Ray Whitney Says Goodbye? Hurricanes 5, Devils 2
by Bob Wage on Feb 14, 2010 1:36 AM EST
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes continued playing top notch hockey as they won their fifth game in a row with a dominating, 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. The Canes scored early and often and ended up chasing Martin Brodeur, who left the game with the score 4-0 early in the third period.
Ray Whitney had an exceptional game, almost scored a natural hat trick in the second period, and was named the game's first star. Whitney is the top player available this trade deadline and most likely played his last game on home ice as a Hurricane, (at least this year). More about that later.
Justin Peters picked up his second career win in as many starts and looked very solid in goal while making 23 saves on 25 shots.
Another River Rat, Zach Boychuk opened up the scoring late in the first period on a nice hustle play. The rookie dove on the ice and knocked the puck past Brodeur as he scored his first career NHL goal. "It wasn't the prettiest goal in the world, but I'll take it," the youngster said.
Whitney took over the game in the second. The Canes earned a 5-on-3 opportunity but the puck squirted out over the blueline. Eric Staal skated full speed, out-raced the Devils to the puck, then skated it in the zone by himself. He spotted Whitney on the other side of the ice, fed him a perfect pass, and the veteran winger made no mistake.
Just a minute later, Whitney made the score 3-0 when he tucked a loose puck near the goal line in the net for another goal. Tim Gleason put the shot on net and got the primary assist.
Whitney would almost score again a bit later when he got another cross-ice pass, but the puck took a bad bounce and he could not get a shot off.
About three minutes into the third period, Whitney found an open Jussi Jokinen and the Finn chased Brodeur with a bomb of a one-timer. Yann Danis skated in and closed out the game for the Devils.
New Jersey scored a couple of goals later in third to ruin Peters' shutout bid, but Jokinen would hit an empty-netter with a minute and a half left to close out the scoring and the game.
The team will take a two week break for the Olympic games although they will report back to practice on February 24th.
Game Notes:
- Jokinen extended his scoring streak to nine games and has now scored 23 goals, a personal best. It's still a mystery why he was not selected to compete with the Finnish Olympic hockey team, but at least he will have a chance to fly home and spend some quality time with his family. He'll be watching his buddies vie for the gold medal from the comfort of his mom's place in Finland.
- Peters looks more and more comfortable between the pipes. He uses his size well and has decent quickness. If Cam Ward is unable to return to action this season, it looks like the rookie will have an opportunity to make a good case for keeping him in Raleigh next season.
- Boychuk was thrilled with scoring his first goal. The forward was all over the ice in this game and was using his speed very well. He certainly fits in with linemate Brandon Sutter.
- Ray Whitney would not answer any questions related to a possible trade in his post game meeting with the press. When asked if this might have been his last game at the RBC and about his future on the team, he mumbled, "you're asking the wrong guy," and that was that. It obviously is a touchy subject although Whitney's actions seem to be contradictory in that he reportedly is using his no-trade clause to get a contract extension with a new team. But why would he do that if he wants to re-sign with the Canes? Jim Rutherford has said on more than one occasion that he wants to re-sign Whitney in the offseason. It's an interesting situation but everyone will have to wait until it plays out to see what happens because Whitney won't be revealing any particulars.
- The Hurricanes are now 20-3-1 when leading after two periods.
- The penalty kill has been world class in February. They killed 28 of 29 penalties for 97%.
- The Canes had 31 shots on goal led by Staal, Whitney, and Boychuk who had six each.
- Brandon Sutter led both teams with four takeaways. Andrew Alberts had a team high three hits.
- Peters, Boychuk, and Steven Goertzen were reassigned to Albany after the game.
Justin Peters was more composed with the press after his second career NHL win. I took this video after the game.
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If Only
That webbo26 will be one of the many unanswered questions hockey officiantos will have now & over the coming ages…but sadly if we do look back it seems that the Canes as a team is a wee bit slow on the start…shouldn’t be that way, but it is or it seems that is how the team is made up at the current time & roster…who knows what the rest of the season & the coming off season will bring ? Be Safe…
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
I can’t describe how I felt about Whitney’s game. He is incredible. When he earned the first star, I couldn’t help but get misty-eyed. I cannot imagine his feelings after that game knowing the likely outcome of the next couple weeks.
I wish there could have been a fourth star – thrilled for Boychuk getting one on Brodeur (in a manner as much Chad LaRose as Ray Whitney). But Sheez – Justin Peters was awesome and I was shocked he wasn’t named.
I liked PeteDawg’s comments after watching Marty chased, while he held tough in his end: “I wish him good luck in Vancouver”. I’m sure he was sincere, but probably the last one Marty would have wanted to hear that from last night. Life is strange.
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2010 8:09 AM EST reply actions
It was tough watching him glove tap the whole team as they left the ice, hopefully he knew Staals hug was from us all!
Did we trade yet?
I was just noticing this as I was woking on my pictures this morning. As is tradition, Ray always stands by the bench door and congratulates everyone as they head off the ice, and Jussi always ALWAYS gives him a behind-the-back fist bump. Last night Jussi grabbed him and gave him a big bear hug.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 14, 2010 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
Good point – It just felt different last night. And you could hear in the comments after the Cullen trade, that they all know if they could have played even close to how good they’re doing now in Oct/Nov, none of this would be happening now. That makes it that much more frustrating (and poignant).
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
CLASS ALL THE WAY AROUND
I am not ashamed to report that this respectable middle aged woman shed a tear when Whitney came out. But, what a game to go out on! Even if he is not seen in these parts for awhile, his effort last night hopefully isn’t lost on the young kids on this team. Putting it all out there on the ice, every game, every shift, even knowing that this may be his last home game as a Cane. Inspiring doesn’t even come close. I need another word.
Go Canes!
The Game Last Night and Some Random Thoughts
I think Peters is showing the qualities for which he was drafted #2 by the Hurricanes. Every report I have seen states that he is one of the strongest Hurricanes and one of the most athletic. In terms of quickness, in my view Barrasso has done a fantastic job of getting Peters to learn how to rely first on positioning rather than pure athleticism. When I first stated following Peters he was very streaky and showed tremendous promise. Now he is solid — to the point that one might not realize how quick he is because he puts himself in position to make stops and to make them look simple.
In terms of Boychuk, I acknowledge I have been impressed with Boychuk from the first time I saw him at Carolina last year, so it is unlikely I will be as objective about him as I would want. Nonetheless, I thought Boychuk found the right combination of skating all over the ice using his explosive speed while still being positionally aware. It’s a hard balance for any young player to both play with an adventuresome attitude while still being cerebral about the flow of the game. Boychuk has a point in each of his three latest games at Carolina. He also is a physical player who loves to hit the bigger guys. He is bigger than he looks because of being short and he finishes his checks.
I thought the top two lines were fantastic last night. Whitney/Staal/Jokinen strike me as a line greater than the sum of their parts. They have a synergy that brings out the best in each player. I have been excited about the potential of a Boychuk/Sutter/Ruutu line and that line was very imrpessive.
With regard to Ray Whitney, Jim Rutherford and Whitney are both interested in having Whitney re-sign. I personally believe Ray Whitney would prefer to stay at Carolina and not be traded; but he is a true professional and must surely realize how important another first round draft choice is for the team. I think we are seeing the ambivalence both Rutherford and Whitney feel about the present situation. Rutherford really needs to trade Whitney, even if it means losing a player next year he wants to re-sign; and Whitney realizes he might have to sign an extension to continue his NHL career in the event he is not re-signed. I feel for both of them; but I also know from personal experience how much respect Whitney and Rutherford have for each other. I am optimistic it will work out with Whitney being traded for a #1 draft pick and a prospect; but signing a series of one year contracts.
The sense of loss I feel is made more intense because I think I, like all fans, bear our own share of responsibility. To be clear, I don’t feel responsible for the miserable start; but I look at the situation at the RBC and think that I failed to see the obvious — the Hurricanes have to find 5,000 more STHs to field a consistent playoff team as an organization. What I failed to do was the take on a reasonable share of the effort needed at the grassroots level to contact friends and encourage them to become STHs. I am committed to doing what I can in the regard, so that I won’t have to see the Whitneys and Cullens traded in future years because the Hurricanes can’t afford to keep their salary in an off-season.
I came away from the game even more excited about next year. I am convinced the Hurricanes team next year will be even more talented and I believe even more committed to the team concept. All of us have seen what happens when the Hurricanes come out walking rather than on a dead sprint. Hopefully, that painful lesson won’t be repeated again by the team any time soon.
A drive for 5...k
we should challenge all of Caniac Nation to bring a friend who has never been to a game or has been a casual fan and i think with Charlotte now being a member of the COLLECTIVE i think we are just starting grow in this state
A Drive for 5 K
That was the title of the STH drive I had in my brain. Let’s start a fan post with ideas how to make it happen. I agree we need to challenge the Caniac Nation to make this next critical step.
I don’t think it is coincidence that our attendance dropped significantly during the 2nd quarter of the year (and our 14 game loss streak) and is now back up to respectable levels as our team is playing very well at home.
It’s not rocket science… If the Canes management wants to fills the seats with fans, then they need to field a team that is competitive and exciting to watch. I find it funny that Karmanos will come out and complain that our fans aren’t coming to the game, as if it’s the fans faults. Maybe he should instead call out the players (Brind’Amour, A. Ward, ect.) that are causing our team to be near last in the league.
The “3 players are/were dragging us down” argument is perhaps worth examination at this point, as essentially the very same team has certainly been on a tear.
Losing Wallin is surely not the reason for this second-half success, as the run pre-dates that move. Plus, we’ve now lost Cullen, and yet continue to dominate.
Instead, my take on what the heck happened is that while the difference between the two experiences certainly wasn’t helped by some disappointing individual performances earlier this season (whether due to injury or age is not really germane), it was particularly the collective play of the whole that drug down the first-half version of the ‘09-’10 Canes.
Late starters all (with the possible exception of Cam Ward), but this is the team that was expected from the beginning. Welcome to the dance, boys, even though the hour is late.
I think a huge part of us losing was Brind’Amour playing 10-20 minutes a night and A. Ward being relied on as a solid top-4 guy. Now that Brindi is down to less than 5 minutes a night and Aaron Ward is looked at more as a liability than someone who you can count on, we have been winning more games. I honestly think if they went back to giving A. Ward and Brind’Amour top-minutes, we would be right back to losing.
I also attribute it to JR literally having to force Maurice to give the Rats top minutes. As Sutters/Tlusty/Dwyer/Boychuk’s minutes went up, so did our win count. If we are going to have a god-awful coach, at least it’s comforting knowing we have a decent enough GM to look out for us.
Sparking Staal by giving him the C was also a big turning point. This team has always gone as Staal has gone. When Staal struggled early, the team struggled early. As Staal lit on fire, the team followed suit.
The 3 underproducing players
I agree with JussiJuice that reducing Brind’Amour’s time was a key to the team’s improved performance. I respectfully think that your argument about Wallin and Aaron Ward not being the issue at the start of the year seems to fail because it judges Aaron Ward’s play now and suggests he was playing as well at the start of the season. Similarly, Wallin’s play did improve; but the team is simply a better team without his specific skill sets in my opinion.
Nobody suggested 100% of the team’s early pathetic play rested with Brind’Amour, Aaron Ward, and Wallin; however, it continues to be my view that the totally unacceptable play by Brind’Amour, Aaron Ward, and Wallin at the start of the season substantially contributed to the team’s failures. Again, with respect, I think suggesting that Brind’Amour getting 7 minutes a game is the same as Brind’Amour getting 20 minutes a game is not correct. In short, I do not see a collective failure; and instead, see a team that was highly capable but had key weaknesses by veterans upon whom the team was built to depend.
Increasing Season Ticket Holder Numbers
JussiJuice, there is no doubt that winning teams such as Pittsburgh, Washington, or Chicago are now selling out their games. It was agony for the fans during the rebuilding process and all three teams draw from a far larger population base than the Hurricanes.
I have a somewhat different perspective than you on the issue. Peter Karmanos was complimentary of the fact that the fans have stuck with the Hurricanes. On the other hand, it is clear that until the Hurricanes organization can afford year after year to budget for spending to the salary cap, the team will face economic limitations to retaining key players.
I have no dispute with your identifying under-performing players; and have done so repeatedly at CC. With some teams that have more stable funding, under-performing players can be sent to the AHL. The Hurricanes cannot afford to do so. Also, with the quality of young players at Albany and on the team, we face the risk of losing some of those players unless we the fans become involved in encouraging hockey fans to become STHs.
In other words, to field the kind of team we all want to see and experience at the RBC, we need to become part of the solution.
according to the Caps broadcast team, they said words to the effect just last week to be exact…that the caps arena has been sold out for everyhome game for the last 14 games ( at that time) so if anything that ought to prove or back up the comments that and in our case, the more the Canes ( or anyone else for that matter) win, the more seats get filled…gee we fans are a ficle lot 7 bunch aren’t we ??
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
by CaniacSteve on Feb 14, 2010 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Oh I am part of the solution. I love the Canes and have attended every single game this year except last Tuesday’s game against the Panthers. I was just saying being at every game this year, it is very clear to me that attendance has been markedly better since we have been playing very well at home. The solutions just seems simple to me… if Canes management wants to put butts in the seats, then they need to win games.
Stakeholders
JussiJuice, I understand and didn’t intend at all to suggest you were not a part of the solution; and apologize if I didn’t make that clear. I am thinking there is also a step for STHs to help find more STHs. In this market and with the ebb and flow of the Hurricanes teams, I suspect it will take more of a grassroots effort to reach 5,000 additional STHs.
I feel confident the team will be improved next season and that will help. Winning games absolutely puts fans in the seats. It is also a chicken and egg problem in that it takes spending at or near the salary cap to have consistent winning teams and to be able to fill gaps due to injuries or surprising under-peformance by key players.
I would much rather watch the Hurricanes when they are playing Hurricane hockey than when they play the problematic hockey we saw at the start of this season or during much of 2006-2007. To do so, the fans are going to need to take part in a community effort to raise predictable revenues by having 15,000 STHs. The task will be much easier if the Hurricanes in 2010-2011 playing winning hockey from the start; but it would be awful a couple of years from now to be forced to trade Hurricanes players because we can’t afford them.
This is the iniative that our British clubs use; the “bring a friend” technique. And as far as I can tell (without having any official figures) it has definitely helped increase the interest throughout my region at least (the fact that our team the Nottingham Panthers are usually very competitive most years is also probably a great help too =D)
Might be a good idea for the Canes to try something similar too?
RE: Whitney - confused at best
Bob McKenzie initially reported that JR had an offer for Whitney a week or so ago and took it to Ray. Whitney wanted a 3-year contract extension w/ the Canes, at which point he’d waive the NTC. JR said no to 3 year deal and Whitney said no to waiving NTC. From that perspective, it appears to me that Whitney wants to play 3 more years, and feels he can. I’d be shocked if JR succumbs to this deal. I suspect that Whitney is gone, and will test the market for a 3 year deal.
Go Canes!
Are you referring to the deal with the Kings? Whitney wanted a 3 yr extension in LA, not here. LA wouldn’t do it, so Whitney walked away.
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2010 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Remember, too, that McKenzie is only reporting what he was told by some unknown person. I would rely more on the character of Whitney and Rutherford than on rumors. Whitney wants to retire at Carolina; and Rutherford wants to try to re-sign him.
My guess is that Whitney would not agree to a one year extension and would rather be a free agent to see if either he can re-sign with Carolina or get a three year extension with some other team.
Whitney has not said anything in public. It’s hard to tell what he wants. If he wanted to stay in Carolina, all he has to do is agree to a normal rental deal and come back in the offseason like several other players around the league have done over the years.. That would be simple and probably would have been a done deal by now. Whitney is the one trying to get a contract extension because his no trade clause.
I would not discount McKenzie’s story too quickly. He speaks to several of the general managers in the league and his reports usually end up being pretty close to what ends up happening.
GM of CanesCountry.com
McKenzie is the anti-eklund
I put stock into most everything Mr. McKenzie says, tweets, etc. He been 100% correct this season.
Go Canes!
Whitney
any shot we just sign him to an extension before the deadline? Another year of Ray would be fantastic. Also, and unbelievably, we are not dead yet this season. 2 games in hand over Montreal and a 9 point deficit. Improbable, but not impossible.
Sixteen more wins would get us 87 points, and that MIGHT squeeze into the 8th spot in an Eastern conference that’s down a little this year.
Sixteen wins in twenty-one games. The enormous hole that was October and November remains to be filled. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the victories and not worry about the standings or the draft.
Great game for the Canes, probably as good as they’re played all year. Hustle, passing, forecheck, back check, goaltending…everything was rolling and the ice was tilted in their favor most of the night. Dwyer and Boychuk have made the team for next year.
The building was weirdly quiet a couple of times in the second and third periods. Are the fans getting a little jaded with all the winning? :)
Glove tap to the Wizard. Just a beast last night. The first line is outstanding.
Are the Canes the 4th best team in the east right now? Third?
Happy Valentines to everyone.
The Quiet Periods at the RBC
I felt the same unusual quiet as you observed. I couldn’t figure out why that happened to the crowd. I don’t really think it was the RBC crowd was jaded as much as we seemed to grasp at the same time how sad it was that the team couldn’t or wouldn’t play to its potential at the start of the season. It was like saying goodbye to a close friend who was taking a job in California.
Off-off topic: who decided the Olympic banner unveiling
First, kudos for the organization for honoring our guys on their way to represent their respective country in the Olympics. However, I really think they shot themselves in the foot for not having the American player the last banner. The Olympics is all about country, the RBC is the US of A. The American player should have been last. No disrespect to Staal, the captain.
Go Canes!
I’m a big Staal beleiver/apologizer/defender, but I agree. Gleason for the USA should have been last. That was just plain stupid.
by drifterscape on Feb 14, 2010 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
yeah… Gleason got the largest ovation…. Because (A) he is Tim Gleason… and (B) It is team U.S.A. (aka… The frikkin’ home team)…
Nothing against Staal… Like the guy a bunch… but when they didn’t announce Timmy last that was kind of a buzz kill….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
sneaking in to the 8th spot
Won’t happen without the Wizard. Additionally this team doesn’t look like it will be in the bottom four contending for the #1 pick. I say sign him, see if we have some magic left in this season. Give him 2 years JR!!
not to mention…the video was all messed up. Maybe the late addition caused the problem. I winder if some IT/AV guy got fired???
Exnihilo
Where is our Regular In-House announcer? Did they toss him into the Nick Wallin deal?
They need him back… the past two guys doing the in-house at the past two games have sucked royally!!!
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
center ice fun
For the first time, the family had as close to center ice seats ever. We sat 5 rows back from the New Jersey Devils bench and from that perspective, Sutter’s speed continues to amaze me.
I was able to see Boychuck skate up close as well and that is another fast dude. What an awesome game. Now I gotta see if any of my crappy point and shoot photos came out.
My wife and I both commented about how Whitney looked after the game. When FSN showed him greeting the players as they were leaving the ice, he had a look in his eyes like it was his last game. Everyone knows that he would like to continue playing in Carolina. It sucks to watch as a fan because I have watched one of my favorite players go to Ottawa, and now I may have to watch the exit of my favorite player on the team. I really hope they can work it out and bring both players back. But the look in his eyes after the game really said something to me. But I could be wrong. Who knows? Maybe he’s just tired of all the talk.
Ray Whitney...
He’s my favorite player and I will be very sad to see him go – but I will be very very upset if JR does not try everything and use every resource he has to get Ray Whitney back with the Franchise for next season and beyond. Ray is a classy guy, a great person and our team just won’t be the same without him next year if he does not return. Sure. He’s not the youngest guy on the team, but he provides everything we need whether we have a winning or losing season. He should be retiring here in a Carolina jersey and not in some other town that will never love him as much as we Caniacs do in Carolina.
Dear Mr. Rutherford. Please make every effort to re-sign Ray Whitney to the Canes in the off-season so he retires here. Thank you! :)
by thebl4ckd0g on Feb 14, 2010 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
Besides…
Who will hover around the camera during the pregame interviews after Ray is gone?
by CoastalCane on Feb 14, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think fans could have asked for a better game right before the break. It was one of those games that meant so much more than the final score indicated. It had all the makings of a classic moment-Boychuk’s first NHL goal, Pete Dawg’s first home win, Brodeur getting chased, the Olympic banners being unveiled, Jussi showing once again that Finland made a big mistake. It was fantastic and I am so happy I was there to see it. Watching Ray wave (goodbye?) to the crowd when he was named the first star was probably the closest I’ve ever been to tears while in the RBC Center. He certainly gave us something great to remember him by.
Oh and for those of you who had quippy things to say about my reaction to a certain someone getting beat up (you know who you are and after reading the game thread, now I do too), I took down the numbers and names of the offending Devils. There will be consequences. :)
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
CG Quippers roll call!
Here!!!!
What a tremendous team game from our guys on yet another bittersweet night. Obviously it remains to be seen where the Wizard ends up, but the best to him wherever that may be. That said, the rest of the team is playing with real jump and chemistry and, as Tim said after the game, is just having fun out there. Of course there’s no pressure on them either.
We’re now nine out of 8th w/2 games in hand,as was stated elsewhere in these posts. Shhh-don’t tell anyone. I say “Damn the high draft pick – full steam ahead!” as we hurry up and wait through the Olympic break.
If it's Gleason, it has to be good.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 14, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
If he had just raised his hand like LTD’s picture shows I would say it’s just a salute to the crowd. But he opened and closed his hand the way little kids do when they are told to wave good bye. I think there was definitely more meaning to it than just a typical star of the game salute.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I took a succession of pictures when he came out for the first star, I think that might be one of the few where he actually had his hand open.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 14, 2010 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 14, 2010 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
Coming in a little late here, but to me even the look on his face is more somber than one would expect, especially for someone who is usually very…smiley.
I agree with what you said below too LTD. It was very subtle, but it was different. At this time of the year, everything that’s different has extra meaning-like the Jussi bear hug.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
The first thing I said when he came out was “that totally was a wave goodbye.” It was different than any other time he’s come out for a star. Made me sad :(
I felt is was a wave of good bye as well. Someone asked him in the lockerroom about it and he said he was waving to his kids who were sitting in 216.
Live & Learn
Well, maybe he was waving specially to his kids because they might not be seeing him play much in Raleigh the rest of the season. I doubt he’d be moving the whole family for only a few months – assuming they’re in school and his wife is working. I think we all know what was happening there, and Ray is entitled to caption it however he wants.
I’m imagining the welcome Cullen will get with the Senator come in March 4th. And Whitney as well if he ends up on a team that is scheduled to play the Canes in Raleigh this year. Their new teammates will likely be amazed how loyal we are to these guys.
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
She’s a choreographer I believe – remember when they auctioned off dinner with the Whitneys to benefit a dance group in Raleigh? I understand (though Tripp was probably the source) that she’s well-respected in her field and she’s part of that group.
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
She works in theater somehow…. There was a story about it in the N&O several months ago….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 14, 2010 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
Their new teammates will likely be amazed how loyal we are to these guys.
Although I have to admit I did boo Justin Williams when he scored the empty netter in that woeful Kings game back in November.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 14, 2010 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah.. and Cory Stillman still kills us when he comes to town….
Yeah.. and Cory Stillman still kills us when he comes to town….Although we held him to just an assist last game….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, Ray’s wife does does work, as mentioned she is a choreographer for some of the theaters in the area. I know folks who work with her.
And Ray waves in that direction every time he comes out for the three stars because that’s where his family always sits (check my game albums, you’ll see that same high hand wave at every game where he’s one of the three stars, just not the open and close part, subtle, but DIFFERENT).
I’m not sure why we’d expect him to say anything else.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 14, 2010 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
he really didn’t do anything different than normal…Personally I think he skates out the furthest of all the players. But I think to everyone in the building and it was a goodbye
I was behind the Devils goal..and from my angle it did look like a wave:
It’s like the elephant in the room.
by Adam's Journey on Feb 14, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
No… This picture does not tell the story either…. He waved… much like a beauty queen waves in the christmas parade…. he was waving and to totally looked like a “goodby” wave….
And he has never done that before…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 7:51 AM EST up reply actions
could it be we are making more out of that picture and actions than needs to be ? many times in his tenure here he has always acknowledged the fans in his interviews. So for myself, it was his way of saying Thanks to all the fans that were there…or am i just dreaming here ? after all how many of us can actually & physically read his mind ? Go Canes !!
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
I was agreeing that he waved…it looked like a wave to me..:-p
by Adam's Journey on Feb 15, 2010 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
it was different than normal… don’t kid yourself.
I sit in 115 every game… he waves in that direction every time he is a star of the game…. This time was 100% definitely different….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
I also was there — certainly thought it looked like a different solute to fans, probably a wave goodbye when I first saw it.
On another note: Your dad scores two goals, plays for the Hurricanes and you sit in the 2nd level?? Hook ’em dad!
They sit in 116 in the first level…. But I believe they had already gone below the seats (the families always go downstairs and in the same tunnel as the refs after the game)….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
He certainly gave us something great to remember him by.
My favorite Whitney moment was the F-bomb he dropped on national tv when he hoisted the Cup. I still chuckle about that one.
If it wasn’t for Whitney’s possible deadline, a simple headline could have been.
60 > 30 .
(30 being Brodeur not Ward)
by Adam's Journey on Feb 14, 2010 10:04 AM EST reply actions
Jussi Jokinen
Sign him for life, I’m sold.
I would be willing to bet that Jussi is the best value $$ earned per point production in the whole league this season. What other top-6 winger are you going to find leading his team in goals, having great chemistry with your superstar, and most importantly, in my opinion, and showing up huge when it counts (shootouts and playoff time) all for the price of $1.7 million a year?? I’d be overjoyed if they signed him for another 3 years at $2-3 million per year. In his time here I think he has shown nothing except the desire to become a better player (which he has done wonderfully). He seems to like it here a lot, make it happen!
Yeah his contract is up after next season and he’s an UFA so hopefully JR will work on that before the season ends. If not another team will jump all over him.
Staal + Jussi = GOAL
That would be good...
IF his steats and playing skills do and remain consistant…but as a person, you betcha !! the guy is a good player who by coming here found his “nich” and is doing bettr and making the stars & lightning wished they hadn’t let him go…and don’t get me started about Finnish hockey teams snubb of jussi…that still makes my blood boil…
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
i agree, i would cheer for team Finland to LOSE if it wasn’t for Joni and Ruuty being on it. that snub had me angry for DAYS.
by silent_shadow36 on Feb 15, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
from sports club stats:
if we go 14-5-2 we have a 16% chance of making playoffs
if we go 15-4-2 it jumps to over 50%
17-2-2 99%
just sayin
some one needs to make a countdown on this site to 6 losses.
cause thats when all hope is finally gone.
it could be possible to stay away from that many losses at the end of this year
I’ve called that the tragic number – I thought it was still 5 more losses miss 89 points. But our chances have increases exponentially. We used to be at .01 % (that’s 1 in 10,000). Now we’re at .7% or 7 in 1000 – which is huge. Still looking at this graph,you can see it’s all relative.
We have 21 games left. We’ve won 8 of the last 10, 9 of the last 11. “All” we need to do is keep this up and that will be 17 wins and 4 losses. That would be 89 points and likely put us at 8th. However, the odds of all the other teams failing to reach 89 make this all the more unlikely (like 7 in 1000).
But what do I know? The Canes never do it the simple way. What the heck? Why not?
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2010 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Try this link to see the graph . – I was going for the enlarged one on the right which shows each point on the chart and the specifics for each day.
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2010 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
In one of the post games Mike said he thought with the way teams are playing the cut line was down to 86 points now.
"Last season we couldn't win at home and we were losing on the road. My failure was that I couldn't think of any place else to play." - Harry Neale
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 15, 2010 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Is it me… or is that Grpah impossible for someone w/o a PHD to read?
It basically says that the team is not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs… But in reality… season was over in November….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
That’s exactly right. Click on some of the other teams along the left margin and see how the Caps or Boston or Ottawa look. The Canes graph is unequivocally dismal.
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 15, 2010 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
OT -- Coast to Coast Forward
The one player the Hurricanes need to add for next year is a big-bodied coast to coast forward. I just read a blog about Steven Weiss and his recent coast to coast goal. Here is the link:
http://www.crashthecrease.com/2010/02/14/stephen-weiss-coast-to-coast-goal/
I am convinced that Staal, Sutter, Boychuk, and Tlusty have the skill set to go coast to coast; but the Hurricanes really would be a force to be reckoned with next season if they add a player who can impose his will on the opposing team.
L.A. Kings and Whitney
I think the Hurricanes are looking for a #1 pick and a prospect for Whitney. In thinking about L.A.‘s prospect, there are a few worth noting. It is my preference that the Hurricanes get a large, fast forward; but the Kings also have some excellent talent on defense. I don’t see many roster players who fit the description of a young player likely to be traded along with a first round pick. Their Manchester prospects seem a more likely result. Here are some to consider:
1. Trevor Lewis
Los Angeles Kings #61 – Right Wing
Born: 1987/01/08 Age: 23
Height: 6-1 Weight: 204
Place of birth: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Seasons: 1
Drafted by: the Los Angeles Kings in 2006 (1st round)Scouting Report
Assets
* Has good speed and two-way upside. Can line up either at center or wing. Is capable of producing good point totals at lower levels.
Flaws
* Doesn’t use his size to his advantage nearly enough. Lacks consistency in all aspects of the game at the NHL level.
Career Potential
* Two-way forward.
http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54592/Trevor_Lewis
2. Colten Teubert
Defenseman – LAK
Number: 79
Height: 6’ 4"
Weight: 194
Shoots: Right
Born: Mar 8, 1990 (Age 19)
Birthplace: White Rock, BC, Canada
Drafted: LAK / 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Round: 1st (13th overall) PROSPECT BIO
I think Thomas Hickey is a better bet. We may only get him and a 2nd as he is one of the top defensive prospects in the whole league but it could very well be worth it.
Voynov is also interesting but the Kings seem to be pretty high on him. In the end I’d take Teubert and a 1st any day of the week though.
Thomas Hickey -- Hockeys Future
Here is a link to Hockeys’ Future summary for Hickey. I would cut and paste, but I am told that Hockeys Future does not want its materials copied. Some websites encourage republication and others are adamant against it. So it goes:
It was widely speculated that Atlanta wanted Simmonds in the Kovy deal and LA refused to give him up which is Kovalchuk ended up in NJ. I doubt we can pry him away for Whitney if that really was the case.
Plus we really have a glut of forwards. Based on what I’ve seen the past few games and last night… I would be very satisfied going into next year with Staal-Jokinen-(Whitney or Top-6 replacement) as a first line and Ruutu-Sutter-Boychuk on the second. Both lines looked great. If we were going to trade for any forward I’d want a young, top line potential guy which are hard to come by (unless of course we draft one in Hall/Seguin). Simmonds is good but he is definitely more of a very effective hard-working 3rd line shutdown guy.
My dream-team for next year would be:
Staal-Jokinen-Frolov
Sutter-Ruutu-Boychuk
Hall/Seguin-Dwyer-Tlusty
Larose-(4th line center pickup)-Kostopoulos
I realize Cole and Samsonov are not included. I just don’t see how Cole could work himself back into the lineup, I don’t think he belongs in our top-6. Of course you could replace Frolov with Cole, but I’m convinced he is pretty much a shell of the player he once was and we have too many other assets that could be developing in that spot. Cole sitting in our top-6 just seems like a waste at this point. Samsonov would be hard to see leave, but that is what has to happen to open up a spot for a promising young prospect like Tlusty to develop.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Frolov as a Hurricane. He’s got a lot of skill, and he’s going to be a UFA in the summer, too. He could be a candidate for one of JR’s “reclamation projects.”
Yeah I think he is about the only potential first-line guy that the Canes would even consider picking up in Free Agency this summer. He will likely be relatively affordable at $3-5 million per year and has put up respectable numbers the past 3 years (71, 67, and 59 points).
He is big (6’2", 220lb), relatively young (27), and is a sniper (In 2007 he had 35 goals playing alongside Cammalleri). I could see him meshing well with Staal and Jokinen.
Frolov wouldn’t be a bad option, but you have to consider Cole and Samsonov in the lineup. This is not a team that can sit over $5 million worth of players without them being injured. Also, we must consider our 1st round draft pick as not playing significant time next year. If they show enough to warrant a roster spot great, but its not a certainty.
by PackPride17 on Feb 14, 2010 6:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah obviously for someone like Frolov to be brought in, Cole and Samsonov would have to be traded/bought out. We certainly cannot afford to pay them to sit on the sideline.
If we get someone like Hall/Seguin/Fowler in the draft (the possibility looks less and less every day), I’d expect that they would play immediately. Almost every one of the top-2 picks from the past 5 years has immediately joined the team and made an immediate impact (Tavares, Hedman, Duchene, and Kane from this year being good examples). I agree they wouldn’t be a 100% lock for the spot, but I’d say if we got any of the 3 I’d guess it would be a good 95% chance.
I believe that JR should do everything possible to trade Samsonov. He has skill, but moving him would open up a spot for Boychuk/Tlusty/Bowman/maybe our draft pick. I would also like to see Cole traded, but with his injury situation and remaining contract, I don’t see him going anywhere. Depending on what results from this latest injury, there is a possibility that he may be forced to retire.
While I do agree that most of the top 3 picks have played immediately, you shouldn’t depend on them. They have shown why they were selected so high, but they have also gone through extended slumps. I just wouldn’t COUNT on a rookies contribution immediately.
by PackPride17 on Feb 14, 2010 6:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I guess I should have added in there that Hall/Seguin spot could be easily replaced by someone like Bowman or Samsonov/Cole if we decided to keep either.
In any case it was my dream team, not what I actually think. I really doubt they will go out and pick up Frolov, they are just too cheap. Unfortunately they will be using this season as an example for the next decade about why they refuse to spend anywhere near the Cap again. I think the possibility of us picking up a first line winger through trade or FA is very close to zero.
The whole Ray thing is sad, but that is the reality of the NHL. While I hope and think that Ray will be resigned by the Canes, it does appear that him being on next years roster is unlikely. Every good thing comes to an end. Eventually the Gleason’s, Staal’s, Ward’s, Jokinen’s, and Sutter’s will all be gone. Its tough, but is life and the nature of sports.
With a potential deal with LA for a 1st and a top D prospect, JR is taking a weakness and turning it into a strength. I would perfer Hickey over Teubert, simply because I feel Hickey has a higher potential. Either way, the defense is becoming younger and potentially better. Next year, assuming the RFA’s are resigned, we would have a solid group of young defenseman. We would have Pitkanen, Gleason, McBain, Carson, Alberts, Picard, Rodney, and Hickey or Teubert. I still believe we are 1 top D-Man short, but we would also have players in place that have that potential. Again, JR would be taken a weakness and making it a strength, not bad.
by PackPride17 on Feb 14, 2010 12:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I wonder
Do people keep stats of the number of times you send Brodeur home early? we would probably have the highest amount in that statistic.
Include this to last comment
also we want to cheer for the rangers win in regulation first or tb in reg second and for a regulation game with sens and isles
Wow… Steve Chaisson on the ice for the very first Carolina Hurricanes goal….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
While we’re waiting to Olympic hockey to start, here’s a link to the photo album I created for the Devils game. It’s a little large compared to what I typically post but it has some shots off the videoboard plus the banners plus I was trying to get lots of pictures of Ray and also Justin Peters. I’m behind on the other albums from last week but I’ll try to get them finished over the next couple of days and I’ll post a FanPost when I do.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Great slide show, LTD. Must-see material. Thanks for doing this (as always!)
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 15, 2010 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
I agree. Nice job as always! I like the casual shots like the one with the three Finns together. Where is the Joikinen bear hug?
"Last season we couldn't win at home and we were losing on the road. My failure was that I couldn't think of any place else to play." - Harry Neale
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 15, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks! I’m always trying to get shots of the three Finns together but it’s not easy to do. And the Jokinen bear hug really isn’t a great quality picture in and of itself because there are other players standing between my camera and the actual hug, but if I can clean it up so it looks decent I’ll add it.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Love it as always LTD, but I have one bone to pick-where are the Tim Gleason JT shots? We’ve got the Finns and E.Staal, but are missing the Emperor. :)
And to add to the awesome that is Tim Gleason, he knew he was on the JT while he was waiting for the face off and gave the smallest, almost non-existent head nod in recognition. If you weren’t watching, you missed it completely. Very him. Of course I also liked Joni’s reaction-he heard his name and immediately shot his head up to look at the JT. LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get Timmy’s tribute on the videoboard. I must have missed it because I did not see a similar Canesvision shot where they posed him in front of the flag like they did the others. I took a couple of other shots of the videoboard where they showed pictures of him, but they really didn’t turn out very good so I didn’t include them. And I didn’t include Joni’s shot where they posed him in front of the FInland flag because although the picture turned out well, Canesvision spelled his name wrong!
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
Oh Canesvision…going so strong and then they drop the proverbial ball. LOL
And I was just giving you a hard time LTD. I took plenty of pictures of the Timmy tribute for the both of us! Of course none of them come close to matching the quality of yours, but then again my camera fits in my pocket. LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I posted the tribute videos somewhere in this thread. After re-watching Timmy’s now I understand why my pictures turned out so crappy, they did a blur effect and there was never anything still on the screen. And I noticed they removed the picture of Joni in front of the Finland logo with his name spelled wrong (the one like the one I posted of Tuomo) when they published the video.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
I see what you mean about Timmy’s video. You get a pass on this one. ;)
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Timmy
YEP! I noticed that too, thought I was the only one. It was so subtle, but for Tim I’m sure it was akin to a scream!
Very cool. Ever notice that a lot of hockey players/coaches seem to actually watch the jumbotron a lot? Funny now that I’ve noticed it
I think Tim is starting to get more and more comfortable with his JT fame. The Forslund Focus one night was about his sisu-filled game in Washington and they showed him sitting on the bench when the video was done. The crowd was of course going nuts and most of us were standing. Tim gave a “yeah I hear you guys” head tilt that, believe it or not, was almost a full motion. :)
And yes, a lot of the guys watch the JT during stoppages. Cam does during TV timeouts as he skates back and forth from the bench side of the arena to his crease. I think Joni spends almost as much time watching the video as the fans do!
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
The players actually watch the videoboard a lot for replays, but also for the fun stuff too. If you watch when there’s a TV timeout and the crowd gets loud they’ll pop their heads up like prairie dogs.
I caught Mike Fisher watching Dancin’ Granny on the videoboard the last time the Sens were in town.
And I’m not sure that when Joni looks up into space he’s necessarily looking at the videoboard, but that’s a good theory too. ;-)
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
I was trying to give Joni the benefit of the doubt that he wasn’t just watching lint. LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
And Fisher was watching Dancing Granny? LOL Carrie’s going to be jealous….
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I kid you not, he is watching Dancin’ Granny.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Oh if only the real world worked like a cartoon, where your thoughts end up in a bubble above your head. LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Please never say Dancing Granny and Carrie (should be my wife) Underwood in the same sentence.
Staal + Jussi = GOAL
During a recent roadgame I remember seeing a close-up of Maurice standing behind the bench watching the jumbotron. Whatever was on there the crowd was CRACKING UP and I caught Maurice glancing up there a couple of times.
He actually cracked the slightest little smile. It lasted a quarter of a second.
REALLY solid shots. I’m sure you’ve explained before, but do you shoot just for yourself? Freelance for some of the print outlets?
Thank you! You are far too kind, and you have grossly overestimated my talent. Although I have done some “special assignment” work here for Canes Country, and I do take special requests from friends, I’m just a plain old citizen picture-taker. It’s my way to drum up support and excitement for the team.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
This one:
and this one (my fave)
actually all 3 or 4 around Boychuk’s goal are incredible. Woudn’t see anything better in the “Getty Image consortium”. Boychuk (and his mom) will want copies – none better.
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 15, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Well those shots are so detailed and especially the close-ups are really phenomenal! Please don’t stop taking photos! Some of those would look very cool blown up, printed, and framed.
Thanks again, Phil! If there’s something in particular you’re interested in, let me know. You can contact me through my flickr site, and I’m in the process of setting up an email where you can reach me via my Canes Country profile, or in the meantime you can contact Bob/Cory/HockeyMom and they can get a message to me.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
I have had the privledge through lucky seats to watch LTD shoot a game. As I told her when I met her, I wish I could shoot hockey as well as she does. I learn a lot by going through her galleries. I sit in the upper level but every now and then get lucky and make it to the lower level for games.
Here’s my Devil’s set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15530177@N05/sets/72157623432683618/
And two sets from when I got to sit in the general area of LTD!
Vs. Florida – 12/19/09
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15530177@N05/sets/72157622912874607/
And vs. Philadelphia on 12/26:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15530177@N05/sets/72157623083435060/
by Adam's Journey on Feb 15, 2010 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome pics as always but I’m thinking your camera doesn’t like Staal, 2 or 3 pics out of 106, ummmm.
Just kindin……sorta.
Staal + Jussi = GOAL
I can’t remember, did he play that night?
Just kiddin….. sorta.
Actually, statistically speaking, he’s my all-time second-most photographed player. Although I can’t say his breakaways Saturday night were highlight reel quality.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Oh don’t even get me started on the breakaways…
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I may be 100% off my rocker…. But I would not be shocked at all to see Anton Babchuck back in Raleigh before Opening day next year….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 15, 2010 9:55 AM EST reply actions
is there a story or is this a speculation piece? Either way, should be a cool read…..
by wylde4canes on Feb 15, 2010 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Babchuk
I am guessing there is at least a 40% chance Babchuk returns — if only to be signed and then traded if the chemstry doesn’t work during training camp or the pre-season.
By the way, that rumour about moving the Thrashers to Winnipeg is apparently false:
http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2010/2/13/1309274/an-invention-floating-around-this
Well of course it is! But that's funny.
We are too gullible. That said, Winnipeg would be another great place to land a franchise. Atlanta would be a good team to move, if only because hell, they’ve moved before. Why they ever came back is still a shocker to most. However, Bettman has so much invested in his “southern market” strategy that it will never happen on his watch, not without a serious coup in the NHL executive office.
Go Canes!
Here are the Olympic send-off videos they played in the arena Saturday night:
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Whitney's Trade Value SkyRocketing
Here’s an article that suggests Ray Whitney’s trade value is skyrocketing. It is short, but is worth reading:
http://twtr.net/sports/nhl/canes/2010/02/15/ray-whitneys-trade-value-skyrocketing—-yahoo-sports
Another Mention of Ray Whitney -- this time with Boston
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view/20100214peter_chiarelli_still_on_the_lookout/srvc=home&position=also
I would hope that if Ray Whitney were traded to Boston, Aaron Ward would be traded as well — perhaps Ray Whitney and Aaron Ward for a 1st round, a third round, and a top prospect.
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