Ruutu Tips In Winner: Hurricanes 2, Senators 1 - OT
by Bob Wage on Dec 23, 2011 10:40 PM EST
in Carolina Hurricanes Game Recaps
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes scored their first four-on-four goal of the season while defeating the Ottawa Senators, 2-1 in overtime on Friday night at the RBC. It was also the first win for the Canes this season once a game went beyond regulation.
Tuomo Ruutu tipped in the game winner just 1:36 into the extra period. Jussi Jokinen made a nice play on the puck and got it out to Jay Harrison, who rifled it at the net. It was Ruutu's 12th of the season.
The Hurricanes got off to a fast start and took a 1-0 lead just 2:33 into the game. It originally looked like Riley Nash might have netted his first career NHL goal, but Andreas Nodl got the credit when his pass was directed into the net by an Ottawa skate. Nash did earn his first assist on the play.
The home team dominated that first period and outshot the Sens 19-6, but left the ice with a 1-1 tie as Cam Ward was unable to stop a knuckling floater sent in to the net by Filip Kuba. But the goalie recovered and ended up making 22 saves on 23 shots for the game.
The Canes put 38 shots on goal but were stymied by Craig Anderson most of the night.
Carolina will now take a couple of days off for Christmas until hitting the ice again on the 26th for a game against the Devils.
Game Notes:
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Justin Faulk once again led all skaters with 22:54 of ice time. Jay Harrison was next with 22:46. Low man was Anthony Stewart with 6:50.
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Eric Staal and Ruutu led the team with five shots on goal each. Kirk Muller really liked Ruutu's game and said he had a "great" one.
- Again, there was not much hitting in this game. The Canes were credited with 14 hits, led by Harrison and Dwyer with two each.
- The team won 57% of their faceoffs: (Staal 62%, Sutter 58%, Jokinen 61%, Nash 20%).
- Carolina could not score during almost a full two minute 5-on-3 advantage. Muller called timeout over half way through it to try to set something up, but the Sens were equal to the task.
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Tim Gleason had a team high four blocked shots.
- Once again, the Canes had a ton of shots blocked, (24) and missed the net several times, (21). They put a total of 83 shots toward the net compared to 53 for the Sens. But they were also playing a tired team which had played until OT the night before and in this case, did not get in until 4 a.m.
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Riley Nash
Nash made great strides thus far this season. With some more strength, he’s going to be a solid two way center.
He looks good, agree. Also have no problem with Bowman and Staal. He’s got speed and some moves, and I feel like he really seems to understand the play, so there’s no hesitation. That’s a big deal. Those 20 games last spring really gave him an edge.
Also – I’m sure you’re all over this Doug, but for those not following closely, Victor Rask had a nice goal in the warmup game vs Canada in Calgary tonight. Stuffed a rebound in to put SWE up 2-1. Sweden’s still winning 4-2 after 2.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 23, 2011 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Victor Rask Watch
One of the most interesting things to observe about Rask is his off the ice presence. He tweets at @victorrask. He is not as extroverted as Dalpe on Twitter, but increasingly he is showing a sense of humor and the presence of a Hurricanes player. It’s easier to see/read than explain. I also heard an interesting, passing comment that Rask was committed to becoming far more fluent in English.
My impression was that some of the issue Rask was having with the media was that he was both somewhat shy and not especially comfortable in speaking English. Rask has flourished for Calgary in the WHL; and judging by the chirping among the players with Rask, he has become very much a part of the hockey community.
Rask has also blossomed into a player who finishes well. I read at draft time some concerns in that aspect of his game; but it’s unfounded. What I like most about Rask is that he has a sense of the game that reminds me of Ruutu. Rask wants the puck when there are two minutes or left in the game or in OT. He doesn’t squander opportunities; and literally I have seen him take over the game as if it was a man playing among boys. Thus far he has done that during money time in games when the game was on the line. Another scout mentioned he felt Rask could do that every game if he wanted.
It’s great news for the Hurricanes. Rask seems to me to be a prototype for Muller hockey: big, fast, hockey intelligent, excellent hands, excellent vision on the ice, with a physical edge. If Rask works hard this summer on his upper body strength and focuses his mind to adding even more of a physical edge, he way well be Muller ready in 2012-2013. No reason to rush him of course; but that is merely a set of observations. I am going to be interested to see how quickly Muller and Rutherford move these young lions into the mix.
Bowman with Staal
Bowman is doing well with Staal. He is keeping his game simple but has no hesitation in his game. Bowman fits the mode for Muller, as mentioned below. I think once Bowman relaxes a little more, he’ll start burying more shots. From public comments by Francis, Francis purely loves Bowman shot and offensive instincts. Muller’s style of putting top six prospects in the top six (such a radical concept), is really paying off in Bowman’s play.
+21
agree 100% doug as when he was in spokane if he didn’t shoot at the net 2-3 times a shift,some thought he was sick or had an muscle pull …my only concern with last nights game was not enough canes jerseys around anderson enough …wasn’t that why we got Stewart & Poni ? have a good day Doug…Merry Christmas to ya and your family sir!!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
he had a solid game tonight. played with confidence and made some decent passes. was a good presence on the ice. hope he comes back
by tarheelicane9 on Dec 24, 2011 1:39 AM EST up reply actions
yea canes!
great win! Merry Christmas!
by formersaint on Dec 23, 2011 10:51 PM EST via Android app reply actions
new to canes country...big fan!
by formersaint on Dec 23, 2011 10:54 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Welcome – don’t be a stranger. When the Canes win this can be a really fun group….
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 23, 2011 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
Faulk leading this team in ice time? My pessimistic side would say that says a lot about our defense but this kid is earning it. I’m more impressed every time I see him play. He doesn’t rush things, makes good passes and isn’t afraid to hit or take a hit to make a play. This guy is legit and is NHL ready. Very excited about him. If everything is true regarding Dumoulin and Murphy, then I think the Canes are set up very nicely for the future core on defense.
Good Canes win and a solid 60+ minute effort. Canes win, I’m off of work for a week and a half – all is right with the world! Have a good Christmas everybody!
"I'm not going to waste my time with Tuukka Rask" - Cam Ward
I had heard it was his strength winning battles along the boards that was a huge plus – I saw that more times than I could count tonight. Gaining possession and then making a super first pass.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Dec 23, 2011 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I noticed a number of times tonight where most rookie/young defensemen would go into the corner when pressured and just slap the puck out or get rid of it as fast as they can. He was doing really well going in the corner, positioning his body and settling the puck down before making his pass or getting rid of the puck. That says a lot about how the speed of the NHL isn’t too much for him and how good his awareness is. Very impressed with this guy!
"I'm not going to waste my time with Tuukka Rask" - Cam Ward
agree with everything said above but faulk really needs to work on his defensive positioning…hopefully improves with experience b/c he has the intangibles…
by tarheelicane9 on Dec 24, 2011 1:41 AM EST up reply actions
I’m still surprised at how calm and confident he is with the puck. I’ve seen him attempt multiple high-risk plays that could easily result in turnovers and pull them off with ease. Compare his composure with McBain’s rock-solid, jittery hands.
He makes mistakes now and then but I would say he is our best defenseman in the line-up. Give him a few years and he will be a tougher Pitkanen.
Faulk as contrasted with McBain
Give Muller some more time with McBain. It’s a matter of confidence for McBain. Young kids will go through tough patches. McBain is playing fine hockey at the moment. He’s made some mistakes, but he also has had some superb plays as well. Faulk is a rare player, like Skinner. He’s much more mature in his understanding of the game than most players at his age. The Canes are lucky to have Faulk, McBain, and Murphy.
Way to go Canes, thank you for an early Christmas gift. Happy holidays everyone.
by CruelIn10tions on Dec 23, 2011 11:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions
A few positives...
Canes are now above 50% on shootouts – after last season and the slow start to this season, this is a huge turnaround.
Don’t know what has happened to the defense, but the Canes were getting outshot 35-25 a lot of games, now it has turned the other way. All we have to do is figure out how to stop the point blank shots that make Cam’s net target practice, and get LaRose and others to stop shooting at the logo on the goalie’s sweater.
How to we get Stewart more involved in play? We brought him in to be beef, and we aren’t putting him in front of the net.
And I have an idea for a new co-trainer (sorry, Pete). Can we get the original #10 Hurricane to work with this team? Gary Roberts seems to have done wonders for Skinner and others – perhaps he can get this team out of their 3rd period funk.
I have an interesting thought – could Muller have been the coach for the Rouge, Blanc, et Blue had he stayed in Montreal? We just need to make the Rouge, Blanc, et Black move up the standings…
Thanks to Carolyn, Bob, Jamie, and all of the others that make this site a lot of fun, and make following the Hurricanes even better.
On the brink...
…the last several games the Canes have improved (incrementily)… but tonight i was quite impressed with the composure and FINALLY we won in OVERTIME!!!
They’ve turned a corner… they’re a team that can finish and persevere…
the bad news - no top 5 draft pick!!
BUT… I don’t care… we’re gonna see some good hockey the rest of the season!
How do you figure we won’t have a top 5?
by DiCecco04 on Dec 25, 2011 1:03 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
A gift...
Bob, Carolyn, Cory et all….
Merry Christmas and thank you for adding great depth and dimension to the Canes. Your insight, commentary and deligent coverage endears the Canes for me. We obviously have had some difficult times on the ice, but one of the greatest blessing I find about following the Canes… is this blog.
May joy find you and your families this week and throughout the New Year.
great win last night! mueller has started to turn the ship around. it’s going to take some time to wash the MO stink off of this team, and you can see that it’s starting to happen right now. this team still has talent issues, but mueller is doing his best with what he’s got.
i’ve seen a big improvement in mcbain’s play, especially offensively. he’s still somewhat of a disaster in the D end, but even that is improving.
what i’d really like to see is guys like nash, dalpe, and bowman all in the line-up getting significant time, plus maybe even samson getting some time up here too. if there are players that aren’t going to be back next year, then let’s try and dump them now if possible.
really liked the crowd tonight as well. being so close to Christmas, and with ottawa in town (yawn) i thought there would be around 5k in the stands. but there was a decent crowd and they were very loud as well. the reaction in overtime was playoff-like.
the one thing that really bothers me is that the canadian national anthem gets more respect than our own…but i’m sure that has been griped enough.
MERRY CHRISTMAS CANIACS!
Good Morning Caniac Nation
1. a good win last night yes there were mistakes..but the energy.effort and drive by Faulk,Ruutu,Ward and even Staal have given many some new hope ( gee star wars episode 4??) and hearing about Rask ( 3 of my grand-daughter think he is sooo hot) just completed and made a great day even better…and i also join in the with the humble thanks and kudos to Bob,Miss Carolyn,Miss Jamie,Cory,Brian,Wilson & Lee for making this Blog #1 Merry Christmas /Happy holidays and than you all for giving us the best gift all season/year long…Canes Country!!!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
overall
i thought Bowman was our best player last night. great passing getting into the offensive zone and making good plays. also quick to get back and play defense. Really hope he stays. id like to see him and skins play together. mayber Skinner, Staal, Bowman
by jerry6racing on Dec 24, 2011 11:14 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Skinner: keep him off Staal's line, please
I don’t like having Skinner and Staal on the same line. Bowman was excellent last night. He reminded me in some ways of Andrew Ladd in that as he gained confidence he became more and more noticeable. Ladd is more of an in your face, get to net guy; whereas Bowman is a natural scorer, so all comparisons have limitations.
Bowman pays attention to details, to doing the little things that are the difference between success and failure. Sometimes he tries to hard to get the details right; but last night, it was a tremendous balance between being positionally aware while still using his speed to take some chances in gaining loose pucks. I’m still in favor of Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen or Dalpe/Skinner/Ruutu as the most commonly used alternative first line (1a and 1b).
The last few games before the Christmas break, Dalpe seemed to find his legs in Charlotte. I’m still thinking that at some point this season we could see a Bowman, Staal, Dalpe line. All three like to play a north/south game. They have some speed and all three can shoot. And both Dalpe and Bowman have a bit of size and like to play physical. I can see it as a tough line to defend.
Of course all of this assumes the opening of some roster spots through trades after the holiday trading freeze is lifted.
Merry Christmas to all!
That would be a very good way to start off the new year for sure..Thanks Sittler
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Bowman
Yea, gotta say I’ve really enjoyed seeing Bowman play since the call-up. I like his speed and skating ability he also seems really eager to make an impact on the team now with a new coach. Like to think that his scoring touch (at the NHL level) will develop leaps and bounds if given half a chance. Think he’s making the most of this call-up for sure.
I agree with A.Doug above – don’t like the idea of Skinner on Staal’s line. I like the way Sittler is thinking w/ the Bowman, Staal, Dalpe line.
Megaweapon… Megaweapon… Megaweapon…
I too have been impressed by Bowman – very aggressive play and taking advantage of his time here to show that he belongs. He has good speed with lends itself well to playing with Staal. Plus he’s Iron Man – Stewart has the photos to prove it. LOL.
Nash played well and he’ll be with this team before long. Maybe we could get Jokinen off of center next season, especially since he doesn’t particularly like playing center (that was stated in an article at the beginning of this season).
In every thread someone questions Stewart’s playing time. I finally gave up figuring out why he gets the least amount of playing time. The coaches must be seeing something, or not seeing something, that as a fan I just don’t.
I can’t end my post without mentioning Skinner. Man I really miss watching that kid play. All I want for Christmas is for Skinner to get better and be back to 100 percent soon.
A long way to go, but some progress is obvious
There are a bunch of people here who know hockey – and it makes this a fun site to read.
I gave the ‘Canes another go last night. I went to Mo’s last two games here in Raleigh, and it was disgusting what was occurring on the ice and on the bench. I paid to see it. Ugh! I never wanted to go back after those debacles.
Last night looked like a completely different crew. They worked all game long, and the attitude came across as strong throughout. Muller has to take a lot of credit, but ultimately, the real credit has to go to the players who are turning it around. It is much harder than it looks to pull up out of the doom and gloom. Getting rid of the ‘quit’ is not easy, but they are getting there. This one game may prove to be the turing point.
Last night the ’Canes got some good bounces – one in particular during OT a tip just missed going into our net. Cam showed fear at that moment, and we had not yet cleared the puck. Came so close to losing that game, but less that a minute later the game was over and smiles were everywhere.
Vets – worked and worked. Gleason looked strong, as did Harrison. Let’s hope they stay healthy! Faulk – glad to see him get time. He is only going to get better and better. Staal – The workhorse last night. Very solid, and despite two defenders laying all over him, he was a constant threat. I hope he is happy with his game last night, he should be! Spacek – great addition. He is so steady and unruffled. Young guys have got to just soak up his confidence.
It will be fun to see where Skinner fits in when (??) he returns. They need another assassin on the ice.
Trades -
Not sure what I’d do here – it seems to get something we’d need to give up a lot, and it would likely be a wash at best. Teams are gearing for the playoff run, and the Canes are out of that. (IMHO). So any trading with them would likely subtract and not be additive. Development and building a pipeline seems pretty critical right now.
My take, if an opportunistic trade comes along, take it, but mostly stand pat and continue to develop the up and comers. I suspect that we could have a winning second half of the year if they come to work with a plan and a goal in mind.
Negatives -
Powerplay. Ugly. These guys vapor lock for some reason.
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