Clicks and Clippings: Happy Trails, Matt Cullen
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 12, 2010 5:54 PM EST
30 comments
While it came as no surprise to anyone here at the blog or over at 1400 Edwards Mill Road, your Carolina Hurricanes announced this morning that Matt Cullen was in fact and at last no longer a Hurricane. After months of conjecture on the wheres and whens, the veteran center was shipped to the Ottawa Senators before practice today. Following is a collection of links on the details and importantly, even the emotional after-effects that are part-and-parcel of the deal.
As Cullen headed up to Michigan to join the red-hot Senators who face-off against Detroit tomorrow night, I gathered these stories, audio and video links that all recognize the significance of this day here in Raleigh.
First off, this video of Jim Rutherford announcing the transaction reinforces that this was not a good day for anyone who loves the Hurricanes. "We have to say good-bye to a player we really really like....and it's a tough day."
The Hurricane's writer David Droschak repeats the sentiment with this just posted: A Tough Day at the RBC Center
The man of the hour, Matt Cullen, spoke to the folks on NHL Live! at noon. Listen here, beginning at the 5-minute mark. If you missed it earlier, take a moment to listen to his perspective. He was heading to Detroit where the Senators play the Red Wings Saturday night, then finishing the week at the Nassau Coliseum vs the Islanders Sunday.
UPDATE: This 48-second excerpt of Cullen's interview with Ottawa press went up at the Senators' SBN Blog Silver Sevens late this afternoon. Matt does a great job making me believe he is really thrilled to be a Senator.
And these observations from Canes' Captain, Eric Staal who expresses his regret that the season has gone this way. What will he miss most about Cully? "his giant beard during the playoffs, quick wit, always a smile, loves hockey..."
via LTD
Learn more about the player who comes to us in return, plus some other deals and news around the league and looking forward to the Olympics as well, after the jump.
So just who is Alexandre Picard?
For starters, don't be confused to see there is a player on the Columbus Blue Jackets' roster with the identical name. Here's more to get you started:
Check out the audio comments this morning from our newest Hurricane, #45 Alexandre Picard.
Chip Alexander Canes Now: Picard eager for fresh start
Paul Branecky, Tracking the Storm: Canes Pleased with Cullen Return
WRAL.com posted this story on the trade as well as the video above.
Lyle Richardson, aka Spector, weighed in on the deal here.
CBC Sports had this Canadian perspective of the transaction, exploring why the Sens made sure they got their man.
Other Trade Freeze headlines
TSN.ca Darren Dreger: All quiet on the trade front for the Hurricanes' Whitney suggesting the Kings may still be the Wizard's final destination. If Chicago wants him, I was thinking this dandy set of wheels might lure our muscle car loving winger to waive his NTC in exchange for the keys.
On Frozen Pond covered the news from Florida, who did nothing today, but warned fans that change is on the way. In fact, they state that there are no "Untouchables" on the Panthers' roster. This ought to be a fun couple weeks for the boys in Sunrise.
On the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks deal that sent Cam Barker to St Paul, you can start here.
And the NY Rangers acquisition of Jody Shelley from the Sharks, Spector had this to say.
A couple follow ups to last night's win over Buffalo
Audio from John Forslund on 620 the Buzz this morning - Listening to him, I'm reminded there's nothing like winning, is there?
How about this? Brandon Sutter named 2nd star of the night over at Puck Daddy.
And listen to a searing post-game interview with the Buffalo Sabres' (and Team USA) goalie Ryan Miller. He got everyone's attention with this stinging indictment of his slumping team - you think he's angry after all those odd man rushes? Read more in the Buffalo News who provides the audio link in the body of the story.
Olympics
ESPN.com Scott Burnside: 10 Things you need to know about Team Canada which includes a video of some good roundtable discussion looking at all the Olympic medal contenders given that each round is a one-game series.
Simple formula must be followed for Finn success - NHL.com Joni Pitkanen is considered a key. But they forgot about Ruu and even J-Ruu. (and I won't even go into our ongoing unanimous incredulity on the Jussi Jokinen snub, which looks like will not be remedied before these games begin. grrrrrrr )
The Yahoo! Sports blog for the Vancouver games, which features Oly hockey coverage from the fun-loving puckhead Greg Wyshynski, is called Fourth-Place Medal. Keep it open on your desktop the next couple weeks. Wysh also shared what he learned regarding NBC's decision to feature ice dancing over hockey, between the USA and Canada no less, next weekend. (and I think it's safe to say you can't blame all women, please!)
Olympian Tim Gleason also spoke with the folks on NHL Live!, and you can hear his comments at approximately the 1 hr45min mark of the link above.
For the guys here at the blog, who on occasion feel out-numbered (or at least uncomfortable) with the CC GF's and our "Featured player of the week" fanshot series, here's a collection of videos and images of "hot chick" Olympians from the magazine who invented the term: "Swimsuit Edition". Enjoy, boys! And be sure to thank me later.
Stories around the NHL
One of my favorite all-around NHL bloggers posts every Friday afternoon at NHL.com. Check out Phil Coffey's Ice Age for great stories, quotes and his unique insight.
In comments related to the Hurricanes bid to host the 2011 All Star Game, Carolina's Owner Peter Karmanos Jr mentioned ongoing delays with that new arena the Penguins will be using next season in Pittsburgh - it's scheduled to be ready to go in 6 months. Take a look at this walk-through video from Kukla's Korner and see for yourself.
Finally, remember this guy, #7?
via a.espncdn.com
Traded less than a week ago, Niclas Wallin, notched his first point with the San Jose Sharks, getting the primary assist on a Joe Thornton goal last night. Even better, here's the video of the Big Swede's one-timer slapshot from the point that will be familiar (Thornton cleaned up the rebound for the score):
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Awesome as always, HM. Can you check the NHL Live link? I think it’s not coming through correctly (or I’m just missing it).
Yep – somehow it went missing. Distracted hockeymom error I suspect…. Thanks for calling it out.
(And alas, I haven’t had luck jumping around on the the progress bar – which makes listening to Gleason probably more effort than it’s worth).
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 12, 2010 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks for the SI video
and now for a nice cigarette
Matt will be missed. He brought a strong work ethic and the versatility to play almost any role asked of him. The Canes appear to still need another center for next season (at least right now). It will be interesting to see if he is brought back. I actually think his time in Carolina is done, but we all know how JR likes to recycle his favorites. I guess time will tell. I just hope that Matt finds a place where he can contribute and make a lot of money while doing so. Thank you Matt for helping bring a Stanley Cup to Raleigh and for all of the hard work over the years.
by PackPride17 on Feb 12, 2010 9:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
After watching Mr. Karmanos’ presser a few days ago, his comments about the Pens’ new arena “not even being open” were obviously tongue in cheek.
But just to make sure, I talked with a Pens official who’s involved with the new arena regularly, and he assures that the arena is definitely on schedule, probably going to open in August and host a few events before the NHL season opens in October.
Thanks for linking the video….
by The Confluence on Feb 12, 2010 11:07 PM EST reply actions
I think we all knew it was probably said in jest, but it was great to see the video and see how it’s going there. Nice job on the video.
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 13, 2010 7:45 AM EST up reply actions
Weeeeelllll Now
Hockeymomof2, while i haven’;t been coming here and posting very long compared to the likes of AD and many others…I must say and give you Muchas Kudos for doing a great job on this…if this post was to looked upon as a trip through a candy store, well then dear lady the dentists of the state would love you…and the doctors would be apalled as there is so much here you could give a diabetic a coma….( i mean that in a nice way seein i am a diabetic) A mere “Thank You” doesn’t quiet seem to be enough. But from the triad region of Canes Country…We, Thank & Salute You ! Great job !!
If you think you can't, you won't !
Wow, Steve – glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate the thoughts and glad you’re getting to enjoy all we have to offer at the blog.
Can I ask: Was this written before or after you went over to the eye-candy at: Olympic women: Swimsuit Edition?
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 13, 2010 7:44 AM EST up reply actions
That was writtin BEFORE…and to be honest…while there are amny atractive women out all over the universe…but none of them don’t have have anything i never have seen or had before…not being nasty or perverted, just being honest…as i was taught and raised that thee is more to a woman than what’s between her neck and her knees…and besides I am happly married to the same woman for 32 years now and even with some ’ help’ what do i need any one else ?? :D…but seriouslt HMof2…know some of what it takes to post and pubklish here as you & the others do…it is alot of work…and one missed key or a case of fat finger syndrom will mess the whole thing up…again, my thanks…be safe…time to go and see if Boychuk is really in town for tonights game…go canes !
If you think you can't, you won't !
Nice moves but is it enough?
I want to first say thanks to Wallin and Cullen for everyting they have done for this team. People come and go. Im glad though Jim is trying to make us a more “youthfull team” but for the moves that has happened and if Whitney goes away it leaves one question… Will it be enough to put the Canes back in the playoff hunt.
Sorry to say this but it is not.
Now I know that I am going to be hanged when I say this but Im going to do it……
Trade big names!!! (not that whitney, cullen, and wallin is not)
Im talking about Staal, Cam Ward, Pitkanen, Jokinen, and Sutter.
Now before you get all outraged hear me out. Im not saying trade them down right but just put them out there you might be surprised on what nibbles you will get.
One last thing. I would love if they tried to get all the stall brothers to come play for us.
by bryanthegodtodd on Feb 13, 2010 6:19 AM EST reply actions
Oh be still
my beating heart…2 staal brothers or more on 1 team…rant you on paper that would be a marketing sensation…and Marc’s & Joradn’s stats are very good…but personally I don’t think (even if there wasn’t a sal cap) the Canes could actually afford them all together…I sure their parents would pleased to just be able to go to one team instead of 3 …and let us not forget the youngest…( what a time for a “senior” moment) Staal) who still maybe playing out west on a AHL team…hmmm need to contact the “research deptament” as i done plumb forgot his name…hehehe…a tri fecta would be nice…but trust me…as kids who had to play together …I’m not sure you could get M & J to agree to it..as the money had better be good..but that’s just my observations…
If you think you can't, you won't !
apparently dwyer is also a center tonight.interesting.
i guess Jr has liked what yelle and brindy were doing on the fourth line with goertzen
Yo Chrisj it’s a immigration thing and paperwork to do just like when Tlusty came…while most of canadian and other intenational players passports & etc are in order, but they need to change certain Visas & permits that the USA requires…after all America don’t need anyone from anywhere trying to take away your or my job as hockey super stars do we ?? hehehe…but seriously…if all goes well i think that we’ll see picard on the ice in a Canes Sweater/Jersey by march 2nd when we play toronto and @ home when his former team the senators with Matt Cullen come to town om thurs. march the 4th…be patient…after all even micro wave pop corn takes time…be safe…Go canes !!!
If you think you can't, you won't !
by CaniacSteve on Feb 13, 2010 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Glad to see the Wallin photo getting some attention. :) Yesterday was a tough day indeed, but I’m glad to read/hear that Cullen is excited about being in Ottawa. I am going to have to cheer for a lot of teams during the playoffs this year.
On and this is kinda OT, but I have a question for the powers that be: will there be Olympic game threads for those of us who are forced to watch it in exile because our roommates prefer figure skating or ice dancing? :)
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Pre-game skate update…
For those who might not have seen the tweets this am, Boychuk’s on his way to town to fill the empty forward slot. Scott Walker was the stand-in at today’s pre-game skate. Patrick Dwyer will take Cully’s spot centering TKO and Sergei, and Boychuk will skate with Brandon and Ruuty. The other lines and ‘D’ pairings haven’t changed.
Branecky has his pre-game notes posted.
Devils didn’t skate today.
And Timmy was wearing his Team USA gloves.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Pre-Game Skate
Rowe was working with Carson and Alberts on their positioning — almost as if they were playing the point in a penalty kill. Carson has really improved his skating since he first arrived at Carolina.
Boychuk on Second Line
Tonight will be a great test for Boychuk. My belief is that we may well see a Boychuk/Sutter/Ruutu second line next year. It would be fantastic if Boychuk could show tonight the speed, passing, and scoring ability that he has. Boychuk/Sutter/Ruutu is a very fast and skilled line.
That would be so cool on a number of different levels. The Rats realize that with the trades, their teammates are depending on them to rise to the occasion, not only this year, but for future years as well. Players like Cullen were extremely well-liked, and the Rats must surely feel they want desperately to prove themselves to the coaches, their teammates, and the fans.
And Timmy was wearing his Team USA gloves
Hoping he’s breaking them in for a long Olympic run (ie; gold medal game!) Good luck Timmy Gleason! U-S-A! U-S-A!!
Let the new era of Hurricanes hockey.... begin!
by 3yrsnoplayoffs? on Feb 13, 2010 12:38 PM EST reply actions
Thanks for the memories, Matt
As always, a very enjoyable trip down to the comments section, hockeymomof2.
And, although we’ll be seeing Matt at the first home game after the break, he scored one of his prettiest goals in a Canes uni for us against the Panthers earlier this week as a forget-me-not.
Made the scouts drool, I’m sure. Skate well, Matt.
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