Clicks and Clippings: Calm before the Storm
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 3, 2011 4:19 PM EDT
in Hurricanes Newsstand
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Less than 100 hours remain till the puck drops on the Carolina Hurricanes 2011-12 season Friday night. After a rigorous couple of weeks, the Canes' training camp is going through a "re-set" of sorts. Sunday the team did not practice, and this morning they got an early workout on the ice, with forward lines that had many observers scratching their heads. Then, the group headed over to Prestonwood Country Club in this wonderful weather for the Annual Kids 'n Community Foundation Golf Tournament.
Tomorrow at 11am, this little break in the grind is over and hard practices resume. I expect to be at the RBC and so, if you're inclined, you can look for my thoughts and observations later in the day Tuesday.
Remaining questions to be determined between now and Friday include: Which six defensemen will start Friday night? How will Paul Maurice and his assistants put those forward lines together? Will the power play and defensive systems begin to live up to their promise given the off-season changes on the ice and behind the bench?
Several stories about the Canes Camp, good things being said about Carolina prospects from Calgary to Boston, plus some previews and lists to complete your Monday, after the jump
Updates from Camp on the roster and the preseason stats
Canes' Murphy, Faulk playing beyond their years - NewsObserver.com In his more than 500 games in the NHL, defenseman Bryan Allen has had many defensive partners. But, perhaps, never two quite like Justin Faulk and Ryan Murphy. (Which builds on this from Satuday : Canes Now - Maurice compares Faulk to Skinner)
Carolina Hurricanes look to close the gap - Peter Koutroumpis, Raleigh Sports Examiner What has been enlightening in watching the team’s five preseason games is that each game, believe it or not, showed a progression of different skills and abilities that the team has developed in a short period of time.
In the good news department: ranking the goalies with more than 60 saves in preseason by save percentage, from CBSSports.com NHL Player Statistics
- Sergei Bobrovsky .984, (0.40GAA);
- Brian Boucher .957, (1.46 GAA);
- Tuukka Rask .956, (1.46GAA);
- (four are tied:) Jonas Hiller, Jonathan Bernier, Cam Ward, Dwayne Roloson, all at .955.
Which segues right to: Boucher a Bright Spot in Preseason - Michael Smith, Tracking the Storm One of the clear positives of an otherwise disappointing preseason was the goaltending work of Cam Ward and Brian Boucher.
Speaking of an impending storm, we knew this was coming: Media Blitz '11 - Mike Sundheim, Tracking the Storm. Lots planned for tomorrow and Wednesday, with still more apparently in the works. Chad LaRose, Eric Staal, Tim Gleason, Anthony Stewart, Jeff Skinner, Brandon Sutter, Tuomo Ruutu all get a share of the spotlight. For those of us who are in charge of all those clippings, things can get a little crazy.
HockeyBuzz.com - Matt Karash - Quick hitters on preseason Matt puts together a list of bullets on his take on the Canes the last couple weeks.
Canes Now - Sutter eager to get more power-play time quotes Maurice to say this about Brandon Sutter:
"I think he looks bigger, stronger. We expect that every year he will push for more minutes and there's a place for him to get it. He's been a 20-goal guy already. Can he get to 25 or 30? Sometimes on the power play you're picking up two or three more, but that also changes your confidence a little bit and it makes you play a little more offensively five on five."
Prospects
Newcomer leads Hitmen to comeback win | Calgary Sun The Victor Rask Show premiered Sunday afternoon. Plus this piece of shameless adulation: Rask a saviour for Hitmen? | Calgary Sun. Good on him.
His puckhandling abilities, whether it’s on his stick or in his skates, are out of this world. Over the past decade, perhaps only Ryan Getzlaf had this kind of raw talent.
Brian Dumoulin Expected to Lead Boston College to Another Successful Year in Hockey East - NESN.com Player to watch in 2011-12: As the only returning first team Hockey East All-Star from last season, junior defenseman Brian Dumoulin will be expected to lead the Eagles. Dumoulin took home Hockey East’s Best Defensive Defenseman award as well as the Bob Monahan Award as the top blue liner in New England.
Danny Biega Named to ECAC Hockey Preseason Squads: Harvard Athletics - GoCrimson.com Junior defenseman Danny Biega of the Harvard men's hockey team has been named to the ECAC Hockey Preseason All-League teams by the conference's coaches and covering media members.
Minor League news
Sharing the Net - Paul Branecky, gocheckers.com Friends off the ice, goalies Mike Murphy and Justin Peters are set for a season-long battle for playing time
"I’ve been lucky the past few years to play with Justin Peters and Justin Pogge, because we’ve all been really close off the ice but understand that we’re competing for games," said Mike Murphy. "If they’re in the net I cheer for them and if I’m in the net they cheer for me, because we know that we can only worry about things that we can control."
Florida Everblades receive six players from Charlotte Checkers - Blades' Blog Muse, a rookie who won two national championships while at Boston College, is expected to be the Everblades No. 1 goalie this season.
Season Previews
including some observations from Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner
'Canes another year older, wiser - better? - SI.com
"We're another year older. I think that you need to take that into account,'' Eric Staal said. "We changed from an older team to a younger team last year, and we had new faces - a lot of guys that hadn't played many games in the NHL at all. Now we're another year in, and guys like (Brandon Sutter), Skinner ... we'd like to think we're another year stronger, wiser, and that will make us a better hockey club.''
2011-12 NHL Southeast Division Preview - Darren Eliot - SI.com The reality in Raleigh is that this group is still developing and evolving. It might not have quite enough to reach the playoffs, unless everything goes Carolina's way on the injury front and development track.
Six-minute video from everyone's favorite Super Sophomore from that two-day media tour in New York in September: NHL Season Preview: Jeff Skinner - ESPN Video Last season's rookie of the year Jeff Skinner on his goals for his sophomore campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Power Rankings and other lists
Finally, there's nothing like quick lists ranking teams and players to make everything look so simple. Especially in the preseason.
KuklasKorner : Who’s Winning the Hardware Next Summer? Betting odds from Bodog:
- Cam Ward - 16/1 for Vezina Trophy
- Eric Staal - 45/1 for Art Ross Trophy (NHL Point leader)
- Jeff Skinner - 35/1 for Richard Trophy (Top goal scorer)
More NHL odds from Bodog: Red Light District: 2011-12 point totals: Over or Under? When I stumbled upon Bodog’s NHL future odds, it got me thinking. One of their features was an over/under on point totals for the 2011/12 season. Some were surprising, some were right on the money.
NHL Power Ranking Panel's Picks – USATODAY.com Their large panel of hockey pundits each names his choices for the major individual awards and for the leaders of each division and conference.
NHL Hockey Power Rankings - Week 1- ESPN Hurricanes at 17th. Bieber reference tells you all you need to know.
Black and blue: Brown tops among U.S. hitters - NHL.com In this Top-10 list , three names will ring familiar.
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Ref: Canes Odds on 'Total Points' for Season
I was in the L.V Hilton sports book this past week. Posted on one board were all NHL teams at -110 to exceed a certain number of points for the season. (As you noted Canes were at 83 1/2…ie you bet $110 and get back $210 if the Canes total 84 or more in the regular season. ) I was tempted but ‘chickened out’. It seems a good bet.
Victor Rask
I subscribed to whllive in order to watch the Calgary Hitmen’s games. I saw the game yesterday and Rask was impressive. The WHL was the right spot for him. He is showing bursts of speed that give separation and he has the ability to go East to West at full stride (a point I believe Carolyn made on Twitter). He crushed a shot for his goal, going basically coast to coast unassisted. His assist on the game winning goal was also superb. He blew past a defender and feathered a pass to the stick of a teammate crashing the net. It’s a very hopeful sign for the Hurricanes.
My impression of Rask is that he is very disciplined and is a self-starter. If the Canes coaches give him a list of 100 things to accomplish, he’s the type of person who would systematically work on that list. He has all the tools and has the work ethic to make a strong impact for the Hurricanes once he develops some more.
by abramsdoug on Oct 3, 2011 6:28 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know as much about Rask as some on here so this is a legitimate question, do you think Rask could turn into the much coveted winger for Staal?
by jbcanesfan26 on Oct 3, 2011 7:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Rask as Staal's Wing
Rask has the potential to be that much needed, and difficult to find, wing for Staal. There is much to commend him for that role. He has very elusive moves. He has great hands. He is big (6’1" 194 lbs at age 18). He has excellent lateral acceleration. He is a wicked passer. Other qualities include the fact he is very fit and is determined to do whatever is called for in order to be a contributing player in the NHL.
From what I have been able to determine, he still needs to work on getting his man strength. The good news is that given the fact he is very fit at 194 lbs, he is likely to play around 205 lbs more or less. He also needs to continue working on his first three strides. He has said he is working on that aspect of his skating. Last night he showed some of the results of the work. He also needs to continue to work on his shot. Last night he totally crushed the puck and lifted the puck into the corner while using a defenseman as a screen.
I would rank Rask as the Canes second in line forward prospect behind Dalpe; but because I think Dalpe has made the Hurricanes team, Rask would move up to the #1 Canes forward prospect. If Rask can gain some more acceleration North to South, and if he can gain 10 more pounds of muscle while keeping his speed, and if he works on his release, he seems to be a natural for Staal’s line. Rask was felt at the start of last season to be a top 5 or a top 10 pick. I think that is where his skill level places him. He is a very quiet person and is a person of few words. I suppose some scouts found that off-putting.
Doug,
Further to that conversation we had on Rod’s comments, he stated that Rask was probably the most natural center prospect that the Canes had. He thought Hoffmann’s game was better suited to wing. If analysts are right I may be booking that table Lucky 32 soon.
Rask at Center; Hofmann at Wing; Dinner at Lucky 32
There is a reason Sutter is being moved to second line center. Rask or Nash may be being groomed for third line center. I still think Skinner wants to play center; but unless another wing shows up strong, Skinner is going to spend some seasons on Staal’s line. Hofmann is a total beast in terms of his speed, quickness and very aggressive mind set. I think he will add weight and strength over the course of this season. It’s really hard to find skilled wings who find joy in pounding other players and also have that will to battle even after getting pounded themselves. When I see Hofmman his attitude reminds me of a young Ruutu Skinner.
I tend to think Rask and Hofmann will be factors next season for the Hurricanes. It will open up some interesting decisions for Jim Rutherford. Maybe Rutherford will find his wing for Staal either from the prospects or packaging a deal to a team that needs some high end prospects and a 2nd round draft choice. Say Boychuk & and second round pick for Hemsky. I think the Oilers wanted McBain and a second round pick for Hemsky.
If Skinner or Rask could at some point emerge as a potential top line center I’d like to see Staal slide to the wing. He’s always been a center because he’s always been the best player on his team. He still is the best choice for center on this team right now, but if a pure, natural, top line quality centerman was to emerge on this team I think Staal would thrive playing on the wing. Personally I would really like to see Nash get a good look at 3rd line center. Sutter has really grown over the past year and I think is ready to take on the #2 line. His skating looks improved, his stickhandling better, and at least in the pre-seaon has looked more offensive. Get him the right line mates and I think he’ll have a breakout year. I could see him at 40-50 points with some skill around him.
Sutter as a Second Line Center
I really think the plan is to try to keep Sutter on the second line as center at least against some teams. Nash was taken as and is being groomed to be a third line center. Brent is a beast and will be great on the fourth line. Sometimes Jim Rutherford and Paul Maurice say Skinner will be on Staal’s line for the foreseeable future and other times they say Skinner will be a center one day for the Hurricanes. I know the Hurricanes want Dalpe as a wing, but he also could be an excellent center as he gains strength and some size. When all the choices are good ones, as is the case with the Hurricanes at center, it’s easier to be creative.
the more i read about brent and watch him play
the more i think the fourth line could be a very interesting, very effective weapon for us this year. will it push us over the edge and into the playoffs? perhaps, if the first line and overall forwards situation works itself out. brent reminds me of a poor man’s matt cullen in many regards. i would LOVE to see that line get 12+ minutes a night and chip in the occasional goal or two per 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 4, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I am not saying he is an offensive weapon, but I think he’ll surprise us with the number of points he’ll put up. There is enough depth up front to ensure he’ll have some skill to work with. I totally agree that line might be a fum one to watch.
In some regards with Brent and Sutter scoring
I think we’ll need it. Absent top end scoring talent, we’ll need a lot of depth scorers—similar to how we scored in 05-06. We may not have more than 2 25-30+ goal guys (60 goals), but we have the potential of Jussi, Ruu, Dalpe, Poni, Sutter as 20 goal ish guys (100 goals), with Tlusty, Stewart, Brent, Rosie as 15 goal guys (60 goals)—that’s 220…then we have the defense to add. That’s nearly 2.7 goals per game from the forward alone.
If we can get a team output like that, we can be competitive offensively….
People will call me crazy...
But I don’t think he’s worse than Scott Walker was on his way out the door, and he scored at a 30-point pace his next to last season here.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 7, 2011 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
40-50 points for a 2nd-line center still isn't anything special.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 7, 2011 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Ugh...
I still think Sutter is overslotted in the top six, no matter how good his play is in his own zone.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 7, 2011 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions
The WHL was the right spot for him
Why? Of the 3 CHL leagues the Dub is by far the most rugged and provides the least amount of finesse players to the NHL. I would expect the OHL would be a lot more complimentary to his skill set. I guess it’s probably the toughest test for him with the travel and the way they play in Western Canada.
Rask and the WHL
Rask has exquisite skill. What he needed was to get an adjustment to the physical side of the NHL game. Rask has a mean streak and has a very physical side. He has not had much time on the smaller North American ice. The WHL is perfect for him because it is very rugged and the physical game is emphasized. I believe he will learn how to play like Getzlaf, to whom he has already been compared.
If he gets to the point he can make open ice hits, the Hurricanes organization is going to be doing a big happy dance together are the Canes RBC offices.
I believe he will learn how to play like Getzlaf
I kind of chuckled when I first heard that comparison. I would compare the fact that they are both centermen and both played for the Calgary Hitmen.
Ok, that’s a little harsh. After some thought, he may end up with similar point totals to Getzlaf but will probably have a mean streak similar to that of his countrymen Peter Forsberg, he won’t come anywhere near the PIM totals of Getz. Also keep in mind he’ll play more games than he’s used to and have to endure a number of brutal roadtrips – the BC trip & Saskatchestan trip are tough.
I think it is pretty plausible that Rask is the most skilled puckhandler Calgary has seen since Getzlaf. They are both Playmaking Centers with size, Getzlaf wasn’t exactly a surefire Superstar in his Draft year nor did he ever put up ridiculous point totals in the WHL.
The likelihood of Victor Rask becoming as good as Getzlaf are slim to none. If he is half as good, he would make a decent 2nd/3rd line Center. I’m interested to see what kind of numbers he can put up over a full season for Calgary.
The comparisons to Getzlaf were also made by commentators from Calgary. Interesting that people who saw both at the same stages in their career see similarities. No doubt seeing both players live is a huge help in assessing both player’s similarities and dissimilarities.
It was also shameless adulation from an adoring member of the media.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 4, 2011 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions
adulation
Nice word; but agreed, put the 2 side by side and it doesn’t make a lot of sense, Getzlaf is bigger and nastier.
I’ll tell you what, I’m going to be there in early 2012 (probably late January) and I usually go to a couple of games when I visit, so I’ll tell you what I think then.
Superb. It’s very hard to get the detail from video only. Nothing like being there live to see all the things that happen that don’t show up on the video.
Ya, I’m thinking I’ll catch the Friday game (January 29th) in Calgary and the Saturday game in Red Deer.
We’ll all have a much, much better idea about Rask by the time he has been playing through January and especially with your eyes on observations. So much better to see it live.
yep, really looking forward to seeing Mathew Dumba:
http://www.mynhldraft.com/2012/NHL-Draft-Profiles/Mathew-Dumba
He’s gonna be nasty.
Ryan Getzlaf Report at Hockeys Future
Here is the link to Hockeys’ Future about Getzlaf from Getzlaf’s fourth year at the Calgary Hitmen. It shows that Getzlaf was not the dominate figure you seem to recall. Incredibly talented, but nonetheless, not the player you seem to suggest at age 19.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7476/mighty_ducks_top20_prospects/
“Upon his return to Calgary for his fourth year with the Hitmen, he was named team captain, but both Getzlaf and the team underperformed. His own frustration was apparent with a number of misconduct penalties and led to him being stripped of the “C” in mid-November. He regained the captaincy in December, however, reports continue to circulate about Getzlaf’s negative energy. Rumors abound about the possibility of his presence being a cancer in the dressing room and that he lacks effort and dedication."
Getzlaf is fantastic. I wish the Canes had him. The fact he was having a fourth year in the WHL was my point; and only to the extent that trying to go back in time to compare Rask at 18 to Getzlaf at 18 means that Getzlaf at 18 was not a sure thing. Getzlaf is exactly the kind of player the Canes need. Rask has many of those qualities; and if he can add the kind of intense physical play that Getzlaf brings, Rask will be a tremendous find for the Canes.
Rask will be a tremendous find for the Canes.
I’m not saying you’re wrong, I’m just saying it’s a little early to make that kind of prediction – remember all the things you said about Boychuk when he was 18, a lot can happen. ya, it’s tempting to jump at the Getzlaf comparison, who wouldn’t want to, but when you compare their size, their stats as 16 & 17 year olds, and where they grew up I think it’s a stretch and if the comparison sticks I think it puts undue pressure on Rask – that’s a lot to live up to.
No question about it, the Boychuk situation has me puzzled. He was and is a kid with all the physical tools. For whatever reason, he is not as far along as I thought he would be.
Motivation issues are to be blamed on nobdy but the player himself.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 7, 2011 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Great eval.
Thanks for weighing in.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 7, 2011 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Mo
Is it just me or does Maurice say the same thing about every player he’s asked about. “I like his game.” Every interview it seems to me
by jerry6racing on Oct 3, 2011 6:51 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
That’s coach speak for “I don’t care to comment.”
by hockeythoughts on Oct 3, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
it's not just you
please let us make the playoffs this season! pppllllleeeaasssseeeeeee
McBain
I’ve noticed a lot of people here are really done on McBain and can’t figure out why? I know Faulk and Murphy have been impressive, but McBain is still a young defenseman. While he wasn’t Shea Weber, he wasn’t that bad considering last season was his “official” rookie year. If you compare him to Kris Letang, who was an All-Star, McBain’s rookie numbers were similar or better than Letang’s first couple of seasons. McBain still has some improvements to make, but he’s not bad and he is quite affordable. With him, Faulk, and Murphy either ready now or in the immediate future; the Canes have some defensemen to build around. I guess I’m just wondering if people really think we should give up on him already?
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
by PackPride17 on Oct 3, 2011 8:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I agree
I don’t think we should give up on him or shop him. I think its great that we have him along with Faulk and Murphy for the future. I prefer physical dmen, but it’d be hard to back that argument knowing that I’ve never seen Lidstrom hit anyone and he’s pretty good…
by xlwino on Oct 3, 2011 8:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Lidstrom wouldn't be as effective, though...
If he weren’t on a team that could afford to surround him with physicality not only in his blue line partners, but up front at forward as well.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 6, 2011 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
mcbain isn’t going anywhere
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 4, 2011 7:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Mc Bain is a slow starter, even his father has commented about that. I like him, but my concern is that he could fall out of favor with the staff due to his slow start and all the Johnny come lately players coming up the ranks. I think he’s a smart kid and could see him with Murphy and Faulk as a young defensive nucleus to build some young stay at home d-men around. I would hope he’s not traded but if JR was in a mood to make a trade in the first month or so I fear he could be a target unless he can get back to the form he was in at the end of the 2010-2011 season.
I think he could easily be moved in a trade for a forward or future assets.
As JR has noted, it’s not usually until a young defenseman’s second team (and first major contract) that he really hits his prime.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 6, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I think perception of McBain is affected by the high proportion of offensive defensemen on the Canes. McBain would look a lot more valuable if the Canes didn’t have Pitkanen, Kaberle, Faulk and Murphy on the same roster at this point. If the Canes were overloaded with shutdown defensemen, McBain would look a lot more valuable.
I think it’s also true that McBain doesn’t quite have an elite skill to match Murphy’s and Pitkanen’s skating and Faulk’s shot. If McBain has an elite skill, it’s probably passing, though he does have a good shot.
by curiouscanesfan on Oct 4, 2011 7:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I think McBain has potential to be a solid two-way defenseman. It might take a little while longer, but we have him cheap for a couple of more seasons. I know Kaberle this season is a better option than McBain, but I was not a big fan of that signing this offseason. And while Murphy is a very talented individual, he is and probably will always be; super small. In my little world; I could see a defense of Pitkanen/Faulk, Gleason/McBain, Domoulin/Murphy with maybe Joslin as the 7th defenseman in a couple of seasons. To me, those pairings have the potential to be 3 solid pairings that mix in some office and defense; so we are not heavily waited toward either side.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
I like McBain, and think he will be good offensive defenseman who will not be a liability in his own end. MY take was he needed some serious strength added to be more effective, and some initial acceleration work. I was counting on him being a starter.
Then I’ve been watching Faulk. He brings everything McBain does, but frankly, he’s a little stronger and throws an occasional hip check that stops a forward’s progress, and his defensive play—for now—seems better than McBain’s (see slow starter…).
In my view then, I’d start Faulk over McBain in order to field the best team we could on the ice…
…But I’m not down on McBain at all. But I see a problem….I like Joslin and his potnetial. He has very good size and strength to be a good, balanced two way guy. He also has Grit we could use to supplement Gleason (Gleason could be a good mentor for Joslin). But we have PItkanen and Kaberle signed long term, Gleason too. Allen is here for one more year (at least, but if he’s not too mobile this year we’ll probably cut and run). We signed Harrison as well. We’re our of room….Sending anyone but Faulk down means someone else picks up Joslin or McBain…don’t like that. Don’t think PK wants to pay NHL salaries in the AHL… And we have Murphy showing up next year who’s also even better than McBain and Faulk offensively. Dumoulin is going to show up eventually as well… Seems we have too many offensive guys, and Mc Bain doesn’t seem to have as good an all around game as Faulk, and doesn;t have the skillset of Murphy.
So where does he fit?
Gleason is actually not currently signed long-term. His contract expires after this season. I still like the possible pairings as I mentioned above, but I see them difficult to get to because of our current defensemen under contract. Like I also mentioned, I’m not a huge fan of the Kaberle signing. It just doesn’t work for me, but I know many would disagree.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
What if Murphy and Faulk needed more grooming a nd wasn’t ready. Would you be stating now that you wish JR had signed another defenseman after Corvo left? I think having to decide which good players to play is a great problem to have, and after Corvo requested that “soft trade” request I think any good GM would be out seeking a replacement.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Oct 4, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
At the time of the trade, Faulk and Murphy were really not in the picture to make the NHL team. So, yes I was hoping JR had signed another defenseman; but I was hoping for a more defensive presence than Kaberle. Don’t get me wrong, Kaberle is not a horrible player. I’m just not fond of having him here for 3 seasons with the prospects that are expected to be ready soon.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
Sure, I think the years are a lot too, but I also think the options were limited. In hind sight we may not have needed him.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Oct 4, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
One such option was Joe Corvo.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 6, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
kabs can always be traded
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 4, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
One would imagine that wouldn't happen this year.
That’s a big contract to move for an aging player on the decline, and they probably don’t want to burn future FA bridges.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 6, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 6, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
If they felt they needed more grooming...
They probably shouldn’t have traded Corvo in the first place.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 7, 2011 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Letang’s overall game is so much better than McBain’s – from skating ability, to defensive play, to puck management, offensive prowess, etc. I don’t think McBain has the same bag of tools. I agree that he’s still young and will improve, but with the guys nipping at his heels the leash is a lot shorter than it was a year ago. He’s looked pretty good in pre-season, with the exception of a couple of brain cramps – 4 min penalty, missing short-side high on the PP which ends up being a clear for the penalty killers. If he can get the lapses out of his game and play more consistently he should be fine.
I was just trying to use Letang as an example. Letang is the better player, but had similar numbers as McBain his first couple of seasons.
McBain definitely has more competition now, I’m just surprised at the 180 many seem to have done with him. During that little stretch in the 09/10 season, McBain was the best thing since sliced bread and people on CC were fawning over him. Now, people are open to the idea of trading him to give Faulk his spot. I really like Faulk and I think he will be in the show soon, but I would prefer to keep McBain and maybe trade someone else (cough*Kaberle*cough) that might bring a bigger return.
The new Dynamic Duo, Eric Staal & Zac Dalpe!
I get what you’re saying, but that’s the nature of the beast – the cliche in junior hockey is “you’re only as good as you last game”. People have short memories. Justin Faulk’s progress doesn’t make it any easier for him and as far as Kaberle – with the exception of Canes fans most see that as a bad contract, so he’ll be tough to move.
Agree if
He produces for us like he did for Boston. If he recovers his offense somewhat with us (not necessarily back to mid 2000’s Toronto production) and positively contributes to our PP results he instantly becoomes tradeable.
Right now, based on “what has he done lately”, it’s an albatross contract. We’ll see if JR or the press is right this season…
If you think Kaberle would net a bigger return, that's probably a problem in the first place.
The reason we were able to get him at the “bargain” cost of $3 mil a year well into FA is because nobody really wanted him. McBain will absolutely be more valuable on the open market because he’s younger and better cost controlled.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 7, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think anybody's done...
His skillset and talent level are simply becoming redundant with the other players we have up and down the organization at defense.
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Oct 6, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Great stuff as always, HM!
Kind of a tangential Click/Clipping for those not on twitter… Alex Ovechkin is heading back to Russia after learning of the death of his uncle this week. While sympathies are certainly with him and his family, his situation does have potential ramifications for the Caps home opener on Saturday night, which just happens to be against your Carolina Hurricanes.
Bind optimist and Kool-Aid drinker
I did see that and also that the Caps have been assured he’ll be back, but anything could happen, of course. I’ll keep an eye out as this develops.
Related, Ryan Malone, of the Lightning, was not suspended for a hit vs the Canadiens yesterday, and will be available Friday.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Oct 3, 2011 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah, didn’t think about the Malone angle for Friday night.
Regarding AO GR8, one has to think that a trip halfway across the world and back in 5 days would have some effect on his readiness for the game Saturday. I know it took me over a week to recover from Helsinki (which is where I was a year ago today… sigh…)
The Caps website said they’re going to have to postpone the unveiling of his likeness at Madame Toussaud’s until a later date. I gotta admit the thought of a wax Ovechkin creeps me out even more than the disembodied head in the locker.
Bind optimist and Kool-Aid drinker
by Jamie Kellner on Oct 3, 2011 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I had to laugh
at AD’s summation of Rask..as from my contacts via several Chief’s fans who go to Calgary regularly..and speak with other fans up there..the story goes that the Hitmen were all but holding their breath praying to the hockey gods that Rask would stay & come to them..as AD has pointed out he is and has already made a huge impact for the team…and yes..Rask would be that dedicated to go through that list as hard and efficiently as possible too !! Great stuff & information Miss carolyn..and this fan…Thanks You !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
by CaniacSteve on Oct 3, 2011 9:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Ha...
I am amused that ESPN notes Erik Cole is “not built for the Montreal spotlight.” Grass isn’t always greener, bud, even if you piss on the lawn you came from.
I also agree wholeheartedly with Staal’s sentiments on the team this year.
"We’re another year older. I think that you need to take that into account. We changed from an older team to a younger team last year, and we had new faces – a lot of guys that hadn’t played many games in the NHL at all. Now we’re another year in, and guys like (Brandon Sutter), Skinner … we’d like to think we’re another year stronger, wiser, and that will make us a better hockey club.’’
Personal attacks are the weapon of the ignorant.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
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