Clicks and Clippings: Gearing up
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 9, 2010 2:21 PM EDT
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Let's dive right in, shall we?
Yesterday was the Annual Media Golf tournament; it seems everyone who is anyone in Hurricanes media was there and has shared some great interviews with Coach Paul Maurice, GM Jim Rutherford (who completed his natural hat trick of tourney wins with three-in-a-row), Captain Eric Staal, franchise goalie and pilates-devotee Cam Ward, and familiar wingers Chad LaRose, Erik Cole, and Tom Kostopoulos. Defensemen Joe Corvo and Tim Gleason were also there, rounding out the veterans who were called upon to field the questions.
First some written stories, and after the jump I've got links for many videos, and several stories looking beyond the Triangle.
Paul Maurice Q&A, Part 1: Carolina's Head Coach To Have Team "Play To Its Strengths" - Canes Country From our very own Bob Wage. Look for lots more to come over the next couple days from both Maurice and Jim Rutherford.
Puck Drops - Recap: Canes Media Day and Interview Sessions But where last year the scuttlebutt was that the playoffs were all but assured, by contrast this year the P-word was never even mentioned in six interviews I conducted. Brian LeBlanc has audio links of his interviews with Maurice, LaRose, Corvo, Ward, Staal, and Rutherford, including this intriguing development:
Rutherford says he anticipates one or two NHL veterans attending training camp, either on a tryout basis or on a two-way contract that he will finalize in the next week or so. He was very clear, though, in saying that no one would be gifted a roster spot, and to that end he will not be handing out one-way deals with open invitations to claim a spot. In other words, don't expect a Stephane Yelle or Josef Melichar-type signing this season.
Canes Now - Rutherford: Canes' goal remains the same
"I don't think our goal should change," GM Jim Rutherford said today at TPC Wakefield. "I do expect the critics to say because we're in a transition, we're not going to be expected to do as well. But our team, the way it's built, and with such key and character players. and the goalie we have, if we get in the playoffs we can contend for the Cup. So now we have to figure out a way to get in."
Video bonanza:
Jennings: Hurricanes gear up for the start of hockey season - WRALSportsFan.com WRAL's Jason Jennings discussed the upcoming hockey season with the Hurricanes players and staff.
Despite changes, ‘Canes roster has familiar feel - WRALSportsFan.com There's this AP story, and then you'll several links to videos made yesterday with Ward, Staal, Cole, LaRose. You'll see both consisency and variety of answers on display when asked about the big trip to Helsinki, which prospect is the most intriguing, do you feel old, and individual hopes for the All Star Game.
They're all good, but don't miss this one with Cam Ward, who may face the most serious questions of the day regarding the status of his back for the upcoming season: Extended interview: Cam Ward
Canes News this week
Canes Hope to Benefit from Competitive Camp - TTS Blog Competition is expected to be fiercest at forward, where, realistically, there could be as many as four open spots for as many as 10 players. With Rutherford having said that the team could carry as many as eight defensemen on the initial post-camp roster, jobs on the back end could change on a nightly basis.
Tuomo Ruutu was back on the ice yesterday - as Canes Country's LTD reported by twitter with excellent pictorial support.
Today we heard more from the favorite Finn. Canes Now - Ruutu expects to be same ol' Ruutu Tuomo Ruutu is back from Finland, saying his surgically repaired shoulder is healthy and he's ready to play.
Babchuk, Canes Leave Past Behind - Tracking the Storm Blog In a summer when more and more players are heading abroad, Anton Babchuk has bucked the trend once again. More on Babs: Babchuck returns to Canes' blue line - NewsObserver.com Anton Babchuk's big shot made him a 16-goal scorer for the Canes in the 2008-2009 regular season. But his offensive productivity fell off dramatically in the 2009 playoffs. So did his confidence.
In further cost-saving measures, Cam Ward to Paint Ice with Capital City Crew;We should be able to watch live via the RBC webcam, as we did last year.
It's that time of year: Season previews
TSN.ca's 2010-11 Season Preview is doing it as "30 teams in 30 days", in reverse order of TSN's power ranking. No sign of the Canes in the bottom 7. Check back daily.
Season Previews, Twitter Style: 30 Teams in 1 Day | Jerseys and Hockey Love So how many previews do you need? One more, of course. This is a pocket sized preview of all thirty teams, in 140 characters each.
KOL Season’s Greetings: Carolina " Kings Of Leonsis Ouch. What a season the Carolina Hurricanes had last year. Not much can be said about their disastrous effort during the 2009 portion of the 2009-10 season, but the 2010 part proved that the Hurricanes can still rock ‘em.
From the blog that covers all things about 'tenders: The Goalie Guild. Go to their September Scouting guide, page 13 for the Canes prospects in goal with a few surprises as Mike Murphy, 19th in their top 100, ranks highest of the five in the system. Justin Peters shows up at 29th. Hmmm.
And with all the talk on new Bolts GM Steve Yzerman as the best thing to happen in Tampa Bay since the lock-out, don't forget the huge changes in another SE division rival in Atlanta, covered with this in depth interview from their new bench chief: Coach Ramsay believes defense can be Thrashers strength | Atlanta Thrashers: Iceman
Traverse City
With the first game about 48 hours away at 3pm Saturday, the Canes prospect team featuring Jeff Skinner, Riley Nash and many others in their first meaningful outing since they joined the Hurricanes organization, I'll be looking for every morsel I can find on the tournament which kicks off Saturday. Here again is the Canes roster.
Latest Stories and Headlines - Traverse City Prospects Tournament The best place to read what Mike Morreale is writing from his favorite tournament of the year, for example: Yzerman's Lightning will be Wings' foe in Traverse City The annual Traverse City NHL Prospects tournament will mark the first time Lightning GM Steve Yzerman will go against theDetroit Red Wings.
Word has it there will be no TV coverage (alas), but Kyle Hanlin of the Hurricanes is en route to cover it live for the fans following from home.
Which segues nicely to....
The future
Here's a teaser just in from a Kitchener Rangers blog, Rangers Rap: The Skinny on Skinner
"We are transitioning our team into a much younger team." So says Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford. Spoke to him today. More on the Canes and Jeff Skinner's chances of making them in Friday's Record.
More from north of the border: NHL Prospects: 2010 1st-Rounders - leafspace Blog post - Official Home of Leafs Nation From Steve Dangle, who tweeted this follow-up to me yesterday:@HMof2: I asked that OHL player if he had a criticism for Jeff Skinner's game. He took a long pause and said, "Honestly, I got nothin'."
Jeff Skinner C, Kitchener Rangers, OHL Drafted 1st Round, 7th Overall by the Carolina Hurricanes
OHL Coach - Competes very hard and best pure goal scorer in draft/ little small but doesn't play that way.
OHL Forward – "Really good. Plays a lot like Crosby. Very dominant down low. Has a nose for the net. Struggling to find a bad thing to say about him." When asked if he would him [be] top 10. "Yes. If somebody that was 6'2'' put up those points they'd be. Only issue is his height." He ended up being correct!
OHL Defenceman - The most gifted goal scorer in the draft, small-ish but not afraid to go to the net. Uses his team mates well to create space for himself.
Part 2: NHL Prospects: 2010 Rounds 2-7 With his recent trade to Mississauga, Shugg may have found himself in a very good situation:
Justin Shugg, LW, Windsor Spitfires, OHL Drafted 4th Round, 105th Overall by the Carolina Hurricanes
OHL Coach - Underrated. Played most of year on checking line with Timmins and scored 40. Not even on first unit PP until end of year. Skating is okay. Needs to be more physical.
OHL Forward - Well-rounded player. Good company in Windsor to help support him.
WHALERS, WINDSOR BATTLE TO 2-2 TIE IN CLASH AT THE COLISEUM Stefan Noesen’s deflection evens game with 51 seconds left . Noesen deflected Austin Levi’s point shot past Windsor goaltender Michael Nishi.
College Hockey News: CHN Preseason Top 10 has Boston College ranked at #1: The seasoning of sophomores Patrick Wey, Philip Samuelsson and Brian Dumoulin should give the backline a more-than-capable replacement. All the elements are in place for another BC run to the Frozen Four.
The Alumni
Canes alumni growing - NewsObserver.com It's time to take on the Philadelphia Flyers' Alumni. It's time to go head-to-head with the Toronto Maple Leafs' legends. It's time to see the history of the Carolina Hurricanes in the flesh.
The Hockey News: Top Shelf: Aaron Ward at peace with retirement The 37-year-old veteran NHL defenseman talks about his decision to hang up the skates and how he came to the conclusion.
For Wild's Matt Cullen, it was worth wait - TwinCities.com Hockey in Minnesota is just different. Matt Cullen didn't know he'd create such a buzz by signing with the Minnesota Wild. With countless fans coming up to him this summer and offering words of encouragement, Cullen is so amped up that he's ready to skate through the end boards right now.
Phoenix Coyotes video: Meet Ray Whitney Take a look. Not quite the Same Ol' Ray, I thought:
Hockey superstars kicking off the season
Great combination of personalties when Greg Wyshynski goes one-on-one with Patrick Kane at the premier of EA Sports' NHL11 yesterday. Video: Patrick Kane on Blackhawks' summer of change, trick-shots, 'Twilight' books and Jonathan Toews - Puck Daddy Kane took some time to answer some questions about the Blackhawks' summer talent purge; his enthusiasm for 3-on-3 overtime; whether he or Toews have called Ryan Kesler to give him grief for NHL 2K11; as well as Kane's hidden love of "Twilight" books and the glory that is Lake Toews.
Sidney Crosby Blasts Batting Practice Home Run at PNC Park - Pittsburgh Penguins
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that whitney interview really bangs it home. sad to see him go. one of my favorites for years.
"a bit of love"
Can't help but notice...
When he talked about Phoenix it was always “they” and Carolina was still “we.” Guess he’s not entirely over it yet…
by Raccoon Fink on Sep 9, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice Work Again HMof2
Another excellent article, HMof2.
Here’s an article I just came across: THN columnist Adam Proteau (twitter @proteautype ) has the Canes in the playoffs as #8 in the Eastern Conference.
“The Canes are another team I think has the wherewithal and top-end offensive talent to carry them to a playoff berth – and the second half of last season proved it.”
It is fair, I think, to look at the second half of the season as an indication of the ability of the Hurricanes team to perform as an upper tier team. We all saw the disaster that was October through mid-December, 2009, so I am taking nothing for granted; but the Canes do have the talent and now they have to translate talent to performance on the ice. I like the fact the coaches are excited and enthusiastic. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Maurice to demonstrate he has the ability to help mold young, talented players into top level NHL players.
The east is a complete crap shoot this season. The only teams I think that are a lock for the post season right now are Washington, Philly, and Pittsburgh. Jersey and Boston are closest after that to a lock, but Jersey has lost so many role players and Broduer is getting old, Boston has questions in goal. Of the ten teams left I think only the Panthers are certainly out of the playoff race.
FWIW, I’d pick Buffalo over Carolina for that #8 spot. Miller is the best goalie in the league and I don’t see that changing. The defense took a bit of a hit with Lydman and Tallinder leaving, but Leopold should be able to plug some of that hole and Myers can take another step forward this season.
Don't trust me. I have psychological issues.
I don't believe it until I see it
another season of Miller playing his brains out of his balls night in night out that is.
by SouthernHockeyNutter on Sep 9, 2010 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Miller vs. Ward
No accident that Cam’s ($6.3M cap hit) compensation package basically mirrors Ryan’s ($6.25M cap hit). Those two are definitely equals.
Always a good rivalry when they square off against one another.
In fact, who knows? A showdown for national honor may yet occur between those two before their careers are over.
Here we are now...entertain us.
It definitely seems odd to watch Ray do an interview with another team. Times are changing I guess. And, you’re right HM, he does seem…different. There wasn’t even a wink or smile.
Lots of great stuff here as always!
"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."
It was really weird seeing him skate using some of his gear with a different uniform. Seeing his helmet with another team’s stickers kind of freaked me out.
I actually thought he was kinda normal in the interview, I can’t help but wonder how many times he’s had to answer the Stanley Cup/stick boy/joker in the locker room questions.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 9, 2010 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s the problem IMO: he was normal. We all know that’s not Ray. Maybe it was his “I’m new to the team” serious face/attitude.
"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."
Also :D
nhl_canes: http://twitpic.com/2mtms3 – The ice making is underway at the RBC Center.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
They’re painting it white right NOW!!! Really cool to check out here: http://www.rbccenter.com/default.asp?RBCcenter=204
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 9, 2010 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Seeing those lines painted is killing me. C’mon hockey season – let’s get started!!!
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
The Canes have an album of photos up now. They did the black square hurricane border (like around the bottom of the jerseys) as the center line. Very cool. Look at it here.
Also images of Ward painting his crease with the kids today.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 10, 2010 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything cuter than those photos of Cam and the kids painting the ice.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 10, 2010 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh and by the way, very good stuff as always!
Sorry for the veritable plethora of posts.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
That last sentence sounds like a Trippism:
Tripp: Well John, the team took plenty of shots and had some excellent chances. But it was a veritable plethora of posts tonight and they couldn’t get one past Brodeur. And when you don’t score a goal, it’s almost impossible to win the game.
John: :facepalm:
"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."
lol – you are getting into mid-season form early.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 9, 2010 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Hahaha the players aren’t the only one ready for the season to start! I have roughly 4 months of snark built up that needs an outlet.
"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."
We THANK YOU !!
out standing…gee …when wqs the last time you did a crappy job ?? steve waddles off in deep contiplation wondering & pondering that very question/thought…hmmmm….
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
That Checkers 3rd Sweater ROCKS !!!
All I have to add is “Bring on the hockey already dammit!” Can’t wait for the Game Day Threads to begin!
Oh – and great work as always HockeyMomof2!
"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."
’Twas getting ready to call it a night and came across this tweet which delighted me to no end:
commie22: @MikeSundheim in 33 hours I am going to kick Pete Friesens ass in his charity run in raleigh.
Correction posted a few minutes later:
commie22: @MikeSundheim whoops, got a little excited…I guess it’s 57 hours till the run.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Scott Cullen TSN Article on Hurricanes
Scott Cullen from TSN has an article about the Hurricanes from the Fantasy League Perspective:
Interesting lines projected by him.
The article from the Kitchener Record that had the teaser I linked yesterday came out. Opening line: “Goodbye, Jeff Skinner”
There’s a post just up at Canes Now with a follow up with Rutherford:
Canes general manager Jim Rutherford and a sizable management contingent are in Traverse City, Mich., for the rookie tournament, and Rutherford is laying out some pretty thick praise for first-round pick Jeff Skinner.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 10, 2010 1:24 PM EDT reply actions
That's awful..
Looking at the ice at the RecZone, it’s never looked that good as many times as I’ve been on it. Brutal, just brutal. That place is going to fall down sooner or later.
by Wags24 on Sep 10, 2010 5:21 PM EDT reply actions
JR speaks: The Madness that is Chadness
Time Warner Cable has a half-hour sports show every evening that I DVR for speed-watching and also because they’re Canes centric, especially during the season.
They’ve been running interviews from the recent Media Day event and Thursday night was JR’s interview.
Much of what he covered has been heard elsewhere, as he has his stump speech down pretty pat by now.
But, what struck me was his answer to a question about Chad LaRose’s role on team, especially now that Rod Brind’Amour was no longer there. JR’s answer was something I hadn’t quite heard him say before.
No video archiving of these interviews, but here’s a transcript:
“Chad LaRose is a leader. Maybe as important a guy on our team on our team as anybody.
Because his work ethic, on a day to day basis, not only in the game, but on those off days and dead days in practice, that nobody feels like working very hard. Chad LaRose is the leader of this team when it comes to that.
He’s on the ice. He gives it everything he’s got.
(shakes his head and laughs) I don’t know if he goes home and sleeps for five hours after.
But, this guy is a very important part to the leadership of our team."
Just living the Dream.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Chad LaRose has been my hands-down favorite player to watch this off-season, and he’s been the team glue on the ice over at Camp Brind’Amour in the absence of the old guard.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 11, 2010 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Chad LaRose, Rapidly Becoming One of the Faces of the Franchise
LTD, don’t you think after watching LaRose this off-season in particular that he is rapidly becoming one of the faces of the franchise? The comments/speech he gave at the AAA Helsinki Canes trip meeting somewhat said it all. I think people have been calling that LaRose’s intangibles. With such a young team, having LaRose’s style of leadership – intense, funny, warm, and not at all egocentric, is important.
Sounds like the A’s are Gleason and LaRose…..
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 11, 2010 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I certainly think it’s a possibility.
I do still hope they give Tuomo an ‘A’ for the Helsinki games just because I think it would be a great way to honor him in his hometown.
Brandon, IMO, has plenty of time in his future to wear a letter, and he will.
We’re not privy to the internal dynamics of the locker room, but from the outside looking in, Staal, Gleason and LaRose seem to be a well-rounded combination of skill, work ethic, and on- and off-ice personality.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 11, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you hoping that Ruutu wears the “A” for the overseas expedition.
Earlier I was advocating for Sutter, mostly as a strategic element of spreading out the letters so we had one on the ice during all critical situations (Staal/Sutter/Gleason facing top lines and playing special teams) because the captain and the alternate captains are the players that can speak to the officials.
However, someone off the “old guard”, like LaRose or even Cole with the leadership role he’s taken at Camp Brindy would be a good choice.
With all of our character guys, you really can’t go wrong.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Oh, and one other thought, although this one is a little harder to put into words so bear with me and hope this makes sense.
Y’all know I’m a BIG fan of the big guy, but I also think there is a tremendous amount of pressure constantly heaped on Eric Staal’s still-young shoulders. Much is demanded of him from every direction as the face of the franchise, the front to the media, the all-star status, the elite talent, the salary, etc., there’s a level of “seriousness” that he has to maintain at all times because of the scrutiny. Chad is so much the opposite of all that, he really does seem like the perfect foil to balance out the personality of the team and maybe take some of the pressure off Staal in his first full season with the ‘C’.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 11, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
LaRose also is one of only a few players left from the 06 Cup. (Staal, Cole, Ward, and Babchuk* )
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 11, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
JR has always spoken highly of LaRose. It’s good to hear him talk about LaRose as a leader. I’ve only been to one Camp Brindy practice, but LaRose was very involved, leading the drills, encouraging the younger guys, and working his own butt off. Plus, he does it all while looking like he’s having the time of his life.
LTD has a good point about personalities. I think Rosey has learned a good balance of knowing when it’s time to be serious and work, and how to mix in a little silliness as well. I suspect he’s always had to work a little harder than players to make his way to the NHL. When you hear him talk about it you can tell he’s making the most of his opportunity and doesn’t take anything for granted. I think he’d be a great A, especially with this younger team.
"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."
A Bit of History
Chad was such a fixture of the Cup team, that it occurs to me that there might be fans that aren’t aware of his unique history with the org.
We joke about legacy draftees from the Plymouth Whalers junior (OHL) team owned by Peter Karmanos, but Chad’s history with the ownership group goes back all the way to the Compuware youth hockey teams in the Detroit area that he played for as a kid.
He wasn’t even drafted as an 18-year-old, but earned a free agent contract with the Canes after a huge scoring year (61-56-117 in 67 games) as an overage (20-year-old) player for the Whalers. So, he has shown a proclivity for scoring, at least when he had the overage advantage, anyway.
Even his first pro season included a bit of time at the ECHL level, playing for another Karmanos owned team, the Florida Everblades, as well as some Lowell Lockmonster time in the AHL, so he’s truly seen all levels of hockey on his way up the ladder.
So, if you didn’t know this background, you hopefully now better understand just how affectionate the org is toward their homegrown product. He’s played for every level of team that they sponsor or own, and only for our org’s teams without exception.
And, Chad’s success, including having his name engraved on the Holy Grail of hockey, is a shining beacon that the org uses to inspire all those kids that are the next generations Chad LaRose playing in Detroit (and now Raleigh) and our prospects playing in juniors or the AHL, that they too can make it if they only work hard enough.
It’s a rare thing this org possesses that I would wager no other org has.
Advantage Canes.
Here we are now...entertain us.
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