Justin Peters' 48 Saves Not Enough: Penguins 4, Hurricanes 2

by Bob Wage on Dec 28, 2011 1:00 AM EST in Carolina Hurricanes Game Recaps

The Carolina Hurricanes were dominated for much of the night as they dropped a contest to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night, 4-2. Justin Peters made his season debut and stood on his head for much of the game while making a career best 48 saves, but it wasn't enough for the Canes who allowed a total of 52 shots on goal.

The Hurricanes were outshot badly in each and every period and at one time in the third period were getting shelled 41-10. Still the score was close until the decisive third when the Pens finally broke through for three goals to put the game away.

The Canes took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period on a Tim Brent tip of a Tim Gleason pass. The score would stay that way until the Pens tied it up in the second.

But the third period was once again the breaking point for Carolina. After the score was 4-1, Tuomo Ruutu knocked in a goal to extend his point streak to six games, but it was too little too late at that point.

The Canes return home to do battle with the Maple Leafs on Thursday night.

Game Notes:

Many fans were probably happy to see Zac Dalpe matched up with Eric Staal and Drayson Bowman. The line showed a lot of speed and good promise, but could not connect for any points. Chad LaRose was moved to Dwyer's old spot, on Brandon Sutter's line.
The Canes ended up with only 18 shots on goal, led by Ruutu and LaRose with three each. The Pens had 21 in the second period alone.
Bowman and Stewart led the way with three hits each. The team had 17 for the night.
Once again, Justin Faulk had the most time on ice at 23:33. Jay Harrison was next with 22:20. Anthony Stewart was at 10:01 in this one. Andreas Nodl was low man at 8:52.
Harrison had a team high four blocked shots while Faulk had three.

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Comments

where the heck is jokinen?!??!!?

getting VERY frustrated at his continued absence from the offensive gameplan throughout 60 minutes. though peters played GREAT considering the shot total, he deserved a better fate. the staal/bowman/dalpe line looked quick, just a bit confused as to who was going into the corners, etc. bryan allen doesn’t whiff on that crease clear, we see a different game play out. tough loss.

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 7:38 AM EST reply actions

What's a guy gotta do?

Jokinen had an assist, won 12 of 19 faceoffs and was plus/minus 0. Also tied for 2nd on the team in points, leads in assists and is a plus 1 on a team that is minus a gazillion.

by surgalt on Dec 28, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

Jokinen is playing great and dishing out assists right and left. He is also playing second line center which is the most difficult position for him to play. He’s playing without Skinner on his line now. I suppose he could go wax the charter airplane in his spare time; but that is about all Jokinen has not done.

by abramsdoug on Dec 28, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Well, like Staal, he’s missing his scoring touch. that’s really what people are seeing. Even around the net, he’s missed or whiffed or been unable to get off a shot he’s typically buried in the past.

Like Staal, his overall game is fine, but his scoring touch is also still MIA.

by Squeaky83 on Dec 28, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions

I agree AD… Jussi did struggle a bit but It was more injury.. he is playing well right now

by dbaerry34 on Dec 28, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

yeah stinky !! wake up

scoring goals is nice but if you can set up a teammate with a better shot at scoring well good!

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

by zippy8 on Dec 29, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

Bowman/Staal/Dalpe and Molding the Hurricanes of the Future.

You don’t have to be a weatherman to see whether it is raining outside or the sun is shining. You don’t have to be a hockey guru to see that a first line of Bowman/Staal/Dalpe is a line with speed, size, hockey intelligence and scoring skills. The first two periods against the Penguins are indicative of where the Hurricanes can be as a team in the near future. The third period was indicative of why the Hurricanes are in the throes of a battle for the lottery pick.

All it took for the Hurricanes to dissemble was LaRose taking a penalty earlier in the third period and then the penalty killers being unable to stop a very talented team (which of course was the reason it was so important for the leaders on the Hurricanes to avoid a penalty, even weak penalties). Then seventy seconds later the third goal was given up. Ruutu, Jokinen, and Ponikarovsky once again stepped forward to take a leadership role.

For me, this season is all about building next season’s team. Once Muller took over the season was all about learning how to win and how to play up tempo hockey for sixty minutes plus. All that I would change for next season would be to open up two forward positions. Step one is to get either Dwyer or LaRose to the fourth line and trade one. Take your pick. There are valid arguments for either one to stay. Step two is probably to trade either Ponikarovsky or Tlusty. Again, there are valid arguments to keep either and in fact valid arguments to keep both; but when Skinner returns, one forward has to go. A third forward has to go in order to either bring in the top six forward obtained in a trade, or Victor Rask, and/or the Hurricanes first round 2012 pick, depending who is ready at the start of training camp.

Here’s one version I can see as the end game for the start of 2012. I believe, however, Jim Rutherford will start wheeling and dealing players starting this week and continuing through the trade deadline, so the lines will be in flux.

Rask/Staal/Dalpe

Jokinen/Skinner/Ruutu

Bowman/Sutter/Tlusty

Nodl/Brent/Stewart

I think the Hurricanes will draft (or should draft if available) either Yakupov, Girgorenko, Galchenyuk, Forsberg, or Girgensons. James Neal is an RFA and will be in line for a huge salary increase. I wonder how the Penguins can afford to re-sign him. Parise is available as an UFA; and given the salary budget available and the miserable run of years for the Hurricanes, it is really time for Peter Karmanos to step up and authorize the expenditure of funds to get a top flight first line wing (which if it occurs will require other forwards to be traded).

by abramsdoug on Dec 28, 2011 7:41 AM EST reply actions

you assume skinner will recover from his concussion

seeing how crosby has fared, i have doubts

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 7:45 AM EST up reply actions

You really cannot treat Crosby’s and Skinner’s concussions together. Harrison was out for two weeks, Giroux was out for two weeks, etc., so it depends. However, based on a your overall comments I can see why you would give a glass half empty response. ;)

by hotchipsnsalsa on Dec 28, 2011 8:26 AM EST up reply actions

sorry, i must’ve missed the announcement from the team that he was progressing nicely and will be back soon. if this was toronto, there would be daily updates in the paper as to his status. as it stands, chip alexander only reports what the team says to him, he doesn’t ask any tough questions.

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 8:33 AM EST up reply actions

I agree about concern for Skinner (though think it’s premature to compare to Crosby), but I don’t see how Chip is responsible for the lack of information. As recently as yesterday Mike Smith tweeted that there is “no update” concerning Skinner. Regardless of how Chip asks the question, they don’t have to answer with any more details.

by efrancis on Dec 28, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions

No updates from Pittsburgh, either....

Penguins offer no updates on Crosby, Letang
Tuesday, 12.27.2011 / 3:31 PM / News
By Alan Robinson – NHL.com Correspondent

PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby remains off the ice, and the Pittsburgh Penguins still aren’t offering an update on their star center’s health.

Crosby hasn’t played since Dec. 5 or practiced since Dec. 7 due to concussion-related issues, which also forced him to sit out the final 41 games of last season and the first 20 games of this season. Crosby hasn’t talked with reporters since Dec. 12, when he disclosed he was experiencing a reoccurrence of concussion-like symptoms.

by formersaint on Dec 28, 2011 8:58 AM EST up reply actions

the difference here

is that there is actually a report on it. if the ‘canes are chip’s beat, then he is obligated to keep fans updated on the status of its star player. that is his job.

here’s hoping #53 comes back soon! love that kid, very promising future.

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 9:08 AM EST up reply actions

Mike Smith, an employee of the team, tweeted yesterday that there were “no updates” regarding Skinner.

by efrancis on Dec 28, 2011 9:11 AM EST up reply actions

correcting myself

Well, I can’t seem to find the tweet, so perhaps I’m mistaken. But I thought he, or a Canes-affiliated tweeter replied to a question about Skinner saying there was no update. Perhaps I made that up!

by efrancis on Dec 28, 2011 9:17 AM EST up reply actions

You didn’t make it up, here it is:

@MSmithCanes No. Updates will be passed along when we know anything. RT @Snowboarder561: @MSmithCanes is there an estimate on Skinner’s return?

10:51 AM – 26 Dec 11 via TweetDeck

Forslund has commented on this several times in various discussions, with regard to both Pitkanen and Skinner. Because of the nature of a concussion and the recovery process, until they get clearance to resume some type of practice, the organization and media really does know nothing. There are no updates, there are no timetables, there are no estimates, there are no predictions.

twitter @jbk_ltd

by Jamie Kellner on Dec 28, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks Jamie! I missed JF’s comments, but I presumed that if Skinner/Pitkanen were observed doing off ice workouts then we’d probably have heard about it.

We don’t hear about the intricacies of any other type of injury/recovery in greater details either.

by efrancis on Dec 28, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, if Stinky wants to dog Chip about tracking down injury updates as his “obligation to the fans” (his words, not mine), perhaps the question should be raised as to why we’ve heard nothing regarding Brian Boucher?

twitter @jbk_ltd

by Jamie Kellner on Dec 28, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

We have heard less about Boucher than we have Pits and Skin.

by Hockeydog on Dec 28, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions

Very true no news at all on Boucher…

by dbaerry34 on Dec 28, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

Here’s the Boucher update.

RT @MSmithCanes: @jbk_ltd I know Muller audio from very recently said he was in long-term recovery mode. Seen him around the locker room a few times.

RT @MSmithCanes: @jbk_ltd Here we are, from Monday’s skate. Actually was @ice_chip that asked Muller the question:

Link to Monday audio

RT @ice_chip: @jbk_ltd Muller said a few days ago it was long-term recovery that would take months..

twitter @jbk_ltd

by Jamie Kellner on Dec 28, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

funny, chip’s been tweeting multiple times about the concussions. wonder if he reads CC?

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

There is absolutely no reason to bring Skinner or Pitkanen back before they are not only symptom free, but until they have the minimum risk of a re-injury. Given that no one knows how long that is, don’t expect either back soon. There is no good reason for either to play until next November.

by surgalt on Dec 28, 2011 9:17 AM EST up reply actions

other than skinner putting fans in seats and selling tickets, I completely agree.

by Caniac1026 on Dec 28, 2011 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

a report that there is no report. Interesting.

by formersaint on Dec 28, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions

a report that there is no report is what is needed?

by formersaint on Dec 28, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions

sorry – keeps replying in wrong place

by formersaint on Dec 28, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions

I actually agree with Stinky. I am very concerned about Skinner. He will recover from the concussion; but given his size & style of play, it is likely that he will get knocked around a lot and could receive another concussion very easily.

"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 28, 2011 11:25 AM EST up reply actions

Skinner’s size is one of the reason’s we need to keep Ruutu or add someone bigger to play and take the physical pressure off Skinner.

But Skiner also has to learn—I made a comment months agao abot him skating into the offensive zone, alone, sometimes spinning or making direction changes which are great one on one, but let’s you getlined up and schwacked in a crowd. Skinner skated into the middle of four defenders when he got hit—he’s got to realize that’s not a smart play 99 times out of 100….. If he keeps doing those loner moves into a crowd, he’ll keep walking into those hits—not every timek, but enough to be a concern.

by Squeaky83 on Dec 28, 2011 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

The thing is Ruutu is not going to help in that regard. Skinner plays his game in the high traffic areas around the net. He is going up against defensemen that are sometimes 6’5" or 6’6" and he is around 5’10". Those defensemen’s elbows and shoulders are going to be right around the same level as Skinner’s head. He is going to get knocked around, both legally & illegally. That is just how he plays his game and why the Caniac love him. I understand having some players to protect him, but there is no way to protect him in that regard. He is just going to have to be careful or change the way he plays or he might experience more concussions down the road.

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

If he had kept his head up, he wouldn’t have been hit. Hopefully when he comes back, he will have learned that you don’t skate into the middle of the ice with your head down.

I just remembered something very similar happened to Sutter in his first season. Weight hit him while his head was down and Sutter was concussed. Sutter learned to keep his head up and he has had no more concerns since then.

by hurricane9 on Dec 28, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

yup, sutter got creamed, but he came back.

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

yep I remember that one.

by dbaerry34 on Dec 28, 2011 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

Be he is also 5" taller than Skinner and plays more upright than Skinner. Skinner spends a lot of time amongst giants getting pushed around while he is trying to score goals, Sutter doesn’t play the same sort of game. Sutter is more of a rush/cycle guy and usually plays a lot in his own zone.

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not worried about Skinner getting pushed around in front of the net. He’s built strong down low and he isn’t going to give much ground there.

The way Skinner got his concussion is the only way I see him getting concussions (from legal hits, of course) – a hard, open ice check. I think he is nimble enough to avoid every check he sees. He just needs to learn to always have his head up.

by hurricane9 on Dec 28, 2011 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

I just think because he play around the net against much taller opponents, he’s going to take the occasional elbow. And we all know players that have had concussions are more likely to get more. It just concerns me a lot.

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 6:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

and if we ever make the playoffs again, he’ll see a lot more elbows as the hitting picks up

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 29, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions

this is what happens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFhpdZ-try8&feature=related

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

by zippy8 on Dec 29, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

The first few shifts from S\D\B looked good, and I would like to see them play a little more together. No ill will toward Dwyer and and I hope he gets better, but I would like to see that line together again tomorrow night.

by hotchipsnsalsa on Dec 28, 2011 8:28 AM EST up reply actions

I’m always impressed with AD’s optimism, but have to question how the 2nd period showed what the Canes can be — in a positive light. Sure, they didn’t yield a goal, but only had 3 shots and allowed a period high 21 shots.

by efrancis on Dec 28, 2011 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

If you assume JR will build the new team around the above players this seems like a good line-up. However you are right, the lines will be in flux. If JR goes out and gets a real proven first line winger through trade now these lines will have to be shifted. It is also possible Ruutu and Jokinen are assets JR would be willing to use as trade bait. If that happens, back to the lines drawing board. From all indications JR will be the most popular GM in the whole NHL for the next couple of months or perhaps several weeks with boxes of cigars, bottles of cognac and other lavished gifts coming from desperate GM’s wishing to get on his good side. (just kidding……I think)

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 28, 2011 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

Your possibly lineup

If these are the only players available, this might be the best the Canes could do. But while I like Rask, I don’t see him being “truely” NHL ready next season (especially on the top line). The same could be said about our potential lottery pick; he will most likely play in the NHL, but probably won’t be immediately ready to take on top shutdown players.

I also think this team still needs a significant overhaul of players. We need to acquire a top line player and that probably means losing some of our current players/prospects.

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

I understand Rask has shown a lot of talent in the WHL but not only is there no guarantee he’ll make the team, but to assume he’s going to show enough to deserve 1st line minutes is a bit of optimism. Not saying I don’t hope so, but AD you seem to have a clear obsession with all of our forward prospects and are always convinced they’ll be 1st and 2nd line studs. Not seeing where you get your confidence

by Caniac Kid on Dec 28, 2011 11:35 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

While this loss sucked

as they team looked tired and had lead weights on their feet,I did appreciate the efforts of Staals line and they should practice and play a few more games together..if possible,and i have to laugh as Rosie is making the case that he shouldn’t be traded or used as trade bait..Fault is along with Harrison are the beter pairing..and not to take a thing a away from Spacek.he is and reminds me of silent guardian who is where he needs to be and makes it look so so effortlessly even those his physical numbers.In closing..this fan is is pleased that and since Capt. Kirk has taken over the canes are playing better and are more intence..so and while if the canes in the last half of the season can get to .500 I’ll be happy great report Bob..thanks..

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

by CaniacSteve on Dec 28, 2011 7:41 AM EST reply actions

rosie shouldn’t be traded because…(a) he takes untimely penalties (b) shoots either wide of the net or into the chest of the goalie nine times out of 10 or © gets pushed off the puck way too easily…???

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 7:44 AM EST up reply actions

He tries hard though, and it’s the effort that counts. Give him a gold star and put him on the first powerplay unit.

by Kahz on Dec 28, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions

Effort doesn’t win games – scoring more goals than the opponent wins games.

by hurricane9 on Dec 28, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions

if they paid me $1M a year, I’d try hard too

by Caniac1026 on Dec 28, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

pay me $1.9 mill and I’ll skate right into the crease and fart in the goalie’s face every single shift and take the pounding that would result. give me a player that puts the biscuit in the basket and doesn’t take dumb penalties over a purely hustle and heart guy any day.

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions

Actually $1.9mil, but Chad hustled his buns off when he was at league minimum.

by surgalt on Dec 28, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with you the 2 LaRose penalty’s was the difference in the outcome of the game it’s 3-2 ,if not for that which makes it a whole different game ,and how many times has Rosey taken dumb penalty’s?..ALOT ,or was his being moved to the 3rd line that “helped” him commit those 2 bad penalty’s?…Not to mention Allen’s whiff in the crease those 2 errors cost the team at least point.

by hellfish on Dec 28, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions

Game went as expected....

but not what I was hopping for. The Penguins are a top talented team that was well rested. I figured the third period was going to be rough for the ’Canes. But give them credit. Pittsburgh first goal was an unfortunate bounce and the later goals were assisted by Faulk taking an open ice fall and the ’Canes defense pressing. The top line looked encouraging and Eric Staal played a really good game. Not feeling too bad about last night but I expect a win on Thursday!

by Franklnc on Dec 28, 2011 8:07 AM EST reply actions

Stick with the changes and change some more

Like many fans, I had higher hopes for a win after the Canes won two in a row. However, my hopes were tempered and mixed with a little bit of fear. The small fear was that this team could claw its way back to a sniff of the playoffs. Why would I not want that? While winning is great fun as a fan, and while the transformation of this team into a team that can win any game is clearly underway, I do not want the org to believe that this group has all the pieces it needs to succeed. Secondly, I believe that the value of a top 3 pick is huge and grinding to 10th or 11th hurts our draft position. Thirdly, I would like to see us get value now for some players in trades in the way of draft picks.

"Forget about style; worry about results."
Bobby Orr

by Caniac233 on Dec 28, 2011 8:39 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

not surprised by last night

We lost to a far better team who had the night off. Canes can learn that this how you treat a team that played the night before, come out full throttle and not let up. That is what the Pens did and deserved the W. We have to get better at possessing the puck, seemed we were chasing it all game long. All that said I did find the LaRose interference call questionable, and in between the 3rd and 4th Pens goals I saw at least 3 penalties not called on the Pens. Not saying with our PP it makes a difference but a PP sometimes puts a teams off the throttle a little and the Pens never had to because of it.

by Matt Katlen on Dec 28, 2011 8:46 AM EST reply actions

Overall I agree with Muller’s plan to turn the Canes into an up tempo north/south team. But last night shows what happens when you run into a team that can play that style of game to near perfection and has way more talent than you do.

by sittler27 on Dec 28, 2011 8:58 AM EST reply actions

i caught myself watching the pens rushes up the ice moreso than the ’canes defensive positioning while they were doing so. a beautiful thing to watch when executed flawlessly. that 2-on-1 goal by dupuis (sp?) was a thing of beauty.

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 9:09 AM EST up reply actions

The team that combines great talent and great coaching will usually win over a team with far less talent and great coaching. The fact the Canes hung in for two periods is good news. The test will be whether Muller can expedite the development of Dalpe, Rask, Bowman, Nash, and the 2012 1st round pick. At this point, Boychuk has to step it up to get back in the conversation it appears.

The Hurricanes have to close the talent gap to compete in the new Conference; and having underskilled heart and soul guys will not work.

by abramsdoug on Dec 28, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed….the Pens exposed the Canes weaknesses big time last night. Even though the Canes effort was there most of the time you can’t have an up-tempo game if your in your end 80% of the time. 52 shots on goal….GOOD GRIEF!

by hurricanefever on Dec 28, 2011 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

Bottom Line

The Pens are an upper echelon NHL team.
The Pens were at home
The Canes were on the road in a back to back scenario.
The puck Allen swiped at and missed was bouncing around – not as easy as some may think to hit
While Dalpe has played NHL games, this was his first under a new coach/system.
The team sorely misses Skinner and Pitkanen.

I don’t think any team wants to make or hear excuses, but under the above circumstances the team did about as good as one could expect them to. Peters played very well in his first NHL start in a while. Watching the Staal-Bowman-Dalpe line I could see them trying hard to mesh. That line to me was like watching a young child figuring something out, not quite there but slowly putting the pieces together. I hope they get another game to keep trying, I think their individual skill sets compliment each other nicely.

by Hockeydog on Dec 28, 2011 9:43 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Tough game last night. The Canes did look tired and Pittsburgh controlled the puck for most of the game. Pittsburgh controlled the puck because their players are a lot more talented than we are and the Canes really played a tight box to try to protect Peters. Peters played well, but he really moves around a lot in the crease. His burst from one post to the other on the 2nd Pens goal, he actually overplayed that a little (but it was also a good shot). The 3rd Pens goal, he looked lost there. He basically just dove, instead of staying calm. The defense needs to help him out, but he could have played those 2 goals a little better.

The DBS line showed some good flashes of speed & offensive aggressiveness, but they need more work together developing chemistry. All 3 got caught a couple of times down low; they need to learn where each should/will be. I was also impressed with Poni last night, he played very solid. And I know that Faulk lost an edge that resulted in a goal, but he really is just a fantastic young defenseman.

Allen’s whiff was really unlucky, but he also seems to be getting slower as the season wears on. Pittsburgh constantly had someone standing in front of Peters and Gleason or Allen need to be the guys that get them out of the way. We had no physical play last night. And I know that McBain has been producing offensively lately, but he just seems like a clusterf*ck with the puck in his own zone (maybe its just me, because he has been receiving a lot of good comments here). Maybe it’s just a comparison thing with him and Faulk; Faulk looks calm and collected, McBain looks like he’s just trying to slap the puck around.

I still believe that this team needs a big culture change in the form of a couple new players. They need 2 top 6 forwards (one probably from our lottery pick or one of the prospects) and one via trade. We also need one solid defenseman (either a two-way guy or a defensive defenseman). PK & JR really need to go out and make these acquistions happen! And let me just add: Bob-by Ryan, Bob-by Ryan!

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 10:31 AM EST reply actions

Even though the Canes came out with some speed last night and took the lead, you had to wonder when everything would come crashing down. And it didn’t take long. The defense was mediocre at best. McBain look like he couldn’t control or get the puck out of our zone. Terrible game by his standards. Peters played well given the fact the “d” left him high and dry a few times. And what is going on with Jussi. He has been “MIA” for the past several games.
Someone was rumored to say that JR was going to give it 2 weeks before doing anything to see how close this team could get close to the 8th spot. I don’t see that happening. With Gleason, Allen, Poni, Spacek, Ruutu, as UFA’s, one if not all will be traded. My concern is Ruutu. He is the best player on the team right now and I would hate to trade him even though we can get a good return for him but I know JR has to have learned his lesson with the Whitney and Cole fiasco. We cannot get into a bidding war with other teams if JR decide to trade him away.
If they want to see what type of players we have in the organization then we have to see this the second half of the season. As far as a top 6 forward goes, I wander what PK will do to let JR go after one. It would be good to get Parise or Bobby Ryan. Wander if Staal could be moved for one of these guys.

by skinnerthewinner on Dec 28, 2011 12:45 PM EST reply actions

would not touch staal, but would consider moving jussi. he has been invisible all year.

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

Again, What's a guy gotta do?

Jokinen had an assist, and was 12 of 19 on faceoffs. For the season he is 2nd on the team in points, leads in assists and is a plus 1 on a team that is minus a gazillion. He was injured for 3 games and played at less than 100% for a part of this season. I don’t see your case for dumping Jussi. He is locked in at just $3mil for 3 more seasons giving JR a major home discount to stay here. His production will not be replaceable at the same cost.

by surgalt on Dec 28, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

if he has those stats he should be pretty attractive in trade. could be packaged w/rosie and allen for a forward and picks, perhaps?

LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!

by Capt. Stinky on Dec 28, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Staal is having a very rough year, but I don’t believe his career is over. Staal will regain form at some point and gaining a dangerous linemate that can play with him might do just that. I think Staal, Skinner, & Sutter are the only forwards that you have to keep for next season. Others could be kept, but aren’t required if JR fills the void with capable players. Ruutu would be nice, but I still question if he is worth $4.5 million +. I wish JR would break from his routine and negotiate with Ruutu now to see if they could work out a “Canes friendly” deal. If not, then trade him for something in return. There is no point waiting until the offseason to see if Ruutu can then be resigned.

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions

Hope and Pray...

1. Staal’s career is not over. He has the rest of this season and 4 more at a salary of $8,25mil.
2. At worst Ruutu is a trade deadline loaner who resigns next year for the bargain price of $4.5mil/year for 4 years.
3. That Jokinen is not traded, given his point production at$3mil per year is a major bargain.

Have I mentioned lately that the Jokinen bashing is poorly thought out?

by surgalt on Dec 28, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, we can hope Ruutu only takes 4.5 on the open market. He could probably get 5+ from other teams.

by hurricane9 on Dec 28, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

1. I’m pretty sure when Staal gets some lucky breaks, his confidence will grow, and he will regain form. I think it’s just a matter of time and maybe a complimentary playing partner.

2. That is not the worst case scenario with Ruutu. The worst case would be that JR doesn’t trade Ruutu and doesn’t begin negotiations with him until this offseason. At that time, JR finds out that Ruutu wants $5 million dollars (because he is probably a top 3 to 5 UFA forward) and JR doesn’t want to spend that much. Then Ruutu signs with another team and the Canes are left with squat.

3. Jussi is a valuable member of this team and is a bargain, but if he can be traded for an upgrade to our top 3 or 6, then it must be considered. Jussi is probably a 2nd/3rd liner on many NHL teams; if we can gain a bonafide top 3 player by trading him, we should probably do it. I seriously doubt he will ever be a 30 goal scorer in the NHL again, but he should be a consistent 50+ point player.

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

Right now, Ruutu is showing why he’s the only other real top six forward on the team besides Staal and Skinner. That means we’re really short two to three true top six forwards. Draft one, trade/FA pick up for another, prospect for the third. But if you get rid of Ruutu, then we’re devoid another key spot… And if you think Staal missed Cole-wht’s going to happen with Skinner if Ruu goes missing. We’d need to pick up someone willing to bang and create space while also being a threat.

Everyone laments the loss of Cole and Whitney, losing Ruutu would actually be worse. Ruu’s been a pretty consistent pressence for the Canes in each zone and a fairly consistent offensive contributer.

by Squeaky83 on Dec 28, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

I honestly believe that if Ruutu is traded, it must be for another top 6 player or top pairing defenseman. Trading Ruutu for a mid to low 1st round pick and some prospects that might or might not work out is a mistake. In a FanPost a while ago, I mentioned trading Ruutu & a draft pick to St. Louis for Chris Stewart. I believe a trade like that would work because Ruutu would benefit Hitchcock & a playoff bound Blues team and Stewart would benefit the Canes because he should come cheaper than Ruutu and has as much or more potential than Ruutu (and C. Stewart is a top 6 player that is struggling a little right now).

by PackPride17 on Dec 28, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions