Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils: Third time a charm?
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 8:59 AM EDT
in Carolina Hurricanes Game Day Previews
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes are in Newark, NJ today for an unusual Columbus Day matinee vs the Devils. Game time is 1pm.
Neither team has won yet this season. The Hurricanes (0-1-1) put together a strong effort in Washington vs the Capitals Saturday night losing in overtime. Carolina was embarrassed in the season opener Friday night, losing to Tampa Bay by a score of 5-1.
Today's game is the Canes third outing of the new season, and the third in less than 72 hours. It's the first match-up against a team that also failed to make the playoffs last season. Will the third time be the charm and put them in the win column? If they can sustain the pace and pressure for a full 60 minutes like they did Saturday night and of course cut down on the penalties, I sure like their chances.
New Jersey (0-1) opened their season Saturday night at home, disappointing the fans as they were shut out by Ilya Bryzgalov and the Flyers to the tune of 3-0. Martin Brodeur was the losing goaltender. It was reported yesterday that back-up Johan Hedberg would be starting this afternoon vs the Canes.
The Canes will not skate this morning before the game. We were told over the weekend that Cam Ward would return to the pipes today. New backup Brian Boucher made his debut for the team vs the Caps Saturday. A look at the possible line combinations and other notes on both rosters after the jump.
No doubt the biggest question for Canes fans the last few days is the forward line combinations. This lively debate is joined by questions surrounding the team choosing to carry 9 defensemen on a roster, if the plan is to scratch the same three, Ryan Murphy most of all, after a losing effort in the first 2 games.
We got our answer on today's line up from John Forslund early this morning:
Twitter / @JohnForslund: Good morning from Short Hills, NJ. Canes will go with same line up today vs. Devs. Ward in goal. Hurricanes Live at 1230 et on FSC!
Regarding the forwards, if we base our assumptions on the third period of Saturday's game, Coach Paul Maurice would start today's game with:
Or, of course, he could have something entirely different in mind and shuffle again.
For the defensemen, the starting six for the first two games were paired this way:
And, yes, it seems defensemen Jamie McBain, Derek Joslin and 18-year-old Ryan Murphy are slated to sit out their third game in a row.
What's new in Jersey?
After the team failed to make the playoffs last spring for the first time since 1996, quite a bit, actually:
- Coach Pete DeBoer surprised many when he was hired to replace the venerable Jacques Lemaire behind the bench. DeBoer is most recently the coach for the Florida Panthers and was let go when his contract expired last spring. He is also a long time friend of Paul Maurice, but it seems they may not be as close as they once were.
- The Devils named a new Captain last week. Zach Parise, another member of that blessedly talented draft class of 2003. Parise missed most of last season with a knee injury and, with just a one-year contract signed over the summer, he has 82 games to earn himself a high-dollar payday next summer as a UFA. Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias remain as the Devils' Alternates.
- How about a recycling project of their own with Petr Sykora signed just before the season started? A first round pick by the Devils in 1995, the 34 year old Czech native spent last season in the KHL, and part of the previous season in the Czech League. He was invited back for a tryout with the Devils in September and was signed October 5th to a one-year $650,000 deal. The winger was on the top line with Parise and Elias in the season debut Saturday. One added note on this: none of those three is listed as a center.
- Among the Devils' rookies, we might want to pay close attention to 18-year-old Adam Larsson who was drafted out of the Swedish Elite League in June. The defenseman was selected by the Devils 4th overall in St Paul. According to scouting reports over at Hockeys Future, Larsson models his game after Nicklas Lidstrom and the comparisons are well-earned.
- Here's what to expect to see in the Devil's lines, per Rick Chere at the Star-Ledger.
- Jeff Skinner now has 4 points in 2 games, and has been involved in all 4 of the Canes goals so far this season. On Saturday, he had a career-high three assists at Washington.
- Carolina has scored the first goal of the game in each of its first two contests this season, posting a 0-1-1 record. The Hurricanes were 28-5-4 when scoring first in 2010-11.
- CAR point-per-game career players vs. NJ: Zac Dalpe - 1g in 1 game Tuomo Ruutu - 15 pts (7g, 8a) in 15 games; Jeff Skinner - 4g in 4 games; Tomas Kaberle - 32 pts (5g, 27a) in 43 games.
- NJ point-per-game career players vs. CAR: Matthew Corrente - 2a in 2 games; Patrik Elias - 44 pts (20g, 24a) in 44 games; Ilya Kovalchuk - 64 pts (32g, 32a) in 53 games.
- Cam Ward is 6-9-2, with a 2.76 GAA in 17 career regular-season appearances against New Jersey. Brian Boucher: 4-5-1, 2.24 in 11 games.
- Martin Brodeur is 35-14-6 with a 2.07 GAA and eight shutouts in 56 career games against the Carolina franchise. Johan Hedberg: 12-7-2, 2.77 and two shutouts in 25 games.
Notable stats
Looking at the history between the two teams:
Broadcast information
The game will be carried on Fox Sports Carolinas with John Forslund, Tripp Tracy and newcomer Bob Harwood. Their new 30-minute pregame show begins at 12:30pm.
Radio coverage will be available on 99.9 the Fan, also beginning at 12:30. Chuck Kaiton will have the call and Mike Maniscalco will do the pre- and post-game shows. If you're out of the Raleigh area, you can stream 99.9 here.
For more on the game from the Devils perspective, I recommend the fabulous In Lou We Trust blog from John Fischer & Co. or the SBN page dedicated to Hurricanes vs Devils: Gameday. For newspaper coverage, both Fire & Ice from The Record and the Star Ledger are great resources for the latest news.
We'll have our gamethread up at 12:30. Please stop by and join me if you can. For those who don't have access to a television or radio at this time of day, I'll use the thread to keep you up with the action or answer questions.
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I Need A Bumper Sticker
I need a bumper sticker:
Love the team; Don’t Love the Forward Lines
abbreviation: LTTDLFL
saves time.
Here's a Bumper Sticker
Pessimism is a bad strategy
It never works anyway.
I love the little girl’s(in the upper right corner of the picture) facial expression. She looks really disgusted with Staal. Is that CaniacGirl? :)
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
Nah. If it were me, I’d likely be making some rude gesture as well. ;)
Long time no chat (read grief giving) PackPride. How’s it going?
"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’s going pretty well. Would have been better if the Canes didn’t play like complete sh*t on Friday night.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Those lines make me want to puke! And what’s the deal with sitting the same 3 defensemen, give Murphy a shot. This is a less physical team than Boston. How does Mo keep his job and keep finding jobs?
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
I’d prefer them put McBain back in the lineup. I’m not liking the whole Kaberle/Faulk pairing. Not that that I don’t them either of them are good but I don’t think they really complement each other well.
I’d like to see them try out these:
Pitkanen-Gleason
Kaberle-Allen
Harrison-McBain
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
Same lineup to start the game or same lineup that ended the game? Even the defense pairings were switched around at the end of the game. I wouldn’t mind the new lines if he gave Dalpe had a shot at one and LaRose was moved down to four.
You didn’t leave an option in your poll, but I am DVRing the game and watching it when I get home tonight.
Yeah – I know I likely missed many by leaving off the DVR option – mostly I was curious to see how many would be watching live since for some reason a 1pm start was considered to be a better option than an evening game.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
fortunatley..I'll be able to watch
as i called in sick to the "occupy (put the name of youer city here) rally here in Winston -Salem…seeing that they too called in sick until this coming week end…as many of them are Wake & Heels fans and didn’t take time to clear their schedules like i did !! LOL
but seriously…Thank you Miss Carolyn good info and liked it alot..have a good day everyone !! Go Canes !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Can someone explain?
Can McBain and/or Joslin be sent to Charlotte without needing to clear waivers? If so, why are they still with the team? Is it possible that one or both of them are on the trading block?
And that's another Hurricane's goal! WOOOOOOOO!
I think both have to clear waivers because they’ve played in too many games. Not 100% sure, though.
www.shutdownline.com
by MyFriendCorey on Oct 10, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes – both Joslin and McBain are waiver eligible and would need to pass through waivers. if they were picked up the new team would need to keep them at the NHL level. Given the way the D is dropping in Montreal, that’s a real risk, and the Canes would get nothing in return.
If you’re curious to know more, I did a post on this subject in July of 2010 on the waiver process and requirements. Hurricanes Roster Waiver Map.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Radio listener
Can’t watch the game but I’ll be at work listening to the game on the radio along with a stat tracker open on my computer.
And that's another Hurricane's goal! WOOOOOOOO!
My definition of Coach Mo
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
1 – I really don’t like these lines but
2 – when the team was having such a poor showing offensively in the preseason, Mo was harshly criticized for changing them up and shuffling the lines because it was widely believed that the original group needed more time to find their chemistry. Why wasn’t that lauded because otherwise he would be “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” ?
Maybe you were among those who were delighted when Skinner and Ruutu and Staal were moved up to the top line because it indicated Mo wasn’t stuck in Einstein’s insanity definition? I don’t recall, so please help me out here.
Do you see my point? I don’t like these lines, but it seems like lose/lose with many very astute fans whether Mo changes them before the chemistry develops (even though they’re not producing required results) and similarly he gets trashed when he doesn’t change them when they’re not performing – because it’s obvious that a change is sorely needed.
Again – I don’t like this lineup and I am baffled by what is going on behind the scenes that may factor in – my confidence in Maurice is hardly solid. But I would like some clarity since I see a lot of angst no matter which path Maurice chooses.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, and let’s be fair here, Poni + Stewart + Kaberle + ROOKIE Justin Faulk for two regular season games in Canes sweaters isn’t exactly “over and over again”. And don’t forget Bouch has already cracked the lineup.
Of course I would have this opinion, but I believe a lot of the line uncertainty has to do with Tuomo’s performance. He’s struggling, and it’s a big shuffle when you have to shuffle around him.
(and in the spirit of full disclosure it’s my fault he’s not doing well as I have him on my fantasy roster this year)
Blind optimist and Kool-Aid drinker
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 10, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Again – I don’t like this lineup and I am baffled by what is going on behind the scenes that may factor in – my confidence in Maurice is hardly solid. But I would like some clarity since I see a lot of angst no matter which path Maurice chooses.
MO is trying something different so you have to give him credit for that. But until we go win every game based on past history folks are going to find something wrong with his coaching.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Oct 10, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s how it feels, but those who are actively campaigning for his removal insist otherwise, and my intention is to give them a chance to make their case more clearly and credibly.
It sometimes feels like the reasoning is backwards (ie since it’s a given Mo must go, lets look at what he’s done most recently – that I don’t like – to explain why.) Consistency week-to-week is optional – but that may be because different people are presenting their cases and I’m not doing a good job of keeping track.. ?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Let Me Get This Straight
We had a Red/White game, oodles of scrimmages, six preseason games, and two regular season games….and this coach can’t figure out lines that show some jump together and let them grow chemistry from there.
Oh yeah….JR said wait a month…..it will be too late by then. As usual.
Oh!
And Camp Brindy/LaRose/whatever….
Sorry to come across as obtuse….but sheesh…I can watch mite kids playing hockey and go “wow those 3 kids are really good together”….how freakin’ hard is it???
I agree with you to an extent. But preseason games and intra-squad scrimmages are a different beast than a true NHL game. It’s easy for a line like Staal-Poni-Dalpe to have what appears to be chemistry when no one is playing defense against them. And FWIW I’d argue that the lines looked good against Washington on Saturday.
There are a lot of reasonable explanations for the lineup choices being made that go beyond “Mo sucks”. Maybe Mo is doing exactly what everyone cries out for him to do: letting the lines stay put for a while to see if they work. Maybe something is going on behind the scenes that we aren’t aware of. Maybe there are guys in the lineup who are not 100% and lines are being shuffled to accomodate (and hide) that. Maybe people are being showcased for a trade. Or maybe (just maybe) this is all part of a larger plan that the coaching staff and their many years of experience have put together.
I understand criticism, I understand frustration, I even understand biting sarcasm. But there are a lot of things about the game and team that I don’t understand that the people over at Edwards Mill Road do. And for that reason I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt for now.
"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 think you know that it wasn’t until the last 2 preseason games (Columbus and Nashville) that he was down to 13 forwards and wasn’t focused on evaluating Bowman, Boychuk, Nash, Brett Sutter. Also Rask, Brody Sutter, Gregory Hofmann were part of the evaluations.
Then Dwyer and LaRose were out so there were more line scrambles.
I guess I’m making sure that those reading this comment who don’t follow this as closely as you or I understand that’s it’s not quite as straightforward to say he’s been studying these 12 forwards for 3 weeks. It was the biggest Camp since 2008 and there were 31 forwards to start with.
Maurice was not around nor was he allowed to be around for the pre-camp sessions.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
It was more or less a joke; how Mo likes to fall back into his comfort zone, sticking LaRose in the top 6 like last season.
I was not thrilled about Skinner & Ruutu moving up to Staal’s line. My general thinking is Staal & Skinner work better apart, but it appears I’m wrong on that.
I really don’t mind Mo changing lines, that’s his nature, I understand that. What I don’t understand is that I feel he doesn’t use players correctly. LaRose is useful as a pest, but is not skilled enough to be a big point producer. He is not horrible defensively, he’s not really a net presence, and he really doesn’t have great hands. None of those things would lead me to think he is a 1st line guy. Dalpe on the other hand has speed, a wicked shot (according to Cam), and has produced at every level to this point. Those attributes would not lead me to think a 4th line, limited minutes role would be the most effective use of him. These are the things that Mo continues to do that are insane to me. Do you see my point?
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I completely agree with that. But I will say Dalpe looked a bit shakey (which furthers the realization of how spectacular a talent with the confidence to match Skinner is) and while I don’t get the 4th line assignment, I would be okay with him on the 3rd line with Sutter in the near term. Or I don’t mind Brent and Stewart but give them more TOI.
Dalpe got more time at the end of the Tampa Game when it was a lost cause, so perhaps Mo is watching Dalpe’ s personality closely like he said he did for Skinner as a rookie and trying to set him in the place to bring out the best.
Not really in reply to you, but I’m also noticing that the Mo doesn’t play youngsters meme (that would normally be cited in the Dalpe plucked off the 1st line the moment he made a mistake) is losing a bit of steam (at least for me) with the amount of ice Skinner and McBain got last year and that Faulk is seeing this season. But I’m open to alternative interpretations.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I just think the coach has to put players in position to succeed and I don’t see Mo doing that. Honestly, does LaRose really have a chance of success on the 1st line, where he is overmatched? LaRose can be effective on the 3rd or 4th line, so that is where he should go. Couldn’t Poni offer move offensively & defensively to Staal & Skinner? Yet he is with Sutter, playing on the shutdown line. Didn’t that (& injuries) result in a poor year for him last season in LA? Hell, couldn’t even Stewart offer more to the 1st line than LaRose? He has decent speed and can be a guy to drive the net/net presence for our 2 most skilled players.
My whole point is Mo is trying something different, but he is somewhat resorting to falling back on comfort (what he knows). He knows LaRose has played with Staal & Skinner (on seperate lines last season) before, so even though it didn’t work, it will be comfortable to him. I don’t understand that logic when there appears to be multiple other, better options.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t like Larose on the 1st line either, however, it does put better balance throughout the lines and with where Dalpe’s defensive game it makes sense for now. What he needs to do when he shortens the bench is move Jokinen up, go with Sutter-Larose-Poni and Ruutu-Stewart-Dalpe/Dwyer or some combination of that.
I just think the coach has to put players in position to succeed
I get that and what Shelf describes above. I am thinking MO is putting LaRose on the 1st line because he believes the other players will have more success where they are and he is trying to make them comfortable. Who knows, however, I think the real obstacle is that there is not a player on this team yet that can fill in as a suitable winger to work with Staal.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Oct 10, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
So, let me get this right? Mo takes the guys that have resulted in 3 of our 4 goals and saddled them with LaRose to make the other lines more cohesive. He’s believing Staal & Skinner can make up for LaRose being overmatched on the 1st line? I’m just trying to understand the rational.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
that sounds about right? You need production from the other lines no? Since all 4 of our goals have come from 1 line wouldn’t that suggest that it’s imperative that the other 3 lines need to start adding some offense?
But couldn’t you move Poni up to the 1st to help Staal & Skinner address the defensive side of the game and still help capitalize on their scoring abilities? Then put LaRose with Sutter, better utilizing what he brings to the table?
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess when this experiment doesn’t work he’ll go that. Look, I’m not justifying it or saying that’s the best combination, just trying to rationalize it. Hopefully it works.
It’s a tough situation for me. I want it to work so the Canes win, but I also don’t want it to work, so LaRose is moved down to where he belongs. I guess I’m stuck between a rock & a hard place.
I also hate this, because I really like Chad. He’s a nice guy, he works his butt off, and is good is certain situations; but he takes so much abuse because Mo is slotting him in the wrong spots. Maybe Mo is jealous that PK & JR have another favorite son.
All I want for Christmas is some cohesive line!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t say MO primarily making that thought first, but I am taking your argument about succeeding and trying to think like MO. I think he wants the others to succeed and build their confidcance on a line he believes they will have the most success on which is where he has currently placed them. You and I both know these lines will stay like this for long, but I think MO believes this is the best combination at this stage.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Oct 10, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll DVR it
If there was some methodology to the defensive scratches I’d love to be clued in. Are they giving Faulk X number of games to evaluate him, then giving Murphy a look? Or Allen? or Harrison? I really hope there is some master plan regarding the defensive side of the roster. It’s not like they are sitting marginal talent up in the press box.
Regarding the forward lines, I am simply throwing my hands up. Or was that throwing up.
Shake the head, sigh...
Hope for the best…. But:
PP Neither Pitkanen nor Kaberle are shoot first point men. Faulk has been the only PP point shooter, but he’s learning against NHL PK men now, and hasn’t got many shots through… We need to put Kaberle on the second PP unit, and bring in either Joslin or McBain to replace Harrision. Either of them put a good point man who can get the puck to the net on the PP… Not sure why JR bothers to carry extra men when Mo will not play them, he’s a favorites coach…
I doubt ANY other coach in the NHL would put LaRose as a top six forward, and No other could would put him on the top line. He is not an adequate passer to provide assists, he’s not a good enough shot, he’s not adequate physically to screen the goalie or seperate defensemen from the puck, all of which contributed to his -21 last year. He’s not shown himself to be any better thus far this year, has not done anything but look like a 4th liner, so why 1st line time?????
Sure hope we beat this team before they figure out how they were winning down the stretch last year…
…cause this is one of the few opponents we should handle now for a win.
I Hope.
I might keep Harrison in the lineup and pull Allen. He’s blocked some shots, but I have not been very impressed with him so far. He really seems to be fighting the puck right now.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Crud
Of course we have a Monday game this week! I have five classes total today, one at 2, then at 4 and 5. Looks like I’m going to miss my first one of the young season. I’ll have to rely on the always beautiful recaps =D
Literally shook my head at seeing LaRose on the first line, and Poni on the third… but who knows what will happen. Gotta think this is a decent chance for our boys to get some confience on the road against a team that is coming off an opening night shut out… one can only hope. Let’s get the confidence flowing early and ride it to our first win… hoorah?
- C. Wilson, CC's resident Checkers analyst.
by C. Wilson Spiers on Oct 10, 2011 10:22 AM EDT reply actions
The more I think about it...
I realize I already hinted at this a few posts ago, but there has GOT to be a trade in the works right? Follow my logic:
1) Why else would McBain and Joslin still be scratched going into game 3 if they aren’t on the trading block? It’s not like we are posting shutouts with the group we have out there now.
2) Mo has LaRose on the first line. This HAS to be Mo holding JR hostage…right? “Hey JR, I’m going to put Rosey on the top line until you get me a real winger to go with Staal. Got it?” Seriously. There is no other explanation for LaRose being there.
Sorry, I’m trying really hard to generate some sort of logic out of what is going on with our lines. I also realize that logic isn’t something that applies here.
And that's another Hurricane's goal! WOOOOOOOO!
lines are so dumb
I like the coach as a person but he must be watching a different game then me cuz there is no way larose’s play is top line quality. Switch him and poni and we might get some where and being Dalpe played well against the dev’s last year i would then switch him and larose at least for this game
by jerry6racing on Oct 10, 2011 10:28 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Net Presence
Ignoring the foolishness of playing or even listing LaRose on an upper line I think the thing that’s surprised me in the first two games is the lack of parking Poni or Stewart in front of the offensive net.
I’d hoped that’s why we got them and it was something a lot of the ‘analysts’ on here were calling for. I’ll be watching those two closely this game.
No Maurice team will ever have a guy parked in front
he doesn’t allow it. You can’t be “defensively responsible” if you’re parked in front of the opponent’s net.
Coach is still trying to win a game 0 to minus 1.
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Oct 10, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Thank you – my usually reliable SBN data base said they were all LW’s . I should haven mentioned that center Travis Zajac’s absence is forcing some challenges in the top 6 for DeBoer until he returns. (For those not keeping track, he has a torn achilles and that could be awhile.)
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Paul Maurice needs to have control of the lines taken away
It’s like he purposefully screws them up.
I thought we got Poni and Stewart to give Staal a big body on the wing?
Staal should be centering Skinner and Poni.
The Condor. #63.
This is what i don’t understand about the first line:
Mo is reluntant to put Jussi on the line with Staal and Skinner because despite the skill level, it lacks a physcial presence. Ok cool, i understand that.. but then Mo puts Chad Larose up there?!?! I love Rosey he’s a great pesky, energy guy with sound defense.. but his offense tho is lacking. I mean if you were going to just say “Hey let me put my 3 best forwards based on production so far on the first line.” It would be Skinner-Staal-Jussi.
Let alone, Dalpe, Poni, and Stewart need some regular top 6 time to see if they can produce. I’m all for changing lines to create a spark or shake up or to ensure all your forwards are capable of playing with each other. But give the lines a chance to DEVELOP CHEMISTRY.
He's hoping LaRose will get physical
and shatter some ankles!
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Oct 10, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Is Jamie McBain hurt?
Because I seem to recall him being an All-Star last year and performing quite well. And why is Murphy using up his 9 games in the box??
I can no longer even feign support for Maurice.
The Condor. #63.
And why is Murphy using up his 9 games in the box??
Small quibble: technically these games don’t count towards his 9 game limit. He has to dress for the game in order for it to count.
"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."
thanks. I stand corrected.
So how long can we keep him on the NHL equivalent of the NFL’s practice squad?
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Oct 10, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes – we just got this clarified by the radio voice of the Kitchener Rangers.
For those who have been asking, Ryan Murphy’s games with Carolina do not count against his potential first year of contract unless he plays. In other words, Murphy could watch from the press box until the All-Star break and not have it count against his 1st year of eligibility.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Toay's Lines
Since Mo is keeping the same lines against NJ hopefully we can pull out a win. They played much better Sat. If they keep it going look for the lines to stay the same for a while. With Faulk playing so well, I don’t think we are going to see Murphy unless someone gets hurts. If by game 5 we don’t see Murphy, then it’s time to send him back to Jrs. To all Canes fans, let’s be patient and see how everyone starts to gel. With the upcoming road trip during the State Fair hopefully things will start to come together. This is a marathon not a sprint.
by skinnerthewinner on Oct 10, 2011 11:47 AM EDT reply actions
I agree that they played better in Washington, but they weren’t really that good. All of our goals came off the man advantage. 5 on 5, Washington controlled the game much more than the Canes.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s so true, but you also need to look at the results. The 2 even strength goals were not when the Caps were swarming and pressuring the Canes in the Canes end (which they did a bunch, especially in the 2nd period) but those 2 goals against came on miscues by the Canes when they were in the Caps end and allowed breakaways. The 3rd goal was on a 5-on-3; the winner was on a 4 on 3.
The Canes were swarming all over the Bolts for extended periods early Friday at 5-on-5, brought the fans to their feet. But never scored either.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not denying that, I just thought the Canes really didn’t look all that good in Washington other than the PP. Wow, not use to saying that! They had difficulty getting the puck out of their zone and really didn’t put a lot of offensive pressure 5 on 5.
On Friday, I didn’t think they started out very good. But after about 5 to 10 minutes, they played some good hockey for the rest of the 1st.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
These should be the lines for the Canes, based off of what I saw sitting 11 rows off the ice at Friday’s game:
(LW – C – RW)
1: Skinner – Staal – Stewart
2: Ruutu – Jokinen – Ponikarovsky
3: Tlusty – Sutter – Dalpe
4. Larose – Brent – Dwyer
(D – D)
1. Gleason – Faulk
2. Kaberle – Harrison
3. McBain – Allen
Pitkanen sits until we get a clear indication about Faulk. Change out McBain with Murphy if he doesn’t play well, and use Joslin (who I like) along with Dalpe/Tlusty to get us a decent top 6 winger. If you don’t have faith in Stewart or Poni to play top 6 minutes, then you need to realize we’re in trouble.
I also think if Dalpe isn’t playing top 6 or at least healthy regular 3rd line minutes, he should be in the minors or looked at as a trade piece.
by Skyward Cinema on Oct 10, 2011 12:08 PM EDT reply actions
Hmm – I felt like Pitkanen was better than Kaberle. Far better. Maybe Kaberle needs to watch this team from up high to better understand their strengths and tendencies. (?)
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I agreed until you said Pitkanen needs to sit. He’s our best overall defensemen in my opinion and I don’t see the benefit of benching him to see what you got in Faulk. Preseason – yes, regular season – no.
I really like Faulk but I just have trouble thinking a teenager should be on the top D line or even the top 4 of our defense right now. If we’re going to throw a young guy in that role – I’d prefer it be McBain and rotate Faulk, Joslin and Murphy on the third pairing.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
patience, everyone
you can’t BOOM get cohesive lines together with all new teammates out of the gate, it takes quite a few games to learn tendencies, etc. That said, I’m not surprised Mo has not changed the lines, he’s trying to see if they will work. If you figure the first game they totally did not work, second game they kinda/sorta worked, then today there is hope. I still think this year’s team’s competitiveness will show itself one way or another 12-14 games into the season…
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Oct 10, 2011 12:16 PM EDT reply actions
Let me point out that I just listed the lines at the end of the game Saturday as a starting point and that we very well may see the dream lines sorted exactly according to our combined opinions on relative talent – and shortly – when they take the ice.
Apparently we won’t see the 3 D yet.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 12:28 PM EDT reply actions
I know this whole line combo goes back to last season. Is this really a Mo problem, are we at CC just more focused on it than other teams, or do all fan bases have these discussions as regularly as we do?
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 10, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I know Torts gets the same in New York, fershurr.
Blind optimist and Kool-Aid drinker
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 10, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Most every fan base does chew on the line ups as never right and revealing the coaching staff foibles.
And similarly most bash their coaches for not giving the rookies a fair shot. I saw it in Philadelphia, Boston, and Vancouver constantly last season.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Larose is not a problem. Having a coach whose stock solution to scoring any and all woes is “Get Rosie up there and everything will be fixed” is a problem.
by JussiJuice on Oct 10, 2011 12:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The game thread is going – the lines are indeed as I put above (per Chuck K) but the D is scrambled. See comments on the thread.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 10, 2011 12:51 PM EDT reply actions
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