The Watchability Factor
by Elsker on Jul 25, 2010 4:41 PM EDT
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2010-2011 is going to be a fun season to be a STH at the RBC Center. Of course, it's always fun to win (in fact, it's now got to where I now associate hearing "Mad Scientist" anywhere with losing). But, Caniac Nation will also always, always applaud genuine effort, even in a loss.
I cannot imagine we're not going to see effort, across the board, this season. Every player, to a person, can find one or more reasons to hustle a bit more than we have seen in some past seasons.
The most obvious pressure is the lower rungs of the forwards and defensemen, where a literal king-of-the mountain battle will be occurring throughout the season as a wealth of talent competes for limited roles on the big stage. Charlotte, fasten your seatbelts, because you're in for a nitro-induced upgrade in your hockey experience.
But, there's incentives at the top and among the vets, as well. For one thing, there's all those kids, for those that haven't been anointed as legacies.
Plus, in the forward ranks, Cole, Samsonov, Jokinen, LaRose, and Dwyer are all in UFA contract years. Add Sutter and Tlusty in RFA contract years and more than half our forwards have economic incentives, if nothing else.
On the defensive side, Pitkanen, Babchuk, and Harrision are in UFA contract years, with Carson establishing his RFA value for the following season(s). So, economic incentives there, as well, making a fully half the team working on a contract year for themselves.
Nonetheless, the other half of the team has plenty of incentives, as well. Several are coming off an injury-hampered season, surrounded by energy after a long summer, and have things to prove. Round up the usual suspects, and without dwelling on details, these could include more names than we know, but Staal, Ruutu, LaRose, Cole, Corvo, and Ward come to mind.
Staal now has not only the "C", but the room, as well. Brind'Amour's not even in sight. The only players older than him are now his contemporaries in terms of team eras. The '02 warriors are gone. Heck, even most of the '06 core is gone.
This is indeed the New Canes. And, as I have said from the day we drafted him, I did not expect Staal to hit his stride until at least 25 or 26 years of age. He'll be 26 this October. It's go time, Eric. Seize the times.
But, I digress. My point is that I am optimistic that this will be a fun team to watch from an energy level. That's certainly not always been the case.
In fact, this may well be the year that it becomes possible for the org to dial up the culture a bit on what it means to be a player for the Canes. A tweak to our identity to include a bit more hustle, instead of maximizing the "cool factor" would be appreciated by the fans and become an infectious team energizer that can easily translate all the way through to the scoreboard.
Certainly we've never had so many homegrown players in the system that are bubbling up to the NHL level. And when they've all gone through the School of Jake or are under the tutelage of members of the brain trust, it is indeed possible to get an identity and culture installed within an org so strongly that trades are easily assimilated because the "rules" are so transparent.
We do "acquire character", as JR always says. These are all good men. In fact, it's a good bubble we have here from ownership, facilities, org, players, and fans. Perfect storm.
Here's to a good season, regardless of how the win/loss record shakes out. I know, if nothing else, I'll be thoroughly entertained as the play unfolds beneath my feet. Go Canes!
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Great story Elsker
I couldn’t agree with you more. This season definitely has the potential to be a great one!
by Caneshockey1712 on Jul 25, 2010 4:55 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks. The downside is we still have 53 days till training camp. The World Junior development camps are coming up. I hope there will be decent coverage of those – but I doubt it.
We have 3 on USA, 2 on FIN and 1 on CAN. Not too shabby. (invited to camp, not necessarily making the cut of the teams playing this winter in Buffalo)
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 25, 2010 5:42 PM EDT reply actions
Don’t remind me… I hit rock bottom tonight and watched NHL Network’s replay of a WAS-PIT 2009 playoff game. Two teams I normally can’t stand to watch.
"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."
But isn't it neat to watch them try and pound the crap out of each other?
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 29, 2010 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely...
I hope for, but don’t expect, utter consistency with such a young team, but I sure as hell expect some fun hockey. Thanks for the writeup, Eisker!
"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?" -- Oddball, from Kelly's Heroes
[My Hockey Photoshops] [My Music] [Beat a Dead Horse]
heheHe
Gee i was thinking the samething !! but between the ocusts that showed up and are and did clean out my fridge & pantry, watching h brickyard 400, and later the Indy car races…i gave my poor brain a rest from the 24-7 hockey overload…:-} have a good day 7 week folks…Be Safe !!
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
That Checkers 3rd Sweater ROCKS !!!
Which prospects will be the most fun to watch?
All other considerations aside, which prospects could add the most excitement to the Canes this year? Sometimes the most valuable players are valuable because they’re consistent and hard-working. There are other players who are just fun to watch, such as when they are constant breakaway threats or have dazzling shots or moves that make the defense look silly. Where do the Canes’ prospects rank on the watchability scale?
Is Nash a steady, two-way player, or can he add a dash of excitement? How often would Dalpe or Matsumoto bring fans out of our seats?
Among Skinner, Boychuk, Tlusty, Bowman, Samson and Osala, which ones will be the most entertaining?
Has anyone seen the Canes’ prospects enough to rate them on watchability?
by curiouscanesfan on Jul 26, 2010 8:50 AM EDT reply actions
IMO (take it for what it’s worth) Skinner was very entertaining at prospect camp-lots of flash and skill with an ever-ready smile. If he can translate that talent to a rink full of pros rather than one full of kids with similar levels of experience, he could be A LOT of fun to watch.
"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 really interested to see how Skinner and Boychuk work together. They seem similar as 18-yr olds. Boychuk’s had to deal with NHL hockey, and the experience has added to his personality (as in it’s harder than the WHL)
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 26, 2010 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
The Dazzle Factor
Boychuk has the ability to make very elusive moves and then score; and because of his speed, he had accelerate through narrow space. If you watch his goals at the NHL and then his goals at Albany, many are the kind the crowd at the RBC would jump out of their seats. Skinner too has some graceful elusiveness and goals in very tight spaces that seem impossible. Dalpe is also a very elusive skater and can blast through the slot to take a pass and score. His AHL goals were quite impressive. Bowman is probably the next in line of bringing people out of their seats. He is a natural scorer and has a great shot. As he gains confidence to make moves he has the skill and desire to bring people out of their seats. Osala uses his big frame well, and is fast, but is still working on elusiveness. Samson has excellent acceleration and can drive to the net. He is virtually impossible to knock down; and he uses a slashing kind of style to get open. It’s not that he makes multiple moves with the puck such as Whitney did when Whitney undressed Chara and passed the puck to Sutter. Sampson finds space and wills himself through it with balance and speed. Tlusty has size, speed, and fine hands. He uses speed and size to his advantage; and has a great hockey brain so he gets himself in position to score. If Tlusty relaxes when open for one-timers, he will be a Jokinen style of scorer.
At some point early in the season, I suspect the coaches will put Boychuk/Staal/Skinner together and will also try Boychuk/Sutter/Skinner together as an experiment to see if they can find some magic.
So you’re counting on Skinner to make the big team?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 26, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
That would be cool!!!
I’d be happy if skinner makes the team, but also surprised! Very hard for anyone to make the jump to NHL, mainly because of the physical part of the game, IMO!
anyway it’ll be very interesting to see the training camp/ preseason games and assess the quality and style of the yungins, eh?!
Skinner: back in the oven you go
I personally believe that while we will enjoy our glimpse of Jeff Skinner this fall, that he will be returned to his junior team before he reaches his 10th NHL game. Perhaps even well before he reaches that mark.
Reasons? It’s just too crowded right now to work him in either of the two or three slots that might be available for him (more below) and it’s the best thing for his development path.
Differences between Skinner and Sutter is that the Red Deer Rebels (Sutter’s junior team) was pretty devoid of talent except for Sutter and wasn’t going anywhere post-season. Plus, there was little left there for Sutter to learn.
Skinner, on the other hand, returns to a Kitchener Ranger team that should contend for the OHL championship, thereby potentially gaining a chance to play for the CHL’s Memorial Cup, which pits the three major junior champion teams against one another. Then there’s the World Juniors experience lurking if he stays in juniors, as well.
Plus, he moves to the first line and plays first-unit power play, for sure. All good confidence-building experience that will serve him well while he gets even bigger and stronger (only an 18-year-old kid, after all), as per the Canes org instructions and works on his defense.
2011-2012 is also a better season for him to break into the NHL with the Canes because of the sheer logjam we currently have for forward skating positions. We only have 3 skating positions open, unless and until some bodies are moved, which will be much later in the season, if at all.
So, if Skinner takes the third line center position (his current on-ice role), then he squeezes out Nash and/or Dalpe from being able to also break into the NHL in their current on-ice positions.
And, if we try to move him to right wing (shoots left and has played right wing before), not only does he have to deal with a position change on the ice while breaking into the NHL as an 18-year-old, but someone has to go to make room for him and he blocks others from rising.
Right wing is currently stacked on the depth chart as: Ruutu, LaRose, Cole, Kostopoulos, and Bowman. We don’t want Skinner on our fourth line, so it’s really one of LaRose or Cole that have to be moved to even open up a slot in the top 9 for him, and it comes at the expense of seeing Bowman except as injury fill-in.
And, as for the splash/swim approach of putting him on the first line with Staal, that’s a goal, but it would be far safer to start him on say the third line, once Cole’s contract has been moved or has run its course. Then, when NHL acclimated and able to handle first-pairing defensemen, move him on up to his what is hopefully his destiny: sharing points with Eric Staal.
I think all signs point to not this season for any of that to happen, however. Not beyond preseason, anyway.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Skinner -- I just don't know one way or the other
I think Skinner has the dazzle factor going for him in a large, large way. I don’t know if he will be one of those few 18 year olds who were meant to play in the NHL. Jordan Staal, for example, seemed born to play in the NHL. I do expect the Hurricanes to give Skinner as many games in the NHL as they can before they have to decide whether he stays or not (I think it is eight but that is from memory only).
Jim Rutherford seems to believe, but doesn’t know, that Skinner could make the team; and probably that is all anybody could figure at this point. Skinner is a uniquely gifted scorer; but it’s a huge, huge chance from OHL to NHL. I will predict Skinner scores at least one goal for the Canes in his first eight days.
You know, I had just flat forgotten that Sutter was sent back to his junior team after being drafted.
Because he ended up on the Rats later that season, after the Rebels were done (no post-season for them), I had sort of forgotten how he found his way onto our roster.
Well, all the more reason to return Skinner, in my opinion. Patience will pay off big-time, and we do have a log-jam until some contracts expire or trades occur. And, for trades to occur, we probably have to sweeten the deal by losing a prospect in order to have the other team bite on the deal if we try to force one prior to the deadline.
If Skinner does indeed elbow his way to the table, it will be at someone’s expense. There just aren’t enough chairs.
Here we are now...entertain us.
I’m really intrigued by @Ice_chip’s tweet that JR said Skinner is training with Gary Roberts this summer. I googled a bit and found that Roberts started “training” hockey athletes last summer, starting w/Steven Stamkos. the TBL press wrote about it in April can gave the Roberts program credit for Stamkos break out sophomore season.
Roberts “hand picked” a few players to work with this year including James Neal, Steve Downie, Stephen Stamkos. If Skinner is in their company daily all summer in Ontario he’s going to be a beast by September. I just don’t know any more if he’s headed back to Kitchener or not. Traverse City will be interesting, to say the least.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 26, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Stamkos speaks
Here’s something I posted earlier when we were discussing the impressive news that Skinner was training under Gary Roberts this summer, an account within Kukla’s Korner of how Stamkos described the program.
Here we are now...entertain us.
The Gary Roberts Connection
I don’t think it’s sheer coincidence that Jeff Skinner has a ticket to the Gary Roberts show this summer.
There are big-time ties back to the org for Gary, from JR, who gave him a chance to get back into the league after his neck was broken when no one else seemed willing to gamble (shades of Cole?), to teammates like Francis during his years here.
Gary is largely credited for breathing life into Jeff O’Neill’s NHL career by bringing discipline and training into what was before only natural talent oozing from a couch-potato Ontario redneck (:-D).
Jeffy O being the lucky recipient of sweet, sweet passes from Ron Frickin’ Francis during the prime years of his career didn’t hurt one bit, either, mind you. But, that’s another story.
Gary Roberts is The Man. As I said when I learned the news that Skinner would be training under him this summer: I…am…impressed.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Gary Roberts is Indeed THE MAN
Gary Roberts is one of the real experts in power skating and strength building. He also understands as well as anybody how to improve fast fire synapse reaction times in athletes. I saw the short video of the training by the new addition to the training staff and recognized some of the drills as accomplishing power training. I can think of several young Hurricanes prospects who could potentially benefit greatly from the Gary Roberts program or similar program. I agree it is very exciting to me that Skinner was asked/retained or however got to work with Gary Roberts.
Michael Del Zotto (NYRangers) is also up there this summer. Sounds like this is Roberts’ well-chosen 2nd career and he’s built a beautiful first-class facility – I went so far as to figure out it’s about 20 miles from the place listed as Skinner’s hometown, NE or Toronto.. And yes, sounds like tis is definitely quite a coup to get an invite.
There will be a golf tournament for charity there in mid August sponsored by Roberts as well and the NHL kids he’s training are listed as the other celebrities in attendance. Not Skinner though. Probably be at Team Canada’s WJC training camp.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jul 26, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Tantalizing glimpses. Thanks everybody.
I see flashes, especially from Boychuk, but have trouble judging how highlight plays in the AHL translate to the NHL.
I also can’t judge whether the prospects should have done more with the NHL opportunities they’ve had, or whether limited opportunity has hidden their talent so far.
It would have been great if Boychuk or Bowman had a break-out game last year that left no doubt about the ability to be a major factor in the NHL. I thought Boychuk showed he’s an energetic NHL player who has a quick shot, digs out pucks to set up other players, and has speed to burn. That said, Boychuk got the biggest opportunity and didn’t score many goals.
by curiouscanesfan on Jul 26, 2010 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
Make or break season with the Canes for Zach Boychuk, in my opinion.
Moving him from the center position he’s always played to the wing may have thrown him off a step or so, for starters. Size is a minor issue, but he appears to be strong on his feet, regardless.
He’ll surely be given every opportunity to show us what he’s got this season. One of the “watchable ones”, for sure.
Here we are now...entertain us.
A little premature..
Zach should be able to show improvement this year (maybe a lot), but i wouldn’t call it “make or break”. some guys improve slowly, some more rapidly, but he still has time to develop…
if anything, due to the number of good prospects we have, he’ll be given an opportunity to improve, either here, or Charlotte!!
I’m just saying.
He either finds a comfortable slot with us this year (which I believe he will do, mind you), or he’s the asset that gets thrown into the inevitable trade instead of Bowman or the more likely candidate, Tlusty.
Didn’t mean to doom and gloom. It’s just one of those three may eventually go, and Bowman and Boychuk are trying to make sure it’s not them.
Here we are now...entertain us.
I can’t think of many situations where Bowman is retained and Boychuk is dealt. Maybe if it’s to acquire a player like Boychuk but better. Maybe if Bowman comes out and scores 25 or 30 goals. Outside of that I can’t see Boychuk leaving before Bowman.
Is it possible to be addicted to hockey?
I think I would agree with you, if nothing else, simply because Boychuk is the “known” and much further along in his development by the org.
In fact, I’ve been a bit concerned that the org would not find a slot for Bowman’s considerable talents in a timely manner and he would become the coin for some deal.
Hope that doesn’t happen, because I think he’s going to be a pure goal scorer for us.
Again, my candidate for a forward prospect for defensive talent (if such a trade is even needed) is Tlusty. Not Bowman or Boychuk. To me, Tlusty seems expendable.
Here we are now...entertain us.
I don’t disagree with you about Tlusty. That said I do think that Skinner’s skill set is similar to Bowman’s but Skinner’s is much better. That’s why I think that Bowman is more likely to be traded. I also think Bowman is more attractive to a cap stressed team than Tlusty because Bowman’s earlier on his development and still on an entry level deal. Not that I’m really looking to move any of the forwards, but I can see there being a need to flip some offense for defense.
Is it possible to be addicted to hockey?
Well, now. That’s an interesting thought.
If indeed Chad LaRose is a “keeper”, then the right side (assuming Ruutu’s here to stay for at least a while) is pretty full, all right.
And, I think you are correct. What little information there is out there shows Skinner as a C/RW (shoots left).
So: Skinner, Ruutu, LaRose, Kostopolous/Samson
Yep, that could be worrisome for Bowman’s future, all right…or Ruutu/LaRose’s.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Right Wing Discussions and the Core Team
I still believe that if the right wings are Skinner, Ruutu, LaRose, Kostopoulos, Samson, and Bowman; and if the Hurricanes chose to move one or two right wings, they will first move Kostopoulos and then LaRose before Ruutu or Bowman. Skinner is going to be a Hurricane for a long, long time. Bowman is another prospect/young player they really expect to see great things out of and they are not known for trading away inexpensive forwards with potential high upper end talent. The organization also loves Kostopoulos; but if it gets to be a numbers game, I feel confident they are going young and staying young. Ruutu is not going anywhere either.
If one thinks about a new “core team” as Ward, Staal, Sutter, Ruutu, Jokinen, Boychuk, Skinner, Dalpe, Nash, Gleason, Pitkanen, McBain, Carson, Sanguinetti, Corvo, those players are capable building blocks for a Stanley Cup winner during their careers. I think Jim Rutherford is all about keeping his core team together even if it means losing players like Whitney or Cullen. Other players are going to have to play their way into being indispensable and becoming part of the core team. I am not suggesting all will play full time in 2010-2011 with the Hurricanes; but they are the presumptive core team of the future.
I still believe that if the right wings are Skinner, Ruutu, LaRose, Kostopoulos, Samson, and Bowman; and if the Hurricanes chose to move one or two right wings, they will first move Kostopoulos and then LaRose before Ruutu or Bowman.
So, who’s your fourth line right wing under this scenario? Samson?
Because easily LaRose or Kostopoulos would fill that role (and the PK duties that come with it) more capably than Samson.
LaRose is UFA after this season, whereas Kostopoulos is booked for $1.1M in ‘11-’12.
Skinner, Ruutu, Bowman, and Kostopoulos looks pretty good down the right side, without even looking over our shoulder to see who else might be coming.
Here we are now...entertain us.
If loyalty to the organization and personality on and off the ice were not a consideration, LaRose would be traded before Kostopoulos. LaRose has an expiring contract, as you point out; and Kostopoulos is the essence of a fourth line, up to third line, and even some if injuries require second line, wing. He kills penalties, has good speed, blocks shots, and would chew glass for the team. Skinner, Ruutu, Bowman, and Kostopoulos all can play, but Samson can also do much of what Kostopoulos can do; and is more skilled in some facets. I agree that the Skinner, Ruutu, Bowman, Kostopoulos right wing scenario makes for a strong set of right wings.
Samson may be more skilled than Kostopoulos offensively, but for fourth line duties, being able to play first-unit penalty kill is pretty much a requirement.
This would especially be true if Skinner, Ruutu, and Bowman are your other three right wings, since they’re power play special teamers, not penalty killers.
Here we are now...entertain us.
As between, Boychuk, Dalpe, Bowman, and Tlusty, I agree that if it came to pass that Tlusty was needed to get a top 4 defenseman, he could be dealt. I don’t see the organization trading Boychuk, Dalpe, or Bowman. I think Francis sees Bowman as a natural scorer who can help the Hurricanes bring home another Stanley Cup. There is zero doubt in my mind that the entire Canes organization is basically determined to a degree we can’t fully comprehend to win another Stanley Cup. After all, if Staal can win one or two more Stanley Cups and if he can keep up his performance level, he’ll be a Hall of Fame contender.
Boychuk and Sutter
I thought the Hurricanes treated the NHL development of Sutter and Boychuk fairly similarly. Both were brought up and given some time in the NHL and then sent back down to the OHL to develop. Both showed impressive potential while at the NHL level; but really weren’t given the minutes needed to do much more than that. This year Boychuk will be expected to carry much more of a steady load. It don’t think it is a “make or break season” for Boychuk. It is more a season where he is given a chance to earn a permanent NHL spot. If he has a less than spectacular season, the Hurricanes will continue to nurture him. We will know much more about the upper limits of Boychuk’s ability when he is given time with the top six lines and when he is given time on the power play.
by abramsdoug on Jul 26, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bowman +2
Bowman did have 2 goals in one game last year, so that’s certainly a glimpse of his capability, and future promise! I really can’t wait til training camp and all the promise of youth!!!
If You Like Bowman
If you like Bowman, watch the video of his first NHL goal which was against Tampa Bay. It was on a power play and Maurice put Boychuk/Sutter/Bowman together. I noted in another post that at the time the Hurricanes’ power play was 2 for 31 in the last 9 games which was perhaps a critical reason why the Hurricanes couldn’t finish the run and get into the playoffs. Sutter gets the puck behind the net and somehow gets it to Boychuk. Boychuk flies around the net and takes a shot and whacks at the puck – which winds up on a rebound. Bowman sneaks in and with really soft hands lifts it over the goalie. Bowman in one game played 13 minutes and had five hits. Bowman is one of those very quiet people who have enormous drive and intensity. I think Bowman knows he is an NHL player and just needs the right chance. I disagree that the Canes organization is looking to unload its young talent; although at some point, hard decisions are going to have to be made. My guess is the veterans go before the prospects – even veterans we all like. The young prospects have a longer playing future at very reasonable prices. They also have high upper potential limits. Francis will not let go of his prized talents. One area not discussed too often is coachability. Watch how few times the top young prospects make the same mistake twice. Francis is almost always there talking to them on the bench explaining what they did and what they could do the next time.
We’re not going to get top-4 D talent by trading veterans. Only prospects will bring that level of talent.
Of course, they’re valuable. That’s why something valuable can be obtained for them.
Just saying that if we can’t manage to slot a talented young forward into our top 9 in a timely manner, they won’t be relegated to our fourth line. They’ll be used to get something good on the D side, instead.
It’s just good asset management.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Got a link. I remember the game, but not the specific goal. Tried searching for the highlight, but it would appear that young Mr Bowman is the only NHLer that doesn’t have his 1st career NHL goal documented by google….
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
Link to Bowman's Goals
Here’s the link:
It is found by going to individual stats at www.carolinahurricanes.com
The game was Tuesday, April 6, 2010. The Hurricanes beat the Lightning at Tampa Bay. If you can watch the entire game, it is a great game to assess the younger players. The March 4th, 2010 game against Ottawa is another excellent game to watch in terms of the young players’ peformances.
The entire game can be found by going to www.nhl.com and signing up for NHL Live. I have a subscription and can watch any of the archived games. I’ve been rewatching the videos of all last season’s games; and particularly like to check when I read posts about various players to see how they played over a span of games. Bowman looked quite good when he was brought up; and got more and more confident. After the Hurricanes were mathematically eliminated, the young players were given power play time together. Still, they were pretty well keep on a tight leash and their minutes on the ice were held down. Right or wrong, there was obviously a plan in place about the development of Boychuk and Bowman. McBain was given more free reign in terms of the situations in which he was played. I suspect if Tlusty had not been injured, he would have also seen more time at Carolina.
Boychuk
I’ve been watching Boychuk like a hawk; and I think if you go watch the videos of his NHL goals and assists, you will really be impressed. The Hurricanes brought Boychuk along very, very slowly. I think they were making the point with him that it was defense first and also they have a philosophy of not over-burdening young players with responsibility.
Take a look at the March 4th, 2010, game against Ottawa. Boychuk had 15 shifts and 11:37 of ice time. From those statistics, you might think he had a ho-hum game. The truth is that in the first period, he was put on the line with Brind’Amour and Kostopoulos, both of whom are not known as scoring machines; and in the first six or so minutes of the game, Boychuk had two assists. In both instances, he used his speed to dig out pucks, and first found Kostopoulos wide open and got the puck to him for a backhand. The line was left on the ice and he immediately dug out another puck, and got the puck to Brind’Amour who scored. Ottawa immediately pulled the goalie. Two assists in two or three shifts would normally get a player more ice time; but the Hurricanes kept to the plan and he didn’t see tons of further ice time. It was that way this entire season. He would come to the bench and the veterans were constantly giving him more and more information.
Clearly, Boychuk had much to learn; but he also is a diamond in the rough and the Hurricanes know it. They are going to keep his development on an even keel and they will err on the side of patience.
An Addendum
One reason I follow Boychuk so closely is that when the draft came his year, I had been adamant that the Hurricanes needed one of the big, fast, mean power forwards who were available; and when I first heard Boychuk was picked I was surprised. I then starting hearing from various Caniacs and other people more knowledgeable than me that Boychuk was the real deal and that I couldn’t judge him by his size. I tried to keep an open mind, but I was pretty skeptical that he could be as talented as they were telling me. I started looking at video with the idea I was likely going to be disappointed at what I saw and that the Hurricanes were picking yet another 5’10" 180 lb forward when they needed some big bodies. I had a long list of prospects for the Hurricanes first pick and he was not on my list.
The more I read about Boychuk and with what little video I could find, I thought maybe I was wrong about him. Then he came to training camp and people were fired up about Boychuk and Dalpe. What impressed me about Boychuk doesn’t show up on statistics, it is his fire and feistiness. He will stake through fire to get a goal; and when he gets pounded he pounces up, angry and ready to go right back to the net. He also in person is a very engaging, funny, and humble person; and I can see why the Hurricanes organization think he will be a good player for them for a long time. He fits the profile of what the Hurricanes are trying to build — fast, intense, highly skilled players who don’t have to be convinced to give 100%.
Like you, I love that Boychuk just keeps coming. His energy does seem to turn into goals for linemates at a pretty good clip. Easy goals for linemates.
And he had that one spectacular goal he scored on a lightning quick shot that fooled everybody and made me want to see the replay multiple times just to see how he did it. It didn’t look so incredible on replay when it was slowed down. What was incredible was how fast it all happened, how accurate the shot was, and how stupefied the goalie and the defender looked. That was one of those moments where you realize there aren’t many players who could have made that play and scored that goal.
But that play was the exception. What was much more common was the way Boychuk kept digging and it led to goals for other people, such as Brind’Amour and Kostopoulos in your example and Bowman on another occasion.
I do wonder if Boychuk will thrive best as a Daniel Briere-style center. It was amazing how Briere exploded when the Flyers moved him back to center. I’d like to see Boychuk get a shot at being a center that nobody can keep up with. He doesn’t seem to fit the Canes’ preferred profile for centers, but Briere didn’t fit the Flyers’ profile for centers either. Their whole team was far better when injury gave Briere a shot at the position he’s too small to play.
by curiouscanesfan on Jul 27, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Boychuk at Center
Being totally serious, I think you, Francis, and Maurice, are somewhat on the same page with regard to Boychuk. Boychuk centered the Brind’Amour/Boychuk/Kostopoulos line although Brind’Amour took face-offs. They didn’t make much noise about that for some reason; but from the center position Boychuk was able to beat everybody to the puck and create havoc as they tried to cover him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Hurricanes develop a system where there is more like a rotating center between say Boychuk and Dalpe or Boychuk and Nash where depending how they wind up with the puck they learn to shift positions on the fly. It’s done in basketball all the time without a problem as long as the players have played together enough to realize who is on the point and who is the shooting guard for particular series. In that sport it is done as, if I get the ball first and head to the center of the court, I’m the point guard for the play. I’ve wondered why in hockey there appears to be a degree of rigidity in positioning even if it means getting out of position to let the “center” get to “center.”
The point is, you seem to be advocating something that Maurice and Francis are experimenting with as well.
But now that Nash and Dalpe and Skinner are in the fold would you still push for Boychuk at center? Staal and Sutter are given’s there, and there’s no point for him to be centering the fourth line.
Is it possible to be addicted to hockey?
Doesn’t seem to be room for Boychuk at center, though; Staal, Sutter, Nash, Dalpe, etc.
by curiouscanesfan on Jul 27, 2010 5:05 PM EDT reply actions
Yep. And this is why he must complete the transition to a winger to stick here.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Or as an alternative with lines that include Boychuk/Dalpe or Boychuk/Nash they learn to play together than depending on the situation as it unfolds on the ice one takes the center and one takes the wing. It is not much of a change because there will be predominant center, and clearly with Staal, Sutter, Nash, and Dalpe, Boychuk has to demonstrate he is a top six or at worst top nine wing; but it does mean Boychuk can get his opportunities behind the net handling the puck as a center. From what I’ve seen, Boychuk is going to be with the Canes for a long time. There also seems to be a conscious effort to find players who have the skill to play center and wing – which really helps as injuries crop up during a season.
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