Staal Leads Carolina Over Ottawa: Hurricanes 7, Senators 1
by Bob Wage on Nov 17, 2010 10:30 PM EST
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PrintEric Staal earned his first hat trick of the season -- as well as the 11th of his career -- at the RBC on Wednesday night as the Carolina Hurricanes blew out the Ottawa Senators, 7-1. Staal scored twice on the powerplay in the first period and tipped in one more while at even strength in the third on a nice rush with Sergei Samsonov.
Chad LaRose knocked in two goals himself as the first line accounted for a total of 11 points.
Tim Gleason started off the scoring for the Hurricanes as he and LaRose hooked up during a two on one rush just 4:25 into the game. Then the home team could do no wrong as Staal scored his two goals and LaRose put in his first as the Canes took a 4-0 lead into the dressing room at the close of the opening period.
After a scoreless second period -- during which Paul Maurice called a time out to wake his troops up -- LaRose opened the third when he put back a rebound from a Jamie McBain shot to make it 5-0.
Daniel Alfredsson ruined the shutout bid when he knocked in a powerplay goal for the Sens, but it was all Canes after that. Staal would net his third goal, off a perfect pass by Samsonov, then Tuomo Ruutu closed the scoring when he rocketed a blast of a one-timer past Pascal Leclaire, who had come into the game at 4-0 to spell Brian Elliott. Erik Cole set up Ruutu perfectly as he rushed past a defenseman, circled behind the net, then passed to the Finn, who was open inside the slot area.
While the Canes played well, it must be noted that the Senators had attended services for Luke Richardson's daughter earlier in the day and flew into Raleigh late in the afternoon for the game. They understandably did not have their hearts into this contest.
Quick Stats and Thoughts:
- Staal finished with 5 points and a (+4), LaRose had 4 points and a (+4), and Joe Corvo also had a (+4).
- Tim Gleason had a multi-point night with a goal and an assist.
- The penalty killers looked like they just wanted to play offense all game long. Staal had two breakaway chances, but was unable to finish. Sutter had one and he hit the post with his attempt. There were a couple of other odd man rushes as well. On one sequence, Patrick Dwyer chased the puck all over the Sens zone, kept it in the zone by himself, and almost stole it for a good chance.
- The Canes only won 40% of their faceoffs with no individual winning more than 45%.
- It was not a huge hitting game, although there was a bit of chippiness from time to time. Tuomo Ruutu led the Canes with four hits.
- The team had 28 shots on goal led by Staal with six. Jussi Jokinen was next with four. Jokinen also had two assists on his bobblehead night.
Chad LaRose
Paul Maurice
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I’m very happy for the win and a Staal hattie but I’m done trying to figure this team out – that is all I will say about this game. I’m just going to sit back and try to enjoy the ride for the rest of the season :D
Also, I’m still not as down on the trade today as others have been. I’d rather not have lost TommyK but I’d take White over Babchuk on defense any day of the week. He’s much better in his own end of the ice than Babchuk ever was.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
Well the team
management did what it felt it had to…and the Canes as a team did their job…my family has been praying for the family…too…Good night all
The moment you write off the Hurricanes,
they make you look bad !!
I equate this win with the ones over the Islanders and the Oilers. The Senators were just lost, and hardly knew which end to shoot on. Elliot was a mess. Nice to win, but it doesn’t give me a tremendous amount of confidence. The Penguins have struggled of late, but they will be a very tough match up. If we can show up strong there then I’ll start to feel better.
Staal was a force for a full 60 minutes and on every inch of the 200×75. Many of you know I often found myself sitting in the “disappointed/confused by” category last season. For him to play this well this early in the season is a tremendous thing. Best season ever for him after 18 games. Just Awesome. All hail.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 17, 2010 11:22 PM EST reply actions
I am surprised to read this from you. The Senators were in a bad situation, however, we worked extremely hard while at the same time taking advantage of our chances so I think you have to give the team credit. That’s a good thing I don’t think we can say a lot of the time in the past. We are borderline playoff team right now who is going to beat the teams at our level and below and we will struggle against the top tier teams at least at this point in the season — that is my expectation.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 18, 2010 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
hotchips, I’m not sure what surprises you, but I’ll answer if you can be specific.
It may just be that I don’t want to get all wound up happy like this was some sort of statement. ( I also felt that way after the Edmonton game) Once the ball started rolling, the Canes owned this game. Sens rolled over, didn’t really want to be there.
I want to see this group of Hurricanes stay focused and feel that kind of certainty when challenged, not up 3-0 in the 1st. I didn’t mean to imply I don’t like the team or I’m mad at anybody or whatever. Just don’t see this win as indicative of “Problem solved”. Lot more needs to happen before they really have found their identity and confidence. Entertaining as all get out to watch it happen.
I think I’m sticking with the highs shouldn’t be too high, nor the lows too low. Maybe heard a few people (MIke M on the aftermath for sure) getting a bit too high after this dominant win, so that if/when things don’t go so well in Pittsburgh they’re back on the ledge with shock and dismay.
And Eric Staal was a beast.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Pens and Predators Game
If one looks at the 18 games thus far, it’s clear that the Hurricanes can play a dominant game against either mid-level to lower level teams or a team that justifiably is flat, such as Ottawa for all the reasons previously discussed. What is also clear is that the Hurricanes is that thus far the Hurricanes are a team that can struggle when playing upper tier teams. The Philadelphia and Montreal games were not merely losses, the team had some moments of meltdown.
Staal was a beast; and both Samsonov and LaRose had excellent games. It was great being at the RBC and seeing the team get on a roll. These next two games will be good tests of the Canes’ progress. One question it will answer is whether in fact Babchuk was unsound defensively and was a significantly contributing cause to poor defensive positioning and poor defensive play. Another question is will answer is whether Samsonov/Staal/LaRose can be effective against motivated, upper tier teams. In fantasy hockey which duo would be chosen: Crosby/Malkin, Heatley/Thorton, Ovechkin/Backstrom, Sedin/Sedin, Perry/Getzlaf, or Samsonov/Staal.
The Hurricanes team is playing much better than many, many people predicted. The Samsonov/Staal/LaRose line ruled last night. Samsonov is having his best season in years. Still, Samsonov and LaRose on the first line are being expected to accomplish things against the best teams that I think will be difficult for them to accomplish together on a consistent, game by game basis. Even so, when the Samsonov/Staal/LaRose line are in sync, they create magic.
You hit the nail on the head with your 1st paragraph and adding White gives us a better chance against the upper level teams. There’s really no question about Babchuk’s defensive game, it’s average to poor. When he goes out against quicker forwards it’s not even fair, he’s 1 to 2 steps too slow as we saw with the 2nd goal in Montreal.
White is not exactly a shutdown D himself though. He has had a pretty awful season in Calgary so far, being -10 which is by far the worst for their D (next closest is -3).
I’m just saying our D has been awful as a whole, people hating on Babs are being ridiculous. 5’10, 190 lb Ian White is certainly not going to be the answer to our problems. He may play better defense than Babs, but we lost one of our best defensive forwards in TK. I really liked White’s play in Toronto, but almost everything coming out of Calgary is just brutal. I’d give it a few games before we start calling him our team’s savior.
+/- is a tricky stat, and Calgary is having a rough season.
I’m sure the Canes had some defensemen with +/- numbers that did NOT tell the true story of their skill around this time last year
It is a tricky stat… But in comparison:
Bouwmeester (4)
Sarich (4)
Giordano (+2)
Reghehr (0)
Staios (-1)
White (-10)
That is pretty hard to explain… But easy to tell why Calgary would be reportedly shopping him. Like I have said, I liked Ian White a lot at Toronto and I had hoped JR acquired him last year (before we got Babchuk and Corvo). He just hasn’t had a great year this year and is certainly not the big defensive D that I think we need long-term. He is definitely a defensive upgrade to Babchuk, but losing Kostop is also a defensive downgrade. I would have liked to see Babchuk and Kostop used as assets in a more productive deal (maybe getting a younger RFA at least).
Wasn’t calling him the savior, just one of few missing pieces. He was being shopped because they knew they had no chance to re-sign him. White plays much bigger than 5’10 and he skates well. He’s similar to Corvo but probably better defensively and worse offensively. I think he’s going to be a nice addition.
People hating on Babchuk aren't even close to being ridiculous.
He’s awful at stopping goals from being scored. That’s supposed to be his job.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
P.S.:
Please point out the only person other than you to use the word ‘savior.’
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Predators are scrambling after giving up a 3-0 lead in Toronto Tuesday to lose 5-4. Their bloggers went bonkers yesterday with that loss.
They’re in Montreal tonight. Y’know how fun that is these days. Then they’re flying into Raleigh for Saturday’s game.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
I equate this win with the ones over the Islanders and the Oilers. The Senators were just lost, and hardly knew which end to shoot on. Elliot was a mess. Nice to win, but it doesn’t give me a tremendous amount of confidence.
This sentence didn’t sound like you. For a minute I thought I was reading one of the posters I refer to as the “ledgers.” You always seem upbeat and it didn’t sound like you were giving the ‘Canes any credit, and I know the Sens situation, but the ’Canes did have to play and they took advantage of the situation and I think that’s a good thing. I understand your point though.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 18, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah – I’m definitely not a ledger. Ever. (Like that term). I also am a little skeptical of the other extreme, especially in November, especially with the roster movements this week.
IMHO, the Canes didn’t have to work very hard last night. The Senators never showed up. A lot like the Islanders and Oilers. Too much going on between the opposing teams’ collective ears to really push back.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
I’m with you on this one HM. I said something very similar to canescup last night as well. This game was fun to watch and I’m sure fun for the guys to play. But there are still some issues that need to resolved and I don’t expect us to drop 7 on the Flyers of the world.
Bottom line-good game from the guys in red, but I’m not buying my playoff tickets yet.
"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."
I find this tidbit interesting
Through 18 games there have been 6 games have had one team scoring 7+ goals (8 with 5+). I don’t recall this happening in the past (could be wrong though)
I’m not sure how I feel about it. I would like to see the Canes play and win closer, grittier games. Those types of games are more exciting to me (even though scoring 7 goals is awesome!) I also think they show the measure of a team.
Fun game tonight and it’s great to see Staal get the hat-trick. I can’t wait to see the new guys in the lineup on Friday. LET’S GO CANES!
It's a Caniac Thing
Staal...
…came to play tonight. No question.
Not just the points, but lots of Captain things I saw, as well.
This could be the year it all starts to come together for him.
Here we are now...entertain us.
God, that Eric Staal.
He sucks. I wish he did something to earn his salary.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 12:51 AM EST reply actions
Sorry should have included my sarcasm font.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
I’m still looking for “comic avec”
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Ah there it is. Stop the clock. Bashers are a little slow today.
by drifterscape on Nov 18, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he really disappoints me when he doesn't get five points a night, too.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Over-simplification to equate points with earning ones salary.
Effort earns salary, which happened to result in points last night.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Yeah, he scores a point a game without even trying!
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
Wait, you mean over the first twenty games of the season?
Because he’s never done it before, or even come particularly close.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Let me put my first sentence in bold, too.
So you’ll feel right at home.
How about Zach Parise last season for even less cap hit ($3.125M)?
Point is, it ain’t just the points…which if you weren’t the argumentative type, you’d be trying to explain to me.
Here we are now...entertain us.
I thought the team today came out a little grittier then normal, a little more “willing”. Like they already had the two new players on the team, or like management had made it clear that they didn’t have to try for the lady Bing. I liked the attitude, I liked the hustle, and of course I liked the effort.
Any thoughts on Carson? I only really noticed him two or three times, both in good ways. I thought the first line got the message that they were schooled by Montreal and really were trying hard to make sure that they were not schooled again. As always, Larose seemed most excited by Staal’s hat trick. Skinner is continuing to get played hard by the opponents, but he is starting to learn how to deal with it. I expect to see the scoring start again soon.
On the trades, it looked to me like Sammy was playing a little nervous tonight, almost like he was still worrying about being traded. It didn’t sound like Rutherford was looking for more moves based on the soundbite pre game, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see two more of our forwards go for a stay at home defenseman. Maybe Carson can take that spot until the playoff situation becomes clear. I do think White will be a worthwhile addition.
Carson and Rodney
I continue to like Carson’s game; and would have him in place of Harrison in a nanosecond. I think Harrison is playing more because he is on a one way contract and Canes are already paying O’Sullivan to watch games from the press box. Carson is not as strong or as willing to drop the gloves as Harrison; but he is a better skater, has better body control, better hands, and better judgment with the puck. Carson was initially offered a one way contract and declined to go the UFA route. It was a mistake not to grab the chance to be on the roster; and Carson is paying for that miscalculation by riding buses for a significant part of the year. On teams with a greater salary budget, he’d be playing.
Skinner is continuing to get hit with cheap shots; and particularly after the play. It’s part of the NHL officiating culture that they allow a certain degree of “welcome to the NHL” hazing of the league’s younger players. On other teams with a few bigger forwards on lower lines, you’d see some fairly intense hits during the game on the offenders, if not a straight fight during the game. I understand why the coaches don’t want Ruutu, Cole, or Gleason retaliating; but Harrison could help the team by “taking a number” and steamrolling the offending players or the other team’s young star. I’ve often heard the expression: “you to touch our stars, we touch your stars.”
Rutherford’s interview about the trade made it plain (albeit in the quiet, low key “Jim Rutherfordesque” language) that he wanted to get some of the Checkers’ forwards up to Carolina. As I recall he said something to the effect that we need to clean some things up at forward and we have some guys at forward down in Charlotte tearing it up and we have to deal with that by giving them a look here. My translation is that O’Sullivan and Matsumoto may be sent down to bring up Dalpe and Boychuk or Dalpe and Bowman. Dalpe is really on fire. Boychuk and Bowman are also playing very, very well. Osala is also making a big push as well. Matsumoto has been getting better and better; and if he were moved down to Charlotte, the team would want to bring up a center.
Also, for the first time in quite some time Rodney’s name game up as being a potential call up. According to Forslund, Wesley has been singing Rodney’s praises and says that Rodney is the team’s best dman. From what I’ve seen Bellemore continues to improve; and particularly his skating. Borer, too, seems more comfortable on the ice; and I think Borer at some point over the season will get time at Carolina.
I continue to believe Samsonov will be traded even though he is playing extremely well. He did seem to have a slight amount of nervous Nellie hands at one point; but he was doing a great job of getting Staal the puck. He also finished some checks on the forecheck.
Why the Harrison criticism? He has, through this season, been everything you ask of him. On some nights, he has been the only D man playing the game smartly. I like Carson, and I feel he should be up, but if I am picking a player to take his spot, it’s McBain. He could use another year in the A to find his game, IMO.
Harrison and McBain
I totally agree Harrison has been very, very solid and much, much better than I ever thought he would be. Harrison has truly done all that is asked of him; but I am only observing the pros and cons. His limitations are at the pure physical skill level; and it shows up against the more skilled players. I don’t see the organization sending McBain down. I do see the organization setting up a process whereby if he is struggling a bit, he gets fewer minutes. McBain’s pass on the power play to set up a goal is one of the reasons he is kept up. He also is improving with sealing the crease and using his eye hand coordination to get pucks out of the zone.
I still don’t like it. Mcbain is a kid with good upside. I worry that with the way his season is starting that keeping him up can ruin his confidence in his game. He doesn’t have the same upside as Tanabe had, but I feel like that is what we did to Tanabe. I would rather see him munching major minutes in the A and racking up assists, then seeing his results limited and his ice time decreased in the bigs. Just my opinion though.
McBain, IMO, is coming around … more on this in Five Obs later
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2010 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
FWIW, in the 2 blowout losses (PHI and MTL), his plus/minus was the best of the 6 Canes defensemen.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
while that is encouraging, +/- is not the most telling of stats ( though some would have you believe otherwise)
It’s about more than that … agree that plus/minus can be deceiving.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2010 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed, but with 15 goals against, to be only -1, still seemed worth a mention, understanding there’s a lot more to be said.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Him getting less responsibility because of his struggles would directly explain that.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
(I’m agreeing with you)
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
McBain
He probably played one of his best games last night. He continues to impress with his overall passing. I saw one errant pass from him last night and, quite frankly, it was more of a good play by the Sens closing a gap up against the near wall. I was beginning to think that a stint in Charlotte might be needed, but I’m all for keeping him up here for now.
It’s down below, but according to Jeff Daniels, Carson will return to Charlotte today. McBain is safe here for now. Especially having traded a RH puck handling Dman yesterday.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
Samsonov
Quite frankly this was Samsonov’s first good game after two pedestrian or even bad games. He did play well last night. Skinner is clearly being targeted, not just for cheap shots, but defensively. As soon as he touches the puck two defenders are converging. He picked it up about half way through the game and when he didn’t see open ice, I noticed that he made the appropriate, quick pass.
O’Sullivan wasn’t invisible last night, but didn’t really do anything to help his cause. When Matsumoto and Tlusty would go into corners POS notably stayed up high. Now maybe that was his responsibility, but I didn’t see a man who knew he had to throw it all out there to save a spot on this team. Again, he was a bit snake bit by the situations he was in when he came over the wall. He did get one nice take away, though. Still, he didn’t really do anything to impress.
He isn’t given a fair shake IMO with 7:28 TOI.
If you want to tell a guy he is in a make or break situation, you gotta let him off the leash to run. The game was well out of hand midway through the third, put him out there for a few extra shifts and see if he can show you something. Whats the harm? The game goes to 7-2 instead of 7-1.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been one of the loudest advocates for giving Sully more ice time on a scoring line. Having said that he knows exactly what his situation is, so maybe I had just hoped that he’d be more visable in his brief time on ice. I’m well on record saying Maurice has mishandled that situation.
Sammy's good play only makes it MORE likely he'll get traded.
Unless we somehow get in the discussion for a top four or five seed, I’d think we’d be smart to stick to the plan and keep getting younger while gaining assets.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
I also noticed
that the Senators kept Skinner tied up to where he could’t get a “decent” shot off. But the bear Hug Rosie gave Tim Gleason would have scared me too…This fan is still “cautiously optimistic”…hmmm gee how middle of the road is that ?
The moment you write off the Hurricanes,
they make you look bad !!
Ya i seen 1 time there were to defenders on Skinner and the rest of the team was wide open and I think it eventually lead to a goal. As long as he still brings his “work ethic” and battles for the Puck like he does ill be happy. I hope he can @ least stay ahead of the rest of the rookie crowd in scoring
by jerry6racing on Nov 18, 2010 8:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
O'Sullivan/corners
regarding the post about O’Sullivan staying up high, I think we’re supposed to have a high forward if a D-man crashes down, that might explain it.
"Mo Must Go...Unless You're in Love with .500 Hockey and Undeveloped Young Talent"
by Capt. Stinky on Nov 18, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I think you’re right. It just put him in an awkward position of looking like he was drifting while his linemates were putting body on body down low. He was flying when he was on the ice. He’s an unbelievable skater….like I said, he didn’t look like he was dogging it, but situationally he wasn’t given anything to show his stuff. Don’t think that’s necessarily on him. But it didn’t help his cause.
My favorite tweet of the night...
…comes from LTD:
Staal-Sammy-LaRose serving a big ole helping of SFTU about the top line. Just sayin.
Love it. :-)
Here we are now...entertain us.
by Elsker on Nov 18, 2010 8:46 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
:D
I was reading through the game thread and there were a couple of unanswered questions, so here goes…
Yes, I ate reindeer in Finland. LOVED IT. No, it does not taste like chicken. Very beefy, but not gamey at all, like venison can be sometimes. It was roasted and served medium rare with a port wine gravy over mashed potatoes with ligonberry sauce on the side. Delicious!!! #IwishIwasstillinHelsinki
During the third period I struck up a conversation with a man and his daughter who were sitting in front of me. They live a couple of hours away, and he said the only reason he was staying with the game well in hand was to see if Cam got the shutout. To which I exclaimed, “NO!!! Don’t say that! You’ll jin… oh CRAP!”
So there’s your answer on the shutout jinx.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Nov 18, 2010 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
A big night by them against an Ottawa team that clearly wasn’t ready to play still doesn’t change the fact that the line scares no one and it still has an all-star flanked by two 2nd/3rd line talents. I’m all for them putting up points and want to see them do well but one game against Ottawa last night really don’t all of a sudden make that an awesome first line.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
Well, the reality is that unless you can convince PK to spend the $8M or more that we have remaining in salary cap space, that’s probably the best we can do for a first line and still have some viable threats on the other lines.
Staal has practically picked his linemates and I see no need to second guess the results, at least at this point.
It is what it is.
Here we are now...entertain us.
True. I can agree with that and the money situation is what it is. Don’t mean I have to love it though, haha!
Although, I really haven’t necessarily thought about Staal is choosing who he wants on his wings. If those two wingers are the ones he thinks he can be the most successful with then who am I to complain.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
...but that doesn't make this any less true.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
+1
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
Listening to Jeff Daniels w/Mike Solarte on radio stream here
He expects Brett Sutter to be at practice today in Charlotte. Said something like : “I don’t know how long we’ll have him” – suggesting he may be expecting to see him in Raleigh sooner than later.
He also said Brett Carson will be returned to Charlotte today and will play vs Adirondack Friday.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 8:55 AM EST reply actions
He’s only on a conditioning assignment. Once that’s up, he’ll have to clear waivers to stay in the AHL. So he’ll either come to Raleigh, clear and stay in Charlotte, or be claimed by someone.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2010 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Okay – hadn’t seen that anywhere in my reads.
Also thinking Carson was probably some sort of emergency call up because of the Babchuk trade. So we still don’t have our confirmed answer on whether Carson mus pass through re-entry waivers w/his $105k salary.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
You can’t emergency recall based on a trade, I don’t think. Maybe I’ll see if I can get an answer to this.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 18, 2010 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
It looks right – Emergency conditions established only for illness, injury or suspension. CBA Para 13.13, (m) (ii).
So the trade is not a qualifying condition. Hmmm. Are you confident that Carson does or does not require re-entry waivers now? (I’m so confused!)
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Not exactly surprising with 3G + 2A = 5 P and +4, but
Eric Staal is (as you might expect) Puck Daddy’s 1st star of night, ESPN’s daily stat leader, and NHLcom’s #1 star of night.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 9:05 AM EST reply actions
I wish...
They’d play like they did last night EVERY game. :(
Such an awesome game to be at though! :D
Jim Rutherford is a moron.
Don't forget that
even if the Canes play the way did from now on they will still lose from time to time…
The moment you write off the Hurricanes,
they make you look bad !!
I never mind losing if they’re putting in the effort.
That’s just out-talented and/or some freak goal and not their fault.
Instead, they’ll get a heartfelt standing ovation from me for a game well-played.
Has happened before, and I hope to see it again soon.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Agreed. I dont expect a killer, winning team this season. And while the Sens were clearly off their game tonight, the team also put in some effort (and we’ve all seen the games where they dont) and seemed to me to be defending the net a bit better. I’m happy to watch a good game, even if we lose, as long as a decent effort was put into it.
Staal definitely had some energy going last night. I don’t hate him like some others do, but I’d like him more if his energy level was up a little more often. He was a lot of fun to watch last night. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed watching him much at all this season until now.
I am not a heavy drinker. I can sometimes go for hours without touching a drop --Noel Coward
by DaveLovesBier on Nov 18, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Back-up goalie
I don’t get it. If your down 4 goals it’s OK to pull your goalie even in the middle of a period and insert the back-up. But apparently not if you’re up 4 goals. And it’s not just the ‘Canes, it’s hockey custom.
I’ve worked with Canadians and had two for bosses, and they can be very nice people. But, uh, they’re not the most imaginative people (generally speaking no offense).
If the shutouts gone and you’re up 7-1, please put the back-up goalie in. He could use the work, and Cam could use the little break. It could matter.
All other sports play second strings in a blow-out, eh.
In this case, based on the last two games, I think it was important that Cam stay in to finish this one to boost his confidence. Also, I wasn’t a hockey player, however, I would think that momentum in hockey can be easily turned around and if you take out your starting goalie and the other team scores it could easily turn into a train wreck.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Nov 18, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
I understand what youre saying. I still wish we had started Peters against the Islanders or Edmonton recently. When you know you have a very good chance of winning, give the backup some practice. He needs the experience, and he needs the confidence from a win, even if he doesnt have to work his butt off to get it.
I am not a heavy drinker. I can sometimes go for hours without touching a drop --Noel Coward
by DaveLovesBier on Nov 18, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t we always here talk about not getting too high or too low? That is exactly how this team is playing. Either we spank the opponent or we get spanked.
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!
Exactly. I want to see them win one where the outcome isn’t decided halfway through the first. Been awhile. (Florida2.0 I guess. The Rangers game is exactly the kind of game I want to see.)
Listen to Erik Cole in the post game comments video. (Starts at about :48) He’s pretty even keeled. Didn’t think last night was something too wonderful. Just another game, no biggie. Great to have him there as one who has been with the organization still playing. Mo said just about the same thing.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Building on a Young Team
Maurice really seems to be having a good time coaching this team. I suppose it is inevitable that coaches will feel more comfortable with the make up of some of their teams than others. For the fans and commentators who felt Babchuk was awful defensively, the trade should make them gleeful. It is virtually certain Babchuk is not going to be back with the Hurricanes organization. I didn’t view Babchuk as the key reason the Hurricanes were slaughtered by Philadelphia and Montreal; but I have not problems with the trade.
I definitely like the expressed goal of telling the young Hurricanes players they are going to be in the organization for a long time and that this style is how they are going to play. For a team style that is criticized for being boring because it is too defensive in approach, the team certainly puts a ton of goals in the net, when the magic is working. I would argue that where the players’ skill and approach fits within Hurricanes hockey, that style yields plenty of offense.
The key is to continue to hone the team, which both Jim Rutherford and Maurice say is going to happen. Finally, I was really happy Ruutu not only scored, but that he scorched the shot. It sounded like a rifle going off when he connected with the puck and that was a great sign his shoulder is healing or healed.
I still think the main issue is top-flight Defenses (Philly and Montreal are great examples) simply render our top-line absolutely useless and our top-9 mostly ineffective. Staal-LaRose-Samsonov works quite well against easy pickins, but the Cup contenders are going to railroad that line every game.
I can’t disagree with you completely. At this point our offense doesn’t match up well against the top 5 -6 teams. Pittsburgh isn’t quite there at this point. But the Thanksgiving weekend of Washington, Boston, Washington will be a real test, especially if Neuvirth and Thomas are still hot.
And Ward’s first child is due the 27th.
I’m expecting a large crowd hovering on the ledge on Monday the 29th. Everyone prepare for the triage.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 18, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve got the Jim Carrey “step back from the ledge” video on speed dial.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Nov 18, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think it is easily solvable… Mo just needs to refrain from play LaRose and Samsonov on the 1st line. Jussi seems to be getting back into the grove a bit… I’d try:
Jussi – Staal – Cole
Skinner – Ruutu – Tlusty
LaRose – Sutter – POS
Bodie – Matsumoto – Dwyer
Matching Up Against the Upper Tier Teams
At this point our offense doesn’t match up well against the top 5 -6 teams. Pittsburgh isn’t quite there at this point. But the Thanksgiving weekend of Washington, Boston, Washington will be a real test, especially if Neuvirth and Thomas are still hot.
That statement explains quite articulately the issue facing the Hurricanes. I do disagree to some extent. I think the Skinner/Ruutu/Cole line can play against any team’s second line. I think Jokinen/Sutter/Dwyer are an excellent shutdown line that has offensive firepower, even against the best NHL teams.
The fourth line of Tlusty/Matsumoto/Bodie should do fine for a typical fourth line; but we haven’t seen Bodie play as a Hurricane, so obviously it is too soon to say. The main issue continues to be how will Samsonov/Staal/LaRose fare against the best defenses and how will the Canes defense fare against the best teams’ forwards.
LaRose does strike me as an overachiever and as the kind of player who is able to play much better than on paper he should be able to play. I still have a difficult time wrapping my mind around the concept that LaRose/Staal is an upper echelon first line; but LaRose has beaten the odds every step of the way along his hockey career.
I prefer Jokinen on the first line with Staal; and give that line a chance to see if it will gel. I wouldn’t alter the Skinner/Ruutu/Cole line. The Hurricanes season is likely to come down to whether a first line can be crafted which is successful against playoff level teams.
I really don’t understand everybodies fascination with the JET line. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice line. But I really think you could rotate just about any of our centers in there and it would be fine. I think Skinner & Cole are the real chemistry duo there. It might even be worth putting Jussi in between those 2. He has some creativity that Ruutu does not and his passing ability may help set up Skinner for some good scoring chances. Then you could move Ruutu back with Sutter and create a real shutdown line. While the 1st line would still be lacking, we would in essence create two 2nd lines.
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!
So if another move is made....
…..who get’s traded….and do we need to make a move?
While there’s not concensus about playing the youngsters, there is a vocal group that has/is calling for the youth movement to take hold sooner rather than later (full disclosure: I’m in that group). So given that is there a reason to make a move to merely clear some spots for those younger guys?
It’s probably realistically too soon in the season to do very much.
Only deals we might be able to scrounge up now are likely to be lateral trades like the one just accomplished.
“Here, take my ill-fitting parts and let me try some of yours”, salary-for-salary position-for-position trades with other GM’s looking to tweak their line-up to correct for disappointments and/or perceived needs.
Unless we’re two-for-one’ing, it will be hard (mind you, not impossible) to open up slots.
It’s trade deadline time when the players for picks/prospects deals occur, opening up NHL roster spots. Some of those currently in the AHL ought to be ready then for a promotion.
In the meantime, there’s always injury duty, which I’m kind of surprised we haven’t seen more of already. That will offer brief tryouts, if nothing else.
As to who is available for trades, the shorter list might be, well who’s not? :-D
Here we are now...entertain us.
In the meantime, there’s always injury duty, which I’m kind of surprised we haven’t seen more of already.
Okay, exactly who did you just jinx with THAT comment? You know we’re headed into Pittsburgh. I’m not sure we’ve ever left there without an injury.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Nov 18, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, I’m not commenting on whether or not we’re due for an injury.
By that I statement I meant that I think we already have skating wounded out there and have had opportunities for injury replacements that weren’t capitalized upon.
Not sure why we haven’t already parked a body or two and given someone in Charlotte a one or two game tryout.
Unless it’s Mo’s known bias for a wounded vet over a healthy prospect, that is…or, just plain being a tightwad with the payroll budget. :-/
Here we are now...entertain us.
Eventually...
I feel like Samsonov will definitely go, particularly if he continues his production. I’d put Cole at about 60-40 to stay here, but the better he plays, the more attractive he gets to other teams and the more likely we are to let him go. If things get really ugly record-wise, LaRose could be shipped out—as much a favor to him as anything else—but if we’re even within shouting distance of the playoffs, I bet we’ll keep him around. On the defense, I could see White being sent off, but only if he plays more here like he did in Toronto than he did in Calgary.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Nov 18, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
How would anyone compare Matsumoto vs Dalpe for the time they both spent here? Has anybody seen anything that gives one player an advantage over the other in the NHL at this point? They both did and are doing well in the AHL and it seems like a lot of people sing Dalpe’s praises, but I tend to notice Matsumoto more a this level then I did with Dalpe.
Matsumoto Compared with Dalpe
Matsumoto has much more experience as a professional than Dalpe due to his experience in the AHL. Dalpe is bigger, stronger, equally fast, and has very good hands and an excellent shot. Dalpe also plays very solid defense. Dalpe is extremely adapt at shooting the gaps and then taking a pass in the slot and scoring. Matsumoto is a fine puck handler and has a very good shot. He is offensively gifted, and probably is not as physical a player as Dalpe. Dalpe is a player who is destined for the top six; and it’s only a matter of when. Dalpe also makes things happen when the team needs him. If you check his history as a hockey player, he seems to be the guy who makes the key goal or the key steal to win a game. Both Matsumoto and Dalpe are fast, but I think Dalpe is the faster skater of the two players. Both Matsumoto and Dalpe have fine hockey intelligence. I think Dalpe seems to be somewhat better on defense; but only because he is physically a little bit stronger on his skates than Matsumoto and is also a little bit stronger physically. Dalpe is probably a little rougher around the edges at this point than Matsumoto.
Before somebody goes ballistic, it’s hard to judge exactly who is faster as between Matsumoto and Dalpe because there are a number of different elements to speed, such as acceleration, lateral speed, breakaway speed. I would short hand the comparison to say in general they are both in the same range of fast in terms of speed, but in a breakaway, I think Dalpe is just slightly faster based on what I’ve seen.
Even if Dalpe measures up better than Matsumoto, that still wouldn’t make him the better call-up for fourth-line center over Matsumoto, in my opinion.
When Dalpe is ready for top-9, then he should and will be recalled to the NHL roster. But, in the meantime, his development is best served in a top-6 environment in the AHL.
Meanwhile, we do have centers like Matsumoto that we have acquired for that very purpose, who will probably not ever make it into our top-9, and they should be the ones that are given fourth line minutes, whenever they are available.
Here we are now...entertain us.
It’s very tough comparable the two players because of the limited action they have seen.
Dalpe has 7 NHL games, averaged 6:24 TOI, and had 1 assist against Minnesota.
Matsumoto has 8 NHL games, averaged 8:18 TOI, and had 2 goals against NYI.
I think Dalpe definitely has more upside, but Matsumoto probably fits the 4th line better.
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!
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