Clicks and Clippings: The beat goes on

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 17, 2011 12:12 PM EST in Hurricanes Newsstand

UPDATED 6:30pm with afternoon links

An exclusive interview with Jim Rutherford - from the guest on Brian's podcast this afternoon: Rutherford considers changes - Kurt Dusterberg, HurricanesBeat.com The quote below on the kind of player he is seeking by trade, plus a ton more regarding the GM's thoughts about Maurice as a coach. ★★★★★

"Over the years, we had Ray Whitney, and when things got tough, he was a guy that could stand up (in the dressing room)," Rutherford said. "We also had Rod Brind'Amour and Cory Stillman. We do have a very quiet team. Without question, we are missing that piece in the room."

AUDIO: Paul Maurice post practice [5:12] - To hear the original source for the next three links.

Down, But Not Out - Michael Smith, Tracking the Storm

"As miserable as it was in Montreal, today’s a new day and you’ve got to prepare yourself for Buffalo," goaltender Cam Ward said. "We have to work at just righting the ship. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but it’s the way you’ve got to approach it. You’ve got to be strong mentally, and this is a challenge for ourselves."

Canes try to focus only on Sabres game - Canes Now How tough will it be with each game now feeling like a referendum on his coaching and job security?

"I'm not sure that that game-by-game started in early November 1995," Maurice said. "This the grind that you learn to survive and deal with it as a man, deal with your players, rally your troops, have direct and honest conversations with players that need to have those. And make sure that when you're standing behind the bench you show that confidence in your team. And you just do it every day, night after night."

Dalpe headed back to Charlotte - goCheckers.com The Carolina Hurricanes will reassign forward Zac Dalpe to the Checkers, coach Paul Maurice told the Raleigh media on Thursday.

The Hockey News: Art of early-season trades - Lyle Richardson The trade market is again expected to heat up between Nov. 24 (American Thanksgiving) and the NHL’s holiday roster freeze, which kicks in Dec. 19. But there’s no guarantee we'll see notable, higher-salaried talent on the move, let alone multi-player deals.

[original post - with morning links follows the jump]

It's hard to get a bead on what is happening at Edwards Mill Road.

On the one hand we've seen the debacle on the ice almost nightly, with growing concern from even the most measured of local media who have followed the team closely for many years.

On the other, we have one of the longest tenured GM's in the League, a former goaltender at that, sounding very much like he's not about to panic and is going to wait until the right solution presents itself. Preaching Patience.

Finally, with last night's game getting the klieg light treatment that goes with being the only hockey game on TSN, the national media is pouncing all over the situation with more attention than Raleigh has seen on the puckwebz since the hoopla that was the All Star Game took over the Triangle 10 months ago.

Here ya go:

Stories since the loss last night:

Rutherford: no major changes to be made yet - Canes Now Of potential trades, Rutherford said, "There's not anyone out there right now who's available. There might be some who become available. We'll see what we can do." ★★★★★
Canes facing moment of decision - Chip Alexander, CanesNow Time to decide on the coaching staff. Time to decide on players. Time to decide if a trade or some trades need to be made. ★★★★★
It’s time for Paul Maurice to exit the Hurricanes - Puck Daddy Fire Paul Maurice. The time is right, with seven of the next nine games at home. If you don't think a different voice behind the bench and a stretch of home games can't turn your season around, then you haven't been watching the St. Louis Blues, apparently. ★★★★★ (FYI: the Blues are 3-0-1 under Ken Hitchcock, having surrendered just 3 goals in those 4 games)
Jim Rutherford should feel the heat in Carolina, too | James O'Brien, ProHockeyTalk Beyond getting a great draft steal in Jeff Skinner, Rutherford’s recent moves have either been minimal or damaging. Once you get past Staal, Skinner and Ward, the Hurricanes are an Island of Misfit Hockey Toys. ★★★★★

More national focus on what ails the Carolina franchise:

Daily Debate: Big gamble in Chicago and free fall in Carolina - Craig Custance and Pierre LeBrun, Cross Checks Blog - ESPN Rutherford won’t sit on his hands while this slide continues. My sense is that a trade is more likely to come before a coaching change. Perhaps a trade can buy Paul Maurice some time behind the bench, but if the losses continue to pile up, he might be in trouble as well. ★★★
Struggling Hurricane Eric Staal hopes move to wing ends scoring slump - NHL.com "It's been a tough go here. That doesn't mean there aren't other parts of my game I haven't liked, but everyone looks at the numbers, the plus-minus and those things. But there are a lot of games left and I can still improve my game and feel more comfortable with who I'm playing with. The bottom line is to help the team get wins." ★★★★
TSN Radio 990: Rod Brind’Amour - this is 13 minutes video/phone call in with Assistant Coach Rod Brind`Amour and covers quite a bit, but I just don't hear a the voice of somebody prepared to become an NHL head coach here. ★★★★

Learning from the mistakes of others (or: "The broader view")

On why changing coaches every 2 or 3 years is not the answer: What does every team understand except the Islanders? - View from my Seats The problem [with a total re-build] is that it’s hard and it’s time consuming. As the years pass, the pressure to win and rush young players becomes greater and greater as fans starve for any semblance of hope. But if the organization really wants to set the team up to succeed for the long-haul, they’re going to need to realize that they need some stability at the head coaching position. ★★★★★
Setting expectations: Is there a Truly Great General Manager in the NHL? - Arctic Ice Hockey Has any general manager truly "figured it out"? And by "figured it out", I mean has anyone consistently built one the top three or four teams in the league without benefiting either from his predecessor's drafting or from multiple high draft picks and without spending to the salary cap? ★★★★
Good news/Bad news: The Hockey News: Top 10: Free agent flops We count down the biggest free agent disappointments so far this season, including familiar names like Anton Babchuk, Erik Cole, and Tomas Kaberle:

3. Tomas Kaberle - Fans of the Bruins and Leafs could tell you how much Kaberle’s game has slipped in recent years, but that didn’t stop the Hurricanes from signing the 33-year-old D-man to a three-year, $12.75 million deal. What have they gotten for $4.25 million so far? Four assists in 18 games and a minus-5 rating. Yikes.

Self-recognition in this very funny post from (of all places!) a Montreal blogger: How to know if you’re cheering for a bubble team " The Active Stick It’s that time of the year when we forget that less than a quarter of the games in the NHL season have been played and decide to form our opinions on how the season is going to turn out, which means the term "bubble team" is being thrown around a lot. ★★★★★

Montreal residuals

Cole adjusts in Montreal - NewsObserver.com "My answer is that everyone needs to relax," Cole said. "Eric is the type who puts a lot of pressure on himself at the start of each year and wants to come out the gate really, really hard and be the guy to carry the team... ★★★★
Figure skating gives Calder winner an edge - Montreal Gazette - a Q&A with Jeff Skinner from the Montreal paper: ★★★★

Q What it's like not being able to go into a bar legally in some cities on the road?

A "It's all right. You can't really complain too much about being a teenager and playing hockey as a job. So there are not too many drawbacks to what we get to do. It's a privilege and something to be really grateful for."

Loose change

Doctor gives Rangers’ Marc Staal OK to begin light physical activity - Larry Brooks, NYPOST.com Marc Staal has been given approval to begin light physical activity following his examination by concussion specialist Dr. Robert Cantu in Boston on Tuesday. ★★★
Another goalie prospect is thriving. Having a 'whale' of a Time: Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers Know Where They've Been, Know Where They're Going - Yahoo! Canada Sports As of early November, Matt Mahalak, 18, led the league with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage. ★★★

Checkers

Another hockey team in North Carolina has a nice stretch of home games ahead - if you need a break from the pressure at the RBC...

Shaya's10 Thoughts: November 17 - GoCheckers.com Rockford comes into town on Friday having the worst record in the Midwest Division and they are tied for the most goals allowed in the Conference at 49. They’ve only won three games in their past 10. I think it’s fair to say that the Checkers would like all four points out of Friday and Sunday’s games against the IceHogs. ★★★

Life goes on

Save the date: Skate With the Canes, Casino Night and Wine Tasting Tickets Available on Nov. 22 - Carolina Hurricanes News The annual Kids ‘N Community Foundation fundraisers are set for Feb. 5 and Feb. 26, respectively.

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This franchise is a joke

by GiantsCanes on Nov 17, 2011 12:16 PM EST reply actions

Great. The way I see it, Maurice will be gone eventually. Why hold out? What’s he goin to do that will bring the team back into the playoff hunt?

Waiting this out is a dumb idea. We are already free falling out of the bubble…these games are vital. Why aren’t we trying to change coaches, which will inevitably happen, early?

by hurricane9 on Nov 17, 2011 12:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Because we can save 1 million a year by paying bargain bin prices for a crappy coach. Who cares if next season has an average attendance of 11k?

by Buglermcd on Nov 17, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

Rest assured what ever JR and PK do to remedy this situation it will be inexpensive and short sighted. I just don’t see the playoffs in the teams future this season. Word is they are combing through the coaching ranks of the RYHA for someone.

by Canes Pucknut on Nov 17, 2011 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

geez and here i thought they were combing through our posts here on CC looking for the next Lavi

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 Nov 18, 2011 6:36 AM EST up reply actions

Weird

I have recently been converted to the “Mo Must Go” camp due to a clear need for a spark if nothing else. The thing I don’t understand is what are we waiting on?

I think I’m pretty objective—I know that JR probably knows more about hockey than everyone on this board combined. So what are we missing? Would he really put a friendship in front of the team? He’s a professional who clearly knows what he is doing.

That would lead me to think that maybe we (including me) are all over-reacting about needing a coaching change, but with the number of national voices saying we need a change—I don’t think we are.

I honestly just don’t understand what is happening. I am confident that:
a) JR is a capable and good GM who wouldn’t actually let friendship dictate this
b) The time for Maurice to go is very soon

So what’s up? Sittler/any other previous NHL players/etc help me out? I don’t want to hear the same old “JR sticks up for his buddy”.

by chrisbrasfield on Nov 17, 2011 12:32 PM EST reply actions

I think Rutherford believed in Maurice like anyone would hope/believe in their own son/brother. He gambled and lost. I don’t think he’s choosing friendship over winning but he had a bias, as anyone does toward anyone else (good or bad).

As far as something happening now, I have to believe that he’s working hard at that and if he could snap his fingers to get the next situation in place he would, but he has to work through channels and other people’s decision making processes as well (talking about candidates more so than PK).

by efrancis on Nov 17, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

You may not want to hear it....but what other explanation could there be????

Facts are facts….maybe you should pull up the stats for the last coach’s Tenure look at what he accomplised and where the team was when he was fired…note that there were all indications that he did not get along with JR at all……..

Then compare what is happening now and over the past couple of years……open your eyes and face the COLD HARD TRUTH!

IF that does not do it for you…for kicks and grins….. compare the career numbers for the last 2 Coaches and how there teams are currently doing and have done over the past few years :)

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

Clearly Mo is gone. But you just can’t go to Home Depot and get an NHL coach ( insert Maurice joke here).
Surely JR is working out double-coach-salary issues with PK and doing private phone call interviews. Remember when Mo 2.0 was hired the process was well underway behind the scenes before the day Lavi was let go.

by drifterscape on Nov 17, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

Rutherford is a master of the bluff as well – very patient and great negotiator. Don’t take his words at face value. They’re intended as much for those he’s in discussions with – other GM’s or coaching candidates – as they are for the fans.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 17, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I would agree with you Miss Carolyn

As he has to find a balance to keep the fans coming in to put butts in the seats (as a topless Story aint getting it done now LOL ) as well as protect his and other “investors” in the team..so and again..i agree with you on your observations…Thank you…another great job…

9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on Nov 17, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

typically we have had no idea a big trade or coaching change was coming at all with JR. It’s kind of like not disclosing the specific nature of a players injury. Right now JR will only say the team has both upper and lower body concerns !!

by Hockeydog on Nov 17, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

I remember...

game 5 against the Devils, at the ESA, we’re down by a few goals, sure thing we’re going to lose. Still, the packed house rose up as one, and with close to two minutes left kept cheering and shouting as loud as can be, erupting as one when the final moments ticked down, thanking Artus Irbe and the boys for their effort. We all left high fiving one another, knowing in our hearts that better days lie ahead, just around the corner. And we were right.

Today is just the opposite, with the GM seemingly turning his back on the fans, as have most of the players on the ice, saddling the heartiest of diehards with lackluster effort after lackluster effort, the same season when it was announced local minority owners have joined the fold. After two straight years out of the playoffs, we are clearly heading for another long summer, albeit made worse by the quality of play.

How do we get back to where we were? As fans, our hands are tied, other than venting on discussion boards and calling in to radio shows to voice our displeasure. I, for one, will take a GIANT step back away from all the chatter and horrifyingly bad play on the ice for about a week or so, then re-engage once the organization does something positive.

Am I a fair-weather fan for doing that? Regardless, it’s all I’ve got left.

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 Nov 17, 2011 12:54 PM EST reply actions

Stinky stay strong

The Phoenix (not the team the legend) at the end of its life builds a nest at the end of its life. The nest ignites and all is reduced to ashes. From those ashes the glorious Phoenix is reborn. Our team will get better and our hopes will rise. That is, just after the fire that is about to happen.

by surgalt on Nov 17, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

TELL ME IT'S ALL A BAD DREAM

I’m ready for this nightmare to end. I know JR has come out today and said their will be no coaching changes and can’t make a trade right now. But he can send a message today by going to the locker room and telling the players, if don’t want to play here then I’ll pack your bags and trade you in a nano-second. Then he needs to tell Paul, he’ll have until the weekend and then decide.
If our Captain is not being vocal on the ice and in the locker room, it’s time to take the “C” off his jersey and tell him until he starts playing with more heart and show the fans he does care he will not wear the “C” for the remaining of the season. If our captain had the balls he would take the “C” off himself and tell the coaching staff he is not worthy of wearing it now.
It’s funny how last year the comment was made that since this organization has gotten the draft gone to 2 Stanley Cup finals and won 1 and got the All-Star game, that the next goal was to be a playoff every year. We can all blame management for this horendous start. Thanks alot PK.

by skinnerthewinner on Nov 17, 2011 1:07 PM EST reply actions

If JR is talking about bringing the kids from Charlotte here, who’s sitting and who’s playing. Is Jeff Daniels included in this? I hope so.

by skinnerthewinner on Nov 17, 2011 1:15 PM EST reply actions

Since JR is talking about bringing players from Charlotte here, who’s coming and who will be sitting. Hope Jeff Daniels is included.

by skinnerthewinner on Nov 17, 2011 1:17 PM EST reply actions

MSmithCanes Michael Smith
Zac Dalpe will be reassigned to Charlotte. Anthony Stewart re-enters the lineup tomorrow.

by GiantsCanes on Nov 17, 2011 1:17 PM EST reply actions

Seriously? That’s the move? Wow.

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 Nov 17, 2011 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

I am so sick of this crap

Dalpe should not only be in Raleigh, he should be playing 16-20 minutes a game.

by GiantsCanes on Nov 17, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Id honestly rather have him in Charlotte getting 1st line minutes and winning than playing 3-5 minutes a night on this sinking ship full of locker room drama, dismay, and a turd for a coach.

by JussiJuice on Nov 17, 2011 1:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

agree

why subject him to this crap fest?

by Herb Gardener on Nov 17, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

+1

by rubyhawk on Nov 17, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

I agree. If they aren’t going to get more than 5 minutes per game, send Dalpe and Boychuck back to Charlotte. At least they will play and be able to make a difference there. Better for them than sitting stale at the end of the bench in Raleigh.

The only easy day was yesterday.

by CoastalCane on Nov 17, 2011 8:28 PM EST up reply actions

OMG !!! Are you kidding???? Am I just stupid when it comes to hockey or did Dalpe not look pretty good in his limited time last night? Or is Dalpe going down so Boychuk can stay up and be showcased? I like Stewart back in the lineup, but not at Dalpe’s expense.

by Hockeydog on Nov 17, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

I don't understand..

..why is Dalpe being sent down? The kid needs playing time – which he’s not getting being stuck on the 4th line, but he needs to be playing at the NHL level to continue to develop.

Megaweapon… Megaweapon… Megaweapon…

by Kid CHUD on Nov 17, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, great idea. That will surely add a spark to the team.

by hurricane9 on Nov 17, 2011 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

Well

The locker room drain and cancer for the team that is somehow Zac Dalpe in his 3 minutes a night will be removed. Giess we’re back to ebing a playoff team.

Wow. JR, keep this up, I’ll add you to my Mo must go referendum.

Youth and rebuilding/our future as a sucessful franchise is being severely damaged. When do the prospects start thinking they’ll never get a shot unless they’re a first rounder???

by Squeaky83 on Nov 17, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

The Puck Daddy Article is the worst thing that could have happened

JR and PK will not have their decisions dictated by the media or the fans. I have speculated that some of Mo’s continued employment is a message that its their team, not ours, and they will do what they darn well please. DeCock advised he even believes that this was a consideration in a response to me on Twitter last night. Now that the national media and TSN have jumped in the fray, you can bet their illegitimate step-son gets to keep his job as a flaming middle finger to us and the media.

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 Nov 17, 2011 1:19 PM EST reply actions

I think there is too much at stake for JR and PK to make any decisions to spite the fans or media.

by Hockeydog on Nov 17, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

well at least the ’Canes are getting some national attention…

by rubyhawk on Nov 17, 2011 3:57 PM EST up reply actions

We don’t need this kind of attention

by Hockeydog on Nov 17, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

i agree

by rubyhawk on Nov 17, 2011 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

Maurice was being pegged as one of the first coaches to get fired by the national media long before the season started.

by hurricane9 on Nov 17, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

Mo hockey

at the start of the season, i said Mo had 20 games to prove himself. if the team wasn’t above 500 after 20 games and in a playoff position he needed to go. HE SHOULDN’T HAVE EVEN GOTTEN 20 GAMES THIS YEAR! it is, and has been perfectly clear, that this team was not going to be any good with MO behind the bench!

we’ve brought in vets, and we sucked. we got rid of the vets and went with youth, and we sucked. we got a good mixture of vets and youth, AND WE STILL SUCK! what is the common denominator???? MO! MO MUST GO!

in the last 3 seasons, regardless of the players on the ice, we still see the same problems.

so, at this point, JR needs to pull the trigger. ANYONE will be a better replacement than the man behind the bench right now. they could have the powerball lottery seat winner be the coach the next night and we couldn’t do worse.

if it’s the players fault, then look at the GM who put this team together. and if it isn’t the players fault then the coach has to go.

if JR can’t pull the trigger than maybe PK needs to pull the trigger…twice….and get rid of JR as well (at least from the GM position)

this team has enough talent to win more than they should lose in this league. is it a cup contender? probably not. is it a playoff contender? abso-freaking-lutely! and one man and his crappy @$$ “system” is holding it back.

by deadlift425 on Nov 17, 2011 1:23 PM EST reply actions

Well, it’s clear we have systemic problems. Who is responsible for the systems? Mo

Since Mo took over our offense has fallen off each year. Our PP stays the same, no changes in what the team does. the results are the same as they usually have been under Mo—bad.

Our team plays the 4th line the least of any team in the league. Who decides that? Mo.

Our prospects get less opportunity than other teams give theirs. Who decides that? Mo.

When other teams have issues they make changes. What does Mo do? Says we need to work harder. WHe LaRose was on top lines last year he shut down Staal, then Skinner and was —19. So what do we do this year? The same damn thing. Who in their right mind thinks doing something that failed the previous year will work the next year?

We have player issues—and that’s on the GM. But Mo has the option not to play those who are underperforming. But he chooses not to. If anything, he runs them out more increasing the pressure on them. Wow. Mo can give the prospects time on lines that aren’t working and bench forwards who aren’t performing, hustling or sticking to the system. He chooses not to do that either. Mo can set an example and play the 4th line more when they go out and have good shifts. He doesn’t. Any wonder we keep staying the same? Mo doesn’t do ANYTHING different. There is no cost to the vets if you’re not sticking to the system, not giving effort, not producing, even if you are making mistakes that hurt the team…. And that’s the worst part of Mo as a coach. POOR LEADERSHIP.

by Squeaky83 on Nov 17, 2011 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

It's not December yet

Isn’t that when the Canes bring in new coaches???

by caniacmum on Nov 17, 2011 1:25 PM EST reply actions

ice_chip Chip Alexander
Staal: “The coaching staff has been very good. They’re doing all they can.” Said players need to jell as a group, play better D for Ward.

by GiantsCanes on Nov 17, 2011 1:30 PM EST reply actions

Staal Earned His Bonus

I guess the org got the face of the franchise to lie for Mo.

Look JR, give it up. We are not changing our minds about him.

Unless he gets hit in the head and starts coaching right and wins the Cup. Even then, maybe.

by WStout on Nov 17, 2011 2:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

They are never going to blame the coaches, only themselves. That’s how players think. And it is partially their fault as well.

by hurricane9 on Nov 17, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

+1

I agree. We can talk about poor line combos all night, and those points are valid. But the uninspired garbage from last night is on the players as well. I don’t recall hearing if this has already been done, but if it hasn’t Staal needs to call a players only meeting. They all need to go to someones house, hash it out and then have some dinner or something. good point hurricane9 !

by Hockeydog on Nov 17, 2011 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

We want the Captain to be vocal, but selling out the coach publicly is a bad idea on all levels. Besides, all he said was “they are doing all they can”. That may not necessarily be a compliment, because “all they can” sucks right now.

The only easy day was yesterday.

by CoastalCane on Nov 17, 2011 8:35 PM EST up reply actions

Hah. “Doing all they can” could be read very differently from its normal understanding.
ie. My five year old son is “doing all he can” to complete his sister’s calculus homework.

by drifterscape on Nov 18, 2011 1:48 AM EST up reply actions

"Island of Misfit Hockey Toys"

is it christmas yet?

Mi piace l'hockey su ghiaccio.
l'hockey è buono qui .. sì?

by zippy8 on Nov 17, 2011 1:36 PM EST reply actions

I liked his suggestion for JR, maybe it’s time for Jason Karmanos or Francis to take on that role.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 17, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

i am going to write Santa a wish list-

a head coach
a top six forward, preferably a finisher
and into the playoffs

Mi piace l'hockey su ghiaccio.
l'hockey è buono qui .. sì?

by zippy8 on Nov 17, 2011 1:39 PM EST reply actions

Today's Practice

Just got back from today’s practice at RCI. In my opinion, the team was way too laid back and practice was too unstructured. If I was the coach of a team in the Hurricanes’ position, I would have scheduled a fast-paced, uptempo practice, likely with an intra-squad scrimmage for players to battle it out for playing time. I’d also be showing a lot more fire than Mo who was quiet and reserved.

Notes: The last 4 players off the ice were Ruutu, Dalpe, Skinner, and Boychuk. Brind A’mour was working individually with Dalpe and Ruutu at one end of the ice practicing one timers.

by TedEBallGame on Nov 17, 2011 1:40 PM EST reply actions

I guess Dalpe will go back to Charlotte after practice.

by Hockeydog on Nov 17, 2011 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

This is Mo’s main problem. The man has absolutely no fire to him. If he was any more low key he wouldn’t have aa heartbeat.

I realize it is probably nice to play for a coach like that, but it does not provide results when the going gets tough.

by JussiJuice on Nov 17, 2011 1:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Without knowing what was said in the lockerroom last night after the game and what was said before they came out on the ice; it’s kind of hard know how much “fire” Mo let loose.

None of that matters anyway…at this point it’s about the results, period.

by efrancis on Nov 17, 2011 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

You would think that the Captain (Staal) would always be the last to stay, just to set an example for the team?

by CanesFanFromLI on Nov 17, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

Mike Maniscalco on Twitter said rumor was they were bringing up one of the guys from Charlotte. I want to see Samson up here!

Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)

by thebl4ckd0g on Nov 17, 2011 2:05 PM EST reply actions

At this point (low of lows) id love to see Staal and his eventual $9+ million salary traded for a few young stars that the Canes can actually afford and still field a complete team. Then pick up Yakupov or Grigorenko in the Draft and forge into the future with Skinner, Yakupov/Top-3 pick, young star from Staal trade, Ward, and Sutter.

Ideally, of course.

by JussiJuice on Nov 17, 2011 2:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Dumba, Dumba, Dumba

by Go_Shelf on Nov 17, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

won't happen.

Doubt that will happen. Just b/c Staal is having 1 off year – doesn’t mean he needs traded. We won’t trade one of our 3 franchise players. JR learned his lesson from that with the Ron Francis trade back in the day. We need a good winger to complement Staal – and the only way we are getting that is if we trade somebody else. Get rid of some of these other people like Stewart, Brent and Ponikarovsky – hell trade 2-3 of those guys and/or a draft pick for a great winger. Pick up their contract.

Getting rid of Staal is even more boneheaded of a trade than keeping Paul Maurice at this point.

Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)

by thebl4ckd0g on Nov 17, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

uh

JR wasn’t the GM for that trade. It was Eddie Johnston…..who then shortly thereafter followed him to Pittsburgh as well.

by wylde4canes on Nov 17, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

Samson would fit better in the Mo system. He’s a grinder so he’ll fit well on the fourth line.

by rubyhawk on Nov 17, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

Which means we should see him on the 1st line in a matter of games ;)

"I'm not going to waste my time with Tuukka Rask" - Cam Ward

by anonymousJ on Nov 17, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

But he’s big and could take up a lot of room on the bench.

by hurricane9 on Nov 17, 2011 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

I wonder

how would the franchise respond if we organizes a completed boycott of Friday’s game. No one but Sabres fans in the building. Would the message be loud enough? I am not saying that the fanbase should have total sway over the team, but at some point we all have to be able to say, enough is enough.

We have orgnaizationally viable answers to take care of this situation RIGHT NOW. Even if they aren’t long term solutions.

1 Fire Mo.

2. Slap an interim tag on Lewis.

3. continue courting who ever it is you want to be the long term replacement, with the added advantage of being able to hold out if need be, because you have already made your move with Mo.

by wylde4canes on Nov 17, 2011 2:50 PM EST reply actions

what the canes need...

is SUPPORT from their fans. Not lack of caring.

To be honest, the RBC has not been that loud this year in the 3 games I’ve been to.

Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)

by thebl4ckd0g on Nov 17, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

I agree. I am not talking about not going to any more games until the team turns around. I am talking about a one time massive event. have the attendance at like 800 for one night against a bitter rival that is often well represented. It would be our way of letting management know we as a fan base are fed up. pull the trigger.

by wylde4canes on Nov 17, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

Will never happen. First off, people paid good money for tickets and not everyone can exchange. Second, a lot of people aren’t going to react to some fan directive even if they know about it (which many would not).

And everyone should do exactly what they feel is best…..as individuals.

by efrancis on Nov 17, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

You are right, on both counts. It was more hypothetical. Unlike most of my comments which are more just “pathetic-al” :)

by wylde4canes on Nov 17, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

Wylde4canes,
Please take me through the train of thought that leads to Lewis being an improvement over Mo. I’m not being a wise ass but can’t for the life of me see what he brings to the team.

by surgalt on Nov 17, 2011 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

No. 1: He’s not Paul Maurice.

’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 Nov 18, 2011 6:37 AM EST up reply actions

You have to believe that at this point the casual fans are gone. The only ones left are the truly dedicated puckheads and that will hurt the franchise. It’s already time for NCAA bball and we will lose some casual observers and their money to that. Just a sad time to be a Canes fan, even my 7 year old doesn’t want to watch anymore, which is saying a lot.

by xlwino on Nov 17, 2011 3:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions

All this fan knows is....

what is in place is NOT working…We as fans need to take some of our own advice..as in ..Stay the Course…grant you I didn’t or have paid out the money many of you have for the STH packages many of you have paid …and yes it would be easy for me to flap my lips and jack my jaws just to be seen…but rest assured like ALL of you i too am just as disappointed and feel as crappy as the look on Skinner’s face was..and it said it all…but even when things were at the crappiest..players like Skinner,Ruutu,Jokinen,Harrison,Boychuk,Dalpe,Joslin,Gleason & a few others as well ALL gave from the heart & gut…sure several of them made major screw ups..but they were doing all they could with one goal in mind..to win and to do the very best they could..so before all of us of the Caniac Nation act like a bunch of rats on a sinking ship what to find a way out…we as fans & supporters have to treat this situation like we do with our favorite college teams..UNC & State & others have all had some very crappy players and horrible seasons we’d all love to forget and never ever remember..but you go back again and again..why ? you a masochist ? Heck no you do it for the love of the team…even when they stink…so and for now can we all at least rally around our favorite players and support them the best we can ? But as legal US Citizens…( for the most part)
each of you has the right to freely choose what you will do or not…in closing…let me say to repeat myself from last night..I love The Carolina Hurricanes…Warts,Flaws and all…even if They were #30 out of 30 teams in the NHL…and yes i too would be and am ticked..but i am just a fan…what do i know ??

9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on Nov 17, 2011 3:19 PM EST reply actions

Maybe a message from STHs is in order?

Maybe if enough tickest show up for sale on Ticket Exchange…..JR will face the fact that fans have had enough of Mo????

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 3:19 PM EST reply actions

Why would they care if they are on ticket exchange...

They already have the money for them. This is a power play. It’s their team and they will not be forced into a decision, no mater how rational and OBVIOUS that decision may be.

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 Nov 17, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Could not be comforting to see thousands of tix for sale...

All anyone of us can do is voice our displeasure….I am A FSTH and do not want to give up my seats but that does not mean I can continue to go to games that are misserable to watch, while knowing that the only reason the Coach still has a job is that is he is personal friends with GM and Owner…..just trying to find some way to wake the Management of this team up before it is too late!!!!

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

The issue here is the fundamental misunderstanding that Management is asleep. They are well aware of what is going on. You, the paying customer, will take what they give you and like it.

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 Nov 17, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions

you make pretty good TROLL

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

So by stating the obvious, thats tolling. I really miss the old Canes Country Forum, where honest opinions were enjoyed not booed by homers who only want to hear how great the team is and how evil the refs are.

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 Nov 17, 2011 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

The beatings will continue until morale improves. Wait till your critic reads my defense of Kaberle fanpost. You’ll think he’s looking to take you out for dinner.

by surgalt on Nov 17, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

No need to read it....there is no defense in #51...for that matter no Offense either

4.25 mil/year for 3 years on a so called Budget team…simply insane

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 10:43 PM EST up reply actions

You might want to take a look anyway. You will get something very different than you think.

by surgalt on Nov 17, 2011 11:45 PM EST up reply actions

"You, the paying customer, will take what they give you and like it"

sounded like an attempt to get an emotional response…if not then hey maybe it was not a troll like comment.

But no! Canes fans do not have to take what they give…nor do they have to like it! Thus the drop in attendance that is painfully obvious already! (assuming you have been at a game this season?) Yes I am a full season ticket holder and yes my tickets are paid for already. However, I am not forced to buy tickets for next season and if enough STHs make it obvious that they are not happy and may not buy tickets next year, it might actually mean something to the Management of this team. If not we can choose to not support them financially.

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 10:54 PM EST up reply actions

Quit being so sensitive. You bitch about everything including anyone who bitches about your bitching.

by drifterscape on Nov 18, 2011 1:55 AM EST up reply actions

I for one welcome your posts, even when your comments include sardonic comments about me. I don’t expect everybody to share the same perspective. I don’t think management is very happy at the moment with how this season has gone; and I don’t think they are trying to force fed Caniacs a bad product on the ice. I do think the lack of funding and the refusal by Maurice and the coaches to play young talent came back to haunt the Hurricanes. It was a calculated gamble that somehow Staal with LaRose would find chemistry on the first line. I think that was a pipe dream. I think the organization thought Ponikarovksy would have great chemistry with Staal; and that was a reasonable gamble, I think. It did not work very well.

I also think the organization guessed wrong on Kaberle’s ability to help the power play. The Hurricanes power play is awful, and is presently 26th in the NHL. All in all, the lack of funding meant the Hurricanes could not afford to change things very well. It’s not a perfect storm, but it’s a miserable squall at minimum.

by abramsdoug on Nov 17, 2011 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you Doug. I really appreciate that. Please forgive my extreme sarcasm, I would like to blame East Of Here, but truth is that I was already like that when he found me.

To continue the sincere love, I appreciate your perspective, even if at times it seemed to be pro management to a fault. No one , myself included, can claim that you have that slant now. And the Rosey being a Mule thing that C-Leaguer told me about is freaking hysterical.

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 Nov 17, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

"What, me worry?"

The team is obviously owned by the Alfred E. Newman of hockey club owners.

To DSJ’s point, over the past 10 years of Hurricanes hockey, the club has averaged total season attendance of 631,868 per year. They’re on track for 623,341. If you put some fuzzy math to it, the average Canes ticket probably costs about $62.14. So, Mo is currently costing them about $1M in lost revenue in tickets, and some amount in concessions.

I suspect from the ownership perspective, they’re thinking, “Is it worth it to fire a guy and pay him another $1.5M+ while also paying some new coach ~$1.5M? Or, have the losses not yet surpassed the cost of getting rid of him?”

Like most, I’d rather see something done to try and right the ship / season (new coach / player trades), or to see some sort of commitment to figuring out what we have in youth. Unfortunately, until enough people who haven’t already bought tickets decide to stop going to games (sorry STH’s, you’re money is in the bank) , you really can’t hit them hard enough in the pocket book to force them to change.

by Curt Rask on Nov 17, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

so you do not think the down trend will continue if nothing else changes????

not to mention what will happen next year

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

Slightly different take on the whole Mo Must go thing..

I wonder if the players aren’t also somehow reacting to the uncertainty of whether or not Mo is going, and when. They aren’t in a vacuum. I am sure they have feelings about this. And if the guys are worried about Mo losing his job ( they by all accounts like him) then that could effect their game right? So isn’t keeping Damocles Sword dangling a bad idea.

by wylde4canes on Nov 17, 2011 4:21 PM EST reply actions

I played in a situation where a coach got fired. It loomed out there for a couple of weeks and yes it had a significant effect on the way we played, it was an unnecessary distraction. For whatever reason the guys tend to grip harder when those type of rumors are out there, so based on my experience get it over with. The other effect that sometimes occurs when a well like coach gets fired is the players that really liked him pout and don’t perform because they don’t agree with the decision that’s been made.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 17, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

Do Not Fire Maurice: My Point of View

One reason I strongly prefer Jim Rutherford staking out his position that he will not fire Maurice under any circumstances and will evaluate Maurice at the end of the season is to take the monkey off everybody’s back. Statistically it will take a hockey miracle for the Hurricanes to put on an astonishing winning streak sufficient to climb over the other teams ahead of them for a playoff spot.

A new coach is not going to do much in the interim. After all, Maurice II’s best season was the half season he took over for Lavi. What does that tell us about Maurice II as a head coach putting in his own systems or approaches? I do not want to see Jim Rutherford blow up this team; but some significant pruning would be much appreciated.

The Hurricanes should be built around speed and consistent intensity. If Jokinen, Ruutu, and Skinner are the least speedy guys on the team, I’ll be very pleased. I would like to see roster spots created as soon as feasible. If I were in charge, I’d move out Kaberle, Harrison, LaRose and Ponikarovsky as soon as I could in order to revamp the team. Sticking with the team as is seems silly to me. Blowing up the team seems even sillier. I would aim for a new dynamic in the locker room and losing Rosey would force other players to take up that leadership role. I hate it for Rosey, but I don’t want to see the Hurricanes become even more of a laughing stock team. At present, it’s pitiful to watch.

Maybe it is Maurice. I can’t see how a coach 100% by himself causes players to miss open shots, make stupid passes, take wooden headed penalties, and dance around the ice randomly without regard to any degree of hockey sense. To me, the players play and their fundamental, basic errors can’t be put on the coach. Now the responsibility for the inane forward lines and the refusal to play the fourth line at all sits squarely on Maurice’s shoulders. Kaberle is Jim Rutherford’s albatross. Staal is Staal’s worst enemy these days; and that is a shared responsibility among Staal, Maurice, and Rutherford, as well as LaRose and whoever else is on Staal’s line.

by abramsdoug on Nov 17, 2011 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

You points are valid but I just don’t see this team playing for MO all season. This experiment of MO part 2 should never have happened and the sooner they move on, the better.

How will you sell this to STH? Sorry you wasted all your money on this season but rest assured we are committed to better things next year? We’ve seen this and heard it and no one believes it anymore.

by Canes Pucknut on Nov 17, 2011 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

I would sell to the STHs, such as myself, here are the new kids, watch them play. I would have a heart to heart with Maurice and you’d see lines such as Boychuk/Staal/Stewart (or other similar variations). As I’ve said, I would also trade LaRose and would have Dwyer spend plenty of time on the fourth line depending on how players like Dalpe and Bowman performed.

by abramsdoug on Nov 17, 2011 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

so you completly discount the fact that Mo Coached many of the players that JR Signed???

You honestly believe that Mo had no input on signing Ponikarovsky, Kaberle, and the other ex-leafs?? come on…Mo’s influence with his best bud is pretty obvious, we are not talking a couple players here….it is like a ex-Leaf re-union.

by Caniac324 on Nov 17, 2011 5:51 PM EST up reply actions

To the contrary, I do not like at all even the appearance of a fraternity of Moz Boyz. I happen to think Tim Brent is fantastic. I have no issue with Tlusty. I do think that under the approach the Hurricanes defensive coaches want to run, neither Kaberle nor Harrison are ideal. It takes tremendous speed to cover all the ice the players have to cover. That lack of explosive speed is why I would also trade Ponikarovsky. I would trade LaRose for two reasons: (1) he has trouble making the reads necessary under the defensive approach of Lewis and (2) more importantly he is the loudest guy in the room; and something significant needs to change. As long as LaRose is on the team, he will be the loud guy with the biggest presence. It has not worked thus far; and trading him sends a signal to the rest of the team that things will change.

My test for retaining Maurice is that he would have to make the playoffs this season to get another contract. In the meantime, Lewis gets time to work on his defensive approach and there is not a new coach thrown into the fire mid-season.

by abramsdoug on Nov 17, 2011 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

If the 'Canes were a small business

they would’ve went under years ago. blind loyalty to a losing coach and under-achieving players, i just don’t get it.

any way you cut it, paul maurice is NOT getting the job done. he needs to go now before things get worse.

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 Nov 18, 2011 6:40 AM EST up reply actions

That (ruling out a Coaching change) would be stunning to me — and a mistake. I realize that you are hanging this on the players as much as the coaches, but the point is…it doesn’t matter. The coach is expected to get, at minimum, the expected potential out of his roster — and in most cases it’s expected to make the sum greater than the parts. Maurice is doing neither.

I don’t see how you can sell a wasted year to your fanbase (we had 2 of those already). JR didn’t construct this team purposefully to get a top 3 pick. If he claimed he had a potential playoff team and is sitting in the basement in November, I can’t imagine trying to change that story in November!

There aren’t many franchises that would see this landscape and make that decision…and there’s a reason.

by efrancis on Nov 18, 2011 8:34 AM EST up reply actions

09-10 season deja vu

where we were so far out off, JR said something to the team and they relaxed abit and started playing better

Mi piace l'hockey su ghiaccio.
l'hockey è buono qui .. sì?

by zippy8 on Nov 17, 2011 5:25 PM EST reply actions

Oh I missed this comment...

“Over the years, we had Ray Whitney, and when things got tough, he was a guy that could stand up (in the dressing room),” Rutherford said. “We also had Rod Brind’Amour and Cory Stillman. We do have a very quiet team. Without question, we are missing that piece in the room.”

Well JR, get Ray Whitney back then. He’s still playing. He’s still awesome. He’ll give us some jump in the locker room for the next 2 years. He was a great playmaker for us. Plus it’d make me happy. :D

Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)

by thebl4ckd0g on Nov 18, 2011 1:46 AM EST reply actions

2006 Rod Brind'Amour

for me, still THE DEFINITIVE professional hockey player. that series against Montreal, simply amazing performance by #17. he saved our season and led us to the cup. The shot of him raising it above his head = priceless.

on the current roster, i honestly only see #53 with the same combination of passion, skill, and dedication. sutter has the passion and dedication, still not sold on the scoring prowess. if we did this right, we would go into total rebuild mode around skinner, make sutter the captain next year and give skins an A, surround him with our young talent from Charlotte.

and let Rod have a more hands-on approach to coaching them.

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 Nov 18, 2011 6:43 AM EST reply actions

Mahalak & Levi

Matt Mahalak made 27 saves and Austin Levi wristed the game winner in OT against Windsor to move their team into 1st place in the Division and 2nd in their Conference. The Whalers are ranked 8th in the CHL and face top-ranked London tonight in London Ontario. Last night was a good one for the Hurricanes’ prospects. http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/sports/article/1027942—levi-s-overtime-goal-leads-whalers-to-win

by OhlSuperFan on Nov 18, 2011 10:12 AM EST reply actions