No Finish: Coyotes 4, Hurricanes 3
by Bob Wage on Dec 21, 2011 10:50 PM EST
in Carolina Hurricanes Game Recaps
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PrintOnce again, the Carolina Hurricanes had a disappointing third period and once again they came up on the losing side of things as the Phoenix Coyotes defeated them, 4-3 in front of 15,848 on Wednesday night at the RBC.
The Canes had a 3-1 lead past the midway point of the game and seemed to be in control, but the visitors scored three straight goals -- including two in the final period -- and then cruised to victory.
In this particular contest, the Hurricanes outshot their opponents in every period, but that still was not enough to get the team over the hump, (14-8, 12-6, 11-5).
Ray Whitney would start off the scoring with a blast from the point on a powerplay, but Tuomo Ruutu came right back and knocked in a loose puck in the paint to tie things up. The goal came right after a powerplay had expired.
In the second period, the Hurricanes scored twice, first on an Andreas Nodl shot which hit the pipe and went in, then on a Jiri Tlusty shot, which looked more like a pass to the front of the net.
But Carolina could not hold the lead as the Coyotes answered just a minute and change after the Tlusty goal. Then of course, the two goals in the third sealed the deal.
Game Notes:
- The Canes outshot the Yotes 37-19 for the game and were led by Jay Harrison with eight shots. Harrison also had seven attempts blocked.
- The team was only credited with 13 hits, also led by Harrison with three.
- Eric Staal took responsibility for a bad game afterward, and his stats certainly agreed. He had a team worst -3, which brings his league worst rating to -21.
- Riley Nash saw 13:02 of playing time and was eventually moved up to the first line with Staal and Bowman. Kirk Muller said after the game that he wanted to see Staal on wing and he was impressed with the rookie's game. Still, Nash was on the ice for some key draws late, and lost them. He went 3-10 for the game in the circle. He had zero shots on goal and zero hits, to go with two takeaways.
- Not only did the Canes get 37 shots on goal, the Coyotes also blocked 27 shots. Carolina also missed the net 18 times. The home team dominated puck possession for much of this one.
- Staal's ice time dropped from previous games down to just over 20 minutes. Justin Faulk had a team high 24:43.
- The team won 43% of their faceoffs. (Staal 50%, Sutter 59%, Jokinen 43%, Nash 23%)
- Carolina could not take advantage of a team which had just played the night before. Cam Ward allowed four goals on just 19 shots which keeps his save percentage under .899.
- For what it's worth, there were 12 different organizations scouting the game.
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Eric Staal; league worst plus minus minus 21; LaRose third worst plus minus minus 17
The plus minus statistic is only useful as painting with a big brush; but if one is the worst in the NHL, it’s a bad sign. Similarly being third worst in the NHL is also bad news. With Staal at minus 21 and LaRose at minus 17, some things have to change. I think the leadership in the room has to change. The Hurricanes have been fragile over the course of three seasons. The Hurricanes have changed coaches, but the team is still far too fragile for its own good. I think dramatic, drastic changes in the team’s makeup is coming and coming soon.
Systemic. This is no fluke. There are very intelligent people running this organization. For whatever reason, the bottom line most likely, this team and administration are designed for these results. A winning team under the current formula would have been a long shot. And maybe that’s it. Maybe they were deliberately building a long shot potential, and wanted the big payday a fluke, deep playoff run would bring with a low budget.. I worry that if ANY organization seems to take chances that don’t make much sense, that there might be other problems, systemic problems, they are preoccupied with. Maybe they see the realignment as a godsend, lumping southern hockey with the strategic center that is the NE. And that might explain why this season was a throwaway.
It is going to take years of patience to stay engaged with this team.
Not to be confused with CoastalCane.
by coastalcaniac on Dec 22, 2011 1:17 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If I was a betting man...
When a guy is using words like “Market”, he has been talking to agents or management. That Alone raises a red flag that the Toronto rumors may have teeth. We always are hearing about the Toronto market. Odd that Eric used that word. If I am Eric’s agent, I’m using the words “Big Market” to talk about a move. Muller seems less than enthusiastic about Eric’s mental toughness and seems to talk alot about body language. If Staal’s inner warrior doesn’t come out, JR will move him. It pains me to say that because the guy has a lion heart. My not have the killer instinct in him. I would like to hear words like intensity, desire, fire, get the boys going, get after it, hard work, get dirty, anger…. Not “Market” so much. Cam Ward’s tantrums have been odd too. Is it possible that all that early success and all that money has softened these guys? Spoiled kids? Ugh! I hope not.
by KenRab on Dec 22, 2011 7:03 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
sir, i firmly object to your calling Cam Ward a spoiled kid
he is a stand-up guy and terrific player who seems to be getting frustrated with the piles of s**t in front of him pretending to play defense
LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!
by Capt. Stinky on Dec 22, 2011 7:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Read it again...
I did not say he was… I am asking a question. Can having won early and millions of dollars result in childlike behavior? Apparently, asking intelligent questions on this blog can.
by KenRab on Dec 22, 2011 8:07 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Did you just insult the Captain’s intelligence? Trollish.
Cap’s point is correct – he has garbage in front of him who continually hang him out to dry. There isn’t a goalie of his caliber who wouldn’t crack a little under that situation.
Buy a bike, dress-up like a pirate, ride to the bar, sing Freebird, ride home. Badass.
by CrunchyGranola on Dec 22, 2011 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
Win as a team... Lose as a team
Cam has been left out to dry plenty this season. He has also let in a lot of softies. When Brodeur went berserk, he was a bad sport. Cam does something similar and it’s ok. Can’t have it both ways people. If you act like a spoilsport, you run the risk of being labeled a bad egg. Cam has spent a career building his credibility only to throw a good bit of it away because he was left out to dry? News flash, every goalie in the league will be left hanging and a lot… His job is to put his body in the way. He has been part of the issue as much as the next guy. Everyone is responsible. Until that point gets across, Muller will have trouble motivating this team to play the uptempo game that is required to win in this league. It takes every guy rowing in the same direction to win consistently. The difference between winning and losing is razor thin now. Muller knows this…. JR knows this… Not all the players get this. Clearly JR and Muller have thrown down the gauntlet… Produce consistently or you are gone. Taking a shift off can and will and has cost us points. A lot of people have money on the line. They want a good return. The team is playing much better. The big guys need to get after it. Time for talking is done. It is time to produce. Muller has put his system in place. Now we will see who is with him.
by KenRab on Dec 22, 2011 12:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Every goalie in the league does not face 40+ shots a night like Cam does…and for more than a few seasons now..
.896 and 3.31 his save percentage is way down from last season. There is plenty of responsibility to share among all the players Cam not withstanding.
by KenRab on Dec 22, 2011 12:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
obviously, this is exaggeration
but Cam hasn’t faced 40 shots since December 3rd.
the shot totals in general have been down the last two games. 19 and 22 are not problematic
If I cared more about my UNC side, I'd call myself "Tar Volon," and that'd be awesome.
Bolts, Canes, Preds (now in different conferences!). Canes mini-STH. Southern hockey solidarity
Rocky Top Talk
by Incipient_Senescence on Dec 22, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
don't be silly
thinking Cam had a bad game last night is very different than thinking he’s a bad player and should be traded.
If I cared more about my UNC side, I'd call myself "Tar Volon," and that'd be awesome.
Bolts, Canes, Preds (now in different conferences!). Canes mini-STH. Southern hockey solidarity
Rocky Top Talk
by Incipient_Senescence on Dec 22, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
I was being sarcastic… My point is that yes Cam is not the Cam we are use to but he is not spoiled… Yes he has had a couple of temper tantrums but I would much rather a goalie who cares and has heart.. Without Cam this team is in big trouble. My Favorite goalie of all time and I feel one of the best ever alongwith Brodeur is Patrick Roy… Let me tell you ST Patrick could through a fit with the best of them.. It is what makes them the competitive goalies they are… Cam will rebound but pls dont call him spoiled…
I know you were being sarcastic
my point was that your sarcasm was attacking an argument I didn’t make.
I don’t mind Cam flipping out. I’m a USMNT fan, after all. Ever seen Timmy Howard when things aren’t going so hot?
If I cared more about my UNC side, I'd call myself "Tar Volon," and that'd be awesome.
Bolts, Canes, Preds (now in different conferences!). Canes mini-STH. Southern hockey solidarity
Rocky Top Talk
by Incipient_Senescence on Dec 22, 2011 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, we are all searching for answers about Ward’s play. All the above suggestions are a possibility. Who knows what the answer is? Whatever the cause, it’s not something to get into a cat fight over on this site. We, as fans, should just expect excellence from our players and if we do not get it then it’s up to management to do whatever it takes to remedy the situation. I like Ward, but if he is under performing, then it’s up to management to determine why and even if the needed remedy is disposing of Ward (I hope it’s not), then I would rather see the remedy imposed than continual to watch him fail to perform up to standards.
I would just suggest, let’s give the new guy a chance to sort all this out. One thing is clear, Mo left us with a team that was out of shape physically, a team that mentally is in the doldrums, a team that was not pushed to perform, a team that was pitiful on special team play, a shrinking fan base, and some of us Caniacs being in less than a civil mood. So far, we do have reason to be optimistic. Muller has gotten the team to play 60 minutes of up-tempo hockey. He has improved both the PK and PP. He has gotten Jamie McBain back to possibly being a very good defenseman from being an embarrassment under Mo. Getting us Caniacs into a civil mood, well that is beyond his control.
Whatever, all of you keep writing as I really look forward to your comments whether I agree with them or not. It’s heartening to know that the reason for all of your input is because you care about seeing this team be successful and prosperous.
by FoxtrotSierra on Dec 22, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
I see what you are saying.. I would not say Cam is spoiled though… He was outstanding last season and for the first part of this season.. Being a ex goalie myself our psyche can be fragile and I think Cam right now is a bit fragile from being left out to dry so much this season. Others on this team I think came into the league with a bit of a I am the Golden Boy attitude..
Is Staal Washed Up?
Staal, Minus 21, worst in the NHL and a shell of a player he once was. Who’s going to take a chance on him? Ward? I think he’s thoroughly frustrated by this team playing terrible defense in front of him. Constant turnovers in the defensive end, inability to move an opposing player from in front of our own net, and being out of position on defense all contribute to Ward’s job being made as impossible as it is this year. Any goaltender is only as good as the defense in front of him as a general rule. Sure a goalie can be “hot” and win games sometimes when the team isn’t playing well in front of him, and they can be “off” on some nights regardless of how the team is playing. Put Ward on the Flyers, Rangers, or Bruins and we’d all see how good he still is! Staal? I’m not so sure. Staal was great his first season, and led the Canes to the Cup in ‘06. But he’s quickly become a liability, especially for what he’s being paid. Comparison: Jonathan Cheechoo led the NHL in scoring in 2006, while also scoring 50+ goals. Where is he now? Playing for the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL!
by #1checkersfan on Dec 23, 2011 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
Let’s see here; Staal is washed up? He was 11th in the league in points last season, 12th in goals, and 18th in PPG. Over the past 6 seasons; he has been top 25 in the league in points 4 times (26th the year he missed 12 games), top 12 in goals 4 times, and top 23 in PPG 4 times.
He’s having a bad season, but a lot of that is due to not having a supporting cast. Look at some of the great feeds he’s had that were missed. Imagine having a quality player beside him that could actually net some of those. Then his points look a lot better, he’s not pressing quite as much, and the team is winning a few more games.
This team needs a lot of help and right now, over half of the squad would be on other NHL teams 4th line/3rd pairings or in the minors.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 23, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
I think we all understand Eric does not have elite wingers , but how do you explain the -21… that is more worrisome to me.
Although the +/- is a squirrelly thing, several reasons, which may or may not be legitimate, come to mind.
He plays in all situations (even, PP, PK) and is tops in TOI so the chances he is on the ice when a goal is scored is higher.
He plays against the top lines, so when they score he gets a negative in spite of the fact it may have been actually caused by weak D or goaltending.
He plays on a weak team and being on the “top” line he gets more than his share of faults executed by others.
He does not have true wingers so his assigned wingers make mistakes which he is also held accountable in the +/-.
His play is not as good in years past but so are many if not most of his linemates.
I agree his number is alarming but some of these things can be sort of understood.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Dec 23, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
I explain his -21 by saying that he is playing bad, his team’s defense sucks, and his line is not producing points because they are underskilled.
How would that +/- look if his line was actually scoring a goal or 2 per game? A lot of people look at the +/- as a defensive stat, but it is also an offensive stat.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 23, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
So are Ryan Getzlaf, Rick Nash, and Ilya Kovalchuk washed up also? Their +/- is pretty bad.
Getzlaf gets to play with elite players like Perry, Ryan, Selanne; does Staal get to play with that type of talent? And Anaheim has actually given up less GPG than the Canes.
Nash gets to play with Jeff Carter and has 4 more points than Staal, yet is just 3 ahead in the +/- column. And even Columbus gives up less GPG than the Canes.
Kovalchuk is 9 away from Staal in the +/-, but has played in 7 few games. He is also surrounded by a more talented group of players and his team is giving up almost 1/2 a goal less per game than the Canes.
Staal is not playing well at all, but look at the big picture before making an absurd comment like that. This Canes team is bad and Staal is playing with guys that might not even be on many NHL rosters.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 23, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
you are a complete moron.
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Dec 22, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Moron
Watch the name calling. I was told it isn’t allowed here! Maybe “Heel’s” comments were a bit harsh, but he’s got a point. Read my comment above and check Staal’s stats. He ain’t what he used to be, and it’s OBVIOUS! Everybody is entitled to their opinion here. We don’t have to agree with them, but instead of calling someone a moron, post another reply showing why you disagree!
by #1checkersfan on Dec 23, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
i would reply if I could understand his post
It’s hardly even in English.
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Dec 27, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
Staal's interview.
Is awesome. It’s how a captain should be.
Also I’d love to see Skinner get an A next year. His play and his talk in interviews is very worthy.
Unlike Gleason. I still don’t know why he’s got the A, b/c he’s not showing it on the ice, I haven’t heard him do interviews. Unless he’s a voice int he locker room – and if he is, it’s a really pathetic one.
It almost seems like to me Gleason is coasting this season. He’s not hitting as tough. He’s just not the tough guy he used to be a season or two ago. :(
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Staal
Man, hard decision if they look to trade Staal, but it may be that he is just not right here anymore. If we can trade him for another first liner, then perhaps it is a good call. Getzlaf? Ryan? Parise? Nash?
There are a ton of guys...
Who should be traded before Staal.
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Also depressing
While the Checkers are excelling in the AHL, our “prospects” down there look like hell. Boychuk is playing a mediocre game, and is in very negative +/- territory (relatively… -8 I think). Dalpe is really underperforming, must be hurt. Nash has done zilch. Matsumoto looks good, but I don’t think anyone ever mistook him for an NHLer. This team (Canes) needs talent, and it isn’t coming from CLT.
Amen
I agree, but why did the Canes call Nash up? I know the Canes are the Checkers parent club and can do with their contracted players down here as they see fit, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, bringing up a bunch of AHLers IS NOT going to turn the Canes’ season around.
by #1checkersfan on Dec 23, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Nash
Nash was called up, as I understand it, because he kills penalties and can center a third and fourth line. It gave options. Nash had also really improved from last year and the coaches wanted to reward him. It was his first call up. I think Nash has an excellent future with the Hurricanes; and I like the fact Muller put him on the first line for some shifts.
more wins on the eye test and losses in the standings
Cam absolutely has to do better. That third goal in particular was just ugly.
Did get a standing ovation for an ultimately unsuccessful power play. Haven’t seen that in a while. The fans know progress when they see it.
If I cared more about my UNC side, I'd call myself "Tar Volon," and that'd be awesome.
Bolts, Canes, Preds (now in different conferences!). Canes mini-STH. Southern hockey solidarity
Rocky Top Talk
by Incipient_Senescence on Dec 22, 2011 12:57 AM EST reply actions
Staal a Cancer?
Wow! There are a lot of heartless fans with very short memories posting here. The guy is having a bad year despite a pretty good career… and some great moments! He hasn’t had any supporting top wingers all year. With the absent of talent on the first line, he is still playing against top lines from other teams. And while his +/- is horrific, the last I checked he is a forward. A lot of that negative number is the defense.
This team can’t put together a top line, yet some fans want to dump the only top liner skating in some magical trades or aquisition. How is trading Staal going to make the team better? And don’t even begin to argue with me that Cam has to do better! Serioulsy?
Staal a waste of salary
I have a long memory. I remember a great 2005-2006 season, then a lot of disappointment. There was a flurry of activity when he inherited the “C” from Brind’amour, and then … nothing. No leadership (although shouldering the blame for a dismal performance in the third period last night was refreshing), no production, no exertion. Maybe he’s looking for a buyout, maybe he’s just decided that as long as the salary is guaranteed, he doesn’t need to do anything to actually earn it.
I remember a low point during the playoffs in 2006. Brind’amour called a closed team meeting to deal with it. I don’t know what he said, but the pace picked up and the ‘Canes went on to win the cup. That’s what a captain is supposed to do.
I’m agreeing with many here about Staal may not be captain material, but I find some of the comments quite funny. When the Canes were suffering through that losing streak in 09/10, there were many comments about Brind’Amour doing a poor job as captain. He wasn’t doing this & that, his +/- was horrible, etc. Now he is only remembered for the good things. Brind’Amour was a great captain, but some of these comments are just hilarious.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
Again, I have a long memory. There were many comments about Rod Brind’amour’s inability to lead during the 2009/2010 season. And IMHO, and with great respect, rightly so. His body could no longer honor the demands that his great drive made on it, and a captain leads from the front or not at all. I firmly believe that he did the right thing in stepping down when he did, and in retiring when he did. Too many great athletes try for just one more season, and end up looking ridiculous. The problem is that Staal is too young to retire.
Staal was named captain because he was the marquee player on the team and the best player at the time. He is not a natural leader. He shouldn’t be captain but at this point I don’t know who should.
Very good point… As much as I beleive Staal is Fragile, who else on this team could be a captain… I think Sutter is just to young, I have no idea what the heck has happened with Gleason… Maybe Harrison?? I really dont know… this team really has a lack of leadership…
After writting that I almost feel bad for Staal.. Maybe it is just to big of a Job for 1 single person because there is no other leaders… Did I just say that????
Like I've been saying since we didn't re-sign Cole...
Need gritty veteran winger who is also somebody Staal can be friends with on and off the ice – who complements him and stands up for him on the ice and in the locker room. Somebody who has his back. Cole would have been that voice, but we stupidly got Kaberle instead of offering the same amount to Cole.
If we had re-signed Cole, gave him the A off Gleason’s sweater (b/c Gleason sure as hell hasn’t done anything do deserve it the past season and a half) – we’d not be as bad as we are now. I’m not saying we’d be amazing, but we’d have a few more wins than we do now.
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Cole has been doing well lately and I wish him the best.
Kaberle = 3 years @ $4mm+ or over $12MM
Cole = 4 years @ $4.5mm or $18MM
Kabs contract is gone. JR rectified his bad decision. The high risk for Cole and the very large $$ and term for Cole was not a wise decision. We can only speculate but the contract for Cole in the last two years of his contract will likely begin to haunt the Habs. JR made the right decision with Cole.
I think JR has a great opportunity to find a proven and younger Cole-type or pure sniper now to play alongside Staal. That is his challenge.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Dec 22, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree that JR rectified his bad decision. He should have taken the 4 mil he spent on Kabs over the summer and signed a forward who could replace Cole.
While he did get out of Kabs contract he didn’t get a forward that could help the club for Kaberle. He found another desperate GM to take Kabs and give us another defenseman.
Um, You have to have a partner for that. Trust me, and it’s been said, JR tried. Would you as a GM give up a top six forward for Kaberle??
No? right neither would someone else. We also had to take salary back to stay above cap mins. But it’s only fo rthis year, freeing up that money for next year.
As mentioned elsewhere, next year the Cap is expecte to decrease—that should make better talent available then, which is to our advantage.
There were no forwards available at the quality we needed. It’s still a work in progress. So JR did what he could to set us up for the future once the contract was signed. THAT is rectifying the situation.
The forward sitauation is different. He tried the cheaper route of getting both Stewart and Poni. Poni plyed top six previously in his career and was a 20 goal scorer. Stewart finally showed some promise and was looking like he was going to be a decent forward. Both added needed size, and if both played as JR hoped (20+ goals for Poni, 15—20 for stewart) both would have replaced Cole’s production while adding the size we seriously lacked) Did it work out? Obviously not. Stewart has not proved himself to two different coaches and has not earned the time. Poni has not been consistent enough to stay in the top six. That’s a different bust. It could have worked though, and provided more depth. Add to that JR fully expected Dalpe to procude and be a top six forward—but he forgot to tell Mo, and Dalpe wound up with a knee injury and hasn’t got back into form yet.
Give the man some credit for trying within his budget. he needed to fill more than just a one forward need. We needed scoring depth besides a Cole replacement, and we needed forward size—something we severely lacked, and with Stewart hardly playing, still do. Had Poni reverted to his Toronto form as a top six 20+ goal guy, had Dalpe stayed healthy and earned a top six spot as expected and Stewart was playing third line minutes, adding depth scoring and size, we’d look good and we’d all credit JR with finding bargains again.
It didn;t work out. He’s acknowledged that, but in his position, with is budget, he tried to address multiple needs. One better top six forward, at Cole’s size, would have left us woefully small still, and not addressed scoring needs from the bottom half of the line up. Ask Anaheim how important that depth scoring is…
please go watch the NBA. you obviously don't understand hockey
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Dec 22, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
not you - the person I was responding to upthread
Gordon something.
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Dec 27, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Defense
Defensemen are the team’s first line of defense BUT the forwards have to play defense, too, and I don’t see it from Staal. Thus the reason he’s a LEAGUE WORST MINUS 21!!!
by #1checkersfan on Dec 23, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
Man while i understand some of the comments
and while this fan is NOT a season ticket holder ( so it would be real easy for me to be positive or negitive if i chose to be so)..but something has to give 7 soon..as even the Coach looks tired and worn out already…while many of us here do have some answers to this situation…as far as who goes who stays & etc…but we aside from out tickets & efforts..we don’t have a real controling factor to have a credable say to where JR/PK will set up and take notice..aside from staying away like they used to in ATL…I am afraid to even think about that…so i’ll close with..Lets Go Canes !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Maybe you should start a Lewis should go campaign instead? Our defense is horrid.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Dec 22, 2011 6:57 AM EST up reply actions
Why Staal should be Traded
I really think it is in the best interest of this team that Staal be traded. With the Staal money freed up we could trade for several solid players and immediately see some positive results. Big money spent on one player is a risk/gamble because a concussion or other injury is going to neutralize that investment for how long? If we keep Staal I think he should be moved to defense & be an offensive defenseman.
The folks that want to trade Staal aren’t looking at the big picture. Last time I looked there were 21 other players on the ice with him, and losing last night was not soley his fault. In reality there are too many mental mistakes by more than one player, but I understand everybody wants a scapegoat. Mo is gone so we need someone else to knock off. The girl behind me last night was complaining about Staal defending and he wasn’t even on the ice. She finally realized it and said that’s not Staal that’s number 13. Who is 13? (me rolling eyes)
13 is stewart
LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!
by Capt. Stinky on Dec 22, 2011 7:21 AM EST up reply actions
Of course I know that — I took shortcuts and didn’t type it properly but that’s what the girl behind me said. My point was that she has fallen ito the hyperbole of complaing about a player and she doesn’t even know what she is complaining about. The fact that she doesn’t even know who the other players are also doesn’t give her whining much merit.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Dec 22, 2011 7:45 AM EST up reply actions
so she took a shortcut and didn’t state the number properly ;-)
LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!
by Capt. Stinky on Dec 22, 2011 7:57 AM EST up reply actions
On Ice Or Not
Whether he’s on the ice or not, he ISN’T playing well defensively, thus the league worst Minus 21!! You’re right about one thing, though, It’s not all his fault! This team SUCKS and there’s more than one thing that needs fixing! I still love the Canes, but I hate seeing them have a season this bad.
by #1checkersfan on Dec 23, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Trade Staal, don't trade Staal
Obviously either situation would have implications going forward, but that’s not the core issue here. The core issue here is a budget team and uber-loyal GM who has been given little to work with money-wise and has tolerated below-par on-ice performance with no improvement from a coach he calls a best friend. To his credit, JR has replaced Mo with a young coach with great pedigree and new ideas, and has already made a HUGE move getting rid of a big contract (Kabs) of an under-performing player to prep for next year. Whether this movement from JR was of his own accord; as an edict from PK; or a reaction to the new realignment and the need to re-tool to win, he is moving on things to correct the mistakes — be them three years full — he and the organiZation have made and is in rebuilding mode. Whether Staal is here for that or gone, it is going to happen. I just hope if Staal does go to Toronto we get something decent back in return instead of our other Toronto pickups, the new and improved Jay Harrison aside.
LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!
Was at the game last night.
- 1st period was all about bad passes, little hitting, and getting repeatedly beat to the puck. Flat team from the start.
- 2nd period was much better – a lot more intensity and hustle but still no hitting – hence the goal scoring. 4th line looked the best out there.
- 3rd period was flat – almost looked like the dreaded prevent defense from football. This team is not good enough defensively to hold a lead. They have to keep attacking to the end. That clearly did not happen last night, They sat back and let Feenix dictate the pace. STILL NO HITTING.
Thoughts: Our team is a young, low skill, poorly conditioned, big and moderately fast team. We are going to succeed when we do a lot of ‘rubbing and bumping’ and a lot of hard hits – especially on a team that played an emotional game the night before (Florida).
Lastly, what the hell is Larose doing out there with Staal on the 1st line? Dumb, dumb, dumb.
(OK, Jonl355, breath-in, breath-out. We still have a lot of hockey to play.)
What is the only letter in the Canadian alphabet, eh? Need a hint, eh?
I think everyone here is reacting too much. Yes it is frustrating that they lose these sort of games but realistically this team is bottom of the conference for a reason. There is a serious lack of talent.
Staal is obviously frustrated at his own and his teams performance but trading him is not the answer. He needs someone to play with who has skill and vision. We had one of those but unfortunately he was on the other team now. The current situation has obviously got to Ward as well.
Honey Baaaadger's blitz
Boy-oh-boy. We sure got us a hockey team! I felt like I was at the RBC for 20 minutes and at a sewage treatment plant for 40. Look for us on Wednesday – we’ll be the ones wearing the bags on our heads.
Buy a bike, dress-up like a pirate, ride to the bar, sing Freebird, ride home. Badass.
Oops, Friday
Buy a bike, dress-up like a pirate, ride to the bar, sing Freebird, ride home. Badass.
by CrunchyGranola on Dec 22, 2011 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
I know a lot of people think Staal should be traded, but if it happens we are not getting back a player/players of equal value. All that would happen is that this team would gain more 3rd liners and a low 1st round pick. This team needs to acquire more NHL talent. Look at the lines last night. Bowman/Staal/LaRose – Bowman would probably not even be on most NHL teams. LaRose would probably be on most teams 3rd or 4th lines. Poni/Jussi/Ruutu – Poni & Jussi would probably be on most teams 3rd lines. Ruutu is probably where he would be on most teams. Tlusty/Sutter/Dwyer – Tlusty & Dwyer would probably be on most teams 4th lines, maybe not even on the roster of a few teams. Nodl/Nash/Stewart – Nodl was let go, so he might be a 13th forward. Nash would be in the minors and Stewart would probably be a 13th forward.
I understand Boychuk & Dalpe are not “killing it” in Charlotte right now, but why not bring one of them up to play with Staal for a few games. We have already trotted Bowman, LaRose, Nodl, Stewart, Nash, the girl that sings the national anthem out there with Staal. Why not take the chance and try a guy like Boychuk or Dalpe, who are expected to be NHL top 6 players, and see what happens?
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 22, 2011 8:44 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. Staal has been in an early season slump before and fought his way out of it. I expect he will do it again since he really is that good. Until Staal gets a proven 1st line winger he will have to do it on his own. Trading Staal is not the answer. If we do then we have to find both a 1st line winger AND a 1st line center. That would require JR to preform 2 more miracles. I am not sure how many miracles he has each year.
The “kids” I think will all be given that audition if they deserve it. Key thing here. If any are playing badly or just marginally they will not be brought up. JD will have a big say I think. You don’t reward a player for mediocre work unless there is some emergency on the big team.
All indications are that JR is working the phones hard and might pull the trigger before the trade deadline. ESPN reported that Bobby Ryan might be placed on the market again in early January. I wonder if JR already knows what it will take and jumps at him as his “top 3 guy.” It was reported JR was at the table the first time. Ryan is a 24 year old 6’-2", 209 lbs left winger who shoots right-handed. I would think that kind of player seems to fit a model of what JR wants.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Dec 22, 2011 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
The "kids" I think will all be given that audition if they deserve it.
This is what puzzles me. Nash has played 31 games with the Checkers, scored 2 goals, has 7 assists, and is a -8. That doesn’t necessarily scream “earning it” to me. And he got to play on our 1st line in the 3rd last night. I don’t think he even gets to play on the 1st line in Charlotte.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
Yea…..I am not sure what prompted his call-up other than they needed someone to replace Brent so looked for another Brent-like player. But as a prior 1st round pick, who knows, except he got a chance. It will be interesting if they keep him another couple of games or flip him with someone else. Not sure when Brent will be back.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Dec 22, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
I do think Nash earned his 1st line time because of his performance during the game.. as far as why him for the call up… don’t know much I am thinking along the same lines and HF and that is more of a Brent type of guy..
I don’t think Nash was bad last night, but he really didn’t do anything to earn 1st line minutes last night.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 22, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
So… some of us want the kids to be brought up to play top line minutes while others are saying the kid didn’t deserve to play top line minutes. Hmmm. Just how is the young talent suppose to get evaluated? Should they play 4th line and get 3 minutes total ice?
So you’re saying it’s either one extreme or the other?
I think a balanced approach is the best option. Bring the kids up to play on the 2nd or 3rd line, then based on their performance you can move them where they need to be.
It’s just funny that after the Toronto game and the comments about feeling sorry for Staal, having to play with Tlusty & Dwyer; that Muller switched Staal’s linemates.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 22, 2011 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
I was at the game last night and
was amazed by several things. Cam’s play was bad and some of the goals can’t be blamed on the defense. Staal looked terrible. He had plenty of opportunities and should have put some of them in the back of the net. It was frustrating to see the guys lose sight of the puck when it was right in front of the net! I don’t think that I’ve seen that happen as much as I did last night.. I loved Tlusty’s goal, it seemed to fake out everyone, officials and players alike. Jussi looked lost at times and I still don’t understand whats going on with him. The Canes can’t seem to play 4 on 4 hockey.
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting"..........holy cow.......what a ride!"
Staal
Ummmm….we got rid of the cancer in Mo.
Now time to inject some life into the team. Staal can easily turn it around IF HE HAD SOME FIRST LINERS AROUND HIM….NOT 3/4th liners.
Probably why he used the term “market”. Translation: cheap ownership that let Whitney, Cullen, and Cole leave.
Ok, we got a new coach with fresh ideas….how about building a team around his requirements. A decent first line would be a good next step.
To be fair, Staal had Skinner on his line for a good while and the vast majority of the time was mooching off his energy and points than the other way around. He didn’t show any more jump or leadership and didn’t really make Skinner better (unless you count taking heat off him which may be the main positive he brought).
I don’t think a 1st line Winger will immediately turn Staal around for this reason. Staal needs to change up his own game. His pouting and cheating offensively is easily being taken advantage of.
by JussiJuice on Dec 22, 2011 11:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Chemistry not skill is whats missing
The team has lost its chemistry….it’s heart. It’s tough to gain that chemistry when we seem to have a revolving door; we bring guys in to patch a hole or plug a leak, we pick up other teams troubles in a effort to right the ship. This is not the same team from "06", while we may have more skill in certain positions; we have no chemistry….. This team is not a quick fix situation, shopping one of the best players in the league is not the answer, once we have an established team we can proceed, be it a the guys from the Checkers or new players brought in to fill some gaps…….time is what it takes…..
You can see the change since Cole left, we have lost many key players that brought that missing heart and chemistry, Rod, Ray and many others……keep what we have and start having some fun again……after all its just a game
We have more skill in certain positions; where? Chemistry is definitely an issue, but skill is missing.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 22, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
This is kind of a perfect storm to get this bad.. Lack of talent for sure… at least 1st and maybe even second line talent, but we also have a definite lack of chemistry and leadership.. I think we all have some good points and when you are one of the worst teams in the NHL there is more than just one problem… I think we have a good coach to get us back on track but he will need help from everyone, players, GM/owner and fans…
Skill and leadership
Realistically, Staal and Ward are not Rah Rah leaders, not rally the troops type of leaders. And quite frankly, this year in particular, Staal is NOT leading on ice. Whining, pouting, slow to get up from checks, poor body language, weak backchecking (sporadically), no hitting. not being aggresive in the offensive zone are all setting the tone for the team—“we suck, why bother”. That is the message I see from his play—not consistently, but enough to matter more than when he decides to occasionally put in the good game.
That rubs off. And it highlights the lack of supporting leadership or true accomplished vets on the team. No Brindy, No Whitney, No Recchi, No Cole, No AWard or Wesley, No Stillman, —not that I’m saying we should or should not have kept these guys, but could you imagine the team playing so half assed with these types of guys around??
Not only that, but who—besides Spacek now, lightens the mood of the team, cracks the jokes, reminds them things are supposed to be fun?? We lost that type of leadrship as well. Rosie seems to have forgotten he could (and should) do that…. Someone who the team respects who can make them laugh also seems to be missing, but believe it or not, in team dynamics, in this unfun losing situation, those kind of optimistic, fun loving, get a laugh kind of guys are ESSENTIAL. We’re missing that as well.
Who are the leaders on this team for our guys to look towards? Clearly not Staal. Who helps them loosen up, remeber it’s a game, tells them to relax and have fun? WHo shows them how they’re supposed to go utand play every night??
No one.
Right On...
Leadership is constant. It isn’t something that is worn for one day and left on the self another day. Staal it seems doesn’t fair well without Eric Cole. It’s just my observation, but when Cole was traded to Edmonton, again, Staal didn’t fair well. Cole came back, Staal excelled. I don’t know why, or if it’s simply coincidental, but that’s what I have observed.
However, there are other issues. JR has had his hands tied, but some of his decision making scares me. When he paid the money he did for Kabby, I almost hit the floor. I didn’t understand that contract or for that mattter, even picking him up from Boston. Again, JR finds these small players – yes, they may be fast, and have talent, but in this league, players are both fast and large and play aggressive. I also think the coaches haven’t allowed other players to succeed by not utilizing them more.
I think Chad LaRose plays with heart every game. He may not be the quickest, most talented, or even the smartest player, but he goes out there and forechecks, backchecks and hits. I see too many Canes “poke” checkin’, like little fairies. Where are the bodies on bodies taking the opponent off the play. Even if you don’t pick up the puck from that move, you are at least moving your opponent off the puck. Too many half hearted plays by Staal…..and this hasn’t been a revelation just this year. Often he will go out there on his shift, make a solid one time attempt during his shift, then..poke..poke..poke..poke…It’s ok if ya poke..the ram them…finish the play people..finish the play. Watch any successful team and every player will complete their on ice mission….take the opponent off the puck. You can’t score if you don’t have the puck. I would trade Staal. Look what other successful GMs have done..shake the sugar tree and bring in new energy. LEADERSHIP IS ALWAYS THERE…and STAAL doesn’t provide that even for himself, why would you expect him to do it for each and every player? Teams that succeed have “heart and soul” players, big on the lilttle things, big on eachother. It seems they don’t care about letting eachother down. It’s not a theme that will create success.
by rattleskate on Dec 22, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
hat rubs off. And it highlights the lack of supporting leadership or true accomplished vets on the team. No Brindy, No Whitney, No Recchi, No Cole, No AWard or Wesley, No Stillman,—not that I’m saying we should or should not have kept these guys, but could you imagine the team playing so half assed with these types of guys around??
Were you watching the Canes the year after we won the Stanley Cup?
Good one! How soon we forget.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Dec 22, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Staal
JR will not trade Staal (nor should he) so that discussion is pointless. Staal has not had a good year, but it’s a team game. He has been paired with 3rd liners all season. Put him on line with Cole and Ray Whitney (or comparable talent) and the outcome is entirely different.
The Hurricanes have been miserable in their own end and not very good with a lead. The bangers (Gleason, Allen , Ruutu) have either quit hitting on their own or been instructed not to. I watched the 3rd period of Dallas – Philly last night – both of those teams played with an energy and intensity rarely seen here. And in the case of Philly, they have 8-9 forwards who are legitimate NHL scorers. How many do the Canes have beside Staal?
Staal With Talent
Absolutely…you CANNOT give up on Staal without acquiring some top line talent and give that a chance…if Karmonos is not going to do that he should sell the team.
Staal has played with Skinner a good part of the season… he didn’t look any better. He got more points, mostly off of Skinner’s hard work and skill, but I didn’t see any real fundamental shift due to having a true 1st line talent with him.
by JussiJuice on Dec 22, 2011 12:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Staal actually has more points that are not tied to Skinner than he does that are tied to Skinner.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 22, 2011 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
At one point earlier almost all of his points were tied to Skinner being on the ice. He has been playing better of late (unfortunately not enough to carry the team) but that only further proves the point. Playing with a true 1st line winger did not have much of an effect on Staal’s productivity.
by JussiJuice on Dec 22, 2011 12:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don’t buy that argument. Staal & Skinner style of play don’t work that well together. Staal needs complimentary players. Skinner is a one-man show and needs his linemates to be in certain positions. If a 1st line winger with a particular skill set was acquired, I still believe that Staal could prosper.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
I often think a true 1st line Playmaking Center would probably be better for him. He needs a Backstrom, Giroux, or Sedin type who can see the ice at superhuman levels to regain 90+ point form. Someone Staal can trust to make amazing plays, he needs only to worry about shaking defenders and getting into scoring position playing wing.
I know a lot of people think Staal cheats on defense to try and gain an offensive advantage and he has in the past, but this season I don’t see it as much. I actually see him in the defensive zone, just not covering the player he should. So he isn’t being effective defensively and isn’t gaining any advantage offensively. I think another skilled player (that works with him) would be great. How many times this season have we seen Staal make a great pass that a teammate wasn’t able to capitalize on? I just imagine a player like Ryan taking a few of those passes and actually depositing them in the net.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
Yep, And he scored 100 points as a center—but with a play maker on one side, and a speedy power forward o the other—i.e. one player who could run and get up ice for him—creating space/backing off defenders, and one able to see the ice, get him a pass in full flight up ice or in the offensive zone, or one who knew when to get the puck to the net for Staal or COle to get rebounds.
He’s got nothing like either right now. But He can do a good job at center with the right people. Whitney for a while played the Stillman role as playmaker as well….
Burying Bunnies
Phx goal #1-Spacek leaves Hanzel unmolested to screen Ward on Whitney’s shot
Phx goal #2-Ward stays deep in the crease and gets beat top-shelf from around 10’
Phx goal #3-Klesla beats Harrison to the top of the crease and buries a bunny
Phx goal #4-Gleason leaves Korpikoski unmolested at the top of the crease to bury a bunny
Canes are on pace to give up the most shots on goal in the league, again. I think Dave Lewis needs to go.
Sounds more like you’ve hit on a recurring point with this team—lack of physicality. Lack of desire to pay the price to do your job: Clearing the crease, hitting a forward, getting in the shooting lane, lack of moving your feet and trying to get there….
Canes were on pace to give up the most shots in the league
but opponent shot totals have been down recently. Phoenix had 19 shots yesterday. That’s not very many. Now the shot quality was too good, but Carolina had more scoring chances than Phoenix did. It’s not like we were thoroughly outplayed.
Also on #3, you forgot about Cam Ward missing a poke check and falling down to leave an empty net.
If I cared more about my UNC side, I'd call myself "Tar Volon," and that'd be awesome.
Bolts, Canes, Preds (now in different conferences!). Canes mini-STH. Southern hockey solidarity
Rocky Top Talk
by Incipient_Senescence on Dec 22, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Dave Lewis and Rebuilding a Sullen Team
I think this season some of the untoward goals against the Hurricanes include the failure of Staal to backcheck with intensity. I don’t know about Dave Lewis. It seems odd that the team had such little success on defense; and it makes me wonder if Dave Lewis is the right coach. On the other hand, it is obvious at least to me that Sutter is better defensively than Staal. Sutter takes on the other team’s best lines and seldom gets owned and seldom is seen meandering back to take a good view of a puck going into the net.
Is it Dave Lewis and the failure of his approach? Maybe so, but it is hard for me to determine. I tend to think Muller needs a reset button to be hit as far as team chemistry and team makeup.
I prefer the Hurricanes go to a more Western Conference style of building a team. Phoenix around the net manhandled the Hurricanes. I like an uptempo approach; but it takes the horses to run that race. Little guys trying to pound big guys tend to lose the battle eventually; and especially if the little guys don’t play an angry/aggressive (in the positive sense of the words in sports), physically intense game. My model players would be Skinner, Ruutu, Sutter, Faulk, and Allen. Each player has an inner fire and competitor’s heart; even if they manifest it in different ways.
In other words, if Jim Rutherford and Muller build a team around player’s with Muller’s kind of approach to hockey when he played, I will be very happy. I disagree with the contention that the Hurricanes organization lacks depth at forward. What the Hurricanes lack, however, are players like Ruutu who rely upon a very physical game. It’s a fallacy with picking the best player available. The Hurricanes wound up without enough size at forward and now are paying the price for that omission.
In summary, it’s a process. This year as far as being one of great radiance and joy is lacking; but to me reading the posts, the lows have become too low. Needing three players is not the end of world or the sign of a hapless organization. Jim Rutherford guessed wrong on Kaberle and on Cole’s absence. Two great things will come of this season: (1) Muller is the head coach and (2) the Hurricanes will get a tremendous draft pick. A third great thing may happen as well, the Hurricanes organization may shed some players who don’t fit Muller’s mold and gain some excellent draft choices in the process.
The Canes do have depth at forward. They actually have a lot of forward depth. The problem is they don’t have top 6 forwards. Staal, Skinner, & Ruutu would be the only top 6 forwards on other NHL teams. Jussi could probably play in the top 6 on certain teams, but he would probably be a 2nd/3rd tweener that is used on the PP.
The defense is just plain poor. Allen is a good 3rd pairing, physical defenseman; but we are expecting too much from him. McBain is a PP specialist. Pitkanen is the only top 4 defenseman right now. Gleason use to be there, but its questionable if he is there anymore. Faulk should be a legit top 4 defenseman, but he still has some on-the-job training to do.
I know you love prospects & kids, but like I have said before; finishing in the bottom 3 for the next 3 seasons is not going to work here. The majority of the fan base will leave and PK will lose even more money than he is now. No team fills all there holes with draft picks, so we would eventually need to spend money. But if the STH dwindle even more, PK will not spend that money.
This team needs to be rebuilt. They need to identify the core players and make everyone else available. We need to add a few young, proven NHL players. They need to have a few spots for prospects. We must remain competitive while we are rebuilding. The key to all of this is spending money & spending it wisely.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 22, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
I love the optimism, but doing all this is easier said then done… especially getting that foreword. I hope that we make a serious attempt at Ryan.. Rumor is he is on the market again… Still a bit of a gamble because he isn’t tearing it up either.
It is very optimistic to think we can acquire a player like that, but I believe it can happen. I would love to get Ryan, he would be my first choice; but there are some others. Cammalleri & Chris Stewart are a couple of players that I believe need a change of scenery.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
I sure hope we can.. I think we need two guys like that but 1 would be a good starting point… One player can make such a difference in just line selection… esp when you think you could take a guy like bowman or Larose and put them on the lines they should be on… Another guy is Stasney from Col…
I think Stastny would be a great addition for Skinner. But I know its not really talked about much, but Skinner’s concussion really concerns me about his future. Skinner is a smaller player that plays in the dirty areas and takes A LOT of hits. Players that get a concussion are more likely to get another and his style of play will make him susceptible to concussions in the future. I’m just scared that this could great effect his career.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
What Does PK Expect?
When Micheal Khan, the Charlotte Checkers owner, bought a minority ownership share of the Hurricanes, PK made a curious comment about “hoping to keep the team here.” I’ve been to a couple of Canes games this year, and the empty seats seem to be growing more and more. What do you expect, PK? You want to go cheap, put a terrible product on the ice, and you expect people to pay for expensive tickets? Do you really expect your season ticket holders to remain loyal year in and year out when your product has steadily declined in quality year in and year out? It doesn’t work that way, especially in a bad economy.
by #1checkersfan on Dec 23, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Little guys trying to pound big guys tend to lose the battle eventually
Here’s are some questions for you AD. Are you basically saying the Canes lack physicality? It appears they do, especially on the defensive end. So how is Ryan Murphy going to fit into the defensive plan? He’s a very small guy that is going to get pushed around. Yes, he has offensive talents, but is he going to be a liability in his own zone? Would the Canes be better off using him as a trade chip?
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
I'd like to ask an honest question...
why do the Canes seem to totally fizzle late in the game? Is it conditioning? Lack of a will to win? Coaching/scheme when playing with a lead? I just can’t figure it out. I am by no means a hockey expert…quite the opposite…but where is the teams heart?
Also, Staal is the captain of the team correct? Why does he mope and pout so much? What has to happen for a captain to loose that privilage? I mean…if he is not leading…what is he doing? Seems to me he is leading in the opposite way…not all players are good leaders…but they can sure play. Maybe Staal is in this category. It makes me upset to watch his play sometimes.
Any knowledge would be appreciated!
Lack of Leadership and a Lack of Talent
Good leaders on sports teams are the ones who take the team on their backs and make the plays during money time. Staal this season is not that guy. Skinner, Ruutu, and Sutter are the Hurricanes’ money players this year. Faulk, too, has been a money player. The team was not as fit as a whole as it needed to be; and Muller is working them into an uptempo state of mind and body. Staal is deeply frustrated as is Ward. Staal is carrying a lot of baggage into this season.
Staal’s slump is a contributing factor to Maurice’s firing. Staal’s slump is a contributing factor to trades of players who are his friends and companions and who relied on him to be the Captain and to play winning hockey. Staal has let down the fans who are paying money in a Recession to come see a team perform. Staal desperately wants to succeed. He wants to be the best player on the ice, as he said yesterday; but he is far from that these days. It’s a huge weight on his back.
Until the organization brings up players who can take some of the leadership role and scoring expectations off of Staal, and until Jim Rutherford can bring in via trade or signing more talent at forward, Staal is backed into a corner. It’s a vicious cycle. Unfortunately, Staal makes things worse by not having the kind of powerful, positive energy that players like Skinner, Ruutu, and Faulk possess. Staal is too self-oriented in measuring success or failure; and lacks the personality that says, “I’ll show you” rather than “that’s not fair” when things go wrong. Body language says it all. Staal has a long way to go in his on ice leadership skills; but with Skinner out of the lineup, the list of other players who bring that energy and drive in tough times is very thin.
I know everybody loves Sutter and he is a good player, but how are you considering him a “money player”? What are the real expectations of Sutter? I believe if you ask most people around the league, they will tell you Sutter is probably close to where he is going to be for his career. He is not a 1st line center, he’s not even a 2nd line center. He is a speedy, defensive 3rd line center. He has heart, no doubt; but he is not going to be a savior of this team.
And without Skinner, this team is definitely less talented; but we are doing the same (if not a little better) without him. This team as a whole is just bad. Our record without Skinner over the past 5 games is 1-2-2. The previous 5 games with him was 1-4.
"We've got to risk implosion. We may explode into the biggest fireball this part of the galaxy has seen, but we've got to take that one in a million chance."
-- Captain Kirk in Star Trek 'The Naked Time'
by PackPride17 on Dec 22, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
JR
This is JR’s team and he doesn’t have Kaberle to kick around anymore. He drafted or contracted all the mini-me clones in the Canes system. A Tlusty highlight reel would like a lot like a Wile E. Coyote cartoon on most nights. And as mentioned above, JR traded or let walk character guys like Matt Cullen and Erik Cole. God I miss Dennis Seidenberg.
I was always a fan of Seidenburg. Never understood why JR didn’t value him more. Matt Cullen, who you mentioned and I should have in my rant above, and Seids are two more examples of players who didn’t break anyones bank but could have been big pieces – heck HAVE been big pieces of the puzzle.
I also understand liking Cullen, but frankly, he’s not, nor has he ever been a top six forward…. He’s easily ben replaced by Jussi, who has provided more scoring than Cullen until Jussi was injured this year.
not really I like Jussi but he is not the consistent two way player that Cullen is.....
Cullen is much faster and a True Center but can also play wing and even defenseman in real pinch…Jussi is much more streaky…slower and does not have the burst to recover or get out on a break
Look at how the players who in the last few years were the core of this team are playing this year.
Staal, Ward, Ruutu,and Jokinen are all doing horribly. If one was to just look at their Hurricanes career average numbers they are all well below this year. I think it is because all of those player I mentioned are players who can compliment but not carry a team. Over the last two seasons two players who maybe also could be categorized as players who can not carry a team but make it a whole lot better were not re-signed. They of course are Whitney and Cole. I supported JR not matching the oft-injured Cole’s offer from the Habs. But then JR goes out and inks Kabs to an equally foolish contract. Not signing Cole is one thing, but not using that 4 mil to sign his replacement is another. And not signing Whitney for the 3 mil x 3 years the ‘Yotes got him for is also just plain dumb.
To put it in perspective the only really good move by JR was Muller. Trading Kabs was a miracle but unless he got a top 6 forward back it only eased the financial strain. Imagine this team, with Cole or a suitable replacement signing, Whitney, and Muller behind the bench. I would guess we’d be fighting for a top 8 spot. Now I don’t excuse the existing core group for their poor showing, but JR has really mis-managed the funds he has available. I think he not only knows Kabs was a mistake but that he made other poor choices in the last couple of years. While I hope he’s learned from these mistakes, and I will say that JR has done some real good with this franchise over the years, I think it’s time for him to move farther upstairs and let someone else rebuild this club.
Cole leads Habs in goals
I’ve been watching the Habs on Center Ice. Believe going into last night’s game vs. the Hawks he had 5 goals in the last 7 games, He’s been the best player on the team.
Interesting how he’s being used so differently from his days with the Canes, Now, he basically sets up in front of the net, like Holmstrom of the Wings. He’s strong enough to stay there, causing all kinds of problems for the opposing goalies. The Canes seem to have a philosophical issue with keeping a player(s) in front of the net. Maybe Canes management considers it impolite. Seriously, that’s how goals are scored, especially on the PP, but the Canes over the years have avoided it like the plague. Why? Between taking constant crosschecks and dodging slapshots, it’s not an easy job, but it just has to happen to be successful.
Big difference
If you watch a Habs game you’ll see what I mean. With the Canes, he went in front of the net, most often in the closing minutes of a game where we were down a goal. Now it’s the majority of his time on ice. The result – 5 goals in the last 8 games.
Reminds me of Holmstrom with the Red Wings.
If it hasn’t already been noted, they (Muller, MacLean) cancelled practice – and media availability – today. They will skate tomorrow on game day.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 22, 2011 11:41 AM EST reply actions
Very interesting. Could mean anything. Mental break from the media questions, mental break from hockey, big arse chewing team meeting, big trade, etc.
Just 10 Games In
Although it is hard to keep things in perspective when you see a lost after a lost, it has only been 10 games since Muller coached his first Hurricanes game. In that time, he used the first several games to see what he had and only recently began changing the system. We have had injuries to major players and a major systems change which would be a lot to absorb and will take time to manage from a coaching perspective and adjust from a player’s perspective. I have always heard that a 20 game mark is one where evaluation is most meaningful. If true we are only half way there.
Offensive, defense and just plain playing for each other seems to be evolving positively even though there are steps backwards from game to game and steps backwards within a game. I still see progress and willing to give it more time to fully unfold. I am not yet ready to throw any player under the bus although for a few it would not take many more game results.
I don’t know how long JR will take to finally decide who stays and who goes but I suspect he will have to do that soon after December 27. He will be only one of a very few "sellers" so that is positive. His decisions and actions in the next 4 or 5 weeks will determine the basic structure of the new team going forward. His challenge will be to keep the team competitive this season as well. He has got to do that for owners, fans and sponsors alike and not in that order.
I don’t think issues with Staal, Jussi and others are going unnoticed. How he reacts about these issues is being held deep behind closed doors. Coach is talking, JR is not as far as I know.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Dec 22, 2011 12:42 PM EST reply actions
Well, then good news is we’re gettting contributory scoring from most of our bottom six, so i guess our bottom six is better than average. Too bad our top six also looks like most team’s third line right now…
But the PP is looking much better. After three years of Mo and it looking the same, with the same results (always looking for the right PP Qtr Back, or scoring forward according to Mo) Muller has shown a better system was what was needed. And then he loses Skinner, his only talent playing to the appropriate level, and yet our PP still is threatening with Tim Brent as a first unit PP guy. Imagine this PP with the addition of Skinner and say, Bobby Ryan, or some other top forward who can score…
A little perspective
I recall a time when Staal was routinely double-shifted, centering a couple 4th liners. Problem is, he’s doing it again, only now it’s considered our 1st line.
Like Staal, Jokinen’s a great player WHEN PAIRED WITH LEGITIMATE TOP SIX TALENT. You pair these guys with 4th liners and AHL-level players, and their production is going to fall off a cliff.
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