Devils at Hurricanes, Game Day Preview
by Carolyn Christians on Apr 3, 2010 12:03 PM EDT
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Tonight the Carolina Hurricanes return to the RBC Center after a successful 3-game roadtrip, picking up 5 points on the week, though losing a heartbreaker in a shootout to the Ottawa Senators Thursday night. The Canes' opponent, the New Jersey Devils, begin a final 3-game roadtrip of their own. The Devils lost in a shootout to the Chicago Blackhawks last night, after clinging to a one-goal lead until the final 30 seconds of regulation, and then immediately heading down to Raleigh in the wee hours last night.
The Hurricanes are the the Leagues' "Little Engine that Could", refusing to give up no matter the odds, and helped out by the recent collapse of the other teams in the East also vying for a place in the Conference's top eight. However, the odds continue to get longer, and with the Rangers crushing the Lightning last night, it's true now, more than ever, that every game is a "must win" for Carolina.
Tonight's question for the Canes: Will they keep playing like contenders working hard every shift to gain that playoff berth that seems out of reach, though they have not been technically eliminated?
The Devils arrive in Raleigh with their coach [Jacques Lemaire: Last two playoffs shouldn't be on Devils' minds | NJ.com], captain [Devils' Jamie Langenbrunner: We're not a great 'team' yet | NJ.com], and blogging fans [...Not Enough from Other Devils as Boston Bruins Win in OT, 1-0 - In Lou We Trust] challenging the team, who clinched a playoff berth on March 27th, to play harder to prove that they are better than their recent record indicates. Having dropped four of their last eight games in either overtime or the shootout, the Devils have only 2 wins over that eight-game span.
The question for the Devils: Will returning to Carolina, who shocked them in Newark last April thus ending their playoff run in the first round in 2009, provide the Devils' players that missing spark?
More specifics on the teams and the players, after the jump.
The Series
The teams come into the series having each won just their home games, putting the Devils up 2-1 on the season. The last outing in Raleigh in February was memorable as Brodeur was chased from goal (days before he headed to Vancouver as part of the Olympic roster for Team Canada), and the Hurricanes won 5-2 with goals from Zach Boychuk (his first in the NHL) and the fan-favorite top line of Eric Staal - Ray Whitney - Jussi Jokinen combining for the other 4 goals and 8 points.
For the Canes
These streaks and milestones are in play
- Since Carolina was shutout by Atlanta Thrashers last weekend, Brandon Sutter has put up goals and Eric Staal, Jussi Jokinen, and Chad LaRose all had points in three straight games.
- Returning last Monday after missing 19 games with a back injury, Cam Ward has been outstanding in goal, and has won both of his 2 starts, allowing just 2 goals on 62 shots faced for a .968 save %.
- Jussi Jokinen needs one goal to make 30 total on the season. He leads the Hurricanes with 62 points, a career best for the Favorite Finn.
- Rod Brind`Amour is one assist shy of 300
for his career.in his 10 seasons with the Hurricanes. - Drayson Bowman, a top-tier scorer in WHL junior play with Spokane, has yet to register a point in the big leagues in his first 6 outings. Perhaps, like his linemate Zach Boychuk back in Feburary, he's been waiting to face Martin Brodeur to make his mark.
- The Hurricanes have excelled in front of the home crowd of late, having won 10 of the last 14 home games.
According to Chip Alexander of the N&O, tweeting from the morning skate, Coach Paul Maurice will stay with the lines we saw in Ottawa Thursday:
Ray Whitney - Eric Staal - Erik Cole
Jussi Jokinen - Brandon Sutter - Chad LaRose
Drayson Bowman - Patrick Dwyer - Zach Boychuk
Sergei Samsonov - Rod Brind`Amour - Tom Kostopoulos
On the backend, if the last several games serve as a model (and despite what the "Official" depth chart says), we can expect Joni Pitkanen and Jamie McBain to both play over 25 minutes. Then Brett Carson, Brian Pothier, Bryan Rodney and Jay Harrison will fill in only when Pitkanen and McBain skate to the bench gasping for breath and of their own accord.
Goalie Cam Ward will get the start. After the morning skate, Maurice told the media that Ward's play has been a surprise in that he has performed so well so quickly. The coach also confirmed with Bob that there has been no issue with his back, otherwise they would have shut him down immediately.
Tuomo Ruutu (shoulder) , Tim Gleason (foot) , and newcomer Alexandre Picard (UBI- hand?) will be scratched with injuries. Chip Alexander tweeted this morning that Gleason will be out the remainder of the season.
For the Devils
- Ilya Kovalchuk put up his 40th goal of the season last night, a number he's now reached in his last 6 seasons. Beyond that, Kovalchuk has led the Devils with four goals and five assists in the last six games for the Devils.
- Patrik Elias, centering the line with Kovalchuk, has two goals and five assists in the last six games.
- Despite the last 2 games that were lost in extra innings, Martin Brodeur has been outstanding for the Devils, giving up only 2 goals in the 60 shots he's faced, good for a .967 save %.
The Devils are now 3rd in the Eastern Conference, with 95 points and 5 games remaining, but needing the head-to-head tiebreaker to be seeded above their Atlantic division rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins who also have 95 points. Prior to tonight's action, they both stand one point behind the Buffalo Sabres.
According to our SBN colleagues at In Lou We Trust, Lemaire will start the following lines (noting that Zubrus was out last night with illness, and his status is not confirmed; )
Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Jamie Langenbrunner
Ilya Kovalchuk - Patrik Elias - Dainius Zubrus/Vladimir Zharkov
Brian Rolston - Rob Niedermayer - David Clarkson
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond - Dean McAmmond - Rod Pelley
Paul Martin - Martin Skoula
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Andy Greene - Bryce Salvador/Mark Fraser or Anssi Salmela
Other worthy previews:
Game 78 Preview: New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes - In Lou We Trust
Devils at Hurricanes - 04/03/2010 - NHL.com - Game Previews
Fire & Ice blog, Bergen Record
Ward Passes Early Test - Carolina Hurricanes - Paul Branecky
Puck drops at 7pm. This game marks the beginning of Fan Appreciation Week in Raleigh, with numerous activities and give-aways planned. For those of you not attending tonight (and those who do but can check in with the blog via their mobile device), we'll have the Open Gamethread up at 6:30pm.
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This better be a good game tonight because it’ll be my last home game :( The boys better pull this one off!!
Also, Mateo and I have an extra ticket again for tonight’s game, if anyone is interested.
maybe – I sent you an email if you haven’t found a taker yet.
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 Apr 3, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Heading to the game now, sad its the last game (that we’re going to) of the season. Let’s go Canes!!!
Mo leave the F**kin first line Staal, Jussi, and the Wizard, whats wrong with ya!
by canescup on Apr 3, 2010 12:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Hopefully, the first line for the Canes
will recite this mantra:
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
“I will clear the puck out and shoot at the open goal AFTER I pass the red-line.”
Repeat as needed.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
Yeah, I’m starting to get a little depressed that OUR hockey season is almost over. I can still catch the playoffs, but it just won’t be the same. At least we’ll still have some draft stuff to talk about.
My Team MVP – I’m going to give it to Sutter, who slightly edges out Jussi. I think Sutter has been the most consistent player from the time he was called up to now. He has done a little bit of everything; score goals, work on the PK, and has improved his faceoffs. Jussi has had a career year, but I think Brandon has just really impressed me.
My Team Newcomer of the Year - I’m going to give the edge to McBain over Kostopoulos. TK has done anything asked of him and is a lot better than I was expecting. I give it to McBain because he is 4th of all Canes defenseman this year in goals and he’s done that in only 10 games. The future for this kid is very bright and IMO is the Hurricanes best prospect. If JR doesn’t have him in the top 4 at the beginning of the season, PK needs to find a GM that knows what he is doing.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
Not sure if I’ve mentioned this before (wink)… Jussi for the Chiasson award, for overcoming the waiver wire, the death of his father, and the Olympic snub to have a career year and team-best points tally.
Phoblographer and aficionado of all things Finnish
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Apr 3, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
All that happened to him last year…. but he still gets my vote….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Apr 3, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Bob
and to LTD & PackPride17…+ 3 billion !! But my list for MVP Is: 1. Jussi.2. Sutter 3.Ward
Best New Comer- TK followed by Mcbain…though in all fairness TK has had more games played as a Hurricane than McBain has. but for and to try to name the hottest younger player on the squad/roster…it would be a tie between Boychuk 7 Mcbain…even those Mcbain has more points total i believe…but talk about a couple of fdireballs on the ice !! whoa…for those who are going…have a great time …be safe…
" Chadness" is contagious ! Go Canes !!
How does Rod Brind’Amour have only 300 assist for his entire career? He has been playing since Moses walked the earth….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Apr 3, 2010 1:27 PM EDT reply actions
Ah – that makes much more sense. thanks!
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 Apr 3, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I was going to say… the guy has played a bazillion NHL games… if he only has 300 assist then I need to sale a bridge in Alaska to whoever pays that guy….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Apr 3, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Chip Alexander/CanesNow talked with Drayson Bowman this morning here.
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 Apr 3, 2010 2:17 PM EDT reply actions
It’s April, temperature in the mid-80’s, the Devils are in Raleigh, must be a Playoff game tonight ? Am I right ?
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
Of course.
It is the best of 7 and the Canes are down 3 games to 0.
Don’t laugh, that is essentially the way it is.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
Oh yeah HM, good luck with getting away with calling JJ the “the favorite Finn”.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
Yeah,
for the youngest, her “FFF”, Favorite Finn Forever, is “TR”
the wife, her “FFF” is “JJ”
For CG, I understand her “FFF” is “JP”
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
Who told you such vicious lies about me?
"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."
Only your friends
;-D
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
Mrs S, FTW.
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 Apr 3, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
It reads a little funny, doesn’t it? If I see LTD tonight I’ll watch my back till I determine if I’ve really blundered. (wouldn’t want a crosscheck from behind as payback for the slight)
Just to be clear: I didn’t mean THE (as in the one and only) favorite Finn. More like he’s a Finn who is also a (one of the fans’) favorite.
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 Apr 3, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
No worries! No blunder!
Jussi is one of my favorite CANES, which actually transcends his Finnishness.
And “The Finns”, as in the collective, have achieved cult status.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Meant as a reply to HM ^^ above.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Apr 3, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, and I realize this goes without saying, but someone will comment about the omission.
Lest anyone be concerned, Tuomo transcends all, even the sport itself.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Apr 3, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
He musta been punished by the Continuum then
looking at the first half of the season.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
After goggling that I am very proud to admit I had no idea what either of you were talking about.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Apr 3, 2010 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey, being a NERD*
N etwork
E mergency
R epair
D ude
is not for everyone.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
I thought it meant
N ever
E ver
R eally
D ated
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
Something, I assure you,
that I know nothing about.
Check to see who’s an accountant.
;-D
All "Real Men" have one name in common: "Daddy"
Other NERD meanings:
Non-Erosive Reflux Disease (form of GERD)
National Establishment for Real Dorks
Network Event Recording Device
Never-Ending Radical Dude
Not Even Remotely Dorky
Neuro-Evolutionary Rostral Developer
Network Emergency Repair Dude :-)
Network Emergency Repair Diva :-)
“Narrative, Expositive, Reflective, Descriptive”
Nobody/No one Ever Really Dies (band)
“New England Reptile Distributor, Inc. (New Hampshire)”
New England Reptile Distributors
Nobody Ever Really Dies
Never Ending Romance Disaster
National Engineering Research and Development
negative-endoscopy reflux disease
Norms Evolving in Response to Dilemmas
National Energy Research Database
Network Enabled Refrigeration Device
New England Repeater Directory
No Evidence of Recurrent Disease
Northern Electronics Research Division
New England Red Devil
Not Enough Real Daylight
North East Regional Delegates
Nhanced Extraction of Relevant Details
National Energy Resource Database
Nobody Ever Really Does
Networked Electronic Resources DOMAIN
And a personal favorite:
Not Even Really Dorky
All "Real Men" have one name in common: "Daddy"
Hey y’all! Long story short, I have two extra tickets for tonight’s game. Section 109 row N or Q. If you want them they’re yours for free! Reply here so that everyone else knows they are taken and I will leave them at the will call desk under Canes Country (or CC) I guess. Unless you get back to me before I get there with your name!
Hope someone can use them!
"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."
by caniacgirl on Apr 3, 2010 3:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I'd love to go and see them.
Unfortunately, I’m working until 8:00pm so I gave my tickets to one of the kids and her friend
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
I want them.
If they are not taken I am definitely interested. For various reasons I have not been able to see Canes much this season.
They are yours if you want them! Is there a specific name you want them left under?
"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."
No problem!
And FYI, the seats are a few rows from mine so you won’t be forced to sit next to me. :)
"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."
Oh man
There was my chance to throw popcorn at you, CG that is.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
LOL Darn. We all missed out I guess.
"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."
by caniacgirl on Apr 3, 2010 5:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
See you say that not having met me. Or watched a game with me. You’d probably be thanking your lucky stars otherwise.
"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."
by caniacgirl on Apr 3, 2010 5:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
you can think of caniacgirl as your own personal “fairy puck sister”. =D
Enjoy!
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 Apr 3, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Or a Hurricanes player desperate for motivation…?
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 Apr 3, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Hats off to Jussi Jokinen
Leading our team in points, goals, game winning goals, making less than half the guys on our team, hopefully continuing to do so for years to come, and doing it all looking like the happiest guy on the ice. Lock him up!
I also think Pitkanen should get some praise. For all the crap he gets, he has 46 points this year (next closest is Gleason with 19) good for 10th overall among D in the NHL. Not to mention leading the whole NHL in TOI by almost 1 minute (27 minutes 41 seconds a game vs. Duncan Keith’s 26 minutes and 44 seconds a game). He may take some bad penalties at times, but you probably would do if your coach ran you into the ground every game.
+100
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 Apr 3, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Draft Update:
Islanders up 4-0 against the Ottawa Senators with 10 minutes left in the 3rd..
The Islanders have always been good at the end of the season when the pressure is off them and they have been tearing it up in the past few games winning by big numbers. Lets go Islanders!
Pittsburgh came from behind to beat Atlanta in OT this afternoon. So Atlanta getting just one point pushes us down (or at least keeps us down) in the standings, or puts us up in the lottery.
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 Apr 3, 2010 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Tonight’s other games of interest:
Florida vs. NY Rangers at Florida
Toronto vs. Boston at Toronto (Big matchup as Boston owns Toronto’s 1st round pick)
Washington vs. Columbus at Columbus
Islanders over Ottawa. Final.
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 Apr 3, 2010 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
And then there were Four
The last four games, to me, seem like a good mix for our warriors.
Eliminated from the playoffs, they still have a mini-reunion tour with three of our recent playoff dance partners: Devils, Canadiens, Bruins.
Plus, one away game with a division rival (Bolts) that can either be a little less painfully lost, since on the road, or serve as a good whipping boy if there are any leftover scores to settle.
I hope they have fun and am glad we drew some heavyweights. They may have all cinched, but playoff position is still in doubt, so the games are meaningful for the opponents.
I don’t think motivation will be an issue.
For Boston AND Atlanta, things don't look so good.
NYR can claim the 8th seed very easily.
All "Real Men" have one name in common: "Daddy"
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