Hurricanes @ Flyers: Game Day Preview

by Bob Wage on Nov 21, 2011 3:35 PM EST in Carolina Hurricanes Game Day Previews

The Carolina Hurricanes, (7-11-3) take on the Philadelphia Flyers, (11-4-3) for the second game of a back to back sequence for them tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. This is the fifth set out of 16 scheduled back-to-backs for the season. So far the Canes are 2-2-1 in the first games, and 1-2-1 in the second.

Paul Maurice said earlier that he will go with Cam Ward in net, even though he played last night. The team also recalled Brett Sutter for this game and reassigned Zach Boychuk and Zac Dalpe to Charlotte.

The official lines for this one are in question because the Carolina coach said last night in his post game interview that he would not be sticking with the same lines he used against Toronto. He wanted to split up the scoring -- in other words-- Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal will not be on the same lines.

Look for the Finns/Skinns line of Jokinen, Ruutu, and Skinner to return. But who will be on Staal's line? Chad LaRose has been a popular choice all season, for better or for worse. Almost everyone else has had a chance for a game or two. Or will Staal move back to play wing on Brandon Sutter's line? Stay tuned.

One thing to look for on defense is the pairing of Jay Harrison and Justin Faulk. The duo had a very strong game and led all Carolina players in time on the ice last night. Bryan Allen and Tim Gleason look better together than they have with others. That would leave Jamie McBain to be teamed up with Tomas Kaberle.

Joni Pitkanen started skating but is still out.

On the other side of the rink, the Flyers will be missing Jaromir Jagr tonight. But do they need him? Claude Giroux seems to single-handedly crush the Hurricanes every game against and has scored seven points in the last two games between the teams.

The Flyers have won both contests so far this season, 5-1 in Philly and 5-3 at the RBC.

Cam Ward is 4-9-2 lifetime against this club and the Broad Street Bullies have a 17-2-3 record against the Canes in their last 22 meetings. Will tonight be different?

For more info about the Flyers, check out our partners and friends at Broad Street Hockey.

The game will be televised locally by FS Carolinas and 99.9 The Fan will have the radio broadcast. We will have our open game thread ready to go starting at 6:30.

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Edmonton Journal reporting Canes in talks with Columbus. Rumored deal is Antoine Vermette for Bryan Allen.

Yes, yes, a million times yes. Please! This rids our top-6 of the parasite that is Chad LaRose. I was harping we should pick up Vermette long ago, a true #2 Center.

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 3:47 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I guess this is a salary dump for Columbus and opens up the 2 spot for Johansen?

by jfhammon on Nov 21, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Derick Brassard (who is a healthy scratch at the moment) for Tomas Kaberle would be even better! Swap struggling players w bad contracts.

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 3:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I’d be happy with anything we could get for Kaberle at this point.

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

by anonymousJ on Nov 21, 2011 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

We already have Sutter, I don’t see how Vermette really helps us. With that being said, JR has coveted him since he was in Ottawa.

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 21, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions

But do we really need a center? I think we are in greater need of a winger, unless the Staal as a wing experiment is done again.

by hurricane9 on Nov 21, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

Dalpe is a center, projected by every scout who has ever watched him play to be an NHL 2nd line center. Vermette would come here to be a grinder on the 4th line until he was on IR or earned a top line spot in 7 years.

by surgalt on Nov 21, 2011 5:08 PM EST up reply actions

HORRIBLE. I hope we walk away from that.

by wylde4canes on Nov 21, 2011 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

If that trade were to happen, who loses their center spot?

I know everybody has been harping on Staal moving to wing, but lately he has been fabulous in the circle. Also, while Staal hasn’t been scoring, I really think he has made some great passes for scoring chances that just haven’t been finished.

Or do you move Jussi out of the center spot? He has been even better than Staal in the faceoff circle and you would be breaking up the SkinFinns line.

I don’t know, it just really seems that we are ok at the center spot right now. Wingers are what we need!

It's time for change! "If you want to change the culture, you will have to start by changing the organization." - Mary Douglas

by PackPride17 on Nov 21, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

We need wingers, but I could see Skinner-Staal-Ruutu, then Jokinen-Vermette-Ponikarovsky. Poni’s spot would probably be a revolving door knowing Mo. I’d rather keep Allen.

by jbcanesfan26 on Nov 21, 2011 4:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

So you would replace Jussi at center with Vermette? Jussi is our top faceoff guy at 54.6% and did just win 80% against the Leafs.

And while Skinner/Staal/Ruutu had a good game yesterday, I would rather see Jussi with Staal or Skinner.

It's time for change! "If you want to change the culture, you will have to start by changing the organization." - Mary Douglas

by PackPride17 on Nov 21, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn’t, but that’s the only thing I could see them doing. Unless they want to move Staal to the wing with Vermette centering. I just couldn’t see that happening. I’m fine with Jokinen at center, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they moved him back to the wing.

by jbcanesfan26 on Nov 21, 2011 4:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Jim Matheson eh.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 21, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Color me surprised by the overwhelming anti-Vermette sentiment.

In my opinion, Vermette >>> Sutter by a long shot. Maybe Sutter will grow leaps and bounds, but I see him as an ideal 3rd line shutdown Center, not a 2nd line fixture.

Vermette scored 27 goals and 65 points just 2 seasons ago and is only 29 years old. His FO % is consistently 54%+ for the past 3 years, he is far superior to Jussi (who has been great this year) in this regard.

Jussi – Staal – Dalpe/Boychuk/Poni/Tlusty
Skinner – Vermette – Ruutu

To me this top-6 looks much better than what we can put together at the moment and I don’t mind losing Allen who would likely be gone after this year anyway.

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 5:09 PM EST up reply actions

I’m in for just Allen, who I’ve liked, but we’re in more need of forwards. My only issue with Vermette, is he a top 6 forward on a playoff team.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 21, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

Interesting question… I don’t think anyone can really answer that for certain. $3.75 million a year for a known potential of 65 points and consistent 54%+ FO ability certainly isn’t overpaying in my opinion.

He seems comparable to Jussi, although the times that I have watched Vermette (which is not extensive) I like his game a little more. Seems to bring an extra element of physicality and sharper defensive play.

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

that’s how I see him as well.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 22, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

So, my fantasy team get a shot in the arm tonight! I have Giroux and he’s money against the Canes.

My prediction tonight: Philly over the Canes 5-2. Sorry, not bashing my Canes but the Flyers pretty much own the Canes whenever or wherever they meet.

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

by anonymousJ on Nov 21, 2011 3:53 PM EST reply actions

Lavi would likely very much like to be a nail in Mo’s coffin….or assistant GM nameplate….essentially the same thing at this point.

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 21, 2011 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

too bad Giroux got you zero points while Rosie earned me 3, including the GWG… Oh – and I guess the Flyers don’t own the Canes after all…

by caniacmum on Nov 22, 2011 1:10 AM EST up reply actions

anyone else think we have a shot tonight? i’m guessing the flyers look past us and we surprise ’em, 4-2

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 21, 2011 4:03 PM EST reply actions

As long as Lavi is coach of the Flyers, they will never look past us. I imagine Lavi gets special joy out of sticking it to us. I recall a home and home against the Islanders we took under him that seemed to have those hallmarks.

by wylde4canes on Nov 21, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

Canes have a breakout game for Mo versus Lavi and win 8-1, saving Mo’s job for the rest of the season. Skinner has a hat trick, Staal gets 4 points, Faulk gets his first NHL goal, and we have 3 PP goals.

It's time for change! "If you want to change the culture, you will have to start by changing the organization." - Mary Douglas

by PackPride17 on Nov 21, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

I’ll have what she’s having.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

I’m sorry, I must have been dreaming when I typed that.

It's time for change! "If you want to change the culture, you will have to start by changing the organization." - Mary Douglas

by PackPride17 on Nov 21, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions

So much for the theory that good play vs. Buffalo should have earned Boosh another start. I heard he tried to get in the car with Dalpe and Boychuk instead of the team bus to the airport.

by surgalt on Nov 21, 2011 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

Last time we played the Flyers, I believe he played the 2nd half of the game. So there’s that option out there.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

Poor bastard, doesn’t even get the 2nd half of the B2B when it is the 4th game in 6 nights. Unless we need someone to clean up after Wardo.
One more of the pre-season strategies down the poop chute.

by surgalt on Nov 21, 2011 6:20 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, well, he did get one of the 4 games in 6 nights.(25% of 82 would be more than I expected at season’s start) – and one of the 3- in – 4. And the second half of 2 other games in the last 2 weeks. An improvement on Peters at least.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 6:25 PM EST up reply actions

Oops I forgot Buffalo the point of my original thought here. In the modern era has anyone played less than Peters and not be injured?

by surgalt on Nov 21, 2011 6:42 PM EST up reply actions

In the modern era has anyone played less than Peters and not be injured?

Any one of Marty’s back ups in Jersey.

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 21, 2011 6:54 PM EST up reply actions

by hurricane9 on Nov 21, 2011 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

And the winner is . . .

by 210beer on Nov 21, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions

Nice call Stinky.

by caniacmum on Nov 22, 2011 1:11 AM EST up reply actions

lucky guess, but i'll take it

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 22, 2011 5:39 AM EST up reply actions

No Pronger or Coburn either

In addition to Jagr still out, Pronger and Braydon Coburn will be out (With injury I guess) From: @JohnBorukCSN

That’s helpful, though I still expect this to be an unlikely win.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 4:37 PM EST reply actions

i’m tellin ya, i got a feeling…these are the kinds of games people take us lightly, don’t give 100%, play backups against us, etc.

Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."

by Sergeant Stinky on Nov 21, 2011 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

Sam Carchidi tweeted: Pronger and Coby apparently injured. Bourdon and Marshall are in. #Flyers

They aren’t even on the NHL roster at the moment – must be youngsters from Adirondack?

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Marc Andre Bourdon – this will be his first NHL game.
Kevin Marshall – This will also be his first NHL game.

Both age 22, both born in Quebec.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

Both about 6 ft tall, 205 lbs. In 15 AHL games this season: one has 1 Goal, the other has 3 assists. Both have over 20 PIM.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

The cynic in me tells me they’re good for a point. Knowing our luck, one nabs the GWG :/

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

by anonymousJ on Nov 21, 2011 5:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I’m thinking Skinner will draw at least a hooking or tripping penalty from one of them – if we can the match-up. This will of course lead to 2 short handed scoring chances by the Flyers.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Nov 21, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

Lol

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

by anonymousJ on Nov 21, 2011 6:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

so we’ve got a chance.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 21, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

CC Fantasy hockey gold mine...

I have Kessel, that worked out well yesterday. I also have Giroux, that’s probably gonna work out pretty good tonight.

by xlwino on Nov 21, 2011 4:53 PM EST reply actions

From hockey insider on twitter

HockeyyInsiderr Hockeyy Insiderr
Some of the forwards the #Canes are interested in include Turris, Vermette, Brassard and Rene Bourque.

by Crazychf on Nov 21, 2011 5:03 PM EST reply actions

First tweet

HOT rumour out of Carolina: #Canes looking to make some IMMINENT changes. Trying to add scoring punch; Kaberle and Allen made AVAILABLE.

by Crazychf on Nov 21, 2011 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

Turris,

If only…..

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 21, 2011 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

Turris needs to be traded and/or signed by someone by December 1st I believe or he is not eligible to play this year.

Either Phoenix sticks to their guns and refuses to trade him, Phoenix signs him, or he is traded and signed… But it shall be clear very soon.

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

BCHL

by Go_Shelf on Nov 21, 2011 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

I believe the emergence of Justin Faulk (really since the beginning of the year) is forcing their hand more than anything.

Faulk needs to stay… Not only for the team, for his development as well.

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions

he looked really good last night.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 21, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

I think Faulk is going to be great, maybe even top-pairing great (certainly #1 PP QB with his booming shot). I’ve been following him since Minn-Duluth and people here thought I was crazy last off-season saying that he would be an impact player on the Canes this year.

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

Why trade Allen? Yes, they get the top 6 forward that they need, but they’ll be left with only one physical, stay at home defenseman. Not a good idea, if you ask me.

by jbcanesfan26 on Nov 21, 2011 5:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Joslin may be able to develop to be just as good if not better a physical, crease clearing D with some offensive upside if he got more playing time. Trading Allen would open up that spot…

by JussiJuice on Nov 21, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

Gotta trade value to get value

by hurricane9 on Nov 21, 2011 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

Rumors from where? I haven’t seen them.

by abramsdoug on Nov 21, 2011 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Bourque! please!

by staalgood on Nov 22, 2011 12:30 AM EST up reply actions

did you hear what Kelly Hrudey had to say about him on HNIC.

by Go_Shelf on Nov 22, 2011 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

I’m sure we’ll win. The hockeys gods are doing all they can to make sure we are stuck with Mo.

Nice bleacherreport about Mo. You should check it out. Heh-heh.

by WStout on Nov 21, 2011 5:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Has anyone seen any dead horses around? You see I’ve got this big stick . . .

by 210beer on Nov 21, 2011 11:54 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know what I want to happen....

Guess I’ll just watch. I’m from Pitt, so they’re my #2 team. My wife is from Philly, and Philly is PA, so they are my #3 team. i’ll take an entertaining game.

Oh wow, and Mo admits he’ll be liine shuffling tonight….I just wish he did it with some sense of purpose (well, purpose we could discern and make sense of…).

I love Hockey.

by Squeaky83 on Nov 21, 2011 7:05 PM EST reply actions