Carolina at Edmonton: Kirk Muller still looking for that elusive First "W"

by Carolyn Christians on Dec 7, 2011 4:28 PM EST in Carolina Hurricanes Game Day Previews

The Carolina Hurricanes (8-17-4) are back in action tonight vs the young and much-improved Edmonton Oilers (13-11-3). Game time is 9:30 pm ET.

The Canes took another loss last night scoring six goals in a highly irregular effort which included the 3rd period NHL debut of rookie goaltender Mike Murphy, when Cam Ward was pulled with 9 minutes remaining having allowed six goals on 32 shots.

The Canes have now lost four straight under Coach Kirk Muller and are winless in the last 7. Don't ask about the standings, but let's say the vultures are circling.

That said, anything can happen. And probably will. After the jump, I speculate on some lines, and other notes to know.

The Hurricanes lost two key components of their roster in Calgary with Brian Boucher suffering a significant lower body injury in practice Monday and Joni Pitkanen going out with an UBI in the middle of last night's game. Boucher is headed home to Raleigh, but we haven't heard yet what Pitkanen's status is.

One note from last night's broadcast was that Jay Harrison did not make the trip as he is still recovering from the UBI suffered a couple weeks ago. The defenseman has yet to play for Muller.

If Pitkanen sits out, then Andreas Nodl, a healthy scratch Tuesday is likely in. Whether Eric Staal will still see double shifts on this 2nd of a back-to-back is unknown, but less likely.

Based on last night's third period, Muller may have discovered the popular Skins and Finns combination. The very effective third line was broken up with Brandon Sutter moved up and centering Alexei Ponikarovsky and Chad LaRose. Will that stick?

Given all that, here's a suggestion of what we might see:

Jiri Tlusty /Tim Brent - Staal - Patrick Dwyer / Anthony Stewart

Jeff Skinner - Jussi Jokinen - Tuomo Ruutu

Ponikarovsky - Sutter - LaRose

And maybe a little of Nodl - Brent - Stewart, as needed.

Defensively, Muller seems to like Justin Faulk with Tim Gleason. How he will work with Tomas Kaberle (who was +3 last night), Jamie McBain (points in 2 straight), Bryan Allen, and finally Derek (you cannot make that turnover at the blueline) Joslin, will likely be an evolving series of decisions, once the effort and energy level is determined.

One might assume Cam Ward will get the start and Mike Murphy is backing up. The Canes will play their third in four nights Friday in Winnipeg, which opens the door slightly to the possibility Murphy might be a surprise starter. Please note the Murphy stat line showing the first time in the record books that a goaltender had been stuck with an NHL loss before ever giving up an NHL goal.

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2011 - 12 Cam Ward	24	1368	8	12		75	3.29	733	658	.898	1
2011 - 12 Mike Murphy	1	9	0	1		0	0.00	2	2	1.000	0

The Oilers story

The rewards and results of years of cream of the crop draft picks is playing out in Edmonton this season. The run away favorite for this season's Calder Trophy, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is joined by Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall.

Here are the stats through 27 games. These kids are alright.

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2011 - 12 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins	12	17	29	4	6
2011 - 12 Jordan Eberle	10	18	28	4	6
2011 - 12 Taylor Hall	7	11	18	1	12

The veteran presence of Ryan Smyth (35) and Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin (38) adds to the interesting chemistry. (For comparison, the Hurricanes have no one on the team older than the 33-year-old Kaberle.)

Here are their respective stat lines.

	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2011 - 12 Ryan Smyth	12	14	26	5	37

	GP	MIN	W	L		GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2011 - 12 Nikolai Khabibulin	18	1049	9	6		35	2.00	511	476	.932	2

Finally a few links from Edmonton to see how they're welcoming the Hurricanes

The Copper & Blue - SBN's Oilers partner including their Game Preview.

Lowetide: G28 Hurricanes at Oilers I have tried in these years to hate Carolina, but it's hard to find bad things about a place where Nina Simone was born....I've tried to hate Jimmy Rutherford, but the man played for so many bad teams it doesn't seem fair to be angry at him for climbing Mount Stanley on the Oilers' watch.

This morning's story from the local paper: Blown leads a troubling trend for Oilers | Edmonton Journal Entombed in the rubble of a 1-2-1 home stand against less-than-imposing opposition lie a couple of interesting facts. The bad news of course is that over the last five of these games, the Oilers have blown the early lead each time. Even in the one game they won, against Columbus, Oilers had wasted the momentum of an extremely early powerplay goal and actually trailed 2-1 going into the third period, before coming on to win.

The Oilers official site includes this preview video:

And this ★★★★★ story on the Canes coach from yesterday, in the Calgary Herald - Muller still trying to adjust to new gig - Calgary Herald

Planning your late night viewing

The game starts at 9:30pm and we'll our live thread open by 9pm or so. Look for coverage from FSN on your television or at 99.9FM as usual on your radio dial.

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Comments

I think it is a good time to start Murphy…

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 4:35 PM EST reply actions

Agree

by hurricane9 on Dec 7, 2011 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

Cam has not been sharp the last 2-3 games..He has not been terrible (last night no included) but not the typical Cam.. A couple games in a row off may give him a bit more fire in the belly.

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

He was very… leaky. That’s the only way I can describe it. He isn’t at fault for all of the team’s woes, but I think he needs to earn his PT just as much as any other player on the team.

by Kubota on Dec 7, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

Go Oil.

by Go_Shelf on Dec 7, 2011 4:36 PM EST reply actions

How did you like the 06' Finals....still sting?

by Boofish4 on Dec 7, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

line combo suggestion

Tlusty/ Stall/Dwyer
skin and fins
Poni/Sutter/Stewart
Nodl/Brent/ Larose.

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 4:38 PM EST reply actions

Any reasoning behind these lines?

by jfhammon on Dec 7, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

1st line…. Dwyers hustle and fore check and Tlusty has decent goal touch to go with Staal who I think might be heating up
2nd line.. well Skins and Fins… not saying anymore
3rd line… I think this line provides size and speed and should be good defensively
just my opinons though…

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

looked like some of my line Ideas worked last night… Your Welcome Kirk.. LOL

by dbaerry34 on Dec 8, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

opps sorry.. Staal…

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 4:38 PM EST reply actions

I thought ward would take the loss since he gave up the gwg. I thought whoever allows the game winner takes the loss

by TylerA7707 on Dec 7, 2011 4:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions

GWG was an empty net goal while Murphy was on the bench

by hurricane9 on Dec 7, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Ahh that’s right, I forgot the empty netter!

by TylerA7707 on Dec 7, 2011 5:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Murph was the “goalie of record” at the time the GWG was scored.

So he has the unique honor of posting both a 1.000% save percentage and taking the loss.

Thought this was worth a mention, from Chip:

RT ice_chip: On historic quirk of being losing goalie without giving up goal: “Cam Ward is a great goalie and person. I’ll take a loss for him any day.”

by Jamie Kellner on Dec 7, 2011 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

As I recall, in baseball the pitcher who leaves while his team is losing takes the loss unless his team ties it. A much more equitable system than this ridiculous “loss” without giving up a goal.

by LewPuls1 on Dec 7, 2011 7:36 PM EST up reply actions

Forward Lines

I’m happy to see Muller reworking the forward lines. I’m hoping for:

Ponikarovsky/Staal/Tlusty

Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen (assuming Ruutu is healthy, otherwise Jokinen at center)

Stewart/Sutter/Dwyer

Nodl/Brent/LaRose

by abramsdoug on Dec 7, 2011 4:53 PM EST reply actions

Another idea

Stewart- Staal- Dwyer
Skins and Fins
Ponikarovsky- Sutter – Tlusty
Nodl- Brent- Rosie

Over slotting of Dwyer, yes. But he’s been very active with his puck pursuit so maybe he can keep some pucks alive for Stew in front of the net, or Staal wherever.

by Hockeydog on Dec 7, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

that was my thought with Dwyer Also, but I think Tlusty may be a better finisher for the 1st line..

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

I could see that as well. flip flop Stew and Tlusty. He showed last night he can do just that. To me it seems that Muller is trying to challenge Stewart by giving and taking TOI and juicy roles from him. Big guy that can skate could be a Jr version of Cole if his mind was right.

by Hockeydog on Dec 7, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

I keep hearing that about stewrt. hope he shows it

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 7:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Dwyer and Tlusty

Funny, I had initially typed “Dwyer” on the first line, looked at it, thought, “really”?; typed Tlusty and looked at it a while; trying to decide if Dwyer ought to go there. I want to type: DALPE, DALPE, DALPE but it doesn’t look like that is in the cards yet. Stewart, too, over Ponikarovsky is one I hovered over. I would do it in a heartbeat.

What I am hoping is that ultimately Muller looks at the forward situation with MacLean, Brind’Amour, Francis, Rutherford, etc. and that they go for it with Dalpe and Boychuk. Depending on when Rask’s playoffs end, he might be able to get some time. He would also be eligible for the AHL playoffs depending on when the Hitmen’s season ends.

Wouldn’t Yakupov, Girgorenko, or Galchenyuk look quite nice on the first line as well?

by abramsdoug on Dec 7, 2011 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

i have seen their names mentioned, but I have to admit I am not very familar with them.. Sounds like they are cant miss prospects

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 7:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Yakupov, by some scouts, has been said to be the most exciting prospect since Ovechkin. I corresponded/tweeted with another scout/commentator who felt Girgorenko had a higher upside than Taylor Hall. Some scouts had Galchenyuk ranked as even with Yakupov before Galchenyuk hurt his knee. By many accounts these three are the best three forward prospects since 2003.

by abramsdoug on Dec 7, 2011 7:50 PM EST up reply actions

By many accounts these three are the best three forward prospects since 2003.

Great, that means we will find a way to win 20 out of 30 at some point, playing into a nice mid first round selection.

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 7, 2011 7:57 PM EST up reply actions

Agree, this team probably won’t finish in the bottom 3. What do the prospects at 5 to 8 look like?

by Gillimus on Dec 7, 2011 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

Picks 5 through 8

Forsberg is going to be excellent. The next three picks are likely to be defenseman. I think the top three picks are forwards. Then probably three or four defensemen, unless Forsberg is the fourth pick. The top three forwards are slightly ahead, but Forsberg is said to be in the same class. Yakupov, Girgorenko, and Galchenyuk seem to be players who will play in the NHL next season from what I’ve seen and read.

by abramsdoug on Dec 8, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks so much for the info…at the rate we are at we should get one of them

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 8:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I'd love any of the three but I won't be too upset if we don't finish that bad...

I think the lowest we will pick will be around 8 even if we turn it on and get really hot. We’re in a much deeper hole than some would like think. I personally would love to get the first pick in the draft but it doesn’t guarantee success – look at Columbus and Atlanta. I hate the losing mentality of “Let’s finish dead last and get the top pick”. I remember everyone hoping we would fail for Seguin or Hall and that draft ended up giving us Skinner.

I would rather bring some young guys up and if they play well and win, then great. I’d rather not let a loser mentality take hold too long especially if we bring some of our prospects up. If Dalpe, Boychuk and Bowman get significant playing time later this year – then I want them getting used to be successful and being a winner.

I will say the worst thing is for JR to make a move and try to get into the playoffs near the deadline if we somehow claw our way to 10th-12th in the standings. In my opinion, this year from here on out should be about:

1. Trading players who we can move to bring in more skill, prospect or picks.
2. Getting the team to learn and to buy into Muller’s system.
3. When current players are traded or injured, bring guys up from Charlotte and give them legitimate ice time.
4. If we win some games along the way and somehow finish 23rd – so be it. If we finish dead last while sticking to the plan – bring on Yakupov or Grigorenko.

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

by anonymousJ on Dec 7, 2011 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

Bob in that Oiler’s preview video had some interesting comments.

“I don’t care that they are struggling…you get what you pay for…you take a look at their wingers…not much going on.”

by hurricane9 on Dec 7, 2011 4:55 PM EST reply actions

Summary of Quote

My quick transcription which is close I think but not exact: “The Hurricanes are a bottom three team in terms of salary cap. You get what you pay for. Look at the second, third, fourth line wings, not much going on there.”

With Jokinen having had a 30 goal season, he has shown he can be an excellent NHL forward. The statement is really inaccurate, however. The problem is on the first line. Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen have shown they are score on anybody. As contrasted with the Oilers forwards, the Hurricanes are much weaker on the roster.

by abramsdoug on Dec 7, 2011 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

he’s a douche, don’t worry about it, you know what he’s trying to say. The only thing old stats will do is frustrate.

by Go_Shelf on Dec 7, 2011 5:13 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t think it’s too far off. Considering our skill pretty much comes from Staal, Skinner, Ruutu and Jokinen (two are usually at center) – it’s a pretty accurate statement. Our wings as a whole aren’t much to write home about.

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

by anonymousJ on Dec 7, 2011 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

There’s a funny extreme fan comment in the Lowetide preview (actually a lot of funny comments if you like the snark) . Anyway, from SKOilerfan.

2. Carolina is a bad NHL team – they have 2 forwards, 2 D-men, and 1 Goalie – that’s it.

Wow. I really want to know who are 2 NHL Dmen are. I assume Pitkanen, but if not since he’s hurt, who do they mean? I even have to wonder about the forwards, given Staal’s stats.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Dec 7, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

I’m sure the fan comments on an Oilers blog would in no way shape or form be influenced by the Game 7 loss.

(even if they are right.)

by Iggy Reilly on Dec 7, 2011 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

they’re built that way; for laughs: go to hockeybuzz and read the comments on a gameday between Edmonton & Calgary, like this saturday.

by Go_Shelf on Dec 7, 2011 5:23 PM EST up reply actions

It’s hysterical because that’s all they talk about – the Game 7 loss. They also no confidence in the current teams ability to win. They sounds a lot like us. Cheery McSunshines in short supply.

I have a horrible feeling the Oilers will find a way to lose tonight.

They are notorious for getting opponents off the snide.

Haven’t won in 7 games? Play the Oilers. Haven’t scored yet this season? Play the Oilers. Backup goalie needing a win? Play the Oilers. Former Oiler? Score the game winning goal against your former team.

I hope I am just being pessimistic but the Oilers hate winning

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Dec 7, 2011 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

Sounds like our game threads, me included. ;)

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

by anonymousJ on Dec 7, 2011 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

It’s hysterical because that’s all they talk about – the Game 7 loss.

It’s more about the last 3 seasons than 2006. Have they forgotten? No, it would be an added bonus sticking it to the Canes tonight.

by Go_Shelf on Dec 7, 2011 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

They have my sympathies and I don’t mean any disrespect, but 2006 seems like a long time ago. I was going to check to see who, if anyone, is still on the Oilers from then? We have just Staal, Ward and LaRose of course, been through a couple coaching changes, etc.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on Dec 7, 2011 6:27 PM EST up reply actions

TIME FOR A LITTLE SHAKY

“OutlooIk good” could it be true………..

“I don’t believe in the no-win scenario”
James T. Kirk…..

by littlepig on Dec 7, 2011 5:12 PM EST reply actions

I’ll try and keep the faith, but this could get ugly tonight. The Oil can skate and have some very talented players. If they get on a roll early it will not be pretty. Canes have to keep this one close.

by Hockeydog on Dec 7, 2011 5:14 PM EST reply actions

We need to physical early

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 5:15 PM EST reply actions

Gleason and Allen can’t hit what they can’t catch, lol

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

by anonymousJ on Dec 7, 2011 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

Gleason’s not catchin much these days.. LOL… I think he is hurt

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

I’ll be able to watch the entire game tonight. Kinda mad – not only with the loss – but also that I missed all the scoring from last nights game. We really need a win.

Megaweapon… Megaweapon… Megaweapon…

by Kid CHUD on Dec 7, 2011 5:18 PM EST reply actions

Coming Out of Closet

How dare the Oilers – chock full of money with no excuse for the past three plus years make fun of us?!?

Time for no mercy. Sweep the damn leg. I don’t want them beaten. I want them broken.

I’m over the Mo curse. Let’s start playing to win guys.

by WStout on Dec 7, 2011 7:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions

You Got What You've Been Asking For, No Doubt About it

Maurice being fired was exactly what you wanted. Muller seems to be an excellent choice. Obviously, it is going to take Muller some time to get the team on the same page. It isn’t going to be a quick or easy fix.

by abramsdoug on Dec 7, 2011 7:53 PM EST up reply actions

I really feel that KM will do great. I watched him alot as a avide Canadiens fan as a kid..I grew up in NY about a hour south of Montreal and watched them every Saturday night on hockey night in canada

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 8:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Depression?

Having seen it first hand in industrial workforces, I think the Canes players are suffering from depression. This is a result less of Mo than of JR’s approach. The handling of the whole Whitney and Cole debacle, the apparent opinion of JR that any other team’s roster players are better than our prospects with the resultant recycling and the way JR allowed or required (either one) Mo to handle the lines, et cetera, leave the players with a completely unsettled feeling and the nagging thought of organizational incompetence. This may be Staal and Cam’s problem. They know that they are working for an organization that is committed to mediocrity or worse. A new coach alone doesn’t solve this. A complete mea culpa to the players by JR is in order. Unless I was a world class prospect who could make the team immediately, I wouldn’t want to be drafted by the Canes.

NE Whalers-Hartford Whalers-Carolina Hurricanes

by Marmy1 on Dec 7, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

Probably a very accurate observation.

by prplmnkydw on Dec 7, 2011 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

sweep the leg

Love it.

by Gillimus on Dec 7, 2011 8:13 PM EST up reply actions

This video’s better.

by Gillimus on Dec 7, 2011 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

Edmonton still has a team?

They should move them to Quebec.

Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)

by thebl4ckd0g on Dec 7, 2011 7:32 PM EST reply actions

bring back the Nord’s….cool

by dbaerry34 on Dec 7, 2011 7:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Sabres tearing up the Flyers right now

by Squeaky83 on Dec 7, 2011 8:20 PM EST reply actions

Epic end to the period. It’d be nice to see that type of fight from the Canes once in a while. Hopefully the 3rd period last night was the start of it.

by jbcanesfan26 on Dec 7, 2011 8:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions