Game Analysis: Hurricanes Back-To-Back At St. Louis, At Winnipeg
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 23, 2011 12:02 PM EDT
in Carolina Hurricanes 2011-2012 Game Analysis
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Despite holding early 2-0 leads in both games, the Carolina Hurricanes came away with just one point in the back-to-back games against the Blues and Jets that capped off their four-game road trip.
The Canes still sit eighth in the Eastern Conference with eight points and a 3-3-2 record, but the team's 82-point pace is clearly not enough to get to the postseason come the spring. The good news? The Canes are tied with Colorado for the most road games played with six — the Rangers officially have that many, too, but had two neutral site games — so hopefully some home cooking will get Carolina into a better spot.
Three Observations
1. Eric Staal was held without a point and was minus-1 both nights of the back to back, pushing his league-worst plus/minus to minus-10. Coach Paul Maurice's bottom two lines are pretty set, which has limited what he can do with his top six forwards. He reunited the line of Jussi Jokinen centering Tuomo Ruutu and Jeff Skinner during Saturday's game, and it resulted in a third-period goal. That left Staal with Alexei Ponikarovsky and Chad LaRose on his wings. While Staal has had his share of bad breaks of late, hitting several posts and seeing opposing goalies make great stops on his attempts, it's becoming clearer by the game that he needs help on the top line. Whether that comes in the form of a recall from Charlotte, another jumbling of lines, or even a minor deck-shuffling by GM Jim Rutherford, the Canes need to get their captain going.
2. Carolina's power play put up a goose egg over the weekend, and it likely cost them at least two points. The Hurricanes had plenty of opportunities against Winnipeg to get back in the game in the third period, only to see their power play come up empty. At times, the man advantage looked good — Tomas Kaberle's ability to consistently keep the puck in the offensive zone has led to several chances this season — but moral victories don't get Carolina any more points in the standings.
3. The Hurricanes' dreadful performance in the faceoff circle (combined 37.8 percent) cost them dearly in the two games. Carolina struggled to gain control of the puck and managed just 52 shots over the weekend. The regression pushed the Canes to 29th in the league in faceoff winning percentage (45.8), and the fact that they were so clearly outclassed by an average faceoff team (St. Louis: 50.2 percent, 12th in the NHL) and a bad one (Winnipeg: 46.7 percent, 28th in the NHL) makes one wonder if one of Carolina's biggest problems last season is again rearing its ugly head.
Number To Know
7 — Hits for Tuomo Ruutu in the two games. The Finnish forward is starting to look more like his old self. He was active throughout the games — specifically against the Jets — and managed to get his second goal of the year to pull Carolina back into the game Saturday.
Plus
Jeff Skinner — The sophomore sniper got back on track over the weekend. He did not register any points against St. Louis, but his six shots were twice as many as the next closest teammate, and he was an emerging threat throughout the game. Against Winnipeg, Skinner broke through for three points (a goal and two assists) to push his season total to nine in eight games. That total ties him for 10th in the NHL in scoring.
Minus
Brian Boucher — Boucher only appeared in the Jets game, but he struggled in his second start with Carolina. Jim Slater's go-ahead goal was one he should've stopped, and on the whole it felt like a game the Hurricanes would have won with Cam Ward in net. Unfortunately for Boucher, he was also victimized by a funny bounce on Andrew Ladd's goal that made the game 4-2. After a solid preseason and a decent showing against Washington earlier in the year, we'll chalk this one up to being just not his night.
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while boucher was not very good last night, this one is on maurice. when the jets pulled their goalie, their coach jumped on the players about their effort in front of him. after the change and the ensuing reaming, it was a totally different team. i didnt notice any such coaching coming from the canes bench and the teams play reflected that. they just didnt seem to have any sense of urgency. how such an ineffective coach remains employed is beyond me.
You don’t give your number one a tactical night off and then put him in, especially after all the rubber he faced in St. Louis and then gets to bed by 3am and a 6pm CT game time. Barrasso was on the bench and I’m sure they discussed it. Boucher wasn’t great but it was more on the team in front of him.
It wasn’t the goalie change that changed the momentum for the Jets. Four Canes penalties and two PP goals did.
Did Boucher have anything to do with the Canes not executing on their PPs? They had ample opportunity to get back into the game. I still think they were gassed. Only reason they looked better in the 3rd is because Jets laid back with a 3 goal lead.
The Jets Game and Related Thoughts
The thing that impressed me the most about the Jets is how many talented, young forwards the Jets have obtained. I agree the decision not to insert Ward. Boucher is the kind of goalie who one game can look terrible and the next he’s all-star. He was not good against the Jets; but he does have the ability to bounce back.
Trying to hide the fact that there are three forward lines that work is the elephant in the room. I thought you were dead on with your call for Jim Rutherford to get James Neal when he was available. I really like what Ponikarovsky, Stewart, and Brent bring, but what I think is a painfully obvious need for a right wing on Staal’s line. I think these lines are working, even though I’d move Stewart to the third line:
Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen
Tlusty/Sutter/Dwyer (or Stewart)
Brett Sutter/Brent/Stewart (or Dwyer)
Ponikarovsky is fine on the first line with Staal; but apparently, he is strictly a left wing under the Canes system. Moving Ruutu to the right wing on the first line didn’t work nearly as well as reuniting Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen. So unless the Hurricanes decide to rotate Dalpe, Boychuk, and Bowman in and out of the first line, the right wing has to be found in a trade.
It is not a surprise that if Dalpe is playing on the fourth line when healthy that the Hurricanes were going to be short a right wing for the first line. It’s equally not too much of a surprise that the power play misfires too often; and when it does, the Hurricanes are far more likely to lose. I thought this year was all about who would play on Staal’s line while leaving Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen intact as a line and how would the Hurricanes fare on the power play.
Given the tough schedule the Hurricanes are fortunate to have eight points and to be in 8th place at the moment. Unless the Hurricanes find a right wing for Staal’s line, the task of getting to the playoffs will be arduous at best.
by abramsdoug on Oct 23, 2011 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
jets: starting goalie was sucking, coach pulled him, reamed the players = they won.
canes: starting goalie was sucking, coach keeped him in, did not ream the players = they lost.
the difference between shaking things up and accepting the status quo in a division game.
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 24, 2011 6:21 AM EDT up reply actions
sorry…a division game with two days off before the next game against a crappy, non-division team at home.
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 24, 2011 6:22 AM EDT up reply actions
And if Ward suffered an injury or tweaked something everyone would be all over Mo for putting him in cold after playing the night before, etc.
Hindsight is 20/20. Tripp and John both felt like pulling Boucher was not the answer.
good thing tripp and john don't coach
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 24, 2011 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Good thing neither do armchair coaches posting anonymously on a blog.
I for one will trust the head coach and HOF goalie coach on this one.
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 24, 2011 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
you mean the two guys who just lost 2 games straight to two lesser teams? you mean the guys who’ve been leading a team out of the playoffs two straight seasons? you mean the two guys who can’t get a team up for a division game? those two guys? good luck with that.
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 24, 2011 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, those guys. I actually put more trust in their actions (and John and Tripp’s words for that matter) over random commenters on team blogs who think they can divine what should and shouldn’t be done behind the bench and in the locker room based on what they see from their sofa over the airwaves on a TV broadcast.
I know, crazy, ain’t it?
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 24, 2011 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Are those the same people that would be ticked if they’d put Cam in cold halfway thru the 2nd, the Canes lost, and the opportunity to rest Cam on a back to back was wasted?
hmm….coaches coach team to continued bad play and losses, and I’m the one who’s being criticized. okay, as long as we’re on the same page there i’m cool with it. criticize away.
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 24, 2011 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
“I actually put more trust in their actions (and John and Tripp’s words for that matter) over random commenters on team blogs who think they can divine what should and shouldn’t be done behind the bench and in the locker room based on what they see from their sofa over the airwaves on a TV broadcast.”
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 24, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I haven’t criticized you personally. My comments weren’t directed at you specifically.
You’re entitled to your opinion. You just haven’t earned the right for me to put more faith in that opinion than I put in the actions of the coaching staff.
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 24, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
lol! thank God for that!!!
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 24, 2011 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Part of our difference is in characterizing this as losses to two “lesser” teams. I think you underrate the Blues. They are very big and in recent wins over San Jose and Philly they actually won the physical battles. My observation is that they also took a lot out of us.
My guess is that going into the games the coaches looked at the St. Louis game as being the tougher challenge and wanted to have Cam in net. Winnipeg looked to be struggling coming off two listless losses and that was a good spot for Boucher.
Circumstances then took over. St. Louis fired a lot of rubber at Cam. It went to OT. Travel was delayed and they didn’t even get to the hotel in Winnipeg until 2am CT. Given unwind time etc. and a 6PM CT start this was a tough turnaround and no one feels that more than a goalie.
The strategy was working well with the Canes all over Winnipeg and up 2-0 early. Then penalties, 2 PP goals caused a huge momentum shift. So it comes down to the decision do you believe a goaltender change will change the momentum? ( I don’t think that was the real cause for the Jets momentum change…. it was 4 straight PPs that had way more to do with it) Do you want to put in your number one who has just come off a tough game and little recovery time? You have the luxury of having a hall of fame goaltender to talk to on the bench. You will recall that after both the weird bounce 4th goal and the 5th that Mo immediately went to talk to Barrasso.
We’ll never know exactly what was said but I’d bet it was something like this is long season, Boucher is fighting it but is a veteran, needs the work and I don’t like putting Cam in cold. Mo’s call and we can second guess it all we want but in that circumstance if I was coach I’d make the same call.
Have to agree
Boucher wasn’t at his best, but that was far from the main problem in these games. I also agreed with the strategy to play the better goalie against the better team then give him a break the next night.
We always complain about Mo riding Cam to hard, not using him in back t obacks. Well, for once Mo did it right. Boucher wasn’t at his best, but the rest of the Canes players failed too—didn’t keep their 5 man defensive system going, didn’t do well blocking the passing lanes, didn’t play physically. To be fair, a tired Cam along with the rest of the tired team could have done worse…
I often fault Mo for not calling strategic time outs—he likes to always save his for the end of the game. I preferred Lavi’s techniques of calling it when the momentum changed, or when the team needed a shake up. Of course Lavi would also run the 4th line more to get the point home too, something Mo doesn’t do. I know coaches differ, strategies vary, so Mo’s could be a valid as any other—I doubt it given his results over his career, but that’s only my opinion.
Thinking Cam could have saved this game is a wish. Cam has bad days and lets in softies occasionally as well. Takes a team to win. We had our chances. We had a lead, we let them back in then turtled when the pressure came on. Worrying baout pulling or not pulling the goalie? Side issue.
Of course they don’t coach. But they are closer to the team and the players and have insight that you and I don’t have.
After all the complaining about overworking Cam last season, I just find it odd that when he actually DOES get a complete night off after a back to back with a 2am arrival time, that there are still complaints.
They pulled Pavelec almost immediately into the game. Mason had only been sitting 7 minutes. Contrast that to Cam who sat for the whole period and then intermission and then another 5 minutes into the 2nd. If people are concerned about Cam’s health and holding up for the whole season, then there will be nights that he’s got to be given off.
no sense of urgency. take the division loss, i guess. losses are okay. just cruise. hope for the best.
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 24, 2011 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
You seem to forget (or conveniently choose to deny) the possibility that we could have pulled Boucher, inserted Cam, and lost anyway.
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 24, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
we'll never know
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 24, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
And if they pulled Bouch they’d never know how he responds to pressure and how the team responds to pressure when he’s in net. Do you want to know that now when it’s early in the season and something can be done about it, or late in the season when there are no other options.
Winnipeg was game 8. We’re not even a 10th of the way through the season. If this was football we’d be just after kick off in the second half of game 2.
At this point in the season I’d rather know what we have at back up at the cost of a few points now, than wait and hope it works when there are no other options at the potential cost of a lot more points.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
I thought that was the approach that was used last season when Cam clearly gave the team a better chance to win than Peters. And it was criticized greatly.
Where in my post do I say any of the things you suggest? I simply said that I have no problem with them leaving Cam on the bench rather than going in cold. I used some information to back up my thoughts (how long Cam had been sitting).
then you're cool with keeping our no. 1 on the bench...
…in a division game when the no. 2 goalie is clearly struggling. if that’s your opinion, that’s fine, i have no problem with that being your opinion. i want this team to win, especially division games. if there is a chance to win a game by playing the no. 1 goalie, give it a shot. he’s proven he’s been able to handle the back-to-back workload before.
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 24, 2011 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I understand your point, but that’s the EXACT justification that kept Cam in too many games last year. Perhaps you weren’t one of the people that was concerned about the # of games Cam played last year.
If this was a home game, and not the end of a road trip, not the 2nd half of a back to back with a late night arrival, then I might feel differently.
You are really harping on the “division rival” part. It’s game 8 of the regular season. WPG is in the bottom 4 of the league. It’s not like it’s February and we’re vying for the #8 spot with WPG. I fail to see how that is a factor at this point.
october games are huge, we all know that by the way we ended the season last year. we should have taken the winnipeg game more seriously, is basically what i’m saying.
i would love to see cam get rest against teams like st. louis and ottawa, but have him play most division games.
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 24, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
He "clearly struggled"
FOr a brief period on the second….No goals given up in the third. WHen did you want to pull him? After the third goal?? Not a good strategy to pull a goalie for one mistake…. AFter the fourth?? Freaky bad bounce, people always complain that Cam isn’t great with the glove—not sure he would have saved that either, so no reason to pull there…
After 5?? too late. Why do that to Cam. The team was goin gto have to get it doen. Boucher got the work. It’s a poor argument to say Cam would have made a difference after an overtime game the previous night, lots of work, and little rest (like the rest of the team). He’s not super Cam either, much as we like to think so—-it it were the case we would have beat Tampa and made the playoffs last year…
This is so not an issue
the jets yanked their goalie, and it worked. ’nuff said.
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 24, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But if pulling a goaltender works, how could if have worked for the Canes when the Jets had already pulled their goaltender?
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
by C-Leaguer on Oct 24, 2011 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dramatic chipmunk is great, but I think this is better:
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
Sometimes
it does. Sometimes it doesn’t. If you can show me how we won every single game we pulled a goalie, I’ll give you “it works”…
Did it work because the Jets pulled their goalie or the Canes lost their discipline, let the other team and their fans back into the game with two PP goals after poor Canes play????
Getting your Fans into the game, getting your team tied taking advatage of PP’s from poor Cane plays so you aren;t behind after one is a lot more likely a reason they won then “the jets yanked their goalie and it worked.”
Sorry TSinky usually agree with you, This seems petulant and ignores vastly larger issues and problems….
Maybe Cam is sick. Its going around. I think the reason people have a problem with your opinion is because your acting like there can be no other circumstances beyond what you see from your couch. Its easy for you to say Cam is better than Boucher, insert Cam, all is well, while sitting on a couch. As Jamie says, I doubt your that much smarter than the Canes staff. Your opinion, that you are entitled to, is VERY shortsighted, and narrow.
gee thanks
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 24, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Just to be clear, my comment about armchair coaching was not directed at any one specific poster, it was more of a blanket comment. I am nothing if not an equal opportunity offender.
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 24, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Ward needed the game off, IMO. That’s why Boucher was brought in. You take the loss and move on.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
+.500
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 24, 2011 6:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Obviously agree with you
But in these last tow games, the players utterly failed as well. Poor effort, lacking in physical play that even the HNIC announcers commented on repeatedly. But worse, Lewis’s system was forgotten. We didn’t stick together as a five man unit, the forwards did not come back and help the defense much and they were poor blocking the lanes in the defensive zone. AS mentioned, Boucher had a bit of a weak night.
Now at some stage the coach has to change that, get on the players, exhort them, or play more of the lines that are getting it done—2 3 or 4 last night, not #1. You don’t have to sit Staal to make a point, but a good coach should reward the 4th line and Sutter’s line for their play and send them out more. Then Staal isn’t getting overused, adding to his negative rating…
Well regardless of what we fans think or feel
the coaching staff will do IT feels it must…As they are just as painfulfully aware of the teams flaws as we are….grant you many of us here think or feel we could do a betterjob….but Mo has the job and if I am going to throw anyone under the bus..it would be him….so hopefully with thenext few days off Mo & company can get what wesee as wrong corrected….hopefully…:-D.in the mean time…how about those Panthers..they won today against washington ..woooo hoooo
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
following up on that…the panthers, although sporting a losing record, are trending upward in part because they chose to take a risk and give a young, unproven player with raw talent a shot at showing what he has to offer. would be nice to see more of that with the ’canes…
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 24, 2011 6:19 AM EDT up reply actions
you mean the guy who the GM said was a top 4 guy and then the coach sends him right back down to charlotte? that guy?
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 24, 2011 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
The GM makes the decision on who goes back to Charlotte.
The GM also said after the New Jersey game: “It’s easy to forget how young these guys are” which I took as the flip side of the “Faulk is top 4” comment made during the preseason before the games mattered and the opposition was NHL players (not prospects) giving 100%.
Be angry/disappointed with Rutherford, not Maurice on this whole thread (the Cam Newton comparison).
Also remember spring 2010, Skinner, McBain, last spring with Bowman here for 20 games.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 24, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
so coach mo has no say in who plays, who goes back, etc.?
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 24, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
If you want to have a meaningful discussion you will need to respond to everything I said, rather than going with the straw man technique*.
Otherwise it appears you are in this to win by sheer quantity of comments rather than quality.
* Straw man technique
The straw man fallacy occurs in the following pattern of argument:
Person A has position X.
Person B disregards certain key points of X and instead presents the superficially similar position Y. Thus, Y is a resulting distorted version of X and can be set up in several ways, including:
Presenting a misrepresentation of the opponent’s position.
Quoting an opponent’s words out of context — i.e. choosing quotations that misrepresent the opponent’s actual intentions (see fallacy of quoting out of context).2
Presenting someone who defends a position poorly as the defender, then refuting that person’s arguments — thus giving the appearance that every upholder of that position (and thus the position itself) has been defeated.1
Inventing a fictitious persona with actions or beliefs which are then criticized, implying that the person represents a group of whom the speaker is critical.
Oversimplifying an opponent’s argument, then attacking this oversimplified version.
Person B attacks position Y, concluding that X is false/incorrect/flawed.
This sort of “reasoning” is fallacious, because attacking a distorted version of a position fails to constitute an attack on the actual position.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 24, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks for setting me straight on the rules
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 24, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
If you want to me to respond and have a conversation about your point, you need to show you’re paying attention to what I’m saying. If I ignore you it’s not that I’m agreeing, it’s that I see no point to continuing the conversation when you won’t address everything I’ve said.
It is my belief that most people who come to Canes Country (for the 4 years I’ve been part of the community) enjoy the healthy debate of well thought out and cogently articulated points of view. Not predictable and distorted one line zingers.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 24, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh you mean like those "uninformed"
OWS protestors possibly..and that was the exact explaination ( the strawman techinique) when i was in college back in 1969…very very good Miss Carolyn…Ouch…sigh…back to the chorses…:-D
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
by CaniacSteve on Oct 24, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
not sure what you’re talking about w/regard to “predictable and distorted one line zingers” … i fancy myself a creative young lad with a terrific sense of humor and thick skin, hope you weren’t referring to me.
ANYWAYS…
back to my point, i stand firm in my belief that keeping boucher in the game against a division opponent was the wrong move by The Organisation, as confirmed in the blowout loss we endured. hopefully, MOVING FORWARD, we will see Cam starting against tough teams and division opponents, and Boucher spelling him against non-essential games (like St. Louis).
thank you, and good night
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 24, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Stinky
to point out an inconsistency, you have alreeady said that October games are as important as the later games…
…Therefore, there are no non-essential games. Two points against St Louis is as essential as any other two points. Given your argument, which is inconsistent as well with some of your other points, is any non-division game is a throwaway, therefore we should have started Boucher in those, because he’s not good enough to win them…
I know you didn;t say that, but those assumptions are consistent with your argument. Howevr an equal argument, based on your same theories, is Cam should have started against St Louis—so we have a better chance to win and get two points there, and Boucher should start against the weaker struggling opponent—Winnipeg, because he’s good enough there.
And it would have been if the team in front of him played anything like they had previously.
wouldn’t you rather have had our stud in goal on the second night of a back-to-back when the D and forwards might have tired legs? i know i would have
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 24, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
No
I already agreed with the goalie strategy and thought it gave us the chance to win both games. We had that. The team failed. We didn’t convert on multiple key chances to win in St Louis, and we blew a lead and multiple chances to catch up against Winipeg.
Are you suggesting Cam could have helped the PP’s score?
Role of the GM; Boucher & Ward
It’s a point well-taken that Jim Rutherford has the ultimate responsibility for deciding who is on the roster and who goes back to Charlotte. It would be foolish for Rutherford to ignore advice; and from all I’ve read, seen, and heard, Jim Rutherford is a person who welcomes and promotes active discussions. Clearly, Maurice’s opinion is heard, but it isn’t as if Maurice is the GM and can tell Jim Rutherford who stays and who goes. In the same way, although Maurice ultimately has responsibility for the lines and playing time, all I’ve heard, seen, and read is that Maurice gets input from his coaches and from Jim Rutherford and others in terms of the lines and playing time.
It’s too easy to blame every decision on Maurice; but it is not accurate. I do realize, of course, that like every NHL team, the person getting ultimate blame and getting ultimate credit is the head coach. When things go well, he’s a genius. When things fall apart long enough, his head rolls. Maurice and his staff do things at time that I question; but he also has managed to survive October thus far. The Canes still lose too many games to teams they should beat, such as Columbus and Toronto late last season and the Blues and the Jets this October, for me to feel comfortable that the Hurricanes in 2011-2012 are playoff bound. All in all, however, I give Maurice as head coach a B+ for making it through this far without crashing and burning. It’s a young team that is bringing in new players. It was a hard first three weeks of hockey thanks to the schedulers.
I’m surprised there is much debate about the wisdom of keeping Cam Ward out of the Jets game. The way I see it, Boucher needed work. He was clearly not spectacular; and to me had one of his meltdown games. That’s Boucher’s mode of operation. To me, he’s binary: either lights out, all world or melts down. He’ll be fine and it doesn’t make me want to have Leighton back. His body of work is that he’ll steal some games as a backup goalie; but then will have a game like the Jets where I think: “ok, that is why he is a backup goalie and not a starter.”
HBO 24/7
Let’s be honest, Mo and Jr discuss these player decisions like Pitt and Wash did as evidenced in the HBO series. Mo still decides playing time and lines, but i betcha if JR sees something different he makes a comment to Mo. We’ve heard hints of that much at any rate.
JR isn;t sending players up and down at his own whim. And Mo certainly doesn;t tell JR who to send down or up, but they discuss the needs. Even JD gets a say about the players to be brought up and he gives is opinion of a players readiness/deservedness.
Not a vacuum. Recognize that. But one he has them, Mo determines where and how much they play. And it’s clear to me Mo has favorites and tendencies that don;t like to recdognize and play young forwards.
On SS’s point, Mo was the one who scratched Faulk for McBain. JR sent him back to Charlotte to get him playing time.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Head coach’s call … surely discussed with Lewis, but final decisions rest with the head coach for the on-the-ice stuff.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2011 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely. You don’t think Lewis is under Mo in the pecking order?
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2011 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I've never been a pro coach, but
when coaching football, I and I leave the defense to the defensive coach…He chooses tha players and where they play. So I’m thinking, if I were responsible for the defense, then I should be responsible for the pairing and whom I play where…
the panthers, although sporting a losing record, are trending upward in part because they chose to take a risk and give a young, unproven player with raw talent a shot at showing what he has to offer.
Give me a break. The Panthers are carrying Newton, Clausen, and Derek Anderson. Derek Anderson’s only job is to make the Panthers look like they are trying if the other two suck. It’s not like Cam Newton was put in over Drew Brees. The option is Newton or Clausen. Either way a young unproven player with raw talent was getting a shot.
Furthermore, the teams have completely different goals this season. The Canes are trying to get in to the playoffs. The Panthers rebuilding are trying to get better knowing they most likely aren’t going to the playoffs. They are very similar to the Canes last season, who in a similar situation gave a young, unproven player with raw talent a shot that led all the way to the Calder.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
with the extra bodies on the blueline and the depth at forward how can we not fashion a trade for top line forward?
well we all know if we can stay in the hunt, its coming at the deadline. can you say erik cole? (just kidding) Ray whitney!
"a bit of love"
Deals for top line talent are very difficult to pull off this time of year, although it seems to be getting a bit easier than it was directly after the lock out. T
he Canes have the ability to take on salary, but do they have the fortitude to do so?
A team spending near the cap may be willing to move out a guy, but if they are so close to the cap are they willing to start moving out top 6 players already? Aren’t they perhaps more likely to work around the periphery early to shake things up a bit and hope the team rounds in to form?
A team that is near the floor may be willing to trade a player, but they may have to take back salary in return to stay above the cap floor. Who would the Canes include in such a deal to make that work? The Canes expiring contracts are Ruutu, Poni, Gleason, and Allen. I don’t think the Canes are willing to part with any of those players. This means they may not have the pieces to make a trade work with a floor team at this point in the season.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
trade
Anybody know what teams are shopping for a defense man. I know someone wants a package of Kaberle and Joslin
by jerry6racing on Oct 24, 2011 9:09 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
"Derek is a young defenseman who played well after joining the Hurricanes last year," said Rutherford. "He has now put himself in a position to be a full-time NHL player."
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 24, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Gee sounds like a ...
debate between the NBA & the players going on here!! I wonder if the checkers as a team are pulling for the NBA or are happy the have the TWCA all to themselves ? Steve waves as he heads for the exit.humming that old old but famous chant by John & Oko…All we are saying ..is give peace a chance…:-D
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
nah, the nba and its players only care about $$$. we care about our ’canes. obviously, we all know exactly what is good for the team, and none of us are ever wrong.
;-)
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 24, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
dang..cold..sneezed and typed...Ment to say John & Yoko
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Thoughts
Boucher didn’t have on of his best games, but the team didn’t play all that great in front of him. Period.
The Jets do have some nice young players, so this game was not the gimme that some people thought. Canes had a challenging travel schedule getting in to Manitoba and likely came out pretty sluggish. No way Ward should have gone in net, and the way the team played in front of him he likely would not have been able to snatch a victory for the team, unless he skated up and put a goal or two behind Mason! Resting the number 1 is just that, resting him. The payoff is that he …ummmm… gets rest. There is always some risk that the #2 will not play as well as the #1, but the night off is important and is usually scheduled when the skaters can pick up the slack. The players didn’t.
Chip tweets that Faulk has been recalled. So now what….
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions
I’d really like to be a fly on the wall on JR and Mo’s offices at the moment. So now we have 8 D on the roster again. One of whom hasn’t played a game yet. McBain has played well since he was inserted. So who sits. Based on quality of play I’d say Kaberle. But do you really want to put a $4mil guy in the press box? This all has me puzzled. Maybe there is something brewing on the trade front. Otherwise I don’t get it.
Agreed
Based on the way Joslin played for the team last year I can’t see him being discounted by the org so easily. I would think the team would be trying to get him in the action to at least evaluate him – assuming he’s healthy. I’d hate to see him on the block. He’s young and has a better upside than Harrison. While players sneak passes thru the legs of defenders all the time, Kaberle’s Swiss Cheese in OT Friday night was pretty inexcusable in my book, and based on merit only Thomas should be getting a night or two off to rest up from his short off season. But $4 mil players play. Unless someone is going on IR or on the block, this move makes no sense.
Maybe there is something brewing on the trade front.
Stewart is also not at practice today.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
Stewart is nursing an injury and was held out of practice according to Chip Alexander
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting"..........holy cow.......what a ride!"
aww crapola..really ?
now i got to wait & see ..sigh…
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Lets hope JR has something up his sleeve for a top line power forward. I’m praying to the Hockey gods right now
by jerry6racing on Oct 24, 2011 11:14 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Top line power forwards are a scarce commodity. There is almost no way you pry one out of a contender. So any trade would have to be with a team that is quickly coming to the conclusion they are going nowhere this year. Even at that it would be a seller’s market.
So what do we have to offer? No one is going to take Kabs and his salary based on his recent play. We might be high on Joslin but I doubt he would command much on the open market. What would teams covet from us?…. high draft pick; marque player like Ruutu, Joni, or a high potential prospect like McBain. Unfortunately if you want high quality you have to give up something. In my opinion if there is a trade it will be not be for an obvious proven player…. of course there is one thing that would change all that and that is if we are willing to take back a big contract from a team that wants to shed payroll. So when have we ever done that?
Ha ! Never.
You know I’d be happy trading some of our 4th line quality players like LaRose, Dwyer, or Tlusty just to make room for others in the organization who deserve a shot in the top 9, but even that would be hard to pull off. Depending on how Coach Maurice has his lines set all 3 top lines could have one of those anchors on them. Yes the team looked good there for a few games, with a work ethic that should make any fan happy, but with that many 4th liners spread in the top line the team will not be able to sustain any sort of point streaks. Sure the boys were on a rough travel schedule coming into Manitoba, but that is where more depth up and down the lines bails a team out. When the Canes do not have their legs, they are not going to win. And every team goes thru games when the legs are not there, but some teams find ways to win some of those. IF JR has anything working in the trade department I hope it is to clear out some space so we can see players who have top 9 potential actually on the top 9.
Wolski
How about Kaberle for Wolski? Or Kaberle & second round pick for Turris? James Neal was available last year and he is doing great for the Penguins now. Wolski has all the tools but is very much up and down. Penner is the same way. It is going to take something of a project for the Hurricanes to find a top six forward. If Phoenix decides it wants to cut payroll, Whitney might be a one year option. Stranger things have happened in the NHL.
There’s no way PHX would part with Turris for Kaberle. You give the Neal example, but they gave up a good, young talent in Goligoski to get him.
by Cory Lavalette on Oct 24, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
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