Legace and LaRose Lead Carolina To Shootout Win: Hurricanes 3, Capitals 2, (SO)
by Bob Wage on Mar 26, 2010 6:00 AM EDT
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PrintManny Legace made a personal season high 41 saves and Chad LaRose netted the game winner in the shootout as the Carolina Hurricanes edged the Washington Capitals, 3-2 on Thursday night at the RBC.
The Canes took advantage of a team which had just played a huge game the night before as they jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead. But the Caps came on strong and forced the game into overtime as the home team held on to dear life in the third.
The Caps outshot the Canes 5-2 in the extra period, but Legace was rock solid down the stretch while his glove hand was lightning fast all night long.
The shootout went to five shooters for each team as Ray Whitney made a huge goal to keep the Canes alive and LaRose made a nice move to give Carolina their third win against the Caps this season.
Jamie McBain got things started for the Hurricanes as he rifled a shot in from the point on the powerplay just two minutes into the game. The rookie now has six points, (2G 4A) in six career NHL games. He was also a beast on defense as he chipped in with seven blocked shots on the night.
Later in the first period, Bryan Rodney made it 2-0 off of a nice pass by Jussi Jokinen. It was Rodney's first career NHL goal.
Alexander Semin got the Caps started very early in the second period with a shot that beat Legace five-hole. The Capitals picked up their pace from a somewhat sluggish first period and started to control play, but the Canes held onto a 2-1 lead going into the third.
About two minutes into the third period, John Carlson pinched in and knocked in his first career NHL goal. With the scored tied 2-2, the Caps smelled blood and looked to move in for the kill. But the Hurricanes defense helped out their goalie the best they could and regulation ended in a 2-2 tie.
After a scoreless overtime period in which both teams had grade A chances to win, the game went to a shootout where most thought that the Caps would have an advantage.
It sure started off that way as Nicklas Backstrom buried his shot, after Sergei Samsonov missed the first attempt for Carolina.
Manny Legace was asked for his thoughts at this point in the dressingroom after the game. "I thought, uh-oh, here we go. I knew I still had Ovechkin and Semin coming up."
But after Jussi Jokinen hit the post, he stopped Ovechkin.
Ray Whitney came up next and he needed to score or else the game would have been over. But the puck just barely got by Semyon Varlamov, who played a very good game in his own right. Semin came up next, but Legace stoned him as well as the Russian sniper looked skyward after being stopped.
Eric Staal tried next for Carolina, but was denied and Tomas Fleischmann was stopped as well for Washington.
Paul Maurice said that he and Ron Francis were arguing behind the bench as to who to send out next and Ray Whitney said, "send out Rosie". Out came LaRose, who made a beautiful move on Varlamov for the game winner.
Mike Green had the final try of the night but missed the net on his attempt.
The win gave the Hurricanes a 3-1-2 season record against the best team in hockey. They are now 4-4 in shootouts and have earned points in 19 of their last 24 games.
Next up will be Atlanta on Saturday night.
Game Notes:
- The Canes had 35 blocked shots in this game compared to 13 for the Caps. McBain led everyone with seven while Brian Pothier was next with six.
- Joni Pitkanen had over 32 minutes of ice time, led the team with six shots on goal, and also chipped in with five blocked shots.
- Jamie McBain continues to impress and played almost 30 minutes. After the game, Maurice said that "McBain gets the puck to the net as well as I've seen anyone do it in a long, long time, and with his head up." Most Caniacs will agree.
- Washington had 43 shots on goal, missed the net 26 times, and had 35 shots blocked for an amazing total of 104 shot attempts. Carolina had 31 shots on goal, 10 misses, and 13 blocked for a total of 54.
- Jussi Jokinen had two assists which now gives him a total of 58 points, (27G-31A). That ties him for the team lead with Eric Staal who also has 58, (23G 35A).
Next up are a couple of interviews I taped in the dressing room after the game:
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McBain for Calder Next Year
Jamie McBain should be on the opening night roster next year and should still be eligible to win the Calder Trophy. Does anyone want to give odds on him winning it? I don’t know if he’ll be a point a game player, although that would pretty much seal the deal, but he’s going to be good. I think if he can avoid injury he’ll definitely be one of the three finalists.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
not good
… just b/c d-men rarely win it. IIRC, last to do it was Barrett Jackman
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 26, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know… Tyler Myers is the front-runner right now for the Calder. I see a lot of parallels between Myers and McBain, it seems both teams are playing an offensive system (especially on the power play) based around getting these kids the puck so they can make something happen.
I don’t know if McBain just hasn’t been here long enough or what, but he seems very willing to shoot the puck which is a rarity on the Canes. Maurice can’t be happy about it either, it is breaking his 20 pass before shot rule.
Didn’t get home until late last night…but WOW, what a game! The boos for Ovechkin were priceless. I’m still a bit baffled about the whole shoulder/elbow to the head of Legace thing…from where I was, wasn’t he coming from the back corner? Ah, I digress…I think I just always scrutinize AO’s hits more lately. Great win, great atmosphere.
Can someone please get Manny a new shirt? He DESERVES one.
Yeah...
Cyn4Canes said immediately after the hit, “isn’t that exactly what the new rule covers??”
by Raccoon Fink on Mar 26, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Legace
I don’t know if Manny is in the plan for the ‘Canes next season. And I’m sure he would want Semin’s goal back from last night.
But this guy should be in the NHL next year, somewhere.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
He’s probably going to be in the same position next season as he was at the start of this one. There’s sort of a glut of goalies right now all at about the same talent level. I do hope he catches on somewhere, but I’m not sure if it will happen.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
With that being the case, keep in the Canes organization and lets see him fight for a spot… Charlotte is not that far away and with Wardo’s back, we could use him next year…..
It’s time for Peters to move up to the NHL. Keeping Legace in the system only halts Peters progress. If Legace plays in the AHL he’s holding back Murphy and Pogge. He’s likely to run in to this scenario in many places. Anaheim could be a location, but I’m not sure of the Ducks goaltending situation since Giggy was traded. Obviously Hiller is #1, but I’m not sure of #2 there or their depth tenders.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I just hope Peters doesn’t come up and get Leightonized. No fun to be CamWards’ back up, at least until this year. Maybe next season will be different.
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 26, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve said this before, but I think management will actually use Peters. One, he’s a system developed goaltender, and the team shows a lot of loyalty to their own guys. Two, Peters is showing he can handle the load and can play games without having to start every game. Three, with Cam’s back issues it would be in everyone’s best interest to have Peters start 15 to twenty games a year.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Let’s hope Mssrs Barrasso and Rutherford help keep that message at the top of Mo’s “roster” pad.
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 26, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Interventions
Yes, the lesson from this season, of which I will have a lot more to say about at the appropriate time, is that there has to be more timely interventions when some aspect of the org goes off kilter.
This goes for the players, both individually and as a group, and the management system itself has to be better self-monitored.
We have a phenomenal brain trust of hockey experience and knowledge. Use it.
If this is his last year, Mo should give Manny the rest of the starts. Let him retire with a few nice games. If he keeps playing well, those will at least become audition games for anyone looking at him for next season…
That holds back Peters and doesn’t help the team next year. Manny’s a good guy, but the team can’t derail next season for Legace.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I’d rather have Legace than Peters if we are going to be relying on our backup. No knock on Peters, he just hasn’t ever looked like an NHL starter and I don’t think you can really develop into that only playing 10-15 games a year behind Cam.
I think in comparison, Leighton was much better than Peters in the AHL and NHL level. He wasted away sitting on the bench… As long as Maurice is our coach, Cam will be ridden into the ground and someone like Peters would take steps back instead of forward in their development.
Check out Peters numbers here.
He’s got a .905 with a 2.83 GAA and a 6 – 3 record. He’s done that against some pretty stiff competition too. He’s ready. There’s no reason to send him back to the AHL when he’s putting up these numbers now and the team has Pogge and Murhpy in the system. You send Peters to the AHL and either Pogge or Murphy is playing in the ECHL or being loaned out to another team. Neither option is good for the team.
As for looking like a starter, he doesn’t have to since that’s not the job he’ll have. He’ll be the back up.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I’m just saying he won’t develop behind Cam. He will get 10-15 games a year until we trade him or his contract runs out, just like Leighton. Personally I’d rather see Mike Murphy developing in the starter roll for the Checkers anyway, it is just sad to see a young goalie waste away in a system like ours. I’d rather see a Legace type guy being a very cheap, solid, veteran backup.
Again, his development is to be a back up. Think Budaj or Clemenson. The goal isn’t to turn Peters in to a starter, it’s to turn him in to a competent NHL backup.
And how do you reconcile Legace being the back up with Murphy being the goalie in Charlotte? If Legace is re-signed then Peters will be the starter in Charlotte, not Murphy.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
What a great game. I continue to love Legace in shootouts.
I still don’t understand using Staal in a shootout though.
I don’t get it either to be honest with you. I wonder if he still would have gone if Ruu hadn’t been injured.
"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."
I think Staal should feel just a tad bit embarrassed about his attempt. I kept asking the TV are you kidding me…..
It was strange. I’m not entirely sure what he was trying to do, but unless his plan was to fall on top of the goalie, he wasn’t all that successful.
"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."
He needs to spend some time working with Jussi this summer……or Chad.
"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."
Staal’s never been good at shoot outs, and last night wasn’t particularly good even for him. That said, I think the guy is nursing something. He hasn’t been quite as dynamic since the Olympics. He appears to be having difficulty, more than normal, getting going. I wonder if he’s not got a minor groin or calf issue.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
He really did. He deked so many times that he faked himself out and just had to jam the puck into the goalies pads. It’s hard to watch him on breakaways and the shootout, his face shows zero confidence and he just can’t seem to dangle at all.
He just needs to spend an afternoon with Jussi and learn ONE move. Use the Cullen knee-fake, go for broke with a spin-o-rama, show some confidence and skate in smooth like Nicklas Backstrom last night (so pretty), something!
I disagree, Staal seems to be a one trick pony on breakaways – come in with speed and shoot mid-post blocker side, everybody in the NHL knows this. Last night, he tried something new and went outside of his comfort zone. Good shootout guys (Jokinen) do 1 of 2 things on shootouts – either change speeds to either push the goalie back in the net or get him caught out too far or they change the angle of attack instead of coming straight in. Jokinen’s success is how he changes speeds and gets the goalie deep in his net thus giving him more net to shoot at. Granted Staal didn’t score, but he tried something new, he probably needed more separation to allow the puck to elevate.
Heard on XM this morning …
With Carlson, McBain and Rodney scoring, it was the first time since March 8, 1947 (TOR vs. CHI) that three rookie d-men scored in the same game.
Absolutely loved the game last night. You know it’s a good night for the Canes when my roommates come knock on my door because I’m yelling at the TV. I had 5 knocks last night, so that should tell you something right there. LOL
Awesome for Rosey, awesome for Rodney, awesome for Whitney for making the coaching call (perhaps there’s a future for him in that area?) and awesome for Manny who shut down some of the best players in the world all night long. A few months ago, I couldn’t wait for the season to end so we could all just move on. Now I don’t want it to end. :D
"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."
CG you left out Mcbain, seeing that rifle from the point is going to make the summer go real slow because of next seasons anticipation….
Well I figured I had done enough McCutie gushing in the game thread for at least 3 people. ;)
"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."
Other people have admitted they have a man crush on McBain. You can say that you do too; it’s alright. We don’t judge here at CC.
"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."
I’m waiting for the Gleason and McBain pairing. Then again – that may be too much for this mom to handle. I’ll just watch with my jaw dangling and my heart beating.
I’m already projecting McBain for the 2014 Team USA. Talk about cart before the horse. Mo’s comments are pretty telling:
“McBain gets the puck to the net as well as I’ve seen anyone do it in a long, long time, and with his head up.”
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 26, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
McBain's shot
Once again, McBain’s one-timer from the point sailed in about a foot off the ice.
That’s a shot that’s going to give defenses a ton of trouble, all right. And, one his teammates will not fear when setting screens for him, either.
Bounces off of lower legs, where mass is minimized, instead of beefier and more vulnerable upper portions of intervening bodies.
You are absolutely correct. I heard from a number of different sources that many Hurricanes players were not delighted to stand in front of the net with Babchuk shooting because they were concerned he lacked the discipline to control his cannon of shot.
Yeah but that worked both ways. The opposition and sometimes even the goalie tried to get out of the way.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
by drifterscape on Mar 26, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
flip side: Mike Green scores most of his goals high, tho does it with accuracy. McBain will never score like Green, but i’d be there are going to be tons of garbage goals to be had thx to McBain’s low shot.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 26, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
great game and thanks for he Video clips too …and i had to laugh as i could see Ron & Mo arguing…and then whitney says…and the rest is History !! but if i have anything negitive to say is that IF the canes could have held the caps in check and scored on the 4on 3 then the SO wouldn’t have been needed..but heck..a win is a win…
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
Did you see Manny’s interview postgame with Tripp and John? He really is something special. Great insight and humor both. I’d love to see him get a twitter account.
Or – Maybe he and Ray can do a motivational speaking tour for short men who want to be world class athletes. I’d buy tickets and I’m neither short nor male.
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 26, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I actually first came to like Manny while he was with the hated winged wheel after seeing him do an interview. He is such a likeable character. He will be great in the booth for someone someday.
Wardo had some kind of brainy goalie comments when he was in the booth during the 2nd, but he doesn’t deliver them with the same panache as Manny*.
*Manny is also better than Cam in shootouts.
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 26, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Some tweets from the Caps folks last night
Every time I see the Canes I wonder how they could be so buried in the Eastern Conference race. Slowwww start doomed them. (Mike Vogel, official Caps blogger)
Remember this date! John Carlson gets his first NHL goal, going to the net from a Chimera feed to tie this game up at 2-2 Washington Caps twitter
When it comes to John Carlson, from what I’ve same, I’ll take Mr McBain anyday. And the Caps don’t worry much about their hubris angering the hockey gods, do they?
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 26, 2010 9:39 AM EDT reply actions
They’re both very, very good. I think any team would love to have either. Remember: Carlson scored GWG for US at WJCs.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 26, 2010 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep – How could I forget? but Carlson didn’t seem as visible or effective or to have the same poise, at least last night – and I was watching. I thought McBain’s D on the greatest names in the bizness, including mostly using his stick to block shots (saves on the bone fractures) was pretty awesome.
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 26, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Rose Colored Glasses
He was pretty good too, he separated our guys from puck pretty effectively, he didin’t miss very many first passes, and he almost always came out of the corner with puck.
Yeah – I am very fond of my rose-colored glasses. Kind of my job description here at the blog. (though I do find of late that I will dump on those who lack consistent displays of real effort and/or hustle, especially if they don’t have visible eyebrows)
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 26, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Carlson
I developed a very serious case of envy for Carlson during the 2010 World Juniors, even before the GWG for Team USA (his second of the game) in the Gold Medal game.
But, no, I wouldn’t trade McBain for him. Nope. No way.
+100000
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 26, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
McBain
I knew I was going to take a Canes Country beating when I started posting about McBain after watching Albany Rats games and hearing what the organization had to say about him. As good as McBain has shown himself to be thus far, he has another level of play (and I realize I will likely sustain another CC beatdown for that statement). McBain can go coast to coast and finish by putting the puck in the net. Before the year is out, I think McBain will score on a shoot out. Frankly, at this time in his career, he is already better on the break away than Staal. McBain has a feel for the game and a sense of timing that is very, very similar to Sutter’s — and very few young NHL players have that kind of vision and poise.
Really? When did you get beatdown about McBain?
I do remember him coming thru on a big SO for the GWG with the Rats. I can’t imagine how much they’re missing him in Albany as they try to hold on for the playoffs.
I wonder how often McBain, and all the Rats for that matter, had faced some of the Caps’ callups from Hershey in AHL (or previous national teams – Boychuk, Sutter) play? Carlson, Varlamov, others?
That stat Cory posted about 3 rookie D’s scoring in one game really highlighted that idea of the new class moving up.
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 26, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Not to be overly sensitive, but my recollection (which is increasingly flawed) is that some at CC felt the praise for McBain was hyperbolic.
Well, if I was one who accused of you of hyperbole, accept my apologies. You certainly can’t say enough good things about Jamie.
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 26, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Next Diamonds in the Rough from Albany
I think Tlusty, Samson and Osala are the next two diamonds in the rough who will come up from Albany and surprise people with the quality and sophistication of their game. My guess is that Jim Rutherford is going to try working some trades to clear space. I am hoping Osala is able to play in Helsinki. Usually big forwards have raw strength but tend to have hands of titanium and handle a puck as if they are swatting flies with a flyswatter while blind-folded. Osala has very soft hands and can ward off defense while maintaining control of the puck. He also sees the ice well. He has speed, but it takes him two strides too long to get to full speed. If he were to spend the next six months building up his initiation speed, he has all the other tools to be a beast on the ice.
Rough Quartz
Every organization has plenty of Tlusty’s, Samson’s, and Osala’s – they’re depth players at best. You can put these guys in the same categories as the Ryan Bayda’s and Keith Aucoin’s. They light it up in the AHL but can’t make the same impact in the NHL. These are great guys to have in our farm system because they can step in and play well, but they’re not roster players, at least not on a contender.
They are all 22 years old. A little bit too early to compare them to two career AHLers/fringe 4th liners who were still in college at that age, don’t you think?
I hear what you’re saying and I think that’s fair, but ultimately what I’m saying is every organization and their fans get excited about propects but the reality is very few make it. At 22, which seems young it’s not, the window’s closing and it’s closing fast. If these guys are going to be roster players and be regulars like AD suggests they better do it quick because the odds are against them.
Tlusty, Samson, Osala
It will be interesting to see. I know I had a much better appreciation for Samson and Osala by watching virtually all the Rats’ games on AHLLive. Tlusty was a first round draft choice and for the time he was at Carolina he did quite well. Tlusty has been injured during much of his time at Albany, so I haven’t seen as much of his play. I just don’t see any real comparison with Bayda and Keith Aucoin with Tlusty, Samson, and Osala; but obviously opinions can vary. I know the Hurricanes’ organization is very high on Tlusty and expect him to be an impact player. From what I’ve seen with my own eyes, I think Samson and Osala will be roster players — perhaps as soon as next season. I could be wrong; but I haven’t seen any scouting reports or commentators’ documenting particular weaknesses in their play that would suggest Tlusty, Samson, and Osala will be relegated to limited time in the NHL.
Depth
The org has “pinch me” depth at the moment, especially considering how thin the support from the AHL ranks have been in the past due to poor drafting.
So, the practical constraint for Tlusty (RFA this summer), Samson (ditto), and Osala (RFA in 2011) is finding a slot in which to be dropped.
Current depth chart has Osala incorrectly labeled as a “right wing”, when I’m pretty sure he’s a LW/C instead.
Still, it’s easy to see on that chart that someone has to move out of the RW side of things to make room for Samson. Now, that could be Cole on a trade, Jokinen on a shift to center, or even LaRose on a trade.
But, are we improved under any of those scenarios? Monetarily, yes, but strength of position, perhaps not.
Similarly, at least two bodies would have to be moved to work both Tlusty and Osala into a LW slot. Especially since Boychuk and Bowman further crowd that LW queue. Now we need to move Samsonov and not re-sign Whitney to make room for Ruutu/Boychuk/Osala/Tlusty, and Bowman is still out in the cold.
Easy to see under this analysis why someone has to go this summer. JR has lots and lots of assets, other than mere picks, to dangle to move up in the draft and/or trade parts with other GM’s.
It’s a good thing.
He does, he can package deals that have picks, prospects, and roster players, so it’s a good position. Usually you have to give up something of value to get something back, we’re in a situation where 2-3 good prospects that will probably never really crack our roster and a couple of roster players that we can give up that won’t really make us that worse. I really hope we add some marquee talent to our forwards corps.
Don’t mean to sound like a downer or pesimistic but over the years I’ve just seen so many guys with potential, guys that organization are very high on, and guys that are impact guys at the AHL level never make it. I used Bayda and Aucion to try to keep within your frame of reference, which was probably wrong. For whatever reason there’s a lot of guys that can’t make the leap, of the three, I’d say Osala probably has the best chance because of his size, we’ll see. I just don’t like getting too high on prospects, I’ve seen too many bust.
it def. wasn’t me … I’ve been itching for this guy all season (tho I realized he was best served getting started in Albany)
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 26, 2010 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
McBain’s time at Albany was essential. It is worth watching him in his few games. He was clearly a major talent; but he had to assess how to harness his talent in the context of the pro systems and players. He made amazing improvement from the first five games to his last ten games at Albany. Virtually every game, he found some area in which he improved his play from game to game.
Albany v. Hershey
The Albany v. Hershey battles were epic. The officiating in the AHL is even worse than the NHL — which is hard to imagine. There is clearly a rivalry brewing — if not some bad blood.
Jokinen
Major props to Jussi Jokinen for the ever-so-sweet return passes from the side wall to the point men for both goals last night.
McBain’s goal, in particular, was similar to his first NHL goal, where he passed then to Jussi to draw his defender toward the side wall and open up a shooting lane.
Jussi’s touch passes back were flat on the ice and right in the wheelhouses of both young D-men’s shots.
Saw someone gave him second star last night. It was deserved.
Samsonov's hit on Green
Anybody else see that? How often do you get to see Samsonov hit someone and knock them down?
I did see Samsonov’s hit. Didn’t notice it was on Greene though. I couldn’t believe it myself.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Samsonov's Hit
I saw the hit and thought it showed how much Samsonov wants to remain at Carolina. Samsonov is a first class person and I have heard him called the ultimate professional. The young players on the team are going to challenge for roster spots; and Samsonov is going to face stiff competition from them next season.
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