Alexandre Picard Latest To Try And Break "The Curse Of Gelinas"
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 12:00 PM EST
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PrintComing off a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002, Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford decided to stand pat in the offseason, hoping for further improvement from surprising youngsters like Erik Cole, Jaroslav Svoboda and Josef Vasicek. The lone significant change was the departure of Martin Gelinas — a prototype role player who was not only consistent but proved to have a knack for coming up big in big situations.
When Gelinas signed a two-year contract with Calgary during the summer of 2002, not only was it the end of the four-season run of a Raleigh fan favorite, but it marked the last time a Quebec-born player played a significant role for the Hurricanes. From established NHLers like Eric Belanger to prospects like Bruno St. Jacques to current AHLer Jerome Samson, Carolina has yet to strike gold with a Quebec-born player since Gelinas’ departure. Defensemen Alexandre Picard, acquired Feb. 12 from Ottawa along with a second-round pick for Matt Cullen, is the latest Québécois to try and find success in Raleigh ... and break "The Curse of Gelinas."
For whatever reason, Quebec and Raleigh just don't seem to mix. Since the Hurricanes moved to North Carolina, only nine Quebec-born players have played for the franchise (only five in Raleigh), and many of them have been in red and black briefly (Enrico Ciccone for 14 games; Steve Martins for 3; Joey Mormina for 1; goalie Eric Fichaud for 3; and Samson for 5 so far). Kevin Dineen, who spent the two Greensboro years with the Canes and is arguably the most accomplished of the group, was born in Quebec but spent most of his childhood in the United States. St. Jacques, a promising defenseman who was acquired from Philadelphia in the Sami Kapanen-for-Pavel Brendl trade, played just 53 games over two seasons before being traded to Anaheim so the Canes could reacquire Craig Adams.
Belanger was the last Quebec-born Hurricane for which big things were expected. Acquired along with Tim Gleason from the Kings in the Jack Johnson trade, Belanger was supposed to fill the void left by Cullen, who left Carolina the first time following the 2006 Stanley Cup championship season for the Rangers, only to be reacquired a year later.
But Belanger never seemed to fit in with Carolina on the ice. Some fans suggested the French-Canadian simply didn't mesh with the roster, while Carolina owner Peter Karmanos pinned it on coach Peter Laviolette, saying he was too quick to slot new players into a definitive role. Regardless, Belanger was jettisoned after 56 games to Nashville for ex-Cane Josef Vasicek (yep, another Carolina encore) and then quickly flipped back into the Southeast to Atlanta for Vitaly Vishnevski.
Is it by pure chance that Carolina has had little to no success with Quebec-born players? Or is it an example of there being so few attempts by the team that they simply haven't hit the mark since Gelinas?
The Hurricanes did make an attempt when they surprised many by using their first-round draft pick this season on Shawinigan forward Philippe Paradis — just the ninth QMJHL player chosen by the team since the move to North Carolina, and the first first-rounder by the franchise since the Whalers selected Jean-Sebastian Giguere 13th overall in 1995. But the team quickly cut ties with Paradis, trading his rights to Toronto for former first-rounder Jiri Tlusty less than six months after the draft.
In fact, no QMJHL player drafted by Carolina has gone on to have success with the Hurricanes — only Francis Lessard, a third-round pick in 1997, made it to the NHL, and he has played just 91 games in the league (none with Carolina) and spent most of his career as an AHL enforcer. Nicolas Blanchard, Stefan Chaput and Samuel Morneau are all recently drafted out of the Q, but none was selected before the fifth round or is considered a sure-fire future NHLer.
When Picard plays his first game in Raleigh, he will become just the second Quebec-born player to play with the Canes this season, joining AHLer Samson. To be fair, several teams have gone without a game played by a Quebec-born player this season: Chicago, Calgary, Detroit and Los Angeles, along with Southeast Division foes Atlanta and Florida. Anaheim has only had Giguere, who is now with Toronto.
But none of those teams seem to have the historical lack of success that Carolina has had with players from Quebec. Anaheim had a massive winner in Giguere, the franchise's best ever goalie. Atlanta, in their Carolina-like brief history, found some success with Donald Audette and Yannick Tremblay. Florida had Roberto Luongo at one point, plus No. 2 all-time scorer Scott Mellanby — who ended his career in Atlanta — is a Montreal native. Chicago and Detroit have storied — and long — histories that include greats like Denis Savard and Marcel Pronovost, who played 1,096 and 983 for their respective teams. Calgary was home to netminder Rejean Lemelin, who ranks third all-time in wins for the franchise, and one-time 50-goal scorer Guy Chouinard.
Is Quebec and Raleigh the new oil and water? Some might suggest the language barrier is part of the issue. In my early years in the Triangle, I had some difficult moments understanding a thicker Southern accent. But those struggles would likely pale in comparison to someone whose first language is French. Atlanta and Florida having few players from Quebec would add weight to that argument, but then you realize Tampa Bay has four such players, including franchise cornerstones Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, plus big-ticket free agent signee Alex Tanguay.
If we do use language as a reason, Picard shouldn't have a problem —he could rival Sergei Samsonov or Niklas Lidstrom with his grasp and use of English as a second language. But there's something to be said for strength in numbers when it comes to building chemistry in the locker room: Carolina's three-player Finnish contingent has thrived playing together in Raleigh.
Picard won't have a similar support system in Raleigh, but he also won't have the glare of the Ottawa media shining on him day after day — something new teammate Joe Corvo can relate to.
In Picard, the Hurricanes see a big blueliner who can skate and move the puck — and who is just 24 years old. In the Hurricanes, Picard gets a team that has made it standard practice to bring in young, unpolished defensemen (see Joni Pitkanen, Gleason, Mike Commodore, ect.) and mold them into the role that best suits them and the team. There's no reason to think they can't do the same with Picard, regardless of where he comes from.
Unless, of course, "The Curse of Gelinas" strikes again.
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the curse of gelinas
haha…I had never thought of it that way, but I was definitely one of the many Caniacs sorry to see Marty leave the team. He was the type of player that fans love to root for…hard working, tenacious, beautiful skating ability and capable of scoring the big goal with flair… I always though Cullen was that sort of player as well, which made him my favorite player since Gelinas. When I finally bought a jersey, after the lockout, I toyed with the idea of getting Gelinas on the back even then, but since I would have had to wait a couple of months and send it off for special stitching I went with Cullen instead.
As for the the lack of Qubecois success stories with the Hurricanes, I think the sample size is just too small, and those players that we have had have been, for the most part, borderline players at best. For whatever reason, this organization never seems to look towards the QMJHL when it comes to the draft, and instead focuses elsewhere. Who knows what biases might be inherent there, if any. I cannot seem to find any instant stats on the success of QMJHL draftees in the NHL (i.e in the 2006 and 2007 drafts, the most recent data I could find, there were 9 players from the QMJHL drafted in the first round, 3 of whom have seen any significant NHL ice time), so I’m not sure how the talent pool stands up to the OHL or WHL, which seem to be where the Canes organization is more inclined to turn.
Based on the background data Corey has dug up, I certainly hope that young Mr Picard trends more towards the Gelinas end of the scale than the Belanger example (and for what its worth I was very excited about acquiring Belanger at the time, and had no idea who this TIm Gleason fellow was).
-m
This was a good read. Thanks for finding the fresh angles, as noted above.
Ah, Marty Gelinas. For a player that was waived by his team earlier in the year, he was quite the playoff warrior during that 2002 Cup run.
However, I think I agree with UTTMartin that the sample size is so small for the Canes that the jury on QMJHL players is still out for me.
The “Ontario Mafia” that has our org under control sure loves those Ontario boys, that’s for sure. Add some US players for stock and a Western Canada boy or two, sprinkle in some Finns and a Russian…and that’s some mighty good stew for their palate.
However, here’s hoping we’ve now got a QMJHL defensive prospect that’s a keeper…or serve as some mighty fine tradebait, if not. :-D
Good read, but the story is making much ado about nothing.
If it was more about the team’s search for the ‘perfect puck carrying defenseman’ – (See: Coffey, Paul; Ozolinsh, Sandis; Markov, Danny; Treverdosky, Oleg, Tanabe, David, etc.) then I think you’d have more of an angle.
That would be Pitkanen … and Markov was never considered a puck-moving defenseman.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Some would argue otherwise with Pitkanen…at least the one guy that was harassing him all evening from the seats against the Flyers on 12/26 would say.
you’re right about Markov…but you get the idea.
by Adam's Journey on Mar 1, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Was it an old Flyers fan still mad about his time there?
Just to be clear, I wasn’t saying Picard was brought here to show the team can succeed with a French-Canadian. It’s just a fact that Quebec players have not had success in Raleigh. You can then ask: is it b/c there have been so few? And if so, why is that?
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
Possibly…I did take a photo of the guy. :-p
I wouldn’t say it would be a curse…it could be anything…just throwing it out there for the heck of it…the style of play in the QMJHL doesn’t fit the Hurricanes style during the draft, it’s not as heavily scouted (no idea how well covered by the Canes the province is), anger in the managment for never beating Montreal in the playoffs while in Hartford, or since there are no Quebec players in the team’s past the team can’t recycle them three or so years later…:-p
You can certainly do the opposite, why do Finish and Sweedish players have success here and not elsewhere.
by Adam's Journey on Mar 1, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
whats with all the nitpicking lately? This was a fun article pointing out an interesting trend, that allows a demographic starved for Canes related material a morsel to chew on (if like me) while waiting on a report to run.
Lighten up folks……… Cory keep on crankin these puppies out man, I for one enjoy it.
Not nitpicking as I did enjoy the read, but I do wonder if the style of play in the QMJHL is not the type of player the organization wants.
by Adam's Journey on Mar 1, 2010 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
Danny Markov was good though…. He was as tough of a player as I have ever seen playing for our team….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Mar 1, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
yeah … he was the guy I was hoping they were bringing in when they instead signed Melichar.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Markov is a legend in my mind. I was at a game where Kovalev high-sticked a bunch of Dany’s teeth out. Dany calmly took off his glove, picked up his teeth and skated off. He returned next period as if nothing happened.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
YES!!! I was at that game… and that is the story I always tell to “new” hockey / hurricane fans when they say: “Who is Danny Markov?”
Danny Markov is (Was) the f’ing man…
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Mar 1, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
Danny Markov is indeed The Man
…raise of the hand…two huge fans here, speaking for elskling, too.
Kaiton said afterward that Danny told Bobby Holik as he went by the NYR bench “Hey Bobby, now I look just like you!”
Originally Posted by News & Observer
LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer
RALEIGH — Danny Markov told his teammates not to worry about the three teeth he lost Thursday night.
“It’s probably better,” the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman told center Rod Brind’Amour. “I needed some new ones anyway.”
Markov took a high-stick in the mouth early in the Canes’ 6-3 NHL victory over the New York Rangers, but after X-rays on his jaw found no other damage, he was back out on the ice to open the second period.
His sense of humor and the quick return impressed Brind’Amour.
“I literally stick-handled two of his teeth to [trainer] Pete Friesen,” Brind’Amour said. "They were sitting there under his skate. I didn’t expect to see him back out on the ice. …
“It was one of those ugly things, and he just made light of it. There’s no question that guy’s a seriously tough kid.”
Best Markov moment ever, however, had to be the kiss on Staal’s cheek after a very young Eric was the primary assist on a critical Markov goal.
EPIC!
Markov is still one of my favorite all-time Carolina Hurricanes players…. and he didn’t even play a full season here….
And to think… we traded David Tanabe to Phoenix for him….
I liked Justin Williams and everything…. but I was seriously bummed the day we traded Danny Markov…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Mar 2, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Well, it was a bit more than that to the trade. But that Summer of 2003 deal sure cleaned up a bunch of mistakes for good return.
Deal was David Tanabe (16th overall in 1999) and Igor Knyazev (15th overall in 2001) [Reality check: See how badly these draft picks can go?] for Danny Markov and a third-rounder in 2005 (Joe Barnes).
Yes, it was less than a year (January 2004) before he was back out the door, again for very good return (Justin Williams), but easily one of my all-time favorites.
He just played with such evident joy.
Also, Barnes was sent to NYR in the reacquisition of Cullen deal (along with Hutchinson and a third).
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 2, 2010 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Nice additional info.
I do like to follow the trails of assets…who they were, and who they become.
For instance, the 1999/2001 first round draft bundle that was Tanabe/Knyazev, was then briefly Markov (and Joe Barnes), then was Justin Williams, and is now Cole on his second tour of dutyj, plus a piece of Cullen, via Joe Barnes.
Asset management, fueled by the draft, even when it goes awry.
I too had
I too had a good laugh at the " Gelinas Curse" theory…but what Cory has present is fact…now why that happens to be…I’m not sure many of us here can rightly say…but I do welcome Mr. Picard and hopefully he can be or become a Tanabe,Coffey and the like…after all it couldn’t hurt huh ? Thanks Cory…I appreciate the efforts…Go Canes !!
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
I think the “Gelinas Curse” started when we completely tanked the ‘02-’03 season…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Mar 1, 2010 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
You can add Picard to the list not to hang around long. I’m thinking he was picked up with other intentions in mind from JR. Maybe even a throw in on a trade this week but we’ll have to wait and see.
It's time to draw the line.....USA go get it!!!!
Speaking of Mr. Picard, here he is in the sightless eye… from today’s practice at the RecZone.
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
Lot of folks say he resembles his number-sake David Tanabe. I can see a facial resemblance but wasn’t around Tanabe enough to know anything more than that in terms of how he skates or defends. He’s a decent-sized dude, not Alberts big but he wields a pretty big presence on the ice IMO.
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Mar 1, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
He definitely looks like Tanabe physically, especially in that first picture (almost creepy).
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
None of the photos remind me of Tanabe. He looks more focused. Guess we’ll see how he looks Thursday night.
(On an aside – the one thing that still sticks out in my mind with Tanabe was his nearly coast to coast goal in Game 6 against New Jersey in 2001).
by Adam's Journey on Mar 1, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Enjoyed the history lesson.
Francis: See that lady over there with the Finnish sweater on?
Picard: Where?
Francis: Over there (motions with hand making a circular motion) with the long black circular thing in font of her face… Stay out of her sight line unless you want you picture plastered all over Raleigh.
Picard: hmmph
Have you seen my playoff tickets?
by hotchipsnsalsa on Mar 1, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
ROFL!
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 1, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
LMAO!
Oh wait…
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Mar 1, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
any guesses on lines tomorrow night?
if cole does actually play, they coudl scratch dwyer and give brindy is 3rd line back, (without having to pull jokinen of the top line)
not saying id want this but it seems to fit the MO (get it?)
Lines for Tomorrow -- My Guess
Whitney/Staal/Jokinen
Samsonov/Sutter/Ruutu
LaRose/Dwyer/Cole
Kosto/Yelle/Walker (Brind’Amour scratched)
Corvo/Gleason
Pitkanen/Picard
Carson/Alberts
OR
Whitney/Staal/Jokinen
Samsonov/Sutter/Ruutu
LaRose/Dwyer/Cole
Kosto/Brind’Amour/Walker (Yelle scratched)
Corvo/Gleason
Pitkanen/Picard
Carson/Alberts
So I think the lines would be:
Whitney/Staal/Jokinen
Samsonov/Sutter/Ruutu
Cole/Brindy/Walker
Kosto/Yelle/LaRose
Corvo/Gleason
Pitkanen/Picard
Carson/Alberts
I think Dwyer is scratched as it AWard (who may be traded by then). They will want to showcase Walker and Yelle, so I could even see Yelle on the 3rd line.
Just my two cents worth….
In terms of the lack of success on the behalf of French Canadians, I think it more has to do with the sample size and expected role of the individual players. Personally, I regarded Gelinas as a finesse guy, that could contribute a fair amount. All of the aforementioned players had far lesser expectations IMO. I think in terms of current success of French Canadians in our system, their experiences are not expansive enough to judge. Belanger, throughout his career, has never had more than 37 points in a season. He had 20 in the 56 games he played here. I think expectations were perhaps higher than they should have been. Only time will tell, but I think Picard is truly the only recent French Canadian that has the potential to make an impact comparable to the magnitude that Gelinas had.
Here's a better question: Where are the Swedes?
Where are the Swedes? How many Swedish players have found success for the Canes? None on the roster currently after Wallin gone – and only the third Swede to have every played for the team.
Can you name the other two?
Niklas Nordgren (43 games) and Tommy Westlund (203 games) – that’s it!
I wouldn’t claim him…. He was a first class A-hole! (Not that Peter Laviolette helped him any)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Mar 1, 2010 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
I loved Nordgren. Good role player. Too bad it didn’t work out.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 8:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Fourth Finn Needed
I am hoping that the Hurricanes can acquire a fourth Finn — big, fast, and with a plethora of sisu. Actually a Finnish forward with the size and speed of Pitkanen, Ruutu’s athleticism and spirit, and Jokinen’s encyclopedic hockey knowledge, vision on the ice and hands would be quite nice.
Good. This means you want no part of Olli.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 9:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
+1 – nice!
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 1, 2010 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
Possible 4th FIn: Mikko Lehtonen of the Boston Bruins, currently residing in Providence. Definitely has the skill and size we desire, not sure about the spirit of Ruutu. I personally think acquire him from Boston would be great addition for the team. Say Wheeler and Lehtonen for Whitney and Ward and a 3rd? That is a complete guess. I just can’t see the Bruins giving those two young players up for essentially two rentals.
The prospect of grabbing either or both of those players intrigues me. Corvo for Mueller or Whitney for Hickey and a 1st are another two that really interest me.
Mikko Lehtonen
I have been following Mikko Lehtonen and would really love for the Hurricanes to obtain him. I am serious that many of the Finnish hockey players seem to have an overall approach to the game that works exceedingly well for Hurricanes hockey. To me the approach includes keeping a sense of the flow of the game, and putting winning above personal glory.
I like the idea of Wheeler, but I’m not so sure about Lehtonen. If we did a trade with Boston, I would prefer Wheeler and one of Boston’s center prospects. Center is one area we must fill and replenish.
The Triple Golden One, Eric Staal!
by PackPride17 on Mar 1, 2010 10:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’m not big on Wheeler. He’s a decent skater at full speed, but i find his acceleration to be slow. That being said, if he’s willing to stand in front of the net on the PP, who cares how he skates.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 2, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Excellent observation about Wheeler — pros and cons. Quick acceleration is really a tremendous asset. For example, Sutter has some of the best acceleration to full speed on the team. A quick first step and acceleration kills defenses. On the other hand, the Hurricanes could really use more help with skilled, big-bodies who love the dirty ice and ugly, ugly, ugly goals. Sutter has some of the best instincts and desire to score around the net of any Hurricanes player. I think people tend to equate size with strength; and that is misleading. Sutter is lanky, but he is strong as an ox and will only get stronger.
I think that we could handle not acquiring a center prospect right now. Personally, having the ability to shift Jokinen to center provides another wrinkle to our teams versatility. Staal and Sutter can man the first 2 lines and if we are unable to pencil someone else into the 3rd line, either through trade or off-season signing, we can have Jokinen play 3rd line center. I don’t think it would be the best option, especially with the way he and Staal have been clicking as of late, but the option is there. The element that a big scoring winger adds to this team, is something greatly needed especially with the recent injuries to Cole and Ruutu (our only real physical wingers with scoring punch). Lehtonen could also find chemistry on a line with his fellow Fin, in Jokinen. I would hope that acquiring Lehtonen would supplement a trade for Wheeler, not be the only piece included in the trade. As I said I would ideally acquire Wheeler and Lehtonen for Whitney, Ward, and perhaps a draft pick.
those are trade goggles there.
never gonna happen.
boston will not give up wheeler, for anything. why would they?
and for rentals?
Trade Deadline
The NHL is filled with a history of trades that happened despite the fact nobody said they could possibly occur. By Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., we will know one way or the other.
I disagree. That’s like saying they wouldn’t give up Kessel? Whitney gives them a far better shot at winning a Cup or at this moment, pushing to lock up a playoff spot. I don’t think there is overwhelming evidence to suggest he’s untradeable, and Whitney is going to require a good return to get.
no one thought they would keep kessel. he was a contract hold-out who wouldn’t sign for the same amount as kreijci. that’s why he was moved. no surprises there.
I wouldn’t consider Kessel a true hold-out. Training camp opened on Sept. 13th, but Kessel was traded on Sept. 19th. On top of that, he was still rehabing his shoulder and wasn’t expected to be in camp even if he had been under contract. He asked for a higher contract than the Bruins could afford under the cap. It was not because that is all they were willing to offer him, rather that’s all they could offer based on the pieces they moved (AWard). Financially for what they could offer, it wasn’t expected that Kessel would settle for it. Kessel and Wheeler aren’t comparables. Speedy sniper vs. Big Power forward.
I am just saying I would not say that Wheeler is untradeable.
Kessel was moved as a salary cap issue. Boston tendered him an offer, well below what he was valued, then tried to hold up Toronto. It took Burke re-acquiring Toronto’s second round pick in 2010 and the threat of an offer sheet to motivate the Boston brass to get a deal done.
Greensboro was a black hole.
he was asking for far more than he was worth. Kreijci was willing to take a discount in order to keep the team together. Kessel wanted more than Kreijci and was unwilling to sign for less. The holdout dates back to the summer when they attempted to sign him to an extension, but he consistently stuck to wanting the money that Toronto eventually (over) paid him.
If Kessel had been more of a team player, and taken the same money Kreijci did, he would still be in a B’s uniform.
not that I don’t agree … but flip side is if Boston ponied up the cash (instead of signing Thomas to a long-term deal when they had Rask in the wings) they wouldn’t have the scoring issues they’ve had.
That being said, who could’ve predicted Rask would already move ahead of the guy who won the Vezina last year.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 2, 2010 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
This is a tired line I'm sure,
but I can’t help myself.
Now that we have Picard, how long before he becomes Captain? Also, will we get Worf as the enforcer?
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
Or do we still require more Data?
;-D
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
Yeah, but could he use his Bat Leth instead of the stick?
Or will that cause issues with wussie fans of other teams?
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
James Mirtle just used this image of Picard vs Leafs from Feb 6, to lead his story on Toronto’s trade deadline activities related to Wayne Primeau.
Wouldn’t that be considered hooking?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 10:39 AM EST reply actions
I think it is all on where the twig was
before they start falling.
It he had his stick in the mitts when he was still totally vertical, yeah hooking. If the stick was on the ice and it came up while he was falling, no call.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
Good points. I do like it as a great action photo. You can feel the force and the speed of the impact. There’s some “battle” there.
Seems like we have 7 D for tonight: Picard, Ward, Gleason, Corvo, Carson, Alberts, Pitkanen.
Interested to see how that works out and if someone sits.
If Cole, Walker and LaRose play, then we have these 13 forwards:
Staal, Whitney, Jussi
Ruu, Samsonov, Sutter, Cole (I know that’s 4)
LaRose, Dwyer, TKosto
Yelle, Brindy, Walker
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
not if he's falling down
and his stick is parallel to the ice while he’s falling. which is what looks like what is happening there, unless picard has somehow mastered the dark art of skating on one leg with the other leg extended out in front of him like a russian dancer.
has anyone posted that ice_chip tweeted that Justin Peters will start tonight vs the Leafs?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 11:04 AM EST reply actions
Not to my knowledge. Saw the same tweet and was thinking this was a good move.
After all, Justin’s been playing, while Manny’s probably just been working out…and watching the Olympics, like the rest of us.
Nice point. Justin played more than a few games over the break. You probably saw the twit pic from the Toronto sidewalk of locals getting Manny’s autograph on his way to pregame skate. That wouldn’t happen anywhere in Raleigh would it ?-unless it was an “event” , like at Harris Teeter or something.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
LukeDeCock – A Corvo-to-Sabres trade (and that’s just informed speculation in Buffalo, not a rumor, folks) would be the first-ever transaction w/Sabres.
Live & Learn
I would think Miller
would like to get Gleason.
Just speculation.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
I thought I was upset when we traded Willy away, that would be nothing compared to the anger I would have of trading Timmy.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
LaRose/Staal/Walker?
From practice, comes this tweet from Chip Alexander.
What’s this, the Showcase Line?
Staal goes from Iggy&Sid to Walks& Rosey. Sounds like he might need to adjust. just a tad?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t know about Kostopoulosm.
But I think I was supposed to read about Kostopoulism in some college class.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
by drifterscape on Mar 2, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
Has to be a Show case line
Unless Maurice/Francis/Rowe threw names into a hat and pulled them out randomly, that has to be a showcase line to see if Walker and LaRose can get attention. There will be standing room only for NHL scouts.
Luke DeCock tweeted that this means Whitney’s trade is imminent. Seems like they’d let him practice one last time with Staal for old times’ sake.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
crazy lines…something is up
we will have the game preview up after lunch as usual
GM of CanesCountry.com
Crazy indeed. Sit tight and the let the story unfold I suppose. Is Rutherford likely to be in Raleigh or Toronto?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
I would say Toronto, just a guess but with the deadline tommarow and the team/league offices in Toronto that is where I would be.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Off-topic but worth the laugh:
wyshynski: Can tell kids what Atlanta was like before the great fire of 1917. RT @BenThrashers Official- Thrashers have signed Chelios.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Ill never forget Sean Hill creaming Chelios in the middle of Det’s logo at center ice and “flexing” on him durring the SCF in 02.
I miss Sean Hill, I doubt Chelly does.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Chelly probably can’t remember what he had for breakfast today.
Won’t be long before he forgets what team he is playing for.
(He’s old…..)
Very true. You have appreciate the love of the game though. Anyone who plays that long is doing it strictly for the love of the game.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
I miss the man Tripp dubbed as “the natural” as well. If I had a dollar for everytime it was mentioned he could imitate the rich dude from gilligans island………….. I’d have at least enough to afford a couple of rbc center beers
by wylde4canes on Mar 2, 2010 12:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I know nothing of Ryan Jones but a brief search shows alot of fans demanding he be picked up.
One teams trash:Sammy,Jussi
Anothers treasure: Sammy, Jussi
I’m all in favor.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
big body who can stand in front on the PP. also great leader and character guy. used to rock a mullet at Miami (Ohio), where he was an All-American and think finalist for Hobey Baker (Kevin Porter from Michigan won that year, iirc)
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 2, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
you sold me on the mullet. thats plenty enough. We need him.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
You make the Canes sound like the home of Misfit toys
Does that make JR Rudolph or the King of the Land of Misfit toys?
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
I, too, no nothing about Ryan Jones. But if you claim someone off waivers don’t you go to the bottom of the list ? Might be some others coming up as well.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
by drifterscape on Mar 2, 2010 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
We need a Twitter Trade Talk Thread.
Lots of chatter right now. Chip tweeted about the lines at practice. Mind boggling.
That Jokinen – Staal combo was getting us too many wins it seems.
Showcasing is the only thing I can think of. Unless this came all the way down from PK b/c he is bitter about the gold medal game,lol.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Ron Wilson on silver: “In our business it’s winning the whole thing. In five years no one will give a damn. It’s who won.”
I’ve mentioned earlier that I like Burke alot and that I don’t know why everyone hates him. Well, I can see at the very least why Burke likes Wilson. I don’t know much about Wilson’s coaching style, but he seemed to pretty darn good up in Vancouver. If I was a Leaf’s fan I would be thinking my lucky stars to have these two guys running the org. As much as I hate the Leafs I will be secretly rooting for these two to have sucess. I just wish it was for a team that I could stomach.
from the N&O
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/canes-a-hard-team-to-read-at-skate
There was Ray Whitney, the source of so much trade speculation, on a line with Rod Brind’Amour and Pat Dwyer. There was Eric Staal centering Scott Walker and Chad LaRose. Jussi Jokinen also was back at center, with Erik Cole and Sergei Samsonov on the wings, and Brandon Sutter centering Tuomo Ruutu and Tom Kostopoulos.
Whitney, a fourth-liner?
“Well, we let them form their own lines for the morning skate,” Maurice said, smiling. “We’ve got a little more defined lines, but we need to wait to the game before we’re fully sure who’s in the lineup.”
at least we like the same quote
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s the audio of Mo explaining.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
that is awesome HMo2. How did you get that to play like that (instead of redirecting to a website)?
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
I follow the Canes Twitter account. It links it directly too. (my favorite part is that I can listen to it on my Palm phone – which I can’t do with the WRAL audio links).
They spoke to Gleason – about 48 seconds. . He sounds like he’s disappointed but focusing on the positive. Really disappointed though. I’ll be watching him and Kessel if they’re on the ice together tonight.
Staal too. talking to Canadian media, lots about the gold medal game. (Toronto media doesn’t have anyone else to talk to in the Leaf’s locker room who was on team Canada)
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
(Toronto media doesn’t have anyone else to talk to in the Leaf’s locker room who was on team Canada)
made me laugh for some reason. I guess im going to have to break down and get a twitter account.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
hmm didn’t quite work out like i expected,lol.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
The quote thing can be wonky. Especially with paragraph breaks.
The twitter account thing is wild but definitely where everything is happening. I would definitely try it the next couple days. Follow CanesCountry. ice_chip, and the Hurricanes official account, and if you want, have the tweets forwarded to your phone as SMS (Text messages). You will know the moment (literally) anything happens. It will also make you neurotic.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’m going to do that now actually. Thanks for the info!
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Chip has his blog post up from practice:
Whitney, a fourth-liner?
“Well, we let them form their own lines for the morning skate,” Maurice said, smiling. “We’ve got a little more defined lines, but we need to wait to the game before we’re fully sure who’s in the lineup.”
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 1:11 PM EST reply actions
based on points in reverse order.
so….
EDM
TOR
CAR
NYI
FLA
CLS (tied with atl in points, but have played an extra game, I assume that is the tiebreaker)
ATL
NYR
TBL
MON
MIN
STL
BOS
ETC ETC ETC
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
I’m sure you all have seen this before but it is quite interesting so I thought I’d share it with those who don’t know anything about that twitter mess.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=58679
they even have Chip in the mix.
That works too. A little bit of overload for me. (which is the problem with Twitter until you sort out your preferences).
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
I would’ve been surprised to see him go there anyway. I’d guess Boston or Vancouver.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 2, 2010 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Would you think Buffalo is an option too? I was just reading his name in a blog by a Buffalo blogger that he’s be just what they need. New to me. Any merit to that as a good idea?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Don't laugh.....
he’s better than what they have now.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
I dunno … maybe. I think they need a PP point man more than a physical presence.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 2, 2010 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
no, NO! They NEEEEEEED Aaron Ward, and maybe we can infect him with the nora virus first….double whammy!
But think where he'd be going.....
Buffalo, nothing survive there that’s not human.
Not even Viruses nor Prions
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
i laughed: “Why Jussi Jokinen Joining the Detroit Red Wings makes so much sense”. this blogger obviously doesn’t know what their talking about.
i just had to share that, i got a good laugh out of it. trade Jussi, our sparkling diamond Jussi, for a second and fourth round draft pick?? insane.
Wow – that may be the most ridiculous blogpost I’ve seen this year. Wow. Wow.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 2, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
did you read the comments? they ripped the guts out of this guy.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
I certainly had fun in the comments
What a terrible post that was!!
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