Bryzgalov Shuts Down Carolina: Coyotes 4, Hurricanes 0
by Bob Wage on Mar 13, 2010 10:02 PM EST
49 comments
The Phoenix Coyotes put an end to the Carolina Hurricanes eight game winning streak at home on Saturday night with a dominating, 4-0 performance. Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was excellent in the game and stopped all 29 of Carolina's shots. It was the eighth shutout of the year for the big Russian goalie, which now leads the league.
Lee Stempniak and Martin Hanzal each had a pair of goals for the visitors.
The Hurricanes generated a few good chances and out-shot the powerful Western Conference team by a 29-20 margin, but they failed to screen the talented Phoenix goalie enough and could not capitalize on any rebounds or second chances all night.
Coach Paul Maurice seemed to think that was key part of the game, as well as the fact that the team was missing injured star Brandon Sutter. The young center is listed as day-to-day and should be able to return to action on Tuesday.
The Canes fell behind early for the third game in a row as Stempniak slipped in a wrap around attempt that seemed to fool Justin Peters just four minutes into it.
Stempniak would score another goal, this time from further out during a Coyotes four minute powerplay. Jerome Samson took the penalty when his stick got a bit high while on the forecheck. The recall from Albany skated like a banshee all night and led the team with five shots on goal.
The goal which broke Carolina's back was the third goal of the game. About mid-way through the second period, Shane Doan sent a pass to Hanzal which took a high bounce and landed right at his feet. The center made a perfect shot to put the game out of reach.
Hanzal would put up another tally in the third to close out the scoring.
Even though they were losing by a good margin, the Canes could only muster six shots on goal in the third period and looked a bit tired. But they did have a few pretty good chances earlier.
Erik Cole had a couple of breakaway attempts, but could not get the puck by the agile Phoenix goalie. Rod Brind`Amour was set up nicely at one point, but Bryzgalov was equal to the task.
The Hurricanes will take a couple of days to re-group before they take on the Boston Bruins at home on Tuesday night.
Game Notes:
- Alexandre Picard led the team with three blocked shots. The Canes only had eight for the game.
- Carolina was credited with 30 hits. Tom Kostopoulos had a team high of four.
- The Hurricanes were 0-3 on the powerplay and had an abbreviated 5-on-3 which once again was uneventful.
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Wow....that was BAD.
1. Why the hell is Rod on the PP and now the PK? The guy scores a couple of goals and soon will be on the first line. Thats got to stop.
2. Cole………really get him off the first line. I know everybody thinks he’s playing awesome but I’m still not a fan. He makes a few chances but NEVER does anything with it. Yes he’s big and can skate fast but somehow has lost ALL his puck handling skills. Seems scared or nervous when he has the puck alone.
3. Our D was behind every play and looked tired.
4. Passing……..F-
5. Thank God we are in the East because the West just handed us our ass. Playing against a team in the West you can see how far off the Canes still are.
6. Samson better have a shot on the team next year………….the man has great potential.
Jos olet suomalainen jääkiekkoilija se tarkoittaa sitä potkaise aasi ja pisteet suuria tavoitteita.
Brind'Amour on the Power Play and Penalty Kill
I agree. It is as if the coaching staff is in a state of denial. Brind’Amour should never be on the power play and probably should not be on the penalty kill. He is playing better than he was for most of the season; but realistically, he is slower than slow, has very poor hands, and can’t finish. I continue to think that Brind’Amour may be the single worst player in the NHL this season. Great person, great leader off the ice; but realistically, he has zero business playing anything other than 8 minutes on even strength. He may be the most well-paid player per minute played; but he is being paid well for being well to defer his income. Let him be a healthy scratch and collect his money.
I think thats a bit rough. I do think Brindy is playing better than we are giving him credit. He has been bad the last couple seasons but still. Look at how he played after he was “sent home” on the western road swing late last year and how he has played after the break. We need to give him more credit for that. lord knows we have given him enough blame. Maybe I’m looking at the game through rose colored glasses, I dont know. I have been one of his harshest critics, but I will admit when he does some things right.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 13, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Brind’Amour is playing as well as he can play and is much improved over the start of the season. Still, if salary and legacy were not an issue, I would be shocked if Brind’Amour were not a healthy scratch. Why would one not play Samson, Bowman, Tlusty (if healthy) or Osala rather than Brind’Amour if the decision were made on the merits of hockey skill?
Hmmmm. Good point. I would say you are right on that one. I still couldn’t scratch him though. This man has done as much if not more for the Hurricanes than even Ronny Franchise (Carolina…Period. Not Hartford/Carolina). There where plenty of times when Ronny wasn’t the best option but we went with him anyway. They both earned that right, lets just hope Roddy doesnt try to hang on too much longer. If he plays next year, I might consider playing a little tougher with him if his play warrants it.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 13, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
1. ‘Cause Sutter’s out? I guess they were hoping Brindy could survive on it. He actually was reasonably sound, but he just doesn’t have the speed we need to beat out Phoenix’s D.
2. Cole’s been looking alright, but like everyone else tonight, just couldn’t get it done. He had so many good looks in the last 2 games, but is just plain snake-bitten.
3. And… our O looked tired too. :P
4. Passing was kind of weird. At times, we were making really great snappy passes for 2 or 3 minutes at a time, and then poof disaster.
5. Whole different kind of game, yeah.
6. Samson looked great. His patience with the puck is downright amazing, and he made a lot of good choices in the time he had on the ice.
by Raccoon Fink on Mar 13, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
The sky is falling the sky is falling....
1. I’m might be in an overly optimistic mood due to the weather, but I think Rod made some fantasitc plays. There was twice that I said to myself “wow. who made that play”, and it was Brind’Amour. I think he did ok. Should he be on the PP, I’m not sure. He has played pretty well after the break IMHO. I have been down on Rod for a few years now but he has step up.
2. Cole is kinda in the same boat as above. I think he is getting his legs back. He SHOULD be the guy on the first line. Injuries have kept him down this year, but he is not too far removed from being very productive. This will be his 1st year not scoring 20 goals since the lockout. He had 18 the year before that. I have laid off of him a bit as of late b/c I see flashes of what made him special. I had written Erik off but if he comes back he could be a difference maker.
3. I agree, they did look like they were on their heels all night. I am still VERY impressed with Pothier. 3 or 4 games into this trade and it seems to me we got the cake and are eating it too.
4. Agree, but Picard had some very nice outlet passes. I really like him as well. But overall, it was lacking a bit. I’m starting to think the Yote’s just played very well not so much we played very bad.
5. I would say that is pretty much right.
6. Couldn’t agree more. Very excited after this showing. He looks for his shot and has some wheels. Tough to move off the puck dispite his size.
I liked alot of what I saw tonight. We ran up against a very good team that is playing hot who has the goaltender that is having one of the best years in the league. We might have thought too much of this team based on what it has done this week (and the month or so before) but remember: We traded away half the team, our second line center is out and no Cam Ward. You have to view things in the context of the season. I feel no worse about NEXT year tonight as I did last night. I might even feel a bit better do to Sampson.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 13, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
I am very excited about next season and tonight didn’t make me feel discouraged at all. I would love to see more Albany Rats, rather than fewer; and I think the team will be far, far better after the draft.
Actually, it will be the second year since the lockout that Cole didn’t score 20 goals. Second year in a row, I might add.
What exactly about Cole’s skillset suggests he should be on the first line? His speed is nice, but he has ZERO hands. We’re talking about a player who has scored 8 goals in 62 games since returning to the Hurricanes (including the playoffs). He has been below HALF a point-per-game. Those aren’t even second line numbers, let alone first. He hasn’t been a first line player since the 2006-2007 season. It’s 2010. Time to let go.
Flashes of what made him special? He used to FINISH those chances. Generating chances with your speed means absolutely nothing if you are just firing the puck at the goalie or passing the puck to the other team.
Cole belongs on the third line.
For the Canes to be successful
IMO, for this team to be successul, these things need to happen on most nights.
Staal needs to put up points and be the most dangerous Canes player on the ice. Does he need to score a goal every night? No, but he needs to be the focus of the other team. He needs to take the pressure/focus, so his linemates have have an easier opportunity to put pucks in the net.
Ruutu needs to be a forecheck monster. He needs to play physical, scare the other team into mistakes when he is on the ice.
Jokinen needs to be the Garbage Man. Yes he is skilled, but he is perfect at cleaning up. Playing a wing position with Staal and Whitney is a really good position for him.
Sutter needs to be Mr. Intangible. He needs to do all the little things that makes him such a complete player. He makes the other players on the ice better.
LaRose needs to be the pest. He needs to get into the other teams head, causing mistakes and foolish penalties.
Gleason needs to be the defensive stopper and reliable force. He must shut down the opposing teams top player(s) and finish the night even or better. He needs to be consistent, playing the game we all expect him to.
Pitkanen needs to be the playmaker. He needs to use his skills to create scoring chances for the forwards and avoid the “pumpkinhead” plays.
And Cam, he needs to be unflappable. He needs to stop the easy shots and most of the difficult ones. He needs to play like a top 5 goalie almost every night.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Mar 13, 2010 10:42 PM EST via mobile reply actions
So basically everyone needs to do what they are good at. Do what it is that got you to where you are. I would have to agree with that, but I think the most important part is Staal. I remember when we played Minn. You always knew when Gaborik was on the ice. You always know when Kovy or Kovalchuk is on the ice. Ill keep beating this drum until I notice him almost every shift. I know how he skates, what he looks like, who he plays with but I still have a hard time noticing him at times. (slight exageration, but you know what Im saying.)
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 13, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
I know Gabby is in NY right now, I was refering to in years past. This year he is even harder to ignore.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 13, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with your assessment on Staal. Like I said he has to be the most dangerous guy on the ice. When he is skating well, has the puck on his stick, weaving in and out of defenders – he is dangerous, he makes the rest of the team better because he is the focus on the ice. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Staal is the straw that stirs the drink.
I will somewhat disagree with you on Kovalchuk though. When he is on, he’s on: when he’s not, he’s invisible.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Mar 14, 2010 12:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Staal, Whitney, Cole and the Coyotes
I am glad I recorded the Coyotes game because it is a good measuring stick for next year. The Coyotes really played well; and they deserve credit for a beat down of the Hurricanes at RBC. I have been adamant since last season’s playoff run and the 2009-2010 draft that the Hurricanes were vulnerable to big, fast, physical teams. Additionally, I have been obsessively pointing out that the Hurricanes struggle to get net presence against those kinds of teams.
Last night was a prime example of how bigger, faster, more physical teams can control games against the Hurricanes. It does start with the first line. The problem with a Whtiney/Staal/Cole line against the Coyotes/Caps/Pens/Sharks/Ducks/Flyers/Coyotes is that the match ups work against the Hurricanes. Staal is not in love with the smash mouth game. He absolutely can play that game; but he doesn’t wake up in the morning before the game and sharpen his elbows and look gleefully toward a war on the ice. Whitney gives up so much size in those match ups that he really needs a true power forward to create space and shooting lanes. Cole has the will to play that kind of game; but he struggles with puck control and eye hand coordination for put backs. Compare Sutter and Cole. Sutter is always in the right place around the net in those kinds of games and the puck seems to be glued to his stick as he moves in tight around the net. Sutter and Jokinen have great anticipation and soft hands, so the puck almost never bounces of their sticks as if it has hit the glass barriers. Cole, on the other hand, has extreme difficulty converting those opportunities into goals.
As a result, with the Whitney/Staal/Cole line, teams essentially double-team Staal and pound him the entire game. I tend to think the Whitney/Staal/Jokinen line is the best solution with the present talent on the team. Jokinen gives up size and speed to Cole; but he has such great hands, vision, and hockey intellect that he can get into the dirty areas and score. By doing so, he makes the other teams back off of Staal.
My hope is that during the draft, Jim Rutherford, Jason Karmanos, and the Hurricanes organization will find that freight-train, scoring, physical power forward to go with either Staal/Jokinen (which is my first choice) or Whitney/Staal (which is also an excellent choice).
It seems inarguable that much of the weight of the team falls on Staal’s shoulders. From my perspective at the game, I thought Staal played hard. I intend to watch the game again tonight if I can fit it in after other duties.
I would argue that Sutter is rapidly approaching the point where he is almost equally important to the team’s success as Staal. Truthfully, but more the fear of ridicule by others at CC, I would say Sutter is now equally important to Staal.
I am hoping the Hurricanes coaches and staff will indeed keep the video from last night along with the videos from the Penguins playoff series last season. Those games are invaluable tools for a blueprint to continue rebuilding the Hurricanes team.
AD,
Great point. If you watched last nights game, you will notice that the Canes struggled getting someone in front of the net. Staal does have the size, but that doesn’t seem to be his game. I would agree that Sutter is almost if not equally important to the Canes. He is Mr. Intagible! If you look at his goals throughout the season, most of them are within 5 feet of the goal. He has a knack in that area of the ice.
Again, great point!
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Mar 14, 2010 12:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well.....
The Canes were out played & out classed…not that they didn’t try, but what the canes did wasn’t good enough. Samson had what 4 shots on goal ? Sadly he wasn’t the only one…but the score remains the same…4-0 for Mr. Beyzgalov & The Coyotes…Maybe the canes will have better luck with Boston…
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
The 'yotes are my team in the playoffs this year.
I still can’t find it in my heart to root for Washington (sorry Joe and Scotty). I really like this Pheonix team. Lord knows their fans deserve it.
I am a little biased here, but I really think the team suffered from Sutter’s absence. It immediately ruined the chemistry from the second line down. The PK needed him (I can’t remember the last time Jussi killed a penalty before last night). His speed was missed in all facets of the game. His willingness to go to the front of the net and battle in the corners was something we lack last night.
Do I think the outcome would have been significantly different with Sutter there? Maybe, but maybe not. One player couldn’t win the game on his own and Phoenix was outstanding. But it became very clear to me that this team just isn’t the same without him.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Not only was his individual presence missed, but without him, we have no “checking line”.
So the line matchups went strength-to-strength instead…which usually does not work out well for us at all.
That reason is why I keep hoping Jim Rutherford will work his magic at the draft and the off-season to add some power forwards and a scoring, fast, mean defenseman. The Hurricanes are very, very close to being a top tier team. Games like the Coyotes just show where the holes are at present.
+1
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
by CaniacSteve on Mar 14, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Sutter has become a key player
I agree completely with caniacgirl and Elsker. Without Sutter, the lines become disjointed. At this point, the Hurricanes can’t match the power and strength with teams like the Coyotes; and without Sutter there is no line that can handle defensively the #1 line for the opposing team. Before next season, a third line center with skills like Sutter and Staal is going to be needed. The Penguins are a great example of how three top tier centers create a formidable core around which a Stanley Cup contender can be built.
I think the problem was Cole on the first line. I’d rather see them try Boychuk in the top-6 then watch Cole. It is just painful, he is moving at like 75% NHL speed, it really shows on the 3 breakaways he has had in the past 2 game. The goalie new exactly what he was doing every time. It’s like he has weighted gloves on or something.
he is moving at like 75% NHL speed, it really shows on the 3 breakaways he has had in the past 2 game
kind of a contradictory statement. Slow players don’t get 3 breakaways in 2 games.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 14, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course they can, his breakaways were caused way more by the other teams defensive errors and our teams solid defensive play than Cole’s speed. The puck just gets poked out in the neutral zone, Cole is the forward that is pressuring so he is already skating toward the opposing net and he gets a jump on everyone.
OFF Topic:On Today's Edition
of THN there was a blog about “Captain” Ron Francis & the Old Hartford Whalers…it was interesting to say tjhe least. Hear is the link…http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/32131-THNcom-Blog-Keeping-the-Whalers-dream-afloat.html
but in and about Sutter…the Canes should have played as if he was gone as in like traded…in that way they could or would have stayed “focused” …maybe…as you have to admit Bryzalov was sharp…
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
Also way off topic, but I found it insanely interesting. I’m in the middle of reading Bob McKenzie’s book (it’s a great read for those of you thinking about picking it up). He mentions that his older son Mike was almost drafted in 2006 by a team GM’d by one of his good friends (fair warning the book is like heaven for name droppers-he puts Tripp to shame), but he actively pushed for the team NOT to draft him because there was a far more deserving player to be drafted in the 6th round. That team? The ’Canes. That far more deserving player? Nick Dodge.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Nick Dodge
That’s a very fascinating tidbit, caniacgirl. Thanks for sharing that.
Here’s a composite (HF staff) opinion re: Nick Dodge.
I’ve had the center slot on my fantasy New Canes fourth line reserved for Clarkson alum, team captain, Nick Dodge for quite some time.
Make it so.
CG, you probably remember this, but others may not be aware… Mike McKenzie was invited to our Prospect Conditioning Camp last summer as a free agent tryout. So we’ve continued to keep tabs on his development. I have a few pictures of him from the sessions I attended. It’s pretty obvious which one he is. He looks a LOT like his dad.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
LOL yeah he definitely looks like his father. It would be interesting to see if McKenzie part dos ends up as part of the Hurricanes’ organization at one point or another. Although, in the book, Bob McKenzie says that’s one of the reasons he tried to keep JR from drafting Mike-it’d look too much like the good ol’ boys network was handing out favors.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
OT
Ovenchicken just got kicked out of the game. Game misconduct….hope he gets 5 game suspension this time.
Jos olet suomalainen jääkiekkoilija se tarkoittaa sitä potkaise aasi ja pisteet suuria tavoitteita.
It looked to me like Carolina was out of gas. From what I saw, they never really mounted any sort of offensive threat except for one or two spurts. I think so much energy was spent against the Caps and Pens that they simply didn’t have anything left. You couple this with the stifling team defense of Phoenix and the Canes didn’t have a chance. I’m not taking anything away from Phoenix. They simply had their way with the Canes. That team looks strong. Other than highlights, this was my first time seeing them this year. I agree with some of the previous comments in that I might pull for them in playoffs.
Last night’s game was a result of a total team effort (or lack of), on both parts.
Thoughts after Watching the Game Again on Video
I watched the video through the end of two periods and had to stop for a while. On video, as opposed to being there at the time, the entire team played far better than I had thought. The difference in the game was that nobody could convert on solid scoring chances. Cole had three beautiful opportunities. Each time he made an excellent move, but slid the shot to the goalie’s pads. Ruutu had two great chances. Brind’Amour had almost on open net on move play; but didn’t lift the puck. Staal had at least two very solid scoring chances. Whitney had two scoring chances.
On the scoring plays, beginning with goal #3 — it was pure luck. Picard blocked the puck with his stick and it bounced up in the air and landed in perfect position for the Coyotes to score. At the time, I thought Carson had blown it; but after watching it on tv, it was just the hockey gods teaching humility. On the second goal, Taylor Pyatt put a perfect screen in front of Peters — which at 6’4" and 235 lbs is quite a screen [did I mention I was begging for the Hurricanes to obtain Pyatt; but as it turned out, Pyatt’s agent was in dreamland and Pyatt over-waited. He was offered more by Carolina than he signed for ultimately].
On goal one, Harrison got caught in no man’s land and couldn’t get over to help out.
Cole really was skating hard throughout the game; but obviously couldn’t seal the deal. All in all, I was impressed with the speed of the Rats; and their commitment throughout the game. Whitney was trying to get the team going; but it was one of those nights. Brind’Amour also was clearly giving 110% — which is more obvious on the recorded video than in person.
As stated here a CC and by Paul Maurice in his comments, the Hurricanes didn’t get the job done in front of the net. Staal was there more than I thought, but the timing was off all night. Basically, the team is just too small to survive a game against teams like Phoenix if some of the prettier goals don’t fall. Once Phoenix packed their defense in tight, it was like trying to shot a puck through an army tank.
General Observations
Jussi can play center, but he is better on the wing, I think
Sutter was a HUGE miss. His play on special teams was missed and
they had to use Rod. And we were weak up the middle last night.
If we expect a strong team next year, then we need to re-sign Cullen.
Great teams are strong down the middle. Sutter and Cullen are both grittier
behind and in front of the goal and bring it every night !(Our Captain can do that
when he feels like it , but that seems to be missing a lot. IMO)
(Side note. Atlanta lost to Phx tonight 3-2 in a shootout——but their backup
netminder was in goal. )
GO CANES! Go Heels!
The Yotes kept doing this same play where they break into our zone and take a slapper from the left circle. I think they scored two goals like that.
I feel bad for Cole, you can tell he’s frustrated. My hope is we can re-sign him at a bargain and use him as a 3rd line winger. He just doesn’t have the killswitch to be a top 6 winger anymore. Still one of my favs, though.
Samson didn’t look all that bad – the whole team was struggling. He’s small for his height, though.
I hate to see a blowout in person :-p
Cole and Next Season
I continue to hear and read that the players and coaches really like having Cole back and like having him on the first line with Staal. At the Coyotes game while watching the game at the RBC I thought Cole looked fast but didn’t finish on some great scoring chances. He looked better when I watched it on video. Given what I am hearing from people who know vastly more than me and their consensus that Cole is a critical piece to the Hurricanes team, I realize I have to be mistaken in my take on Cole. I, too, thought with his injuries he was an excellent third line, banging, smash-mouth wing; but others are positive he needs to be paired with Staal to add speed and physicality to that line.
I already said many times (including here) that Ovi’s play is SO DURTY. Whatever he says, he does not seem to have any respect to anyone on the ice. This is not about physical game, this is about good game of hockey. Tough guys do not hit from behind. Tough guys drop glowes first, so at least it is a clear signal to the opponent.
Ovi IS repeated offender, that’s why he is suspended for two games (i would do it for at least 10, he needs to learn a lesson).
From NHL.COM: “Ovechkin, who has three game misconducts this season, will miss Tuesday’s game at Florida and Thursday’s at Carolina. He’s eligible to return Saturday at Tampa Bay. Washington has already clinched the Southeast Division title and is 6-2 without Ovechkin this season.”
All above is my personal opinion.
Thanks,
Andy_S
OPPS....
posted to the wrong thread with typo… sorry, but it does not change my opinion – Ovie’s play is DIRTY and I glad he will not be playing against Carolina.
I am not the firsr who said it here. hope someone from NHL MGMT will hear. And decide right way, without commercial thinking. Again, he is good shooter, not that good player as I see.
Crosby would not do such things, IMHO.
See thread http://www.canescountry.com/2010/3/15/1373769/should-ovechkin-be-suspended-for
All above is my personal opinion.
Thanks,
Andy_S
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