Staal Kickstarts Carolina: Hurricanes 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
by Bob Wage on Dec 29, 2011 10:48 PM EST
in Carolina Hurricanes Game Recaps
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PrintEric Staal broke out of a slump in a big way on Thursday night as he scored two goals -- including the game winner in overtime -- and the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4 -3, in overtime in front of 17,461 at the RBC. Staal also added an assist and had a team high three points on the night.
Staal's linemates, Jiri Tlusty and Zac Dalpe, had two points each.
The Hurricanes struck first in the game when Brandon Sutter rifled a shot past James Reimer just eight minutes and change into the game. Drayson Bowman earned the only assist on the play.
But just 1:43 into the second period, Nazem Kadri tied things up when he fooled Cam Ward right in front.
The score remained tied up until the third period when it looked like the Leafs would blow things open as they scored twice to take a 3-1 lead. But Staal broke into the clear -- with the help of a nice assist and hard work along the boards by Dalpe -- and buried his breakaway chance.
The Hurricanes had new life as they pressured in the Toronto zone more diligently and just two minutes and two seconds later, Dalpe would roof in a Tlusty rebound to tie the score.
The game went into overtime, but the Canes drew a penalty when Sutter was tripped trying to get the puck out of his own end. Staal would then score the game winner on a blistering shot from just to the side of the circle.
The Carolina captain said that he received some advice from his brother Jordan, who told him to just shoot everything at the net. Usually, it's the older brother giving the younger brother advice, but this time the advice worked for the eldest.
The Canes have now won three of their last four games and have earned points in six of their last eight.
Game Notes:
- It was Staal's best performance of the season and something everyone related to the club had been waiting for. He played a team high 24:20 of ice time and had a team high five shots on goal to go with his three points. We will see if this gets him in a groove.
- Sutter also had a great all around game and his defensive hustle right before drawing a penalty could have saved the night. The alternate captain made several defensive gems to go along with his pretty shot and goal to start off the game. He also won 71% of his faceoffs.
- The team had 18 blocked shots led by McBain, Allen, and Faulk with three each.
- After a slow start, Carolina outshot Toronto 34-24. After Staal's five, Alexei Ponikarovsky was next with four shots.
- The team won 56% of the game's faceoffs. (Staal 44%, Sutter 71%, Jokinen 47%, Brent 50%)
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The RBC of old...
Man, that place was ROCKING tonight – felt really good to be part of it. Great to see Muller smiling afterwards too. Brandon Sutter is the MVP of the team so far this season – he is a beast in all 3 zones in addition to his face-off prowess, and just keeps getting better. It’s great to see Muller not being afraid to throw Dalpe back out there after some defensive mistakes – Dalpe will only get better because of it. I see changes – slowly but surely – and it’s really fun to watch our team again!
Could not have said it better. Would only add that it was great to see Staal light it up and do it with the game on the line.
by FoxtrotSierra on Dec 30, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
Brandon Sutter was amazing tonight. He didn’t allow one scoring chance all game despite being matched up with Phil Kessel’s line and playing nearly three minutes on the PK. One of his best performances of the season. Harrison/Faulk were fantastic in their own end, as well. Wonder if they’ll get to be the top pairing next game.
www.shutdownline.com
trackingthenhl.wordpress.com
+16 - 28 - 44 !!
Faulk has become an outstanding b lueliner at the age of 19. With all the offensive ability he has, he gives nothing in his own zone. This is what you are to build your defense around, JR.
I echo everything said about Sutter. Really his best game of the year, and it’s not like he’s thrown in a bunch of stinkers.
Watching Harrison and Faulk play is such a treat. They are so calm under pressure and when Faulk gets in a bit of a jam Harrison is where he should be to give Faulk the outlet pass. Of course they will make mistakes but the way they work together you can just sense the confidence. Change the channel and watch Timmy and McBain and you see they are out of position and don’t seem to have a good feel for where the other is or where they should be.
Sutter has been outstanding all season long. I thought Tlusty had a nice game as well. Lets move some of these vets and make more room for the kids. Its time for this franchise to move forward now that we have a coach who is capable of doing so.
by playwithpride on Dec 30, 2011 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
With the exception of Harrison falling asleep on Toronto’s first goal, those two were solid. I am still amazed of our top defensemen at the moment, one was in the AHL to start the season and the other one we tried to get rid of a year ago.
I remember AD talking about how he doesn’t know what Maurice sees in Harrison :D
Harrison
Maurice was definitely correct about Harrison. I never saw a future for him with the Hurricanes. He has been the most improved defenseman for the past three seasons. Each season he comes back better than the end of the season before. Harrison, I think, is now one of the best price/performance defensemen in the NHL. I have no problem saying I was proven to be mistaken. It happens with such frequency, I am an expert in doing so.
Please leave Dalpe with Staal
Dalpe brings the speed that the D has to respect which will free up Staal. I think these two could be magical together and heck you could throw Skinner on the other side for a line we have not seen in Raleigh in a long time. Mueller gave Dalpe the speech to relax and play and man did it work. I cant see Dalpe or Bowman going back to Charlotte anymore. I think JR will look to trade early and keep these two here once some forwards come back healthy!
While Bowman may not be a top 3 forward, he certainly has proven he is an NHL caliber player. He’ll be a very good 3rd line player that can slide up to the 2nd line, or even top line in a pinch and not hurt the club. Other than numbers I can’t see a reason for him to return to the AHL.
Dalpe. Wow ! That game tying goal was pure elite level goal scoring skill. Any “mistakes” he made were sheer hustle mistakes. I’ll take ‘em any day. He’ll have some growing pains, and every game may not be like last nights, but as with Bowman only a numbers issue would keep him from staying up. He is ready.
Muller. The attitude he has taken with these young players almost gives me chills, as does the fact that he is the Hurricanes head coach. With all respect to the departed, Mo really did have to go.
I agree. That game was as comfortable as Dalpe looked in a long time. He’s going to make mistakes defensively, but remember, it was his second full game on the first line last night. He had a bunch of good shots during that game and rung one off the post that would have been an absolute snipe if it had gone it.
I think this is proving that you can’t stick your top line prospects on the fourth line, give them 5 minutes a game, and expect them to produce. It’s unfortunate that there is no more room to give Boychuk a shot.
Dalpe and Bowman Defensively
Dalpe is so fast and agile that he gets to many pucks that slower, less quick players can’t get to. He is sound defensively, but does not have the power/strength yet to drive through his checks. That aspect of his game will come. Sutter had a similar build and now he is getting his adult strength. Bowman, too, is still getting his man strength. Bowman seems to thrive on contact and goes out of his way to put himself in position to hit. It all bodes well for the near term and longer term.
Wow… just thinking what Skinner would be like with “Man Strength”. Hope he starts skating soon. Rumor has it…..
Skinner and Man Strength
Skinner is an example of why players with total devotion to their craft as a hockey player have an advantage over other talented, but less dedicated players. Jim Rutherford has said that Skinner at age 19 has the physique of a 25 year old. Skinner will be a total, physical beast at age 25. Eventually for players who haven’t worked as hard, they can’t catch up to those players who are conditioning fanatics, even if they began with equivalent skill sets. I think Skinner is a natural center and that within the next year or two he will be totally ready for that role.
I don’t know about Skinner eventually being a center. I think he will probably stay at wing most of his career with occasionally playing some center.
"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'
Boychuk
The defensive game is why Boychuk can’t crack the lineup ,and also lacks a physical game in which Bowman and Dalpe have adapted to at the higher level in which credit should be given to Jeff Daniels for developing there game to where it is now ,also after a stint in the AHL next year will give Hoffman and Rask the defensive learning curve that most young players have to get to to play at the NHL level.
Boychuk
I still think until Boychuk is given a shot to play on the first line with Muller as coach, we really won’t be able to tell if Boychuk fits in the Hurricanes’ future. On the other hand, it is certainly a daunting task he faces. The Hurricanes have Dalpe and Bowman showing they fit well in the up tempo, two way, style of play Muller wants. Rask, Hofmann, and Nash, among others, to be the kind of fast, intense players who also have to be considered on the roster. The first round draft choice in 2012 should be a forward and is likely to be pushing for a spot on the roster. Boychuk has to make a case for himself. He has the talent to accomplish it; but it’s going to be a challenge.
while this started out very much the same ol same old
it is how the Canes “finnished” that matters…sadly Sutter nor Staal are “finnish” as they play hard and hustled like Ruutu and consistanlty as The Juice does even when he is invisable when shooting at the net…This fan is very pleased but also knows a great win & keeping Kessel off the score sheet does not always equal a multi game win street. as the Canes now go to face the Boltz…and we know how well we haven’t played against them. but to end this on a positive note…what a away to end the last game (of the tear) at home!! and yes…you who were there last night all 17,000 plus of you did a great job in preparing and encouraging Our Canes !! The crowd needs to be the stars of the game status…and thank dear people…is all i has to say at this time…:-) Be safe & Have a good day everybody ! Go Canes !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Smiles and cheers
Wow. I’ll admit this season has made folks like me, sad, then mad and rarely glad. But when Staal let loose that first goal I actually yelled in excitement in my own house.
That’s like the first time all year I’ve been excited for a player. Way to go Staal. Please keep it up.
Great ending
Only got to catch the third period and OT, but what an ending it was. When the Canes let in those two goals I thought “oh boy, here comes another 40-minute effort” but I’m glad to be wrong on that one.
What stood out for me was the physicality of the last 15 minutes; our guys really played their hearts out and forced Toronto off the pucks in the open and on the boards. It was some of the best defense and puck handling I’ve seen all season— superb pickpocketing when Toronto got away on breaks, passing and receiving without losing the puck, and body checking (actual real checking!) on both ends of the ice. Loved every second of it.
Major props to Staal, and I’m glad he finally got some rain after the scoring drought. He’s been playing good all-around hockey, but it’s important for him to be able to put pucks in the net, and you could feel his elation in that first fist pump. Dalpe looks great as a fast winger and Sutter and Faulk continue to impress. Even in the rough games you can tell Muller’s changed the way our team plays for the better, and when it works like last night, it’s a beautiful thing to watch. Go Canes!
Such a fun game to be at last night and honestly with the way the year has gone, that’s really all I come into the RBC hoping for each night. The win is almost secondary to just enjoying myself. :)
Very very very happy for Staal to get that breakout game. He had an extra special Caniac in the crowd last night who I’m pretty sure is his good luck charm. Hopefully it’s the night he needed to turn his game around for the long haul.
And #16…just outstanding. I know the story of the night was Staal and rightfully so, but Sutter is quietly having a fantastic season. I’ve said it since he was a rookie-he’s not going to put up massive points, but he’s one of the most important guys on the ice night in and night out. takes off rose-colored glasses
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
The win is almost secondary to just enjoying myself. :)
I am the same way. I would rather see a win, but as a pure hockey fan, if the game is good and just doesn’t go the Canes way, I still was glad I went.
Staal’s OT blast was sweet. He really stepped up last night and it was great to see, not only for the result but for seeing the joy he felt knowing he played the way he expects himself to play. He has always been deadly from that spot on the ice, and it seems this year he hasn’t had/taken as many shots from there as he normally does. Maybe because he hasn’t had anyone to open the ice up so he can take the pass from there. Looks like Dalpe could be that anyone. Not sure Tlusty is the ultimate answer, but Dalpe and Staal seem a match. So glad to see Eric celebrate ! Happy New Year Mr Staal.
He has always been deadly from that spot on the ice, and it seems this year he hasn’t had/taken as many shots from there as he normally does.
Part of what changed last night may very well have been Dalpe being more of a threat to take some of the pressure off him. I also thought it was interesting that little brother Jordan offered up some wise advice about shooting from everywhere. Maybe baby brother knows best.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
We’ve been yelling:" Eric, one timah" all season long. Was sweet to see that puck fly into the net. Nice screen too.
Sutter was, well, SAVAGE!!! Someone needs to send proud papa a tape of this game.
Ruutu didn’t lite the lamp but he was a man possessed on the ice. Kept the puck in the zone, carried it up ice, crashed the net.
Oh, and I got chastised by the man in front of me, with his family of 16, 12, 10 yr olds, for saying, $h&t after Toronto scored their 3rd goal. Yet, he was excited for the several near fights. Things that make you go, Hmmmmm.
Harrumph
LOL ,if you go to a NHL or NFL game that serves alcohol and EXPECT not to hear profanity basically EVERY second of the game especially if it’s close then you don’t need to be there ,because it’s gonna happen…what an a$$hole…Me and a buddy of mine almost got onto a fight with two a$$holes one time for standing up during game 5 of the cup year…They had to call security after they kicked the back of our seats ,and we grabbed them by the shirt collar ,but all the fans around us backed up our story and the cops had to “escort” them out to keep us from beating them down ,and they were canes fans!
We were upstairs for Cup run. Had two young guys in front of us for the playoffs (never seen them since). They could be dramatically foul mouthed, but when my daughter was at games (age 8 at the time), they would keep each other in check. Which was very funny. One would cut loose w/ the fudge word, and the other would chastise: “Dude, the kid is here!” They were very sweet and easily forgiven.
Harrumph
My nine-year-old watches HBO 24/7 with me. Either I’m a really really really bad parent, or some folks could use a lesson or two about situation and context.
Or both.
twitter @jbk_ltd
by Jamie Kellner on Dec 30, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Situation and context
I’m glad you mentioned having your child watching 24/7 with you, so is mine. I think 8 years of Catholic school have allowed her to distinguish that difference too.
Harrumph
Language!!
In Charlotte, they always play a recorded warning 2-3 times a game that any fan caught throwing things onto or at the ice, or shouting obscenities will be removed from the arena and subject to arrest by the CMPD. I am a season ticket holder with the Checkers and have been for 15 years, so having had the same seats for so long with the exception of a few changes from season to season, I know most of the people sitting around me and can get away with saying things around them. But, I won’t SHOUT profanity to keep from getting thrown out and/or arrested and I can control myself if kids are nearby. However, the funniest incidents occurred when the Checkers played at our old Coliseum in the ECHL, and some “one timer fans” would get upset at people yelling “you suck”!! These dolts actually thought that it meant something sexual, but it was perfectly legal to shout and security would not throw anyone out for saying it. At least 2-3 times a season, I’d have to go get security to get some upset parent(s) off my back over yelling at a ref or player< “You Suck”!!! C’mon! If you tell the ref he sucks, that means he’s terrible, not something sexual!!
by #1checkersfan on Dec 31, 2011 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
I’m really hoping it’s the breakthrough game Eric needed. Fingers crossed. And if all it took was some advice from Jordan, then how do we pry him away from the Pens’ to be Eric’s personal life coach? :)
I agree 100% about Sutter, but then again I’m totally biased and always have been/will be. I wouldn’t worry about his dad hearing about his game-his proud mama was probably able to give quite the first-person recap to Papa Sutter over the phone.
I think you’d be hard pressed to find much fault with Ruutu’s play over the past few games; definitely one of our best players over the last month.
As far as the whole swearing thing goes, I suppose I see both sides. For me, unless you were being horribly obnoxious or dropping the f-bomb every other word, there probably wasn’t too much of a need to say anything. But some people are just really (some would say overly) sensitive to that, especially around kids, regardless of their age. It takes all kinds to fill the RBC. :D
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Staal
I hope the haters will go away now. That was just outstanding.
Trade him to Toronto….. please.
The Condor. #63.
THat's a sarcastic please, by the way.
The Condor. #63.
by DidJussiThat? on Dec 30, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
FYI
WE DON’T HATE ERIC STAAL. We just want him to play hard in all areas of the ice…and score. If he does that, I’m happy. Earlier this year when he was ‘lollygagging’, I was critical. Just as I am critical of ALL players who appear to be coasting. Last season was his best overall year, IMO, and I praised him from the hilltops.
Harrumph
And remember....
…..being critical makes you a BAYUD FAYUN!!!!
I believe in strength. I believe in unity. And if that strength, that unity of purpose, demands a uniformity of thought, word and deed then so be it.
by Douchebag St John on Dec 30, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Also...
…..you really shouldn’t swear around teenagers :)
I believe in strength. I believe in unity. And if that strength, that unity of purpose, demands a uniformity of thought, word and deed then so be it.
by Douchebag St John on Dec 30, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
That game last night sent me to bed happy. I really liked the way the Sutter played; he has been good almost all year, but last night he was great! He scored the 1st goal and that was nice, but his defensive play & faceoffs were what really stuck out to me. His line played well last night, even LaRose played a very solid game.
The RusFinns line wasn’t great last night, but they played well and created some chances. They are really working very well together. Ruutu has obviously been on a hot streak, but Poni has really stood out to me over the past couple of games. He’s getting to and protecting the puck pretty well.
The STD line was impressive last night and the goals were icing on the cake. It’s really fun to watch that line because of the speed it has. It seemed everytime they got the puck, they were pushing it up the ice with speed and it was entertaining. They obviously do need to work on their defensive zone coverage, but small steps.
And let me add that I loved seeing Staal actually one-time the game winner instead of stopping the puck first. We need more of that on the PP.
"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'
not sure
i really like your name for that line, but it did make me chuckle
by brass bonanza on Dec 30, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
I’ll second Poni’s play last night. i was going to comment on the game thread—he was using his size on checks in the offensive zone, was handling the puck well, but he just couldn’t get any points. But if he played like that every game—they would come.
While it’s key our first line becomes a threat again, I think we become more deadly in the future with the four line threat we currently have. Sutter and Bowman can score besides being able to defend—teams can’t forget that. Nodl and Stewart are starting to play like they can and are creating threats from the fourth line. If we had Skinner back we become a different team right now—part of that is because we’ve upgraded our talent with Bowman and Dalpe.
Adding Bowman and Dalpe had created more team speed, size and scoring ability. Both contributed last night. If both can play the rest of the year like they have under Muller, they become valuable team members. Having them both play last night highlights what Doug has already categorized as a Maurice failing (and to some extent…JR mistake). For the first time we had only ONE of LaRose or Dwyer. LaRose on the third line is a good fit. Dwyer on the third line is a good fit. Both on the team means someone isn’t slotted right, or we’re too small. Both on the team means one of Bowman or Dalpe (or both with Skinner healthy) don’t play.
Last night showed what many of us hoped would be how the Canes would wind up this year—Dalpe playing top six minutes—but as a rookie making mistakes but improving each game while putting up points, and Bowman or Boychuck getting a real chance and also contributing. Hard to say what will happen when Dwyer comes back, let alone Skinner. But for our future, I think Dalpe and Bowman have both shown they should stay and continue learning and honing their NHL game, let them earn a spot for next year or cut them free—I think they’ll both earn a spot. If we do this, we reduce our worries about who if any of the prospects will be good NHL forwards. and that makes JR ’s job easier.
It’s one game—but Muller playing the kids with good minutes, lettiing them make mistakes but still go out on the top line and try again is a major change for this team. After the 1st, under Mo, Dalpe would have been on the 4th line, LaRose back on the top line. Instead, Dalpe and Staal made the difference. We just may be able to develop prospects with this coach.
Poni was missing defensive assignments all night…led to many chances & a goal. He gave away too much speed in the neutral zone for the Leafs. Too slow to catch up
by tarheelicane9 on Dec 30, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Not that it means much, but I was happy to hear that Skinner is skating, even if on his own. That’s a step in the right direction.
I love what Muller is doing with the rookies. He shows confidence in them which is reflected in their game.
I think Ruutu will get traded to a playoff team. He’s playing really well and on the last year of his contract. I’m going to really hate to see that happen.
And that is where I hope JR thinks twice. Trading the UFA’s for draft picks that won’t help us for 2 to 3 years, if ever, will have us in the same position next season & maybe the season after.
We need to acquire a couple of players that could help out immediately. That will make JR’s work harder, but it is what he needs to do.
"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 30, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
“help out immediately” meaning 2012-2013 season? not 2011-2012, right?
I CAN'T BELIEVE STAAL FINALLY SCORED!!!
by Capt. Stinky on Dec 30, 2011 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Questions?
With Bowman & Dalpe looking like they can play in the NHL, what happens when Skinner & Dwyer come back? Do they go back down to Charlotte or are certain players traded/sat and who. And since the RusFinns line has been doing rather well, do you break that up and put Skinner back with the Finns? If so, where does Poni go? We is playing well, but I wouldn’t put him with Staal because I like Staal’s line with the speed its been showing.
And also just to point out that since Skinner’s been out, this team has gotten points in 6 of 9 games. I’m not trying to imply anything, but that is interesting.
"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 think it shows that we have learned to win even without his tremendous talent and that will be better for all when he returns.
by DanTHEman67 on Dec 30, 2011 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This team is starting to finally gel so what does happen when Skinner and Dwyer come back? This is the same scenerio Lavi had in 2007(?) when the Rats were playing well to get us within a game of making the playoffs and he brought back Whitney and Williams for the last game against FL to only tank. Maybe move Dwyer and LaRose to line 4 and Poni to 3 and Skinner to 2 and release Nodl and Stewart? Not easy decisions, but I like how we are playing, and the direction this team is playing now.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Dec 30, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
the answer will be trades
I just cant see us keeping Ruu and Ponk. They both are UFA’s and their play will land us some great deals. There are already 3 teams heavily looking at Ruu and the hope is they get in a bidding war and JR can land some great stuff. My hope would be he talks with Ruu and his agent about long term after the season is over and trades him to a cap heavy team so that we still have a great chance to resign him. Same will be true on the D Spacek, Gleason and Allen may all be wanted some where. We have some pieces that a team in the mix would want and could really build a nice solid young nuclues to compete in what will be a tough division next year.
by Matt Katlen on Dec 30, 2011 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that for some time. Skinner could be out for weeks or months and rumor has it Dwyer also has a concussion.
This is the best case scenario. We are earning points and scoring goals without Skinner. That means we don’t have to rush Skinner back into the line-up. We can wait until he is truly 100%.
I hate to see people with concussions, but the bright side is that Dalpe and Bowman have spots on the roster. I think Dwyer does have a concussion as well. There is no need to rush any of our concussed players back. Even if any of them are ready, there would be little reason to get them back in the lineup until after the trade deadline, when R has made space for Dalpe and Bowman.
What Happens When Skinner and Dwyer Return?
So what does happen when Skinner and Dwyer return? My guess for what will happen is that both Bowman and Dalpe will be sent back to Charlotte; that LaRose will get moved up from the third line and that Dwyer will go to the third line. What should happen is that LaRose or Dwyer should be traded for reasons previously discussed even though I like both players in their proper role. What should happen is that Dwyer is moved down to the third line so Bowman can play on the third line with Staal to add scoring ability. What should also happen is that Ponikarovsky should be traded even though I really like what he brings in terms of size and net presence.
There is simply no substitute for talented players with character. Dalpe and Bowman have both skills and character. Dwyer and LaRose have equal character; but their overall skill set for hockey is not at either Bowman’s or Dalpe’s level. Reuniting the Skinner/Jokinen/Ruutu line will of course help the Hurricanes. Dalpe on the first line helps Staal. It leaves the Hurricanes only in need of one more first line wing (from any source).
I have such a sense of deja vu. I feel I know what is going to happen and am convinced there is nothing anybody can say or do to prevent it from occurring. It will be another round of failing to put the best players available to the Hurricanes organization out on the ice. The intentions are pure, obviously; but the results won’t be good.
Typo again fixed, with my apologies
So what does happen when Skinner and Dwyer return? My guess for what will happen is that both Bowman and Dalpe will be sent back to Charlotte; that LaRose will get moved up from the third line and that Dwyer will go to the third line. What should happen is that LaRose or Dwyer should be traded for reasons previously discussed even though I like both players in their proper role. What should happen is that Dwyer is moved down to the fourth line so Bowman can play on the third line with Staal to add scoring ability. What should also happen is that Ponikarovsky should be traded even though I really like what he brings in terms of size and net presence.
There is simply no substitute for talented players with character. Dalpe and Bowman have both skills and character. Dwyer and LaRose have equal character; but their overall skill set for hockey is not at either Bowman’s or Dalpe’s level. Reuniting the Skinner/Jokinen/Ruutu line will of course help the Hurricanes. Dalpe on the first line helps Staal. It leaves the Hurricanes only in need of one more first line wing (from any source).
I have such a sense of deja vu. I feel I know what is going to happen and am convinced there is nothing anybody can say or do to prevent it from occurring. It will be another round of failing to put the best players available to the Hurricanes organization out on the ice. The intentions are pure, obviously; but the results won’t be good.
Mostly agreed
I have the same fears you do, but with Mo out and Muller in maybe the youngsters will stay? He’s giving them play time, and they sure seem to have earned more. Obviously Skinner has to come back in when he’s healthy. If Dwyer comes back first, I’d rather bump him than LaRose, personally, but either makes sense depending on what the Hurricanes organization is doing.
I’m not the most sophisticated with the contract stuff, but it seems to me that while LaRose may be overpriced at 1.9 mil next year, the Canes have as many issues with the cap floor as with saving money for PK. Dwyer would be good to trade if we’re worried about hitting the floor, since his contract is smaller. But LaRose would give us more money to buy a winger with good skills. I’d prefer to get the better player out of it by dealing LaRose’s contract, but considering the free agent market this year, maybe it’s best to hold LaRose to protect our cap floor issues. As has been stated many times by others on this forum, the path there is probably to grab someone from a team near the cap so we can overpay and they can shed some cap space. Actually, Dwyer may be better for that if the two players are considered equal by another team. Oh PK, why can’t you just let us spend another million or three and make all this easier?
Poni’s a UFA and probably should be traded if we need space for prospects. He’s been solid though, I wish we had the space to keep him. Ignoring whether or not we can fit him in, how much do you think he’d make if we re-signed him?
Also remember for next season that a top 3 pick will come with a $3.5 million + cap hit (that probably won’t be his actually salary unless he hits all his bonuses). So we might have “a little” salary cap room to play with.
"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 30, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
I like Poni but I don’t see him with the team next year. There is just no room for him. Ideally, he would be a third line winger who could fill in on the second line if necessary. But we already have Tlusty, Bowman, Dwyer, and LaRose who can fill those exact requirements. Tlusty is the only who whose contract expires (well, Bowman’s does too, but he’s not going anyway).
Actually both Tlusty & Bowman are RFAs at seasons end, so both are likely to be back with the Canes next season unless traded.
"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 30, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
I actually like Tlusty. I think he is a solid 3rd liner and we will need more than 12 forwards next season. Injuries happen and you need players that can fill in. If Dalpe & Bowman are on the opening day roster next season, what is really left in Charlotte for call-ups? We don’t have a lot of high level prospects, we have solid guys and that’s about it.
"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 30, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
When Skinner & Dwyer return
With the return of Dwyer and Skinner imo it looks like either LaRose while his stock is high along with his $1.9m is to high for a 4th line player which he is ,and Dwyer is a valuable PK ,and Poni(UFA) which has value to playoff teams as a good depth forward ,and at 31 not a young guy anymore would be my guess along with Ruutu as a rental that will be moved ,but with Ruutu leaving ,and possibly not returning that would make another big hole to fill ,and i’m hoping JR will get off his hands and sign Ruutu to an extension before the deadline.
The way the team is playing now ,and with Skinner and Joni hopefully returning sooner than later along with Bowman and Dalpe’s solid play makes the team’s top 3 lines able to score vs any team with the the 4th line of Stewart/Brent/Dwyer being a good checking line ,and the young guy’s now have proven they belong in Raleigh ,and sending them back to the Checkers would kill the confidence they have gained since being called up .and imo it’s time to move on from here with the team that’s the Cane’s have now.
Don’t get me wrong here; I really like Dalpe and think both he and Bowman are earning a spot on this team, but we still need at least 1 top 3 forward and a two-way or defensive-minded top 4 defenseman to just compete in our conference next season.
"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 30, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
With the current line-up, we have room for a top line left wing. That is what we are really missing. I think Dalpe could fit in on Staal’s RW. Then we have the Skinns and Finns line (assuming we keep Ruutu, if not, he needs to be replaced). Who goes to Staal’s LW? Right now we have Tlusty but that isn’t going to work long-term. Bowman fits better on the 3rd line. I don’t really see Poni fitting in there well (perhaps we will see that before the season is over).
Now, what first-line left-winger is available this season? Hmm…I heard the Devils may have one ;)
I still would love to get Ryan from Anaheim. Imagine the speed and scoring ability a line of Ryan/Staal/Dalpe could be; that would be an entertaining line to watch. And I know this wouldn’t be the popular thing to do, but I would willing to include Jussi, our 2nd round pick, and maybe even our 2013 1st to acquire him.
"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 know this guy didn’t really have a good night for the Leafs, but I would still like to try and acquire Aulie from Toronto. He has some more developing to do, but you can’t teach size and he’s got that. Especially with Ryan Murphy’s little self coming through our ranks, we are going to need a big guy that can help protect little Murphy and someone that can move guys out of the crease. I think Aulie can definitely get there rather soon and would be a good 5/6 guy for us next season.
"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'
quick! let’s pick him up…
LET'S GO CANES -- THE SEASON AIN'T OVER YET!!!
by Capt. Stinky on Dec 30, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Like I said, he still has some developing to do, but I think we will be a good 4 to 6 guy pretty soon.
"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'
trade him for rosie straight up
I CAN'T BELIEVE STAAL FINALLY SCORED!!!
by Capt. Stinky on Dec 30, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Hmm, Protection?
Want protection for the little guys? The Canes should have gone out and gotten it sooner. Am I the only one that noticed teams were really going after Skinner hard from the beginning this season? Doesn’t anybody besides me think that his concussion came from an elbow that obviously the refs didn’t see from Andy Sutton during the same game that jerk got suspended 8 games for an illegal hit on Poni? The one thing the Canes lack is REAL toughness. With a true enforcer on hand, other teams’ players will think twice about taking certain “liberties” with our star players, and would allow our players to be more physical knowing someone had their backs, thus resulting in a more aggressive forechecking and hitting game. I suggest to JR to check with Pittsburg on the availability of Steve MacIntyre. This guy is tough as nails. He played for the Checkers in the ECHL for 3-4 seasons and he’s one of the baddest hombres I’ve ever seen in hockey. He’s been in Edmonton’s organization for a few years and the Pens signed him this past offseason, but they’ve left him in WB/Scranton (AHL) all season so far. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Big Mac, as we called him in Charlotte, go on YouTube and type in Steve MacIntyre Fights and you’ll instantly know the Canes have never had a guy THAT TOUGH!! He would be cheap,too. Simple 2-way NHL/AHL contract, and when word gets out, he’ll put more people in the seats just to see him, but he’d stand up for his teammates and make people pay dearly for messing with players like Skinner and Rusk! Go get him, JR, and if it turns out you don’t need him every night, we’d love to have him in Charlotte again!!
OH, yeah..
I forgot to mention, he’s 6’5" and weighs 260!!!
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