Clicks and Clippings: The Bipolar edition
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 4:53 PM EST
58 comments
It's no secret these two fan-favorite Hurricanes pictured to the left are among the most highly sought-after in the NHL trade market these days. None of us knows how many more games either player will have this year with us at the RBC. For me, spotting this image of Matt Cullen and Ray Whitney, two key veterans of that remarkable 2006 Stanley Cup winning roster, celebrating last night in Hurricanes' jerseys, brought out the increasingly familiar feeling of joy for the achievement in the moment, clouded by the knowledge that we're coming to the end of the Caniac era that established hockey as a unqualified success in North Carolina. Nothing is ever simple. As the team's owner Peter Karmanos Jr aptly described the mindset yesterday, among the Hurricanes faithful, we're all feeling bi-polar.
Following are re-caps and quotes from the Canes convincing victory last night, which makes us all happy, with now three wins in a row (and 7 in the last 9), which puts them solidly up to 28th place in the standings, sadly decreasing the odds of earning the #1 pick with every win, but keeping alive the hope of actually making the playoffs as the Eastern Conference teams' mediocre performances have earned what Scott Burnside called Junk Status. That's good for us, isn't it?
TSN.ca: Pitkanen scores go-ahead goal as 'Canes stop Panthers "There's still a chance (of making the playoffs), so we're battling every time we get on the ice," Carolina defenceman Tim Gleason said. "We're having fun. We have no pressure here, and we're just playing as hard as we can." For those of you keeping track, the tragic number stands at 4.
After the jump, we look forward to the two remaining games before the Olympic Break, keeping in mind that the Olympic Trade Freeze begins at 3pm this Friday, some links around the professional hockey world and even a few stories to get you in the right frame of mind for the hockey-fest in Vancouver which begins next Tuesday.
More from last night's game...
Canes keep wins coming : NewsObserver.com The Canes have two more home games before the Olympic break, against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday and the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. They wish they had 10. "There's more confidence in the room than there has been all year," Maurice said. "You'd like to keep playing."
Here's Gleason, "recently named to the US Olympic Team" working over Gregory Campbell last night. Let's hope he studies up on the rules for fighting in Olympic competition before he takes the ice in Vancouver next week.
Steven Goertzen's scrap with Bryan Allen is linked here. I like those atta-boy glove-taps he gets from Gleason and Joe Corvo as he heads off the ice.
Finnish hat trick helps ‘Canes to 4-1 win over Panthers - Indy Week Blogs Gleason received 12 stitches and was back before the end of the second. "Meat and potatoes" indeed, Maurice.
Alway good to hear John Forslund's regular morning-after conversation on 620 the Buzz John Forslund recaps Canes win over Panthers - WRALSportsFan.com
Rex Ryan’s Rather Unfortunate In-Game Wardrobe Change [Update] | The Big Lead For some reason, Jets coach Rex Ryan showed up at the Hurricanes/Panthers game in Raleigh last night wearing a Flyers jersey. The Storm Squad had a remedy for that. There's even audio of him discussing with Joe Ovies how he is a big fan of hockey. Basketball, not so much.
Positives Easy to Find - Tracking the Storm Following practice today, Coach Paul Maurice also mentioned the much-improved special teams play. Over the last 11 contests, the Canes have converted at a 22 percent rate on the power play, which would contend for the league lead if maintained for the season. Even more impressively, the team has allowed just three power play goals over that stretch, posting a stellar 93 percent clip on the penalty kill.
.... and plans for the rest of the week (and down the road)
Canes Now | Peters excited about facing Devils, Martin Brodeur I've been a part of games there and the atmosphere," Justin Peters said. "To get out on the ice and play in front of those fans will definitely be something I'm looking forward to and will be exciting." For that game, you can also participate in the Valentine's Day Mystery Cane T-shirt fundraiser, detailed in this release.
And this about Thursday's opponent: Northeast: Slumping Sabres have lost the edge - Following a shootout loss to the Bruins on Tuesday, the Buffalo Sabres are 2-7-2 in their last 11 games. Another piece discusses the calls to bench their Captain: Sully on Sports: Bench Captain Rivet? (Ouch. Maybe Lindy Ruff can get a moment with Paul Maurice Thursday to hear from a coach who's been there, done that). Thursday is also the night where heads get shaved as part of the Annual St Baldrick's event.
Hurricanes to honor Capital City Crew - Hockey is for Everyone NHL.com did a feature piece on this great community program that hopefully will serve as an example for other teams around the league.
Announcing the Charlotte Checkers: For coverage of today's announcement of the Hurricane's AHL affiliated team moving to Charlotte, check in here. The Checkers' site announcement is here. ESPN.com had this in-depth story covering the move.
Canes owner has goals in mind - NewsObserver.com As dismal as this season has been for the Carolina Hurricanes, here's the way next season is shaping up: The Hurricanes will open the regular season with two games in Helsinki, Finland, and also will play a preseason exhibition game either in Finland or Moscow.
Olympic News
via the Canes twitter feed captioned: Tim Gleason has started breaking in his Team USA gloves for the Olympics
Olympic rule book differs from NHL rules - NHL.com - All-Access Vancouver NHLers involved in the Olympics will be playing under some different rules. Check out the major differences.
CTV Olympics - Dealing with the fear factor Eric Duhatschek focuses on the preparations being taken by Team Canada's head coach Mike Babcock.
Brodeur ready to roam in Vancouver - Martin Brodeur is ready, willing and able to play the puck when he competes for Canada at the 2010 Olympics.
Staal eager to get on Olympic ice for real In 2006, Eric Staal got to see the Olympics from Canada's taxi squad. In Vancouver, he will be in the thick of things.
2010 Winter Olympics | NBC Olympics The Official site for the Olympics from the Official network officially covering the games. Speaking of TV scheduling, here's a tweet for you: Twitter / Allan Walsh:
How do you spell disgraceful? + this is NHL broadcast partner! The USA-Canada game is not on NBC sched in favor of Ice Dancing + Men's GS.
Olympic sights we don't want to see - NHL.com The Olympics presents an interesting dilemma for a hockey fan -- root for your country, or the players from your team. I think we can all relate to this problem. For now, we can relax, Team USA does not face Team Finland in the preliminary rounds.
Trade talk (and after that, thinking about the draft too)
After The First Round, NHL Draft Is A Crapshoot - From The Rink When it comes to the NHL draft, first-round picks are far and away the best bet. Expect the NHL's deadline sellers to expect nothing less. Cory Lavalette crunches numbers with some intriguing results.
The Fourth Period :: NHL Players with a no-trade or no-movement clause This is cool: and it's listed by franchise.
Following trades of Ilya Kovalchuk and Kari Lehtonen, a rival Southeast Division GM is criticized for poor decisions in this post from The Hockey News: Rory Boylen: Asset management has been Thrashers' undoing From Day 1 in 1999, the Thrashers have faltered at the most important team-building techniques over and over, never really taking any strides towards year-in and year-out consistency.
For traded players, life can be an interesting chemistry experiment - USATODAY.com Being the new guy in the dressing room after a trade is only slightly less fun than chewing tinfoil. Read this insider's perspective while thinking about Niclas Wallin and the rest of the Canes who might be doing this soon.
Sharks GM gets his man (Wallin), but may not be done shopping - ESPN "There are a lot of mutual friends that speak really highly of Nic Wallin as a teammate and competitor," Wilson added. "Whether it be Arturs Irbe or Bret Hedican, for example. We know about him as a person and as a teammate, and he's always played his best hockey in the playoffs."
NHL Draft Blog - The Taylor Hall-Tyler Seguin debate will only get hotter - ESPN Teaser for the subscription article. But worth a look, nonetheless.
NHL news in general
Top 10 hits of the week - including, at #1, Mark Giordano's double whammy on Joni Pitkanen and Eric Staal in Calgary a week ago:
For more on the rough ride for Eric Staal in that game in Calgary, Kevin Weekes has some words of respect for his former teammate in this focused video from NHL On the Fly:
Another iron in the fire for the Canes, is the bid to host next year's All-Star Game here in Raleigh. Here's a story from bidding competitor Pittsburgh as the Penguins submit bid for 2011 NHL All-Star game on what they bring to the table.
As we await news on Cam Ward's back, and watch the veteran Manny Legace alternate with the endearing Justin Peters, maybe you've wondered what was new with Michael Leighton? Leighton expected in goal tonight | Philadelphia Inquirer Backup goalie Michael Leighton rescued the Flyers' season by going 8-1-1, with a no-decision, during an 11-game stretch while Ray Emery was injured. Uncertain Future: Questions Surround Emery's Injury Read between the lines, it appears Laviolette is saying that if Leighton takes the puck and runs with it successfully down the stretch, he'll stand behind Leighton when the playoffs arrive.
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Next time HM2 – don’t be shy, type a little :)
J/K Thanks for all the insight and useful information.
Me – shy? I figured with no Canes game tonight, you all had an extra couple hours to study up for tomorrow night.
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
Just for that....
I want the following photoshop by noon tomorrow, Fink.
Rutherford with a Jimmy-the-Kid bandanna, an old-time revolver, and a glint in his eye, based on this quote from the Florida GM over the weekend:
As for teams talking possible deals with the Panthers, Sexton stated “there are a lot of [teams] out there with guns and masks.”
Or I guess it could also be rendered as a boyz in the hood gangsta reference too. Maybe it’s another kind of mask. You decide =)
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 7:09 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, there was no canes game but the rats played the B-Sens tonight and lost 4-3 in a shoot out. it ws a good game even though the Sens did jump out to a 3-0 lead. ..and what home work i have to do is not in or connected to text books…
If you think you can't, you won't !
by CaniacSteve on Feb 10, 2010 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
I consider them core players the last few years, as I suspect most of us do. Something about the image, knowing how their names keeping coming up as 1 and 2 for attractive trade material. There are only these 2 home games till the FINAL trade deadline March 3. End of an era.
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
BTW, here's the reverse angle
Wonder what funny comment Whitney’s making about that “sick move”?
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
HM2 -- do you have links to Peter Karmanos 99.9 interview?
I tried late, late last nigh after going to Charlotte following the Canes game to find Peter Karmanos’ interview with 99.9 and failed. Do you have the URL or link? Great article and clipping as always.
Thanks very much. The only thing at all that I read which I found of concern was the apparent comment that next year’s budget would be closer to the floor. I realize the organization took a financial beating this year and that would have to happen when the budget was expanded. I want in particular to listen to his comments about the budget.
Peter Karmanos 99.9 Interview
I listened to this interview and haven’t yet listened to the press conference. In this interview, he sounds very upbeat about the future of the team. He was also pretty candid that some of the valued veterans had lost too many steps and that the situation had to be addressed.
I also appreciated the fact that in this interview he was complimentary of the Caniacs. It is ironic, but perhaps the fact the Hurricanes fans have been loyal to the team despite the disappointing season will further reinforce the relationship between the team and the fans. After all, it is pretty easy to be wildly enthusiastic about a team that is destroying its opponents. It is more of a challenge to remain engaged during the rough times.
I share PK’s enthusiasm about the fan base. The Canes have a growing group of fans that have learned about and embraced hockey. If the team is able to compete for the playoffs on a regular basis — not one year in, two years off — the season ticket base will grow. Didn’t the team hit 14k season ticket holders after the Cup in 06? That’s the type of support this team needs to be profitable and to have the ability to spend close to the salary cap year in and year out. It’s gonna take a while, but this will be a good market for hockey.
So I’m thinking, I put up 40 good new links and I omit the one people were actually looking for……Sigh.
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
Herculean task, hockeymomof2. Just think of the rest of us as your helpers whenever we can add a stray link or two to your collection.
In fact, you’ve made me lazy as heck, since most everything I’m looking for is here. Instead of looking for stuff for an hour, I can now listen/read for an hour, clicking my way down through the links.
Thanks!
Beyond excited that Pete Dawg will be playing on Saturday. How long will it take before fans behind the goal bark after a big save?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I like that idea. Someone who has connections needs to plant that idea in the right person’s head.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Last Night
I was singing to myself, “Who let the Finns out? Ruu! Ruu! Ruu-Ruu!”
Yes, it’s cheesy. Even for me.
by Raccoon Fink on Feb 10, 2010 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
Okay, I admit I LOL’d.
That’s almost as good as “The Ruuts, the Ruuts, the Ruuts is on Fire”
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Personally, I like “the Juice is on fire”.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
If they don’t pick it (Who let the dawgs out) up on the arena music, at the breaks, I’d be shocked. It’s a classic and those guys are pretty sharp. Besides that, they’re probably reading this……
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
Sigh… not intending to disparage Pete-Dawg at all here, but how can we do something like this when we can’t even get a decent freaking “Ward-o” chant going in the building?
/pet peeve
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
It’s easier to bark; one woof and you’re done. :)
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Good point.
I’d like to hear “Been Caught Stealing” when he makes a great save. We could woof to that one too!
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
How’s that extra assignment for whining coming, Fink?
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, his other woman got to him first. He’s currently on bathroom duty and soon to be on vacuum and dust duty.
He’ll just have to work on it in the morning. :)
I see. What was he whining about at your house to deserve this?
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 10, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
We’re both doing some much-needed cleaning around the house. With the occasional CanesCountry break, of course. ;)
by Raccoon Fink on Feb 10, 2010 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
LTD, I think I saw you at the game Tuesday night with your Finland Olympic jersey and your gigantic camera lens. Was thinking about introducing myself, but I’ve tried that before with peeps I thought were Canes Country regulars and was wrong.
There’s about a 100% chance it was me as I was wielding both of those items. I look like the lady in my profile picture. During warmups I’m usually by the bench or directly across on the other side, and I’m usually in Section 117 during the game although I am known to go walkabout at will. Please do say ‘hey’ if you see me, I’d love to meet you!
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Didn’t notice this at the time, even though directly across from you, but while reviewing the enemy’s TV broadcast tonight, my eye was drawn to a white Suomi jersey (elskling has a blue one) by the player’s entrance with a formidable lens balanced in one hand, while the other rhythmically banged on the glass as the players poured out onto the ice. :-D
I immediately pointed you out to elskling, saying “Look, Suomi! That has got to be LTD!”
LMAO!
I just watched the broadcast. Jen texted a picture to me last night but different to see on the big screen TV. I need to remember to wear something that lets me blend in with the scenery a little better the next time I decide to stand by the bench.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
There have been a couple...
Look in the FanPosts area for “Cry-A-Thon.”
by Raccoon Fink on Feb 10, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
From the Rink
Great post (linked above) this week, Cory. Thanks for the number-crunching and analysis.
Really reveals the impact of poor drafting in the past, mitigated by some excellent trading, waiver pick-ups, and free agent signings by JR…but, at a price.
Boo :(
http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2010/02/08/daily35.html
President and General Manager Jim Rutherford says he expects to trade Matt Cullen before the Olympic roster freeze, which runs Feb. 12-28, and Ray Whitney after the break but before the March 3 trade deadline.
Said exactly the same thing on NHLNetwork On the Fly. Cullen gone by Friday, probably for a 2nd round pick. Four teams are in the running.
Whitney won’t be dealt till March 3rd. Either way, tonight is likely the last time the 2 will play together in Raleigh. We’ve all heard speculation that Whitney would come back after the season. But not if he’s looking for 3 yr extensions to waive the NTC.
With all the centers, I’d be really surprised if Matt returns. (He was already re-cycled from the Rangers once).
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 11, 2010 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/cullen-puts-aside-rumors-plays-hockey
“We have a home here and love it, and obviously have some great friends and great memories here,” he said. “Certainly this is the place where I really like playing, but we’ll just have to see how it plays out.”
Trying to think positively....
What if Cullen goes to Chicago or Minnesota? His home is Minnesota – that might be a great next move for him to finish his career. Yeah – we’ll miss him. But we knew in September when they described Sutter as the next 2nd line center that Cullen was likely in his last year as a Hurricane. (CG – if you had to choose between those 2………?)
The Blackhawks could really use his experience. I’m thinking Chicago would be a very fun place to play hockey right now. (do they need Forwards – maybe it was only D they were shopping for, as in Corvo)
For Matt’s sake, I’m hoping for those 2. Both has scouts at the game Tuesday.
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 11, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry HM, I have a really hard time seeing the silver lining to taking guys away from their homes and their families, especially when they actually like being where they are. I have a hard time viewing real live breathing human beings as part of a business deal. It’s why I would be the crummiest GM the NHL has ever seen and why I don’t get involved in the trade speculation stuff, and instead take place in the reminiscing once the deal has been done.
Do I hope that he goes and finds success and happiness? Of course I do. Do I understand why this needs to be done? Yup. Do I get that it may work out really well for him depending on where he ends up? Oh for sure, it’d be hard for it not to, especially if he ends up somewhere like Chicago. It still sucks though. :(
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Ok first off: it should say “take part in the reminiscing once the deal has been done.” Don’t really know what happened there.
Second, sorry if that came out harsher than I intended it to. I wasn’t trying to imply that you didn’t care or something like that all.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I know where you’re coming from. I think this is one of those age-related things, hockeymom to caniacgirl. You gotta make the best of what you can’t change. Look for opportunity instead of regret, etc etc etc… I’m not saying it’s not sad, but it’s not terrible either. This is, relatively speaking, a good problem to have (more for the Cullens even than the Canes).
IMHO, I would think the “not-knowing” of what’s gonna happen, like he and his family have been dealing with since the season started, would be much harder than finally getting to move on and plan and look forward to the next step in his great career.
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 11, 2010 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Another Longer Quote From the Article; and implications for next season
Interesting. It is really unfortunate and sad that the slow start has resulted in the Organization needed to trade players like Cullen and Whitney. I still think there is at least a 90% chance Whitney will be re-signed. Cullen is playing great hockey now. I wonder how the lines will look when Cullen and Whitney are traded. It does not sound as if Corvo is as close to being traded.
My take is that the players from Albany (soon to be Charlotte) are going to be expected to shoulder a major load for the team next season. If Jim Rutherford is able to get high draft choices, the Charlotte Checkers will likely be a top tier AHL team given the prospects. I am hoping the draft selections are of Staal, Sutter, Boychuk and Carson quality and not Tanabe quality. The top two round picks are critical for next year.
I wish Ruutu had a younger brother with similar talent. The Hurricanes can use another intense, talented, and charismatic player to raise the level of physicality and to help bring fans to the games. For me, the Finnish trio, Staal, Sutter, Gleason, and soon Boychuk and Tlusty, are the players I look forward in particular to see play this season and next season. I would put Whitney in that group, but it is unclear if he will return (although I predict it is 90% likely Whitney is re-signed).
President and General Manager Jim Rutherford says he expects to trade Matt Cullen before the Olympic roster freeze, which runs Feb. 12-28, and Ray Whitney after the break but before the March 3 trade deadline.
"They are unrestricted free agents at the end of the year so come July, we may make a run for them to come back," Rutherford says. "But for now, with Scott Walker, Chad LaRose and Eric Cole ready to come in and contribute, I believe we will be OK."
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