Predators At Hurricanes: Game Day Preview

by Bob Wage on Sep 24, 2010 2:00 PM EDT

NASHVILLE TN - SEPTEMBER 23: Marcel Goc #9 of the Nashville Predators skates against Riley Nash #23 of the Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena on September 23 2010 in Nashville Tennessee. Nash is expected to be on the ice again tonight. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes are ready to host the Nashville Predators for the second game of their back-to-back, home and home series tonight at the RBC. Some players who are scheduled to play tonight have already played the previous two exhibition games and will be playing in their third game in four nights.

Although those players probably need to do so because there is yet another game scheduled in Atlanta, tomorrow night.

Paul Branecky published tonight's starting lines at CH.com.

Sutter-Boychuk-Kennedy
Skinner-Jokinen-LaRose
Nash-Bowman-Kostopoulos
Matsumoto-O`Sullivan-Blanchard
Gleason-Babchuk
Harrison-Carson
Sanguinetti-Rodney

Justin Pogge is expected to be the primary netminder. Mike Murphy will back him up.

Patrick O`Sullivan, Drayson Bowman, Bobby Sanguinetti, Riley Nash, Justin Pogge, Jay Harrison, and Tom Kostopoulos each will have played in all three preseason games.

Niclas Blanchard and Matt Kennedy are making their preseason debuts tonight.

This will be a good opportunity for Zach Boychuk to step up. He's on a line with friend and fellow linemate from his Junior Canadian Tournament days, Brandon Sutter. Matt Kennedy served as team captain in Traverse City and was second in team scoring, (behind Jeff Skinner).

Skinner will have quality linemates in Jussi Jokinen and Chad LaRose, so he will be looking to dent the scoresheet as well tonight.

The Canes are led in scoring so far this preseason by Patrick O`Sullivan, (1G 1A), and Bobby Sanguinetti, (2A). (Eric Staal also has 2 assists but will not play tonight.)

On The Forecheck has the game roster posted for the Predators, but the lines have yet to be announced. The roster includes mainstays Martin Erat, David Legwand, Ryan Suter, and troublemaker Jordin Tootoo.

You can listen to Chuck on 99.9 The Fan or check out the Hurricanes Live Stream. The puck drops at 7 and we will have the open game thread ready to go at 6:30. Once again, Cory and I will be chiming in, live from the RBC.

(UPDATE) Hockeymom's game day guide is available here: Gameday Guide Sept 24 vs Nashville

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Boychuk and Sutter

I am really hoping Boychuk with have a breakout game tonight. I felt Boychuk had an uphill battle to really display his talents in preseason game 1 when he was put on the fourth line with Matsumoto and Samson. I like all three, Boychuk, Matsumoto, and Samson; but I felt it wasn’t going to easy for all three to be in sync given what would be a high state of anxiety for one or more of the players. Tonight is a much better test for Boychuk; and given the excellent performances by O’Sullivan and Dalpe, Boychuk has to demonstrate he has matured and developed to the point of being a consistent producer at the NHL level. I personally am confident Boychuk will at some point be an impact player for the Hurricanes, and I think he will work well with Sutter, Skinner, Dalpe, O’Sullivan, among the younger players. He has speed and quickness that few NHL players possess. Here’s hoping tonight is the night for Boychuk. Like all the other young prospects, he is the master of his own destiny.

by abramsdoug on Sep 24, 2010 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

Agree as to hoping Boychuk does well tonight. I like the line choices. Each line has two players with at least a fair amount of scoring ability. It’s good that they’re letting Boychuk skate with Sutter, Skinner with Jokinen, Nash with Bowman, and Matsumoto with O’Sullivan. I’d much rather see Skinner with Jokinen and Staal than with Jokinen and LaRose, but putting Skinner with Jokinen should provide Skinner a much greater opportunity to show what he can do.

Given how well he’s played overall, I wonder if they moved O’Sullivan to the fourth line because they want to look at the other kids with certain combinations or because they’re disappointed with O’Sullivan’s defensive play and last night’s turnover leading directly to Nashville’s goal. Maurice made a comment someplace suggesting O’Sullivan still has things to prove although I don’t have time to go find the quote.

So far O’Sullivan has been a revelation on offense. It’s hard to know based on seeing so little of the games whether he’s been lacking at times on defense. I’m hoping the lines are arranged as they are to create opportunities for the kids tonight rather than to make O’Sullivan pay for that turnover. I think of O’Sullivan as a guy who’s seen far too much negative reinforcement in his life and I’d like the Canes to try the positive approach with him until it fails.

I think there is a possibility that O’Sullivan’s success means Boychuk is Charlotte-bound. I repeat that I strongly want to see both on the Canes, but if there’s only one spot and O’Sullivan earns it, so be it.

Do you have an opinion on whether Pitkanen is injured or they’re resting him both for the season to come and to get an extended look at Sanguinetti? Is there any solid information or do you have any direct observations as to how Sanguinetti is doing in his own end? Clearly he’s been handling things well at the other end.

by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Boychuk

I agree about Boychuk. It’s time that he steps up and shows management and the coaching staff that he’s ready for the NHL. His spot is there for the taking but I haven’t really read or seen where he is necessarily doing that. It’s not that I don’t believe he is doing anything wrong but it seems Dalpe and Bowman are doing more to state their case than Boychuk has so far.

Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.

by anonymousJ on Sep 24, 2010 2:37 PM EDT reply actions

Not to Quibble, But...

I agree that Dalpe and Bowman are doing extremely well and are making a strong case for themselves. Boychuk only has played one game on the fourth line with Samson and Matsumoto. I think, for example, O’Sullivan is going to have a more difficult standing out tonight on the fourth line than in the previous games. Again, I am not at all criticizing either Samson or Matsumoto, but they seemed very much out of sync in game #1. So it is true that Dalpe and Bowman thus far have really stated a case for making the team; but really Boychuk, prior to tonight, hasn’t been spotlighted. Tonight is a no excuses night for him. He’s on the first line with Sutter and with Kennedy. The spotlight is on him and it’s really up to him to make the most of the opportunity. If he can make a great showing tonight, it is another hurdle (even if in the scheme of things a smallish milestone) for the Hurricanes team in the search for some additional scoring to offset the absence of Ray Whitney.

by abramsdoug on Sep 24, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Kennedy is a highly offensive prospect as well, so I also expect them to create some offense. Boychuk needs to show some flare if he wants a roster spot, especially on the first line next to Sutter.

Skinner needs to get inside the slot and fire at will. He should get some solid chances skating with Jussi (easily one of our best playmakers). A goal or two from that line would be great for the home crowd.

by JussiJuice on Sep 24, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Kennedy, IMO, is a grinder at this level. He’s more a guy who will create a little space, tho I think his concussion issues will make it tough for him to crack the NHL.

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by Cory Lavalette on Sep 24, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Matt Kennedy and Concussions

Concussions are a complicated medical issue and not all concussions are created equally; so it is hard to judge with precision. The effect of concussions, however, as a rule are cumulative and each concussion tends to be more serious, although with everything related to human physiology there are multiple exceptions. Assuming Kennedy can overcome the concussion issue, I agree with Cory that he is a grinder and battler at the NHL level, if he continues to develop. The Hurricanes can use all the big, physical, forwards they can find; so his size, skating, and leadership very much work to his advantage long term if his health doesn’t close down his career prematurely.

by abramsdoug on Sep 25, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m very surprised they aren’t playing Staal for the home crowd. I’m very excited, however, to see Jokinen and Skinner working together tonight.

by JussiJuice on Sep 24, 2010 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Ditto

by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Go time coming soon.

After tonight’s game we’ll be a week into camp and 3 pretend games down. Enough time to let the younger players acclimate to the pro game and surroundings. I think Boychuk could have another quiet game and not totally take himself out of the running, but the time is more now than later for him to make his case. Possibly the same with Matsumoto. Bowman has been really active, but with nothing showing on the scoresheet. I’d think the team would give him a longer look, but he’s got to make his case soon as well. It’ll be interesting to see how Kennnedy shows tonight. I think after tomorrow nights game with the Thrashers we’ll have some real clarity on at least a few players.

by Hockeydog on Sep 24, 2010 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

Boychuk’s excuse up until now has been lack of ice-time and linemates. If he’s in the first pair and with Sutter then he has to show up. Maybe not necessarily on the scoresheet, but if he’s “quiet”, it doesn’t look great for him. There are just too many guy chomping at the bit and with Dalpe and O’Sullivan performing well, Boychuk’s chances get slimmer.

www.prosportsblogging.com

by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 24, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s becoming real interesting who will & will not make the opening day squad as forwards. I’m thinking that Dalpe and O’Sullivan are nearing the top of the list, but there is still a lot to be determined.

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by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2010 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

O’Sullivan and Dalpe do seem to be leading the contest for the forward spots at this stage. Dalpe may have an edge for the 3rd line center spot and O’Sullivan for the wing. If Dwyer stays on the Canes roster and Tlusty recovers, it’s hard to see room for more than one forward and one center from the large pool of prospects. As of now, I’d guess O’Sullivan and Dalpe are pushing Boychuk and Bowman off the Canes’ roster. Good news for Charlotte, I guess.

Is it Dwyer vs. Nash for 4th line center, or is Nash already headed for Charlotte too?

Based on all I’ve heard, seen, and read, Dalpe has a considerable edge over Nash for the 3rd line center spot at this point. Matsumoto will have to play a phenomenal game to get back into the conversation and avoid being cut early.

I find it very hard to believe that the Canes are seriously thinking about Skinner for one of the center spots even though they haven’t played him on the wing at all.

by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Hope the live stream works better this time around.

www.prosportsblogging.com

by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 24, 2010 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

on the video

Many of you may have seen this on twitter, but if you follow @CVHD they will update through the evening. Apparently they have made some adjustments through NHL’s streaming capacity, because they agreed last Tuesday was far from ideal and they think it will be better tonightl.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for the update, HM! It might not help that I have the internet, e-mail program, and HD Video editing software all open at the same time either…

www.prosportsblogging.com

by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 24, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

So they will be streaming the game tonight?

Let's go Hartolina WhalerCanes!!!! I am a big fan of the Canes, but I still have some residual Brass Bonanza Blue and Green in me.

by Ned Butler on Sep 24, 2010 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, check out the last paragraph of this post for the “Live Stream” link.

www.prosportsblogging.com

by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 24, 2010 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

And they just tweeted the direct link too. It’ll be here - but not till 7pm. The audio will be from the arena, not a real playxplay. And it likely won’t synch w/Kaiton. But better than what we had (or didn’t have) last night.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

AD's proposed lines vs. lines tried to date

AD, how many of the lines you’ve described as interesting possibilities have been tried so far? You put a lot of effort into those discussions, had a lot of interesting things to say, and suggested some lines I’d like to see tried.

I’m wondering if you’ve seen enough thus far to narrow the range of lines that you think may actually be under consideration.

Also if you or anybody has heard anything about Tlusty’s status and what the Canes are expecting from him early in the season, if anything.

by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2010 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

Lines not Tried

My take is that the organization’s first priority was settling in on which centers were going to stick for the third and fourth lines. I really hoped they would in the process put together complete lines that could potentially play together. I didn’t see that in Game 1. It looked a little closer in Game 2. Game 3 is about the same as Game 2, except Boychuk and Skinner are getting the spotlight. Boychuk has not been bad, but he was quiet in Game 1. I’ve heard nothing more about Tlusty other than they expect him to be ready. After this weekend, I will see what happens with the players and where they are assigned; and then will try more lines.

by abramsdoug on Sep 24, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks, AD. Fingers crossed that the kids do well tonight. Sure would like to see Skinner play wing for a few shifts with two really talented linemates, though that hardly seems likely.

There may not be room for many of the prospects, but I’d rather regret sending some to Charlotte because they look great but there’s no room than be glad to see them go because they clearly don’t belong in the NHL.

by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Lines Will be Clarified Somewhat by Sunday Evening, I Think

Based on Paul Maurice’s statements after the game last night, it sounds as if most of the players who are not going to be playing in Helsinki will be shipped out by Sunday evening. Boychuk has not so much played poorly as he has not made a splash. There is nothing spectacular he has done as of the two games he played to make a coach grin from ear to ear in pure hockey joy. Bowman has been perhaps more solid than Boychuk in his three games, but still there is nothing so fantastic he has done that he is a lock at this point. O’Sullivan has been very, very good offensively; and the consensus seems to be he is a lock. One can never, however, really tell what the Hurricanes brain trust is thinking with respect to some of its players; so we’ll see. Dalpe and Skinner have been the two best young prospects, I think, in their appearances. Both Dalpe and Skinner are loved by the Canes organization (with justifiable reasons), so they seem to be ahead in the competition.

I will be surprised if Boychuk and Bowman are sent to Charlotte in the first cuts. If Boychuk wants to keep a seat at the Canes table, he has to break out and convert his speed and quickness into some goals.

by abramsdoug on Sep 25, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions