Blackhawks At Hurricanes, Game Day Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks bring their 5-1-2 record to the RBC Center tonight to do battle against the Carolina Hurricanes, (3-3-3). The 'Hawks lost their first game of the season, but have earned points in their last seven. The Canes are 0-1-2 in their last three.
The Hurricanes should be refreshed and will be sporting new lines tonight as they continue to search for line chemistry. Jiri Tlusty was moved to the first line late on Tuesday night and will start out there again tonight. He'll join Chad LaRose on Eric Staal's line.
Of course, that move helps in the attempt to rekindle the previous success of the "Finns/Skins" line of Jeff Skinner, Tuomo Ruutu, and Jussi Jokinen. Will it work? Stay tuned.
After missing a game due to an undisclosed injury, Anthony Stewart will return to action and is expected to be on the fourth line with Zach Boychuk and Tim Brent. Brett Sutter will sit out with Derek Joslin. Zac Dalpe remains banged up, although he skated in the yellow jersey today.
Look for these lines to start out with, but no guarantees how long they will stay together..
- LaRose, Staal, Tlusty
- Ruutu, Jokinen, Skinner
- Ponikarovsky, Sutter, Dwyer
- Boychuk, Brent, Stewart
- Gleason, Allen
- Pitkanen, McBain
- Harrison, Kaberle
Cam Ward will get the nod in net and should be facing Corey Crawford.
The 'Hawks smoked the Canes 5-2 last year in Chicago, but they have not won in Raleigh since 1998. The Canes are 5-0-0 at home against the Blackhawks since then and have an 8-1-2 record against them in their last 11 overall.
Chicago is led by Patrick Sharp, (8 points), Patrick Kane, (8 points), and Marian Hossa, (7 points). But don't forget about Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith.
For more info about the Blackhawks, check out our SBN partners, Second City Hockey.
Jeff Skinner leads the Canes with 10 points and is also sporting a two game scoring streak. He's joined by Jamie McBain (0-2), and Tuomo Ruutu, (2-0) with two points in the last two games.
The is the first game of a back-to-back scenario for Carolina as they will travel to Philadelphia right after the game to play the Flyers tomorrow night. The Canes are yet to win in a back-to-back situation. There are 0-1-1 in the first half and 0-1-1 in the second, as well.
Fox Carolinas will have the television coverage, starting with the pregame at 6:30. "The Fan" will have the radio broadcast, and we will be chirping in from the press box during the game thread, starting at 7.
52 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Mo just continues to amaze me throwing non-skilled players (LaRose) and under achieving players (Tlusty) with Staal. This team is hurting badly up front in skill if that is the best they have to play with him. I watched the Habs/Bruins game last night and watching Cole and seeing his speed and strength down low and getting in the dirty areas around the net, man that is missed. And wasnt’ that what Stewart was suppose to cover? No, he’s buried on the 4th line getting 5-6 minutes a game. Great coaching. Stop frustrating Caniac Nation and play the right players.
by whalecanes@s... on Oct 28, 2011 2:21 PM EDT reply actions
Then what lines would you run?
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
For tonight....
….I’d try:
Ponikarovsky/Staal/Tlusty
Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen
Boychuk/Sutter/Stewart
LaRose/Brent/Dwyer
extra Bre. Sutter
Good size and speed w/some defensive responsibility on 1st line, Skinner/Finner 2nd line, size and speed 3rd line (maybe not the prototypical checking line; would offer difficult match ups), and pesky energy line as your 4th.
I’m not saying this is the best alternative, but this is what I’d try…maybe flip-flopping Tlusty and Boychuk.
while i don't
agree but seein what Chicago will throw at the canes..it does make good sence..so that is all i will of and about that..:-O
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
I like the look of these lines but as another suggested, use those 2 third line guys (boychuck/stewart) with staal and Poni/Tlusty with Sutter. That first line then would give you 2 skilled playmakers along with a gang that can bang down low, create havoc in front of the net so Boychuk or Staal can shoot at the net. Makes sense to me. If anyone thinks LaRose belongs on either the first two lines, you need to check yourself.
by whalecanes@s... on Oct 28, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Boychuk and Strewart with Sutter completely changes that third line. That’s no longer a shut down line with those two. Not saying that line is bad, just saying that changes the game plan. Also, Poni and Tlusty generally both play LW, so someone is playing on the wrong side there.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
Only problem with those lines is Boychuk and Stewart on the 3rd line. I would switch Tlusty and Boychuk as you said and switch Stewart and Dwyer.
But those are much better than what they are going to put on the ice tonight.
You have to reward Tlusty for his effort. It sends the right message. The rewards have to go to the guys that have earned it, and Tlusty has earned it.
Boychuk has had 1 game so far this season. He looked good in it. He’s had his defensive issues before though, and I’m not sure I’d pair Boychuk with Staal right now, because that could exacerbate the -9 situation.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
I understand that, but Tlusty is a much better option for the third line than Boychuk is. If the call-up wasn’t Boychuk, but instead someone like Bowman, then it would be fine.
Boychuk had his share of defensive issues last year. They may have improved since then, there’s unfortunately not been enough games Boychuk’s played in to determine if they have improved. Given that, and the work Tlusty has done, I think you have to give Tlusty the nod. And don’t forget, Tlusty was a first round pick, a high one at that, because of his scoring touch. It’s not like Tlusty is a defensive replacement. The guy has skills.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
Do the Canes have to select linemates for Staal to cover for his defensive lapses? I don’t recall that being the case in prior years except occasionally when Staal had played a zillion minutes and was late getting back.
by curiouscanesfan on Oct 28, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
It's amazing to me...
It’s amazing to me that we would be in a situation where I would prefer we switch both wingers from the 1st line with the 4the line. And why mess with the chemistry building on the 3rd line?
I agree that the 3rd line of Tlusty-Sutter-Dwyer was great as a checking line, plus they were generating chances. The 2nd line we know to be proven, though I hope they move Ruutu back to center. But man does Staal need some help. I thought Stewart and Poni were supposed to have 15-20 goal potential and were each going to see at least some time on Staal’s wing. Poni has a little bit at least. I mean Tlusty has some hustle, but Stewart has been scoring with half as much time than Rosie (I concede that it is 2g to 1g). But honestly, I’m about ready to give up on figuring out or understanding Mo’s line juggling. At least he put the Skin-Finn line back together…
Tlusty is the guy that’s earned the shot over all the others. He’s put in the most work and he’s shown up to camp in proper shape (something Stewart didn’t do). The Tlusty pairing is the first of the "let’s stick someone with Staal and hope it works options. We’ve gone past the point of rhyme or reason now. Now Mo is trying to find something, anything, that works. For those wanting to see Boychuk or Stewart get a shot this should be taken as good news because if Tlusty doesn’t work then it’s one of those two. Probably Stewart first, but we’ll see.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
I agree that Tlusty has worked hard and deserves a shot at least. He does have some playmaking skills too, but I think there needs to be another finisher on the opposite wing. Staal’s good at picking up ‘garbage goals,’ and Stewart and Poni I think could do the same.
Another thing I’ve rolled around in my head has been the idea of moving Sutter to the top line and moving Staal to wing, so he doesn’t have as much defensive responsibility. And Sutter is honestly our most consistent pure center and has some offensive upside. Any opinions on this?
Here is a young guy (Tlusty) getting a chance on the top line, like we’ve all been asking for. I hope it gets EwiththeC going.
Sutter as a #1 center begs the question, who centers the third line?
Sutter centering Staal and Skinner would be interesting, since we’re speculating.
it's all hypothetical...
but it’s still fun to play armchair coach. I’d move Brent up to the 3rd and Dwyer for the 4th. Dwyer wouldn’t be the ideal 4th center, but it’s not like we use that line much anyways…
I get what you’re saying with Stewart and Poni with Staal. Poni is a LW. Stewar is a RW, but I have the same worries about putting him with Staal that I do with Boychuk and that’s the defense. Staal needs to get a few wins, even if minor ones. Tuesday he was +1 with an assist and a critical FO win. He needs more of those nights, and my worry is that Stewart doesn’t help with that +/- number.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
I’m fine with Tlusty getting a shot, but with LaRose on right wing, Staal will be the focus of the defense. LaRose will pot a goal now and then based on speed and hustle. But the net effect of having LaRose there will be that Staal has trouble scoring and LaRose just isn’t much of a goal scorer. So where does that leave Tlusty’s playmaking? He’ll be trying to set up one guy who is the total focus of the defense and one guy who isn’t much of a goal scorer. That would seem to limit his opportunities for playmaking unless there are breakaways. Tlusty has had some of those with Sutter.
Come to think of it, maybe that’s what Mo is hoping for—turnovers and breakaways as the source of 1st line goals, not the in-the-zone game that has been struggling. All three guys can really move now that Tlusty has his health. Tlusty has a knack for long passes. I wouldn’t mind a bit if this works.
by curiouscanesfan on Oct 28, 2011 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Now there are three things you can count on.....
Death, Taxes, and Mo not making it through a game with out juggling lines.
Why is it so obvious to everyone except Mo and JR that Staal needs a winger, heck even last year with Cole he needed a winger so we went out and got Stillman. Now he’s paired with Rosie and Tlusty?
I pride myself on being positive, but this is starting to wear me out, and after only nine games.
Please PK and JR either “suggest” to Mo that he give Boychuk a chance with Staal or bring in a legitimate top six forward to pair with Staal. If that were to happen everyone else slots out where they can be the most successful.
Poni-Staal-Legitimate RW
Skinner-Ruutu-Jussi
Tlusty-Sutter-LaRose
Stewart-Brent-Dwyer
Legitimate RW could be Boychuk or Dalpe, but we will prolly never know as long as Mo steers this ship.
Sorry for the rant, but me and most of section 106 is quite frustrated.
Cheers!
Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water ~ W.C. Fields
by SouthernHockeyFan on Oct 28, 2011 3:08 PM EDT reply actions
OK Go Canes
I’ve given up Mo trying to make sense of lines… His one quote that all the forwards need to be the same and grind and battle for offense tells me why he just throws forwards around. He has no idea how to use different skill sets, he’s not a fan of offensive creativity, and does not like non-hitting skilled guys but prefers bangers and grinders—like LaRose, so LaRose gets the top six, even if the rest of us see different skills and talents which could go together better to pair skillsets and boost each player…
So I hope it works. Tlusty has talent, he’s been working hard. I hope like hell he works his ass off and impresses all of us with his potential and proves worthy of first line minutes. I would welcome it. Please play Czech Hockey Jiri, not all Mo hockey and you’ll do fine…
Please Mr Boychuck more of the same, all game. Please take the puck to the net. Make a case for a higher line…we need scoring. You have a chance, jump on it. Don’t fall into the Mo trap and just play it safe and try to play mistake free—GO FOR IT—you’ll never move up if you only meet Mo’s expectations.
Please MR Stewart, be responsible on Sutter’s line, but go to the freaking net and mkae the goalie’s life hell. Hit some defender in the corners and get the puck to Poni and Sutter. Then crach the net again.
Please Mr Poni—remember that puck posession skill and strength you’ve shown in the past, use it, take the puck to the net, shoot.
Canes—Skate, Hit, GO TO THE NET!!
by Squeaky83 on Oct 28, 2011 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Trying to remain positive
Tremendous net match up tonight… I’ve always been pretty impressed with Corey Crawford’s play, hard to argue with a 4-1 start. Hopefully the offense comes out swinging tonight… wish Boychuk would see more minutes Interested in seeing Tlusty with Staal… maybe that will jump start some offense? I don’t know… one can hope. I’d be very pleased if we can pick up a win tonight… regulation or otherwise. Go Canes/! =D
- C. Wilson, CC's resident Checkers analyst.
by C. Wilson Spiers on Oct 28, 2011 3:35 PM EDT reply actions
Interesting Views
I keep seeing the same things being complained about. I disagree whole-heartedly on a few of them!
Kaberle - Honestly he has looked pretty good. Yeah, so you don’t like the contract but this is a guy that’s a perennial All-Star and very consistent. He has a cerebral puck moving skills and has demonstrated it quite often in the first 9 games. I am not upset with him at all and know he will put up 35-40 points.
Tlusty - He has looked solid both last year and this year. I have been impressed with his game. He has hardly ever been given the opportunity to get the quality scoring minutes. I dont know if he is a top line guy… I would doubt it but I have noticed him always putting in the effort and he has shown a fair amount of skill.
A few players I have not been impressed with.
Stewart and Poni - I thought they might be absolute steals. Im looking at them as busts right now. Im completely unimpressed. Big guys that look slow and both are soft on the puck. I was hoping for more. Maybe they would come around. My guess is you see Poni on the 3rd line most of the year and Stewart grinding it on the 4th. Just look flat and there is a reason they signed that cheap.
Coaching - I keep hearing the Mo must go stuff. Its getting ridiculous. I don’t necessarily disagree but not sure of the better option. Is it Daniels is it Lewis? How is that better? Because they will play our prospects on the top line? You think Dalpe and Boychuck can handle the top D pairing and top checking lines that Staal faces night in and night out? Thats why you see Chad up there and not Skinner. Mo does coach and he works hard at the match ups… he may over think it sometimes but I think I would rather have an over thinker than one that’s an under-thinker.
I understand that Mo is fighting for a playoff spot. So he is going to avoid putting rookies in a position to make mistakes. Yes I wanna see those guys put with Staal too. I want to get them off the 4th line and see what we have. I believe they will see time soon up with him at least Boychuck will as its time to fish or cut bait with him. But I don’t know if Boychuck or Dalpe are the answers to our issues anyway. I would hope they could be the answer just not sure if they are.
Other than Staal…Our team is a team of 2-4th liners at forwards. Sutter’s line has been the most consistent. Skinner is a good player and he will continually get better but is not elite yet. Staal is the franchise and if his effort is there then we have a shot at winning any game.
Blame the budget if you have issues with the team. The players we have are a product of the self imposed cap and the leagues messed up financial pyramid scheme.
The most blame should go to a complete failure by the league to keep the cap structured to help teams in our situation. The margin is to large between cap and floor. We still cant compete with big franchises on a long enough timeline. Be happy we won when we did…… at this rate we wont see that for a very long time.
I guess that answers the question.
JR does in fact read this site.
I believe in strength. I believe in unity. And if that strength, that unity of purpose, demands a uniformity of thought, word and deed then so be it.
by Douchebag St John on Oct 28, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure Skinner is emerging as a better player than Staal right now. I bet they are one and two on the team in scoring this year, and I bet Skinner comes out ahead.
I would hope they are 1-2 in scoring! Yeah Skinner is good and Amazing at age 19! Not elite at the moment. Staal is better than Skinner?… come on. Skinner may beat out Staal for points but not likely. Maybe if Staal had someone on his line….begin same rant here…….
Hmm Skinner won the Calder and deserved it for sure…. He also won but the slimmest margin since Jackman won it in St.Louis forever-ago.
Dont get me wrong, Im a fan of Skinner and he is a good player and will get better.
by RobbinDollar on Oct 28, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Look, they need an upgrade in the top 6. LaRose should not be the long term solution there. But, Staal needs to get himself going. He’s a center, he’s the captain, and he is more minus by half than anyone else on the team. He’s the outlier in the group, not the other forwards. He started doing some of the right things vs Winnipeg. He needs to play the way he did in the first period all night tonight. That will go a long way to not only getting Staal going, but getting the team going in general.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
Yes we need at least 1 first line winger.
by RobbinDollar on Oct 28, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I have to disagree about a couple of things.
Kaberle has not looked good to me at all and his contract is horrible, especially being 3 years with the defensive prospects we have. Over the past 6 seasons, Kaberle has averaged – 76 games, 7 goals, 44 assists, 51 points, & a -4 (pretty damn good stats for an offensive defenseman). This season he is on pace for 82 games, 0 goals, 18 assists, 18 points, & a -37 (I’m not impressed so far).
Poni & Stewart have not been great, but hardly busts so far. They each have 2 goals and Stewart has seen very limited time.
And while I could agree that this is a team of most 2nd liners and below, I think Skinner is pretty close to star level in the league right now. I still believe Staal is the better player and the team is designed around him, but Skinner is right there with him in importance to this team.
Some managers manage using the carrot, Mo manages by using "The Stick."
Dont disagree that Skinner is important. Im a Skinner fan! He just isnt an A level player currently…. notice they pulled him from Staal’s line to keep the Match-up away from Skinner, hes not ready for that yet hes 19! He will be eventually.
Poni and Stewart have bad hands and slow feet…. Yeah 2 goals each and I think that’s way over achieving so far. If they get 30 between the 2 Im ecstatic and they were quality signing for us…from what I see its looking like 20 is pushing it. Maybe they will impress me but no way Stewart belongs in the top 2 lines. Poni could play with Staal but in a perfect world he would be 3rd line….Im routing for both but that doesnt mean im not objective….Maybe I was wanting more.
Yes the Kaberle Contract is dumb…I think I mentioned the contract…. Its not a good signing given the franchise’s depth at the position, term, and amount…couldn’t agree more. Thats not what I was talking about. Dont hate the guy for the contract he signed.
I know I am one of the few that has liked his game this year. I know cause I have heard the Boos when he has touched the puck. Thats just ignorant fans. He has made great passes and might be the best passer on the team. Watch his game tonight, watch his passes. He has never been the guy to fire it into the shin guards of the PKer so everybody chill on the Shoot shoot shoot scream….thats not why he was brought in… he is calm and smooth and has made the right pass every-time, doesn’t force it. Yes his contract still mystifies me but I didnt sign him.
Apparently I have seen the games differently than you have. Glad we have different perspectives that we can share our ideas.
by RobbinDollar on Oct 28, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Ignorant fans? Come on now. The guy can make some nice passes, but his positioning has for the most part been horrible. He pinches at inopportune times and doesn’t have the speed to catch back up. He’s not eager to hit anyone and he is taking up a roster spot from another defenseman. I’m not mad at him for signing the contract, I’m just mad he is here.
Some managers manage using the carrot, Mo manages by using "The Stick."
Let me add that I hope he comes out of his funk and does well. That would help the team and also help with trading him. Having Pitkanen & Kaberle here, making the money they do, really hurts the chances of our prospects of being able to break through. This organization will not sit a player making $4 million + so that Faulk or Murphy can play. And I don’t want a defense of all offensive minded defensemen.
Some managers manage using the carrot, Mo manages by using "The Stick."
Yes the signing still mystifies me. Im not throwing the guy under the bus though.
I really doubt he will be traded… he wasnt signed to be traded and anybody thinking that needs to stop playing NHL 2012 and watch how hockey works. When was the last time a team signed a guy in the off season to move him at the start of the season? The teams that have done that sign the guy for the 1 year deal.
Honestly we should have used that money for a top 6 forward…. wasn’t alot of options out there though. Im still hoping for a trade but sadly it will probably be at the cost of McBain.
by RobbinDollar on Oct 28, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha I see you are mad he is here.
Yes, Ignorant fans… as mentioned… “Shoot shoot shoot ahh he sucks he needs to shoot!”
Positioning has looked good honestly. A few breakdowns so far and a few pinches or soft pinches ill timed I dont disagree. Some of that is on the forwards. Brent Sutter the other night for example on Konopka’s goal.
Yes he doesn’t hit and he lacks some foot speed…. he has never had either in his game so that shouldnt be a shock.
by RobbinDollar on Oct 28, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
So Kaberle is slow, doesn’t hit, doesn’t shoot, makes some key bad pinches, but ignorant fans don’t appreciate him?
Come on Doug. You are saying Kaberle was signed to be Gleason? I always liked your posts. Dont twist mine.
I was saying I have heard the “Boos”…. and “shoot” yells……ok I wont go back through and explain it again but seriously…. i don’t like the guy that much but just saying he isn’t the scapegoat he is made out to be.
I was trying to say with my post that Kaberle isnt the issue… its convenient blame and not deserved but what do I know. Apparently less then the guy 8 beers deep screaming “Boooo” and “shoot” knows more.
Yes we all know Ignorant fans that want the point guy to fire it into the shin guards of the PK guys for a Short handed break away.
I think people are forgetting that Joni was the scape goat last year at times…Look what bringing in Kaberle has done for him so far. Its all nominal.
Personally…. Booing anybody in sports makes me sick and is a classless act. Dont support the team if you dont like it… thats the only way to change it.
by RobbinDollar on Oct 28, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Just a little humor on a Friday. Kaberle is not a bad player at all. He is, however, more ea.sily replaced than some others. My post above was intended to make you laugh.
I got the humor – but i might qualify your observation to add that I don’t that he’s easily replaced anywhere but in Raleigh. Seems like last Feb the Puck moving Dman was the most precious commodity in the trade market. That the Canes have so many is an anomaly and a good thing. We just don’t want to lose any of them.
I think Kaberle is getting better every game. But I sincerely don’t expect him to be “earning his salary” till around game 30 or so. I think he can teach Faulk, Murphy, McBain a lot and I tend to think that’s what he’s here for.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 28, 2011 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, but if the right deal came along for a forward, Kaberle could be traded. There is no reason to rush into a bad deal.
Sorry I missed the humor at first. Took me a Second read… I should have gotten it :p
In no way was I referring to anybody on this site. More of the fans that scream that stuff at the game.
Poni has looked good tonight on the 3rd line. Tlusty looks good as well.
by RobbinDollar on Oct 28, 2011 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope... i'll pass on that :-)
Lets Go Canes !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
My guess is not long. Tlusty is a move made out of weakness, not out of strength. It’s the first salvo in the barrage to find someone, anyone, to get Staal going. On the bright side for those wanting to see Boychuk get his shot, tonight could be that night. if Tlusty/Staal doesn’t click right away and Boychuk has some good shifts he could get that shot tonight.
When my opinions and reality don't coincide I re-evaluate my opinions, not reality.
That’s awesome. But then it sounds like you haven’t discovered twitter – which is like crack, compared to the blog which would be…..? some fine whiskey?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 28, 2011 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions
























