Predators Rally For 2-1 Win Over Hurricanes
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 25, 2010 1:49 AM EDT
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PrintThree nights after signing his entry-level contract and having a lackluster NHL debut, Jeff Skinner looked much more comfortable with his new peers. For Patrick O'Sullivan, it was another day at the RBC Center, another point.
Neither of their performances was enough to give the Hurricanes a win, as Carolina fell to Nashville, 2-1, a night after defeating the Predators on their home ice. But their efforts may have been enough to earn them each a roster spot in Raleigh when the team heads overseas to open their season in Finland.
With a mix-and-match lineup that consisted of about half veterans and half youngsters, coach Paul Maurice wasn't concerned that his lineup failed to score an even-strength goal for the second-straight home preseason game.
"That's not our hockey club," Maurice responded when asked if he had any concerns about the lack of scoring punch three games into the preseason. "So it's not a major concern yet. We'd like to score more goals. We seem to be getting the puck back to the point enough for us, and then not enough comes off that and the shot's not getting through. And we're still not attacking the net the way we're going to. We did a much better job of it in Nashville [Thursday night]."
Much like the 10,000-plus fans in attendance, Maurice also seemed to be pleased with the play of Skinner, who played both center and left wing Friday and currently seems to be on the inside looking out when it comes to a roster spot.
"We moved him around a little bit there halfway through the game and he went to the left wing, it's a position he's played before and I thought looked even more comfortable there at times," Maurice said of Skinner, who spent time at center and left wing.
But Maurice said Skinner, who had an assist on the team's lone goal, is still in the hunt for the third-line center position, even if that won't necessarily be a permanent home.
"He's going to play both [left wing and center] and will probably his whole career," Maurice said. "He's capable of doing it. ... He's a two-position guy and comfortable in both places."
O'Sullivan scored for the second straight night and has a point in all three of his games since signing a two-way deal with Carolina a little more than a week ago. O'Sullivan's shot from the point on the 5-on-3 power play — set up by Anton Babchuk and Skinner — trickled through Preds goalie Mark Dekanich to give Carolina a 1-0 lead in the first. But that would be all Carolina would get.
Nashville tied the score when they benefited from a Justin Pogge turnover. Pogge left the puck behind the net for his defense, but neither player retrieved the puck, and David Legwand was able to collect it and squirt a wraparound attempt past Pogge's far right side for a 1-1 tie at the game's halfway point. Four-plus minutes later, a poor line change by Carolina led to a 3-on-2 rush that saw Jordin Tootoo accept a drop pass and rip a slapshot past Pogge's glove to give Nashville the eventual game-winner.
Carolina's efforts to tie the game fell short, with Skinner having the best chance in the final seconds while Carolina was on the power play and had the goaltender pulled for a 6-on-4 advantage. But Preds goalie Andres Lindback, who replaced Dekanich at the game's midway point, was up to the task. Lindback finished with 15 saves.
Game Tidbits
- Carolina has just one five-on-five goal through three preseason games, and that came Thursday on an O'Sullivan breakaway that was sprung after a broken stick.
- The Canes continued to struggle in the faceoff circle, losing 24 of 40 draws. In the three games, the Canes have won 56 faceoffs and lost 88, a 38.9 winning percentage.
- Jay Harrison, Bobby Sanguinetti, O'Sullivan, Drayson Bowman, Riley Nash and Tom Kostopoulos all played their third game of the postseason. Pogge has been dressed for all three, but did not play in Thursday's win over the Predators in Nashville.
- Harrison, who Maurice highlighted as a player who is making his case to crack the roster on defense, was a minus-2. He's had a negative plus/minus rating in each of the team's three games. Harrison was tied for the team lead in hits (three) and led with three blocked shots.
- Babchuk has points in both games he's played, each time hooking up with O'Sullivan.
- Bryan Rodney left the game with what Maurice called a contusion, but the coach said it was not serious and that he would be day-to-day.
- Jussi Jokinen struggled to get up after Predators defenseman Francis Bouillon delivered a knee-to-knee hit at center ice in the third period. Bouillon was accessed two penalties, one for kneeing and another a matching roughing penalty that was also given to Carolina's Chad LaRose, who confronted Bouillon after the hit. Jokinen was able to return for part of the ensuing power play. Bouillon and Larose were tangled up again later in the game when LaRose bumped Lindback following a scoring opportunity.
- Tim Gleason, Brandon Sutter and LaRose wore the A's with Eric Staal out of the lineup.
- Maurice said the team would begin trimming players from its roster soon, and that team planned to take eight defensemen to Europe for the start of Carolina's season. He said Joni Pitkanen would see his first action of the preseason Saturday in Atlanta and that Skinner was slated to again play. Video of Maurice's entire postgame press conference is below.
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Jay Harrison
Maurice praised Jay Harrison last night. I’d be interested in others take on his play last night. I was there at the RBC, but wondered what observations others had about Harrison, Sanguinetti, and Carson.
I just don’t get how Mo can call out OS on his mistakes…even though he actually delivers too…but never has anthing negative to say about Harrison.
The ONLY thing I can guess about Harrison is that he must be the illegitimate son of either Coach Moron or JR. There is no other way to explain why they love him so much.
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by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 9:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I will never understand the Jay Harrison love. I’ve always been convinced that he has incriminating pictures and/or videos of JR. It’s the power of blackmail!
…and I do not get the Tlusty love…I am hoping for the best out of him but what did he do to deserve a one-way? Those two guys from Mo’s Toronto-days, I simply do not get.
I’m with you there. I think he could be a solid 3rd or 4th line that could fill in on higher slots due to injuries, but I can’t see him as a legit top 6 winger. I personally think he could develop into a LaRose type of player. Someone that plays 3rd/4th line wing, plays on the PK, and fills in every once in a while when Ruutu gets banged up.
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by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 10:02 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Harrison was pretty bad last night, by comparison Sanguinetti looked infinitely better. The first goal was 100% Harrison and Pogge’s fault. Pogge probably should have just passed it instead of leaving it behind the net, but Harrison sat still for a good 5-6 seconds and watched Legwand scoop up the puck and score. Unacceptable in my opinion. The 2nd goal was less Harrison’s fault (it seemed like he dropped back to cover a 3-on-1 type situation), but he left way too much ice open for 2 players to make an easy quick pass and shot.
Maybe the coaches wanted someone to fill Roddy’s +/- void? Need another -30 or -40 guy to bring the rest of the team down?
Seriously, I feel like I am missing something, because the way JussiJuice described it is the way it looked to me with regard to Harrison. I am thinking Harrison lacks “make-up speed and mental processing;” that is the foot speed and hockey sense to help out a team mate and overcome a mistake. Last night Sutter saved several plays which were about to go wrong in a big way by using his speed and quickness to get to a puck. With Harrison last night he seemed to be staring at the stopped puck in disbelief rather than getting either to it or to the crease.
Agree 100%
Was there as well and my observations are much more matched to AD and JJ’s here, and I have no idea what the hell Mo was watching.
I typed out more but it was all just piling on. It has all been said, he needs improvement in some key areas (positioning, decision making, passing) As it stands if his performance does not improve and we do keep him active, he will be the 7th D-man we send out pick up a roughing penalty sit in the box then return back to the bench. Good use of budget… not.
If Mo was honestly impressed in any way with Harrison’s play from last night I am starting to understand how Capt. Stinky and others can be so quick to be on the Anti-Mo train. While I still disagree, for now, I understand.
Caniac Scratches his head
and also wonders about that tooo!
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
That Checkers 3rd Sweater ROCKS !!!
I finally made it out to see the new guys!
Some of my thoughts I had last night:
I wasn’t impressed with Harrison last night, or Babchuck for that matter. Yes, Babs can score goals with his heavy shot (when it actually gets on net), but Fulton (oops, I mean Babchuck) is slow and gets beat consistently. Of course, I’ve never been a Babs fan.
We thought about starting a drinking game to how many times LaRose was down on the ice and double drink for how many times LaRose was in the Nashville net. But we quickly figured out that would leave us hammered by the end of the 1st. (this was all in fun, we are Rosey fans)
Overall, I was impressed with the all around speed last night, and Patty O will be a great addition to the team. Skinner has some skills (but does get knocked off the puck very easily) and Jussi and Rosey played well with him. Pogge was good too. He had a few impressive saves – especially the two he made after he got himself out of position. I can’t wait to see the team in its entirety when they set the roster. Go Canes!!
Mostly agree about Babs, although I have to give him a lil credit, he is improved over his previous year here, his shot control is better, his speed is a little better (not much granted) but where he seems to have made up for it some more, his positional awareness has seemed much improved from a couple years ago. Still not perfect by any stretch, but at least he is showing improvement in multiple areas, unlike Harrison who just seems to be struggling on so many fronts.
Plus that drinking game you are purposing is suicide. Alcohol poisoning by the end of the game more likely! (Also a Rosey fan here so all in jest)
Agree on Skinner esp. the gets knocked off the puck so easy, but he is 18 as he grows into a man’s body, if he maintains his speed, skill, hands etc.. he is going to be truly something special to watch I feel.
If i had to determine the roster right now:
Using our current one-way contracts, here is the team I would ice.
Jokinen-Staal-Cole
O’Sullivan-Sutter-Ruutu
Samsonov-Dalpe-LaRose
Bowman-Dwyer-Kostopoulos
Tlusty
Gleason-Corvo
Pitkanen-McBain
Carson-Babchuk
Harrison
Ward-Peters
I think Skinner has the skill to stay and improve as the season goes along, but I wouldn’t waste one of his entry-level deal years. Boychuk has the ability, but hasn’t quite put it together. Send him to Charlotte and let him build his confidence dominating the AHL before bringing him up again. I think Nash is close, but needs a little more polish. Give him a little pro time in the A. Spaghetti has been somewhat impressive, but we just don’t have a spot for him right now with all of the offensive defensemen we have.
I still think we should try to move Samsonov and Harrison. I think that would be best for the teams overall development.
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by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 9:28 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Well...
I think Samsonov would be on the 2nd line with Sutter and Ruutu, and Sully would be on the third. I also don’t think they would keep Bowman in the NHL to play 4th line minutes. Either Bowman gets a job on the third line, or plays with the Checkers this year. Who gets the spot? Eh, your guess is as good as mine.
My thought is that with “Glass Jaw” Cole and Ruutu in the top 6, we need a player like Bowman on the 4th line that could step up in-game when one of those guys go down with injury.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 10:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Checkers
Got my e-mail from Checkers office about payment due next week! Looking forward to the 15th.
That was a fun game to watch, especially in the early going… lots of intensity and jump from the outset. The crowd is really warming up to Jeff Skinner, no doubt. Not a full building but an enthusiastic crowd who were eager to reward a good effort.
I’ve posted a few photos from warmups, and have lots of game action, but it will be later this evening before I can get to the game shots as I have a very long to-do list today! So maybe during the Atlanta game tonight. But anyhow, in the meantime here’s the link to the album:
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Harrison
Neither of the goals was Harrison’s fault. Our goalie clearly made an error by dumping the
puck behind his own goal when both of our D were expecting a pass. As noted by Cory ,
Tootoo’s goal came off a drop pass to a trailing player not picked up by one of the forwards.
Harrison had his man. Babchuk looked a little lost, but I suppose this is to be expected after him being gone for a year.
I hope Harrison stays. He is a competent 3rd line defender AND he and Gleason and TK are the only guys we have to protect the skill players.
Which forward didn’t pick up his man on goal #2? Pogge left the puck and didn’t try to pass it; but nobody can possibly dispute the fact it was the kind of miscommunication that occurs in a pre-season game. Still, that doesn’t answer the question what physical skills does Harrison possess in comparison to his weaknesses that make Harrison a good choice to stick with the Canes?
Lack of Communication
Yes – there was a lack of communication on the first Pred goal.
But Harrison just stood there with a dumb look on his face wondering why Pogge left the puck there. He could of at least tried to get to it…
Oh, let me use a Mo quote: “Don’t just stand there!”
That should apply to your “Toronto buddies” too.
Met some die-hard Kitchener fans at my job in Charleston
They’re super bummed at all the talent they’re losing. They seem to be pretty certain Skinner isn’t coming back, although, they may just be trying not to raise their hopes. They said Skinner was their favorite though, even over Hall. It was nice to be able to talk hockey a bit down here in South Carolina. On a Saturday no less! (CFB)
This is what pisses me off about Mo:
Quote from N&O about OS:
“I liked his first game, when it looked like we didn’t have anything going,” Canes coach Paul Maurice said. “I liked his game again tonight in back-to-back situations. I didn’t care for parts of his game [Thursday] night.”
To actually say something negative about a new guy who I deem, as the best player in the preseason…is unacceptable. Yes, OS needs to shore up his D-effort…but come on! Your buddy Harrison….who’s primary job is DEFENSE…cannot get the job done…..and all you do is try and sell him to the Caniacs….
And this is our Head Coach. It’s like he’s making excuses to not include him on the roster.
Well, maybe he's leaning to keeping Skinner ahead of Sully.
Or perhaps putting Skinner in at 3rd line, and putting Sully on the 4th. And he’s already made up his mind and is trying to find ways to justify it.
O'Sullivan & Buying In to the System
The Canes have done a masterful job of nurturing underachieving players. I had no issue with Maurice’s comments about O’Sullivan because the issue with O’Sullivan is his commitment to defense and fore/back checking. O’Sullivan has been the best forward on the ice; but he does have to drive himself another step on defense; and it is not a bad thing at all for Maurice to keep pushing O’Sullivan in terms of two way play and good decision-making. Skinner seems to be slotted for a spot somewhere on the team – whether 3rd line center, 4th line center, etc. Skinner has too much drive and talent to gain much from scoring 70 or 80 goals in the OHL.
Here’s a question; why do the Canes want to slot Skinner in the 3rd line center spot? Center is arguably the most difficult position on the ice other than goalie. Centers have a lot of responsibility, especially in the Mo defensive first system. Skinner is so young and if his future position is along Staal’s right side; why burden him with this position right out of the gate?
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by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 12:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I meant to say “Staal’s left side.”
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by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 1:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So, WStout, answer me this if you would please… exactly what about Mo doesn’t piss you off?
Just curious…
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 25, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
He Does Not Speak During the Second Intermissions.
About the only thing I can think of.
At least he is letting the Staal brothers play together tonight…gee….sure would have been nice to see them together in Raleigh. But I seem to know very little.
Why they would snub the home crowd on the chance to showcase the Staal brothers in Raleigh is far beyond me. Playing Staal last night seems like a no-brainer to me.
A perfect example of why PK and JR cannot see the forest for the trees.
They whine about why they cannot have more STH…it’s simple, little things like this that could increase ticket sales in both Raleigh and Charlotte.
If one person said “wow, these Staal guys are good, maybe I should buy a few tickets”…
We’re losing in the preseason anyway….mine as well use it as a “marketing” ploy for both clubs. Did not even get to see Murphy before getting sent down. Oh well.
I agree, I would have liked to see Murphy in a home preseason game as well. I really hope they sent him down because they already assume he will be the #1 in Charlotte and want him to get that experience.
I don’t see why Pogge gets 2 starts though, if this is an indication that they believe Pogge is the better goalie, I’d be very disappointed. Although it wouldn’t surprise me seeing as Pogge is a Toronto Alum from Maurice’s time there. Mo probably fell in love with him alongside Harrison.
I would have liked to see Murphy also, but I believe that Pogge will be called up first because of injury just due to some NHL experience.
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by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 2:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He played in the ECHL more recently than the NHL (and even then he only had 7 games with a 4.36 GAA and a 0.844 Save %… Ouch).
I agree Murphy is nowhere near NHL ready, he could use a few seasons as a full time AHL starter. It just seems like Maurice has an unhealthy affection for his Toronto babies and it would be a shame for Murphy to get thrown under the bus because of that. I want to see Murphy starting at least 45-50 games next year.
I think the preseason has showed so far what myself and others were saying heading into the offseason; Mo is not the right man for this job! He is sticking with his “comfort” of players that he has coached before instead of giving the kids a true shot. I don’t believe he is putting the kids in the best spot to succeed. He is not the man to lead this team during a rebuild year!
I still can’t figure out how he convinced JR to give Harrison a one-way deal. We should have let him go to free agency.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 2:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If you listen to his entire quote about OSullivan, he compliments him after saying that, saying that Patrick knew the mistakes he made and could process the criticism. You’re taking this out of context. Watch Mo’s full meeting with the press at the bottom of the story.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 25, 2010 7:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
General comments..
Concerning Harrison…..Last season, the brass was singing his praises. They said he was injured and gutting it out for the team… I let that slide. This year I was expecting the “real” Jay Harrison to show up. Instead, we see more of the same slow thinking lug. The fact that Mo is still protecting really makes me wonder what he is seeing. This guy should not be on the roster ahead of Rodney or Borer even. I just don’t get it. It is like they are Milikified once again. Trade bait??? I have no answers.
Though it was hard to follow my live feed, clearly…. Mr. Skinner is talented….. Very talented. We are looking at a young star in the making. He will be with big team all season. I suspect he will steadily move up lines and should get 35-45 points. Next season… Look out. This is a point a game talent. Staal like production in a Whitney type body.
Tonight will be more of a tighter line up. Expect a more Cane-like flow to it. All the pieces are there for a very skilled squad. Remove Harrison and the playoffs are within reach….
by KenRab on Sep 25, 2010 1:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I’m no Harrison promoter, but he looked ok last night. Yes, he was on the ice for both goals, but neither can be pinned solely on him. He did last night what he needs to do — be physical and block shots. Not a standout effort by any stretch, but I wouldn’t throw him under the bus for last night. Carson, frankly, concerned me more, and I usually like what he brings despite his lack if physicality.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 25, 2010 7:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t know if they have posted the roster/lines tonight, but here are a few suggestions.
Skinner/Boychuk-Staal-Jussi
Let’s see what Skinner or Boychuk could possibly do on Staal’s left side. Either kid wouldn’t be the focal point on that line and that could give them the opportunity to shine with the skill they possess.
Boychuk/Bowman-Sutter-Ruutu
Let’s see if either of these kids can compliment our “shutdown” line. See if they play defensively responsible while adding a little bit of offense.
Bowman-Dalpe-Osala
This is a young line, but a line with a little bit of size. Size is something the Canes are missing. Let’s see what this group could possibly do in a game that doesn’t count.
Gleason-McBain
Let’s see if this will be our top pairing of the future. A strong, stand-up defenseman paired with a young overall defenseman that leans more to the offensive game.
Goalie for a quarter: Harrison
Since he likes standing around, let’s see if he could be our backup goalie.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Sep 25, 2010 1:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
My 2 ¢
Last night I did notice Sutter WAY off in his game, at times not sure he was thinking ahead (we know he does have a great vision for the game, but not last night). Babchuk, although I like him looks slow. I’ve seen several guys skate around him before he even turns around (not good if you’re a Dman). I think Skinner is awesome (for his size) but seems to get knocked down easy. Smaller players such as Skinner,Boychuk, and even Rosie at times are just out played by bigger players. Sully has been consistent but I get a wierd feeling like its just for show. I hope I’m wrong and he keeps the momentum going but something just does’nt seem right with him (sort of a crash and burn type player). Gleason was shooting everything last night and I like that a lot. Pooge reminds me of goalie Mike Smith who forgets he is a goalie and tries to play the puck all over the ice. Final note the ICE last night was terrible. Not sure I’ve ever seen the puck more on its side then laying flat as in that game. Bouncing up and down the ice as if they were playing with a ball.
Carolina Hurricanes! Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champions!
Agreed about the ice, within the first few minutes I think all but the goalie had fallen down, and the puck was bouncing all over the place, must have been like slush down there.
Ice Last Night
I’ve never seen the ice at the RBC that bad. There was water spraying off the skates and the pucks looked like they were bouncing on a playground basketball court. It was bad for everybody, and some players handled it better than others.
Perception...
I haven’t read one comment that i agree with!!! What is the matter with you people who think you know more about hockey than Mo, JR, ….anybody?
If you really are that smart, why don’t you send some intelligent critiques to the Canes mgtmt and let them know how to run a team? I’m sure they would really appreciate all the help. ….Grow up and smell the roses……!!
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