pleasant surprise to me. I am also pleased and surprised at Cole’s play, although he could make himself a total NHL beast if he could work on finishing those breakaways. I didn’t see LaRose as a first line wing, but he is earning his stripes, although he too could help the team enormously if he could finish the open shots.
I appreciate your pointing out that Babchuk has shown good hands and has scored on pinching in toward the net. I suspect most of the Canes players are to one degree or another in net of some rest. I think the Hurricanes brain trust deserves great credit for their work with this young team. Paul Maurice seems to be enjoying genuinely coaching the team. In return, the team seems to be on the same page about how the team has to play to win within the system. For example, Samsonov is forechecking and backchecking like a wild man. That work is generating great opportunities offensively for him and his teammates.
I have heard the hardest time for a team after a long road trip are the first two or three games back. Hopefully, the RBC will be rocking and the team will be energized by the support. Finally, some of the optimistic Caniacs who thought the team would be in the fight after this trip from hell are all doing their happy dance in the privacy of their own homes.
An Addendum
As a person who has bashed Harrison, I have to admit he has played far, far better than I have ever imagined. It’s not realistic to expect him to be an All-World defenseman; but he has been very solid and steady. He gets beat on occasion and doesn’t have the foot speed to make up for slight errors in positioning, but he is playing within his limitations well. I would have thought Carson would beat him out, but he is earning his roster spot.
Right there with you. Bashed him but he has stepped up his game and I am a believer he can fill a role in the top 6 pairings.
Although during Phoenix game there was one example of his fault he tries to go a bit beyond his skill, tried to connect a long pass that went for an icing. He is at his best when he keeps it simple, just soft chip it off glass so lines can change if someone can get to it great if not better than trapping tired players on ice.
When he is keeping it simple is when he works best.
Sammy has played well makes for a real interesting trade later in the season. Just don’t see him getting resigned for next season.
CORNHOLE NAZI
Samsonov
I also think it is hard to envision Samsonov being re-signed; but if he continues to play this way, it would be hard not to give him a one year contract. Samsonov ought to ask for a one year contract wherever he goes because he is a different, much better player in his contract year.
thats what I was going to say…..he always turns it up a notch in a contract year (so does Rosie).
CORNHOLE NAZI
Right
But he does it because he is smart and wants to land a lucrative contract. There is no magic about contract years, just the added motivation to make more money… if he can do well now and land a 3-5 year contract and then disappear again, that’s what he’ll do.
Cole Play
From Day 1 at Camp Brindy Cole has gone at 110%. I notice that he cuts across the middle at times instead of always plowing down the right side..The defenseman is overplaying him to go right and he is taking advantage… hope he stays healthy and continues to contribute. He was in front of the net on the Babchuk OT winner..let’s see.. Joni and Babs and Cole at the net..looks like 3 on 1(Jussi) the other way id Babs doesn’t score!
Cole Cutting Across the Middle
When Cole uses his speed to cut laterally to the middle, he is a force to be reckoned with; and I too notice he has made an effort to do so much more frequently than in the past. If he can get his scoring touch, it would really help the Canes enormously. He is adding net presence and physicality even if he doesn’t have hands of gold.
…Joni and Babs and Cole at the net..looks like 3 on 1(Jussi) the other way if Babs doesn’t score!
LOL! That’s exactly right.
Mo probably cringed before celebrating when he saw Anton pinching as Joni swept down the right side after circling the wagon train (“Oh, no! YES! YES!”) :-D
High risk, high reward.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Thinking further today about that choice Babchuk made pinching, I swear that was the exact move I remember them practicing in an early practice (september?) I attended, I believe still preseason, after the big cuts sent players to Charlotte. There was a lengthy drill for the power play (I was tweeting live that day) and the group cycled the puck (with lots of passing), and at some point Babs was supposed to pinch down exactly like he did last night to put it in. Exactly the same move. Maybe not as improvised as it seemed last night.
I also was thinking about Pitkanen’s virtuoso tour carrying the puck around before he set Babchuk up. I’m thinking he was doing his own personal “homage” to Jeff Skinner. I don’t recall Pits ever doing anything like that creative skating/stickhandling previously, but it may be after watching how much fun and success Skinner has finding openings and claiming territory to score, Pits may have felt inspired to try some himself.
May not be the case, but that’s pretty nice story to see how having a kid who doesn’t know any better challenges the “accepted standards” of what you’re supposed to do, and inspires the veterans to expand their repertoire and join the fun..
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 24, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I certainly haven’t seen Joni make such a series of moves like that before, including the give-and-go before the pass. I said to elskling at the time of the goal: “That was all Joni.”
Good on Babchuk to have the stick on the ice (and I do believe he’s following orders these days and was correctly pinching, because the “F3” was properly getting into position up high), because Joni hit his blade spot on, and puck careened in the net off of the goalie’s right skate blade.
I can definitely see where watching Jeff self-activate might indeed inspire a high-skill skater like Joni to turn on the afterburner himself with a bit of razzle-dazzle.
I certainly was dazzled. :-)
Here we are now...entertain us.
Lynn Swan => Jeff Skinner connection
so taking ballet, Swan, or figure skating, Skinner, helps with the finesse that many players lack?
I can see many more boys in hockey country, wherever that is, taking more figure skating classes.
All "Real Men" have one name in common: "Daddy"
Scoring
One of the large questions with the young team was where will the points come from?
I think this grueling road trip answered some of those questions. We have seen creative scoring from a wide variety of players, at crucial times.
In spite of Staal’s star status, we have seen points from Rutuu, Jussi, LaRose, Samsinov, Skinner, Sully, Dwyer, Pitkanen, and Babs (I may have missed some).
This bodes well for the team going forward.
Except for the Nucks game—-we competed in every game. They are fast, and seem to
be coming together as a team. Should be a fun season to watch !!
GO CANES! Go Heels!
One of the things a "star" brings you
unless they are a leaving the ice, jump up and smash the other guys head into the glass or take out a knee type player is that you have the best the other team has concentrate on one player.
That opens up opportunity for the other players on the team.
All "Real Men" have one name in common: "Daddy"
There are still some concerns, IMO. Two points in seven games isn’t goo enough for Ruutu. I’m also surprised that neither Corvo nor McBain has scored. Sutter’s bumps and bruises have obviously slowed him, so not worried about his production yet (tho the injuries this early in the year are a concern).
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 25, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Ya it’s a concern, but moving from wing to center is a big adjustment, it’s a lot more skating and I noticed that almost everytime they got on the ice on Saturday they were chasing the puck from a dump in, so they were playing defense right off the start. I think the points will start coming when they can sustain longer puck possessions. It seems the only offense they are creating comes off the rush or on short cycles. I also this line will generate more offense at home where Ronnie can get them out against better matchups.
Standings
Sure, it’s early, but for the record we’re currently 8th in the East, with only the Rangers holding a meaningful game-in-hand from a point below us…but it’s with the Devils tonight, so no lay down.
Also, note that we are dead even on GF / GA at 21 after 7 games (that’s 3 per game for the math-impaired :-D).
We’re also at 1.14 points per game, just ahead of the 1.1 ppg pace that generates 90 points for a playoff toehold, currently projecting 93 points for the season.
Sure, it’s too small of a data pool for a high confidence rating right now, just under 10 percent of the way into the season. But sure is better than being 3 games into what would turn into a 14-game losing streak, which is where we were after 7 games last season (2-5).
Here we are now...entertain us.
If you think of it this way...
At a 1.14 points per game clip, we’d be on pace for registering 93 points in the standings while being on the road the entire season. Haha. Not bad at all. I gotta say, from what I’ve seen so far, I like our chances at getting into the playoffs, health permitting.
Early stats
Plus/minus leader, by a mile, is Erik Cole with a +6. Next closest being Joni and Anton at +3 (yes, Joni and Anton!). Sutter alone at +2. A whole bunch strung between the plus and minus one’s. Corvo and Jokinen in the caboose with minus threes.
Nonetheless, Jokinen (2-4) joins Staal (3-3) to lead point production at 6 points after 7 games, with Pitkanen (1-4) at 5 points right behind them.
Eric and Chad are peppering the goalie with each at a team-leading 25 shots pace. But, they have lots of company at the 20 and just below pace (Pitkanen, Babchuk, Skinner, Cole, and Ruutu).
Best shooting percentage, by far, is Samsonov’s deadly 2 for 3 success rate, with only about 37 minutes of total ice time. Think he needs maybe a bit more TOI to see if this is could perhaps be a trend or something? Patrick Dwyer’s 2 for 7 success rate (28.6%) holds down the second spot with both Sutter (18.2%) and Jokinen (15.4%) ahead of Staal’s very respectable 12.0%.
No surprise that Joni leads TOI with an average of 26:59 per game. Interestingly, Corvo matches him for shifts per game (30), but has the second highest average of 24:35, meaning Joni does indeed stretch his shifts a bit…at least moreso than Joe does, anyway.
Face off percentage leader, and the only Cane over 50 percent, is Jussi Jokinen at 51.6%. Next highest is Ruutu at 42.6% and it just gets brutal from there, with everyone else basically losing 2 out of 3.
And that stat has just got to change…somehow, someway.
Here we are now...entertain us.
We can knock call all we want for his inability to finish, but if you think about it he has spect a lot of time in the other team’s end when he’s out there. Hence the great +/-
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 25, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Cole and Ruutu
I think you meant we can knock Cole (not "call’) for his inability to finish; and your point is very well-taken that Cole is able to bring the puck through the defensive zone and neutral zone with speed and strength. I am seeing on video review of games that other teams are backing off of Cole and defending the pass. In other words, teams are defending Cole by daring him to shoot. I think both Cole and Ruutu are essential to the Hurricanes team being able to play the style they want to play. It is unfortunate Cole doesn’t have better hands, but his other hockey skills are still crucial to the team’s success. The same is even more true in my view with respect to Ruutu. Ruutu at center is likely to have to work harder to get scoring opportunities, but he brings so much to the team in terms of physicality and character that he is virtually indispensable. The Hurricanes have had a very hard time putting together winning streaks when Cole and Ruutu are out of the lineup.
Cole has zero confidence right now in 1 on 1 situations against goalies, he couldn’t pass the puck fast enough to Skinner on the 2 on 1 on Saturday, that’s not a good sign. He just needs to keep shooting, he’s getting the opportunities, eventually they’ll start going in.
Whew... what a game....
So many thoughts on that game….
- Erik Cole is playing great… Traditionally, Mr. Cole needs a month to get his touch back. I am thinking he is going to have a monster year. I too noticed the cutting to the middle. Since the Canes are traditionally a North South team, it really catches the opposition flat footed and leaves Erik all alone in a nice scoring area. I hope that continues. Ruutu is taking a page out of that book too. Nice to see.
- The offense is very fast and very creative. This team is simply loaded. The talent is just oozing onto the ice. I am going out on a limb here but this is the highest skill leveled team we have seen in Carolina.
- The Defense is going to get better and better. They are very fast too. McBain has not played great yet… like Cole, he seems to do his best work after the season gets further along. A lot of the Canes offense is going to come from the back end.
- Cam Ward is playing well. The post hits would have hit his pads if they were inside the post. It seems crazy that a guy can be so exact with his goal coverage but he is. When you play as many minutes as these guys do, that post must seem like a set of tree trunks. Keep it up Sir.
-Babchuk needs to be signed now. He came into camp in tremendous shape and it shows. The Canes knew what they were doing when they drafted him. Now lets sign him long term.
- Joni just got it in his mind that he was going to put an end to that game. It was really cool. For those of us that watch his game closely, it was clear that he had had enough of that come back and it was going to be over. That was an amazing display of determination.
- Skinner is getting more comfortable every time he hits the ice. What a talent. We did get the best player in that draft.
Thank You JR for what you do. The work you have done to get the draft picks and putting this team together is just astounding.
Ray Whitney, thanks for the memories but Phoenix needs you more than we do. Luck.
Good observations, and I agree with them all.
One minor correction, but it, too, speaks to JR’s GM’ing prowess.
Babchuk was not drafted by the Canes, but was the result of a player-for-player trade that JR engineered in January of the Cup year, as JR was stocking up on the D for the playoff run.
Danny Richmond (drafted 31st overall in 2003), a seemingly perpetual, yet gritty AHL-level defenseman was traded straight up to Chicago for Anton (drafted 21st overall in 2002), who was then splitting time between Norfolk and Chicago.
Anton continued to split time between the Canes and the Rats the remainder of that year, played no playoff games, but got his name on the Cup due to the org’s efforts, I’m guessing, since I don’t think he would have qualified otherwise.
Anyway, nice trade, JR, since Danny’s seen little NHL time since that trade, and is currently with the Toronto Marlies.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Good list Cory
I agree with all of these posts – but Johnny F said something interesting last night – it is not a forward line of Staal/LaRose/Jussi – but a starting 5 – he is also getting Joni and Corvo out there with them. Tom Rowe is trying to keep the 5 on the ice at the same time – which will help the offense out a bit.
I agree that faceoffs are a problem – a prospect and Sammy for a 3/4 line center who can win draws and a 3rd pairing defenseman?
For those that made comments about Prima Donnas, I bet we could get Kovalchuk (don’t want him) – that’s the problem with putting all of your eggs in one basket – NJ has problems.
With Pittsburgh and Washington coming to town (plus a trip to NYC), we will see if the defense can hold. I don’t think Cam can make 40 saves per game, although he seems to relish it! #1 star last night was definitely the pipes behind Cam.
I read something this week (probably on this website) that said that there is one model Southern franchise, and it is the one in Raleigh. I think that became evident last night – Glendale is actually a nice arena, but it would be like building the RBC Center in Hillsborough – no one would go to games (it is 18 miles from downtown Phoenix, where the Coyotes used to play).
Screw Kovalchuk, I don’t want to be part of that curse! Let’s try to pick up that RFA LW in NJ. That kid has a little skill and a solid work ethic. I’m sure NJ will use some cap cheating method to resign him, but he will probably not get what he is really worth. I recommend having CG lead the “Carolina wants Herpes (Parise)” campaign. :)
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
by PackPride17 on Oct 24, 2010 9:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I fully support bringing Angel Face (that’s to counteract your completely inaccurate nickname for him) here. That kid can flat out play and has hustle like you wouldn’t believe. No way NJ lets him go though.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Don’t get me wrong, I like him as a player. He’s probably my favorite player not in Carolina. But the kid had a herpes breakout last year and it was caught on TV during an intermission interview! :)
I can’t see how NJ would let him go, but they currently have $47.8M tied up in only 13 players. That doesn’t include Parise or Greene, their only offensive defenseman. Even if those 2 are signed, they are still short 1 top 6 winger. They could make it work, but it will be very tight unless they waive/trade multiple players or Parise takes one hell of a discount. I think you really need to work your magic to bring “Herpes” to Raleigh!
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
by PackPride17 on Oct 24, 2010 10:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not sure that I believe you like him, otherwise I really think you’d can the herpes talk because it certainly appears that you’re being very derogatory. CG’s a lot more patient than I am. Quite frankly I’m tired of hearing about it. But perhaps that’s just me.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 24, 2010 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, I won’t use that name again for him. But I stand by that CG should start a “Carolina wants Parise” campaign.
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
by PackPride17 on Oct 25, 2010 7:06 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
didnt get to watch..
But am reading Skinner played well. But not even a shot on goal. Was it simply just didn’t get the chance or did it look as if Mo told him to calm down and try to make plays and be more defensive.
Also am happy to see we have a whole lot of forwards that can score and that its a hard decision whos gonna be a healthy scratch every game
by jerry6racing on Oct 24, 2010 9:44 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Skinner did play pretty well and drew I think 2 penalties by skating hard. I’m glad we won, but I thought it was an average (blah) game by the Canes with a few flashes of very good hockey.
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
by PackPride17 on Oct 24, 2010 9:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I thought Skinner tried a little too hard at times and forced it a little. He had a couple of bad turnovers and really needs to worry clearing the puck in his own zone instead making the perfect play. I know he wants to contribute every shift but sometimes the simple play is the perfect play.
I like his moves and everything, I just wish he would shoot a little more often than trying to make an amazing play. Just shoot the puck on goal and avoid some of the hits he is taking. If the kid is a true sniper, some of those shots will go in and others will be rebounds that Cole & Ruutu can hammer in.
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
I agree a sniper should be taking shots not looking for rebounds and making plays. That’s why I was kinda confused when looking at the stats and he was one of the very few that didn’t get a shot on goal
by jerry6racing on Oct 25, 2010 11:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t think of him as a sniper. I think we’ll see him score a lot of dirty goals or stuff where his stickhandling and skating allows him to deke the goalie. But I don’t think we’ll see him picking corners with wrist shots from all over the ice.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 25, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Ya your probably right I was just going by his past in juniors where they were classifying him as a sniper and most of his playoff goals were but we have yet to see any in the nhl
by jerry6racing on Oct 25, 2010 12:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Skinner, I think is a hybrid. I think Cory is correct that Skinner will get many, many dirty goals; but I have also seen videos where he blasted shots past goalies. I am guessing Skinner will score more goals with his grit and strength; but he has the ability to score as a sniper as well. I suspect it may take him a little while to hone his sniper skills to get shots past NHL goalies.
It’s not that I don’t think he has the shot … but when i think sniper, I think AO and Kovy — guys who take cross-ice passes and rip one-timers from one knee, or that hover in the slot and rip wristers past the goalie.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 25, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
He scored 50 reg. season & 20 in playoffs last year, he knows how to score goals. I agree that we’ll probably see him score a lot of rebound goals this year because he’s one of those guys that the puck gravitates towards. I think as the season wheres on you’ll see him develop his NHL one-timer (Stamkos) and we’ll see him beating goalies in 1 on 1 situations. Hull, Shanny, and the Moose are probably the Father’s of the one kneed one-timer.
I think Skinner is capable of scoring exactly those goals… he just has been trying to be too cute. Throughout Juniors Skinner was always considered more of a pure sniper than a dangler.
I totally agree with Go_Shelf, I think he will start to develop his 1-timer (especially on the PP) and start scoring from the high slot like Stamkos does all the time. I’d love to see him shoot the puck more, both his wristers and slapshots are deadly.
I think this is one of the toughest for 18 year olds that make the jump. NHL goalies especially starters are so much better than junior goalies, they make shooters think there’s a hole where there really isn’t. Once Skinner watches some tape and learns some of the NHL goaltender tendencies it should make it a little easier. I’m not saying it’s automatic, look no further than Eric Cole
Oh I agree… Kids aren’t coming out of juniors as elite scorers. Just like Stamkos last year and Tavares coming out big this year, I believe it takes a good year of NHL experience to hone ones offensive game against NHL caliber goalies. One of the big reasons I’m for keeping Skinner this year is that I think he needs a real year of NHL play to become an elite talent. Another year in Juniors will not help that aspect of his game.
That said I fully believe Skinner will develop into a Star for the Canes. I don’t think 30-40 goals is out of the question in the next few seasons.
I don’t expect him to score like OV or Kovy, I just want to see him shoot more often. The kid is all of 4’ 9" and I just want to see him make it through a full year. He doesn’t have to stop driving to the net, just every once in a while; take a 15’ shot. Aim low and play for a rebound, I don’t care. I just want the kid to understand you can get a quality scoring chance without fighting through 2 defenders and stuffing it at the goal.
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
I was hoping after the goal he scored, being a relatively harmless and quick rebound shot, he would start shooting a bit more. I like when he drives the net and he has beaten some great defensive Dmen doing it, but I would like to see his sniper’s shot more often.
It seems to me that he is still trying to play a CHL game of trying to overpower a weak D and deke out an inexperienced goalie. He has been beating lots of veteran D, but the goalies are clearly much better. The best goal scorers in the NHL (Ovi, Kovy, Stamkos) do this on occasion, but they score most of their goals with lots and lots of shots on net. I’d love to see Skinner parked on the high slot firing one-timers on our PP. Stamkos scores an easy 15-25 goals a year this way.
If Skinner becomes even near the player Stamkos is I will be ecstatic. Stamkos may be the most complete offensive player that has come into the league since Crosby. That guy can do everything from playmaking to sniping. He is a ridiculous talent.
If Skinner can get 20 goals as a rookie that will be quite an accomplishment.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
Stamkos is a Superstar. He looks like he will be good for 45-50+ goals a season long-term. I honestly would pick him over Ovi at this point if I were a GM.
I think Skinner will manage 20 goals and 40-50 points this year. As many have said, he probably would be better off shooting more because he has an extremely accurate shot from all areas of the ice. The things that he does now would be impressive coming from any veteran, much less an 18 year old kid. I think he will have a pretty high ceiling once he becomes fully acclimated to the NHL.
hey Cory
were you looking at some of the vids of him in Kitchner ?? he did that alot meaning the dirty goals…he had a few (from what i’m told) a couple from say the crease and over the shoulders of the goalie…but hey a goal is still a goal…right ?? :-}
Everytime you write off the Hurricanes,
They make You Look Bad!!
Everything I saw coming in to the draft showed him as having a quick release, but not necessarily a deadly one. It’s a shot that’s going to beat guys from around the dots and in.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 25, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Cory, not to belabor the point, but at 18 most players have yet to develop a booming shot. All things considered, in addition to his skating skills, intensity, and strength, Skinner does have an excellent shot even at this point. I did see some videos like Steve mentioned where Skinner scored from further out than the dots. Again, I am not arguing the point, so much as observing that Skinner has a fine shot.
1-25
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL7jqE0krsQ
26-50
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxc9fWq86MU&feature=channel
Playoffs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSVaanJ-S54&feature=channel
Skinner’s 70 goals from last year. Obviously taken with of salt since they are OHL games, not NHL… But watching them now you can definitely see his game. A few of my thoughts:
- I can see what you are talking about with the fast release, but he also seems to be deadly accurate at times (mostly in the mid and low slot with wristers and slapshots). He has very good timing on one-timers and can get a shot off from seemingly any position.
- Watching the videos, it seems at least 50% of his goals come from 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th chances (it gets ridiculous). He indeed seems like a magnet to the puck.
- He had some great chemistry with Gabriel Landeskog, likely a 1st Round pick in the upcoming Draft.
gee almost 24 hours later
1. Good posting Cory…
2. Thank You packPride for " understanding" and changing/adjusting that term…
3. i was happy as a loon in a lakeful of fish that the canes won but was and am still rather “miffed” that cam just had to go behind the net and that led to the second yotes goal that tied the ga,me in the 3rd & went into OT…sadly Cam ward has done that before as it give the appearence of not beiong totally aware of who from the other team is near him in the trap behind the net…sadly thrugh out the NHL Ward isn’t the only one that happens to…
4. But over all am glad to see how the lines & the team over all is gellin better…hmmm i wonder if they wear Dr. S’s inserts in their skates ?? :-}
Everytime you write off the Hurricanes,
They make You Look Bad!!
Cole and Skinner
Like the big bro/little bro dynamic I keep seeing out on the ice between Cole and Skinner. “No blind puck dumps there little buddy.” I still crack up every time a Cole rush turns into a puck bouncing train wreck 10 feet in front of the goal. Cole is a first ballot hands of feet hall of famer.
Oh Please AD
don’t tease us or get us all excited like that …but i will say this…that would be very exciting indeed…if the likes of Skinner,Cole,LaRose,Jokinen,McBain & Corvo all took off and started scoring ….500 in the standing %?? ……pfffttt that would be nothing wouldn’t it ?? If Only…time to go fix soup & sandwhich for lunch…
Everytime you write off the Hurricanes,
They make You Look Bad!!
Great road trip...
Many more plusses than minuses, will be interesting to see how we play against eastern conference teams. Against the west, we beat minnesota twice, phoenix, and san jose, then lost against los angeles and vancouver. we also lost to ottowa in a close one.
If one could imagine the eastern conference being a bit more of a banging conference, we will have to continue to use our speed through the middle (staal/sutter/ruutu) to keep defensemen skating backwards and away from teeing off on our smaller forwards. if we can do that, we will remain competitive.
the defense still scares me from a defensive point of view, but the offensive upside is great so far.
go canes!
Belated second to Cory's 5th point on PM
PM deserves a world of credit for bringing the Canes home from a killer road trip with a 4-3 record. That’s better than we had any right to expect. It took a while, but PM has also found a good spot for Skinner, at least for now, on the line with Ruutu and Cole. PM has proven his judgment far superior to that of impatient fans, me among them.
The scary concern at this point is how unrealistic it is to expect Cam Ward to go on stopping huge numbers of shots, too many from close range. I hope it’s possible for the current group of defensemen to tighten up. Based on watching them play, Corvo’s -3 doesn’t seem like a fluke, and neither does Gleason’s -1. It’s amazing that the Canes have fared so well with those two playing below their historical standard. I wonder if they are playing through injuries?
If PM wants to play mad scientist, he might sometimes let Babchuk pull a Byfuglein and try to be the big forward that the Canes need. Babchuk skates surprisingly well, at least when he’s moving forward, looks right at home rushing the net on a two-on-one or pinching in, and, of course, has that booming shot.
AD, why don’t you figure out the best linemates for Babchuk the forward?
by curiouscanesfan on Oct 25, 2010 4:41 PM EDT reply actions
Babchuk as Forward on the Power Play
The funny thing is back in 2008-2009, I pitched the idea to the powers that be of having Babchuk play forward on the power play and play with his back to the net as the Canes Mr. Net Presence. I thought then that on the power play he could use his size and long arms to deflect in pucks. I did my best; but I never saw Babchuk put there.
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