Down The Stretch: Are The Hurricanes Running Out Of Gas?
by Bob Wage on Mar 14, 2011 8:00 AM EDT
in Carolina Hurricanes Analysis
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The Carolina Hurricanes are down to 13 games remaining in their regular season and they find themselves in the unenviable position of needing to win the vast majority of their games if they want to make the playoffs. The team currently has 72 points, which puts them four points outside of eighth place, and a far cry from the 90 points which is the projected total needed to make it into the postseason.
The club would have to post a 9-4-0 record, or equivalent, to earn the additional projected 18 points needed to make it to 90.
That record is certainly doable, but the Hurricanes have been in a downward trend for the past four games, (0-3-1), even though they have worked hard and played pretty well for the most part, (at least during even strength). But a mistake here, a mental error there, and the inability to score at key times has hurt the team in recent games.
Is it just bad luck, bad timing, or something else?
Some fans think that rookie, and youngest player in the league, Jeff Skinner has hit a bit of a wall because he does not look quite as dynamic as he did earlier in the season.
No doubt, it's been a long season and the Hurricanes have had a tough haul. First, they started in Europe, then traveled back home only to hit the road again for a long trip to the west coast. They also have had more back-to-back games on their schedule, (21) than any other team besides Buffalo, (22).
But keep in mind, Buffalo will have traveled an estimated 30,000 miles over the course of the season, while the Hurricanes will have traveled over 40,000 miles.
Skinner may or may not be affected by the long grind of the season, but if he is, he might not be alone.
Eric Staal is averaging more minutes per game this year than in any season in his career. His average ice time of 22:03 is the second highest average of any NHL forward, behind only Ilya Kovalchuk. His total ice time of 1,500:12 is third highest of forwards in the league and is just behind Corey Perry and Alex Ovechkin, both of whom have played in more games.
Staal is still getting shots on goal, is still battling hard, but the points have been harder to come by in the last few games.
As Paul Maurice said after the game on Saturday, it seems like the players are a split second off with their decisions. Pucks are just missing the net or are just off target. Could it be because of mental fatigue?
Cam Ward certainly is not to blame for the recent losing streak, but has he played at the absolute top of his game? One could argue that rookie Braden Holtby and then Steve Mason both out-played him in the last two games.
Ward has been in 61 games so far this season, below is career high 69 games in 2007-08, but he has already surpassed his previous career highs in saves and shots faced.
He currently has faced an NHL high 1952 shots and also has an NHL high 1795 saves. His previous career highs were actually in the 68 games he played in 2008-09 when he faced 1901 shots and made 1741 saves for the entire season. In 2007-08, he faced 1870 shots and made a total of 1696 saves.
Ward could end up playing another 13 games, enabling him to absolutely crush his previous career highs.
If you were to ask any of these players, they would say that they are feeling fine, just like Staal answered when he was asked about it Saturday night, so maybe mental, or physical fatigue has nothing to do with the recent losing streak.
But while most players were resting and relaxing during the All Star break, those three players were still "turned on mentally", even if they were not playing a physical game. And coincidentally or not, their production has dropped off since the break.
One thing for certain, the team has not given up yet, and the players have not given up hope. But things don't get any easier. Another back-to-back is coming up, starting Tuesday in Buffalo, then returning home to face Toronto.
We will see if there is anymore gas left in the tank.
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Just my $0.02
Great stuff as always, Bob!
I personally feel that the guys are just gassed … there was an image shown after the game against Columbus where Eric Staal was just hunched over and looked completely exhausted. I think that all of the travel combined with all of the back-to-back games that the guys have played this season is finally starting to catch up. He’s playing more per game than any other time in his career. That, on top of him fighting some sort of injury/bug (in my opinion, he is), is making him more frustrated than he needs to be.
True, they are professionals and still have to go out there and play. You will her ZERO complaining from me about the hustle and the determination that they have been playing with on a consistent basis. Sure, they’ve had a few periods where they came out flat, but there has only been one or two games this season where they were just blown out of the building (Philly at home losing 8-1 is one that I can think of). Please don’t question the heart of this team … you’re not going to win that argument.
Cam Ward has played too much this year. Granted, we wouldn’t be anywhere close to the playoffs if it wasn’t for Cam, however, how can you say that he isn’t tired? Knowing Coach Mo and how he rides his goalies until they’re dead in the dirt, Cam’s going to play the rest of the season. IF we do make it into the playoffs, I personally believe that this will be a bad decision on his part. Give Petey another home game that you can feel comfortable with.
"I don't hit people who I know don't fight. I have zero interest in people who don't fight." - Tim Gleason
twitter.com/caniac176
IF fatigue is a factor, then the Mo Must Go crown now have a relevant point
If the drop in production is due to these guys being gassed, then I think you have to point pretty hard at Mo. I am not saying that he can do anything about back to backs or miles traveled, but he certainly can roll his 4th .line enough to try to cut down on Staal’s ice time at the very least. He can recognize when his top 6 guys are maybe not responding as quickly and decide to give his 3rd line more ice time. He certainly could have used his back up goalie more often, if fatigue is keeping Cam from reaching his “playoff gear.”
I do have to say, though, that I don’t think being gassed is the totality of this issue. I think there is a certain level of anxiety that is causing these guys to push. I have never played pro hockey, but I did try my hand as a Pro Musician. Believe it or not, there are similarities. I know when I was relaxed and “in the zone” I could play better, improvise more freely, and perform at my best. However, when I felt pushed or pressured to a greater extent than normal, I would start to overthink. Improvisation became formulaic and predictable. I would miss changes. I think the same thing is happening here with the Canes. There are over thinking and not relying on their instincts and natural tendancies. They haven’t found their “zone.”
That said, there is no denying that fatigue is a factor here, I just wonder if it isn’t all just too much to overcome. Someone needs to step up, though, and take the reigns and take the pressure off the room. This is where they really miss Whitney………..that and on that awful @$$ Powerplay…………………
Great points … I agree with you that some of it is anxiety from some of the guys. This is especially evident on the PP. The guys seem to be gripping their sticks, second-guessing themselves, and not just playing the game and letting things happen. Rather than playing in a particular system, they’re playing to a particular play … X has to happen before Y, Y has to happen before Z.
"I don't hit people who I know don't fight. I have zero interest in people who don't fight." - Tim Gleason
twitter.com/caniac176
No one is irreplaceable, but JR has not filled the #13 void, on the ice, bench & lockeroom -
Maybe Capt. Rod instead of taking $3.6mm buyout could have stayed on as 4 th line center winning faceoffs on the PP & PK ?
Maybe it is the cap space that gets Whitney back here next season, one can only hope…
by oldskoolwhalercane on Mar 14, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
the #13 ship has sailed. I think you can feel safe putting that one to bed. Pho has no interest in getting shed of him and I don’t see enough time having passed to remove the bitter taste from either the mouth of Jr or Whitney.
by wylde4canes on Mar 14, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I think #26 has done a stellar job of replacing a lot of what #13 brought to the ice, bench, and locker room.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Mar 15, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Stick a Fork in Them
I hope I am wrong and will continue to watch and pull for them. This team and coaching system shows no signs of life. Unless the light switch gets turned on NOW, our playoff hockey will be in Charlotte.
I have already faced the fact that it is over but hoping for a surprise.
by WStout on Mar 14, 2011 9:57 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Same boat...
I’m in the same mindset. I really really want them to make the playoffs this season. But they are playing the last 3-4 games like it’s the beginning of the season and they have nothing to lose. Well I got news for them, they only thing they might lose this time around is more fans. Especially after the Columbus game. It was hard to cheer for them by the 3rd period Saturday. I just felt like going home and playing video games and watching movies at that point. :(
The worst thing Jim Rutherford never did was no re-sign Ray Whitney to the team.
by thebl4ckd0g on Mar 14, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
The next four games are make-or-break
First up we have the Sabres and we all know how important that game is. That is followed by three games against teams that are below us in the standings. As mentioned, the team may be out of gas or over-thinking things. If we are going to overcome these mental hurdles, get the PP back on track (sometimes it only takes a lucky bounce goal to get the monkey off the back and get the guys playing with more confidence), and get any momentum to make it interesting down the stretch, this is where it has GOT to happen.
And that's another Hurricane's goal! WOOOOOOOO!
This fan understands your thinking
but your mindset should have been the teams when there 20 games left to go…but again…it’s on them and not we the fans…even though we don’t get what we’d like to see…but that’s how is goes in being a fan of sports…Imagine what life would be like for Fans if there were no college sports and colleges did the job there were created for…then maybe we fans of pro sports really would have lots to look at and try to disect a dead or dying team…in closing…I too think they as a group are tired…a few bumps and bruises we fans are not aware of…and that’s why i posted what i did fopr a fan post recently…Be Safe
All We have Now is HOPE ! Go Canes !!
This week is it
A loss to the Sabres Tuesday and a Rangers win vs the Islanders will put this team in a serious bind. I’d like to blame the team trying too hard for a 0-9 PP Saturday but the PP has been pretty bad in general. I still think for the most part the players on the ice have to answer for that but I am starting to question coaching here ( don’t get excited yet wstout !)
Within the roster Mo has to work with he needs to make some changes. If the PP unit was getting some good looks that is fine, but the PP looks horrible lately, and really most of the year. Mo just has to try something different. That lousy PP production Saturday could end up costing the team a playoff berth.
…And Sittler and Stinky will be nice today too…
by WStout on Mar 14, 2011 10:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
so looking forward to maybe trying four forwards plus (gulp) pikanen on the PP?
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 14, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Couldn’t agree more but would change out Pits for Corvo. At least Corvo will try to find a lane to shoot. he just needs to get back to getting it on net.
let me rephrase
I’d like THE REAL JONI PITKANEN, the excellent passer, the one who can play with an edge, the offensive-first defenseman, the one with an underrated shot. NOT the shell of a player I’ve seen through this season…he has the skills, i just don’t know what is happening to him this season. fingers crossed
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 14, 2011 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
And lets throw in the real Gleason too as our shut down D. Timmay has been a shell of the guy that played so well for Team USA at the Olympics.
Ah, you mean Motivated Pitkanen.
Sadly, he only shows up for certain playoff games.
by SouthernHockeyNutter on Mar 14, 2011 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
just curious?
When was the last time we had a rookie score 50 pts?
by jerry6racing on Mar 14, 2011 11:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
From the Media Guide, the franchise record comes from the Whaler era: Sylvain Turgeon (‘83-’84).
Ron Francis had 68 points (25 goals) in ‘81-’82 as a Whaler rookie.
As for the Canes, no rookie has hit that mark to my knowledge. Staal had 31 points and Cole had 40.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Skinner's Peer Group
For the record, let’s review the rookies that have made it to the 50-point plateau for the season since the lockout (with 13 games remaining for Jeff Skinner, currently at 50 points):
2009-2010: Matt Duchene (55 points) and John Tavares (54 points)
2008-2009: Bobby Ryan (57 points) and Kris Versteeg (53 points)
2007-2008: Patrick Kane (72 points), Nicklas Backstrom (69 points), Jonathan Toews (54 points), and Peter Mueller (54 points)
2006-2007: Evgeni Malkin (85 points), Paul Stastny (78 points), Anze Kopitar (61 points), and Wojtek Wolski (50 points)
2005-2006: Alex Ovechkin (106 points), Sidney Crosby (102 points, Brad Boyes (69 points), Jussi Jokinen (55 points), and Marek Svatos (50 points)
That’s some pretty good company. And, considering that Jeff Skinner is on pace for around 59 points for the season, he’s likely to only be exceeded by the likes of Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin, Stastny, Kane, Backstrom, Boyes, and Kopitar for points in their rookie seasons.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Rookies that scored 50 or more points in the season following their draft year, since the lockout season:
Duchene, Tavares, Kane, and Crosby
All others scored 50 points in a rookie season other than the one that followed their draft year, although Ovechkin gets an asterisk since the lockout season followed his draft year.
Here we are now...entertain us.
If playoffs slip away give me Calder Cup Justice
These last few games have been painful for all of the Canes faithful. Definitely been more jump and consistent effort by the Canes but with 13 games to go these guys have got to win out to assure their playoff chances. Sure 9 out of 13 will get them 90 points…possibly into the playoffs? Sure but their record is not much better than .500 and breaking that trend of win one- lose one (or three) is a tall order for this team. I want the Canes to win very badly, but the reality is that the power play unit is simply dismal and the key players have not delivered for this team when it has mattered.
An obvious stat I’ve watched all year that sticks out like a sore thumb for the Canes is the goals differential a -13. Looking at the other eight teams in the current playoff picture only Tampa posts a -5 there. All other seven teams are in the + column. I know this stat can mean many things from team to team but the bottom line is that these guys have been giving up too many goals and generating too little offense, all season. Of course this is duh obvious observation but to me a -13 goals differential….that’s not the mark of a playoff team.
So to spite the negative perspective Jeff Skinner has been a great joy to watch this year. Of late he’s not been as dynamic to watch as many teams are quite aware of him and he’s being played much tighter than before the All Star break. His game has stayed aggressive and he still goes to the dirty parts of the ice. The kid has still scored goals, drawn penalty after penalty, providing his team many chances to stay in and win some games.
Should the Canes not get into the post season so be it but give this kid Skinner his due-he’s earned his Calder award.
Hard to argue about generating too little offense… We were averaging close to 3 goals per game (just under) prior to Mo’s institution of a more defense first system. But to give Mo credit—we were in the top ten in goals for, but one of the worst in goals against. Our Goals against at the same juncture was OVER 3 GPG…
Unfortunately after this change the offensive output dropped by over .5 GPG while the goals against dropped only by less than .25 GPG so our goal differential got worse.
These stats have been the crux to a constant argument between C-leaguer and I. I thought we were doing better and were more competitive as a more offensive minded team, he believes we have to be a more defensive team to be successful. He would say we weren;t going to be getting much better offensively (and at 3 GPG he’s about right, but a .1 difference in GPG for would have made us a positive goal differential for my case.) FOr his case, we had more room to improve defensively, and if we could have reduced our GA by the same margin we have, while maintaining our previous GF then we would have been even better off.
In either case, both of us have valid points, but it appears we don’t have the personnel to play defense first as our GF have dropped off tumultously since the ASG. We have somewhat upgraded our defensive talent, so I would hope if we could get back to scoring like we were or better, and we had an upgraded defense maybe we could be a little more successful. But Sittler is right, we really don’t have the talent there either (YET!).
Hoep Skinner get’s better, hope Dalpe and Boychuck get tiem and gel into the scorers we believe them to be. Hoep Jussi gets and stays healthy and gets back to looking like a 25-30 goal scorer again (he has at times this year, but he injuries and line changes have hurt him). And hope we get one more add to our defensive piece. The we should be able to be a positive goal differential team next year.
Just realized the general decline in team scoring more or less coincides with Skinner’s “hitting the wall.” So maybe the wall he hit was the same wall that everybody else hit. Maybe the switch to a more defensive orientation took Skinner down along with everybody else.
Could that be? If so, isn’t it all the more reason to remove the self-imposed wall and go back to the approach that had a better goal differential for the Canes?
It would certainly be reason to stop wondering what’s wrong with Skinner and wonder instead — if that is what happened — what’s wrong with coaching. However well motivated and plausible the switch to a more defensive orientation, it backfired, and Skinner was one of the casualties.
by curiouscanesfan on Mar 15, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
PP woes are over
[Coach Mo, when asked if team worked on powerplay at practice]
“yeah, put a good half hour into it.”
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
which is about 1/2 of their practice time, so it’s a lot for this time of year. However, based on what we saw on saturday they should probably spend the rest of the season practicing exlusively on the PP.
my take is that at least the coaching staff recognizes the need to spend SOME focus on it instead of just hoping a goal goes in and everyone heats up. i think it’s positive news overall, but then again i’m looking for a nugget of gold in a field of s**t so i’ll take what i can get…
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 14, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
2 issues need to be addressed: (1) if the puck is carried in, the 1st pass inside the zone has to be to someone who actually has a little space and time that can do something with the puck other than get poke-checked. (2) If the puck is dumped in, it has to go to an area where an odd-man situation occurs immediately for the Canes – too many times the puck get rimmed into 2 penalty killers and it’s one quick pass & then dumped out.
I mentioned Vancouver’s PP down below. The Sedins play a great positional game and one is always in position to take a possession pass on the offensive zone from the other. Kessler does the heavy lifting down low but these two are magical with the puck.
I have noticed the propensity to try and make an entry to the left side of the ice, be it a dump or a pass. Why not try the middle and hope that the forwards collapse on the carrier opening the wing? At the very least you could start get the umbrella set up.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Mar 14, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
It really doesn’t matter where you dump it in, as long as you can get there before it gets dumped out. You see it with Vancouver a lot and it seems like a simple thing but it’s not. They create 2 on 1’s all over the ice and it starts with the entry. Carry the puck in where we have an extra guy, dump the puck in where we have an extra guy.
One thing I noticed with Vancouver is that they dumped with 3 guys going full blast and also dumped a little later than we did. Joni has this bad habit of dumping early or making an extra move that paralyzes the forwards and then they have to go after the dump while re-building their speed. In this day of great puck handling goalies if the goalie can get there first or the D have had time to turn and chase, you almost always don’t gain posesssion.
I have noticed Joni’s penchant for the extra move but had not thought about it the context that you provide. With that being the case, might it not be better to have a forward bring it up so that the D can settle at the points? I make no pretenses to knowing the true " X and O’s " and am interested to hear what you and Shelf believe would work best :-)
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Mar 14, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
extra moves typically kill neutral zone speed & cause off-sides and Joni’s bad for that. He’s got to be a frustrating guy to play with because you never know what he’s going to do until he gets to about center ice, which on Saturday was too late. The Canes PP breakout only works if Staal and Jussi are going full speed and are about parallel. Joni should have 3 options: (1) give to Staal going down the wall, (2) give to Jussi cutting across the middle, or (3) hard rim. So it’s up to Joni to make the right read. Joni’s 2 biggest problems right now: he’s passing to either Staal or Jussi in high traffic, so puck gets poke-checked and heads the other direction and (2) he’s waiting too long to dump the puck, so Staal and Jussi have to wait and slow down for him to dump it in, so they can’t get there in time and it’s an easy out. It’s timing and making reads.
I’m sure there is a game that is playing itself out in Joni’s mind. Sometimes I get what he saw.
Used to isolate on Gretzky and wonder where he was going and then two passes later and it was in the net and you were wondering how he saw that.
With Joni when you isolate on him and watch it unfold too often it is WTF?
exactly, I probably counted 5 times on Saturday the puck gets soft rimmed, the 1st dman gets puck, chips it behind the net to other dman and out she goes – too simple. Vancouver typically rims it knee high and hard so the 1st dman that gets it can’t control it and gets eliminated by the 1st forechecker, the next player to touch it is the 2nd forechecker who immediately throws to the point or a soft dump to the other corner where it’s one of the Sedins and off they go into the high umbrella. They make it look simple. The Sedins also incredible at delaying, saving ice, and finding the open player for entry as well.
If only it was like NHL 11
Press the Y button to change strategies!
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Mar 14, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
YES
Thank you Sittler—that why I have not liked Joni bringing the puck up. He is not on the same page as the rest of the team—always seems to eb in Joni land. As mentioned he’ll stall the forwards momnetum, then go “Oh look, no one’s skating towards the blue line so I have to dump it” but by the time he makes this decision it’s onvious to the other team and they’re already halfway back to the puck and we have no momentum to get there.
Or hw passes the puck to one forward early (he has two choices—Staal going down the left, or Jussi coming through the middle at an angle, and the defense is set to overwhelm either of them. We never seem to be able to get set in the zone with Pits carrying the puck. So we lose time and waste teh PP opportunity…
that's a big surprise to me.
there practices are only 1 hour? and only 1/2 hour is spent on the PP which is WHY we’re no longer in the playoff (contention). that’s unbelievable. my soccer coaches (Dorrance, Tarantini, Gross) had us practice over and over what we messed up on. over and over and over until we got it right. and we were just competing on the high school and then college level then. but they were that driven for us to win. these are pros and they spend almost no time practicing their achilles heel? stunning.
Maybe you guys should stop and understand what you are criticizing. What the Canes do is very standard among all teams.
First off the entire practice time is not an hour. Most players lift and do considerable bike or other time to keep the legs loose. Some work on specific body parts that are hurting at this time of year. Hockey is a high speed collision sport, so trust me they all have issues at this time of year. An overall practice is more like 2 to 2.5 hours. About an hour of intense ice work is standard.
Second they do other intense drills during the practice. And a full half hour spent on a PP is not standing around in a zone passing it around for a shot. This is mostly full ice starting with the breakout from behind the net, through the neutral zone and then offensive zone pressure resulting in a shot; then regroup and do it again….. all at continous high speed and for about 45 seconds and then the next group rotates in and so on. The top 2 units probably get most of the rotations. So in half an hour it is like playing a period and half game with mostly two lines and little break. Very intense and as expert trainers will tell you, most hockey shifts are like running a 100 yard dash in terms of the intensity and physical exertion.
So during an intense hour long practice some teams expend as much if not more energy than a game. Walk into a hockey dressing room after a practice …. you can create a small stream by wringing out the equipment.
How many 82 game seasons you play at this intensity in high school or college soccer? How many practices where you ran 100 yard dash back and forth for half an hour. I could go on but I really suggest you do some research into the dynamics of a standard NHL practice and talk to some PHDs in Kinesiology who understand the sport before you even begin to talk about the length and intensity of a pro team at this level and in this sport. And they have to have something in the tank to play back to back on Tuesday and Wednesday.
What is more “stunning” is how quick some are to attack aspects of hockey without even a remote understanding of the actual dynamics.
OK, all that is true… but don’t some coaches put teams through much tougher practices when motivation and execution look suspect? Bag skates and what not?
I am not particularly suggesting that should happen here and now. Obviously back to back games followed by more back to back games mean lots of concern for energy and rest.
I’d say when motivation is suspect, yes. Having said that, I think “punishment” practices are more a thing of the past or are done earlier in the season to get a team’s attention. This time of year, they are counter productive.
No question that execution on the PP is lacking but I don’t think it is a lack of motivation or desire….. its all execution and confidence. While a half hour doesn’t sound like much, if done at game speed its on the mark. Any more and they aren’t physically ready for Tuesday night.
I talked to my nephew who is a professional trainer and has about 50 elite NFL players, 35 NHL hockey players and then a smattering of athletes from across other sports. He finds his hockey players to be as motivated, if not more than the others and definitely in as good as if not better conditioned shape. He has consulted at NHL practices and he confirms that a good content hour long on ice practice combined with what they do off ice is about as much as an athlete can endure in-season. He reminded me that if you look at the physical condition of most NHL players right after the season and most have black under their eyes, very low body fat and many are dealing with an amazing array of joint issues and tissue trauma. We are approaching the 70 game mark so for now recovery time and a balance of staying sharp and energy conservation are key.
I was at the Columbus game and was as frustrated with the PP as anyone, but making several other issues worse by beating on this one will not win us more games. A single PP goal will go a long way to getting the guys to relax and let it flow. Right now there is too much thinking and trying to get the perfect 6 pass goal. I think the answer is shots on goal while at the same creating intense traffic by crashing the net. I looked back at each PP in that Columbus game. When we had possession the number of times we completely missed the net, passed up a shot or Mason had a clear look at the save was unbelievable.
I continue to think the coaches need to open a practice by telling the team they are going into the stands and that Staal is in charge of the power play. Staal and the team should be given the authority to sort it out themselves. Mostly they just need to go have fun, skate hard, relax, and play to their strengths. Over-thinking is the enemy and it becomes self-fulfilling. It’s much like running a sprint, the harder you press, the slower you go.
Wow, a whole half hour!
Is it just me or does half and hour not sound like much?
One more point about the Canes PP. Most teams bring the puck in (on either side), then quckly dish the puck off to a player at the point. That player then has the option to quickly pass across to the other D-man at the other point. This establishes possession and allows the team to gain control of the zone.
The Canes, especially Staal are slow to pass back to the point.
by CanesFanFromLI on Mar 14, 2011 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm with Sittler
Having watched practices when I could, It’s a lot. Noy only that, you don’t get to see the film sessions and whiteboard strayegy coaching sessions to tell the true amount of time spent working on it.
Sittler mentioned it and I’ve said it before, Staal looks much lighter than he did earlier in the year, so do others. I’m pretty sure more ice time isn’t gonna be helping them at this junture of the season.
oh dear
chip is tweeting that larose might be on a powerplay unit….well, hang on a minute, don’t two negatives make a positive?!?!?
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
LaRose deserves a chance on the PP… Especially over young guns like Samson or Bowman. He has played more games for Mo and is therefore more entitled.
Yep, except it’s just not only Mo who does that. I’d say most coaches in most sports will give the nod to a wily veteran over a newbie.
The problem with Mo is he will stick with the veterans way too long. I’b be OK with LaRose getting a courtesy shift on the PP as a desperation move, then it’s time to move on.
by drifterscape on Mar 14, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Not me
He just doesn’t convert his chances, isn’t the best passer, and doesn;t win physical battles along the boards. I’d give Bowman or Samson the chance over Larose just given their AHL success and hoping their ofensive skills come to the forefornt when not as pressured by the other team’s defense (Man advantage) and by playing with more skilled players.
We’ve seen what LaRose can bring to this mix. It’s not much.
Canucks PP
Vancouver’s PP is ranked at 24.8% and is the best in the league. It features Ryan Kesler who is 6’2" and 202 lbs ( but I’ll bet he plays heavier) who is a beast in front of the net. Then the Sedin twins who are arguably two of the best puck protection and passing forwards in the league. No overpowering shots from the point, but when they do they are low and accurate.
To emulate I’d use Cole down low. Staal and Sutter who both protect the puck well and are smart. Use Stillman and Corvo at the points. Second unit will drop off but I’d simply use Skinner, Ruu and Jussi and have Ruu go hard to the net. I know Skinner like to think he can bang but I’m tired of seeing him pick himself off the ice…. have him work the half wall and try to get a clean shot. Points…. well stuck with Joni and then go Harrison. At least Harrison will shoot.
plant Bodie in front of the net
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 14, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, Lavi has used Pronger down low on the Philly PP with success. Why not throw someone huge out there and let them stand in the way?
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Mar 14, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Seemed like we were better with Jussi at the 1/2 wall. I like 4 forwards and Corvo….We use to utilize Matt Cullen at the point.
LaRose……oh boy…..Now we are grasping at straws.
Shoot the puck!!!!!!
If they were successful in Charlotte, why not throw Samson and Bowman out there on the PP?
I agree with Stillman at the point – put him out there with Corvo on the first unit (have to have some responsible defense) and if you must put Rosie out there, have him rivet the point with Joni P on the 2nd power play.
Someone mentioned (and Tripp confimed vs CBJ) that we have 1000 left shots and 2 right shots or something like that. JR needs to fix this in the off-season (maybe Pronger can “convert” some of these guys?) but in the meantime, we can’t have everyone turn around to shoot – that’s why the positioning sucks and people don’t shoot.
Pronger cycles down low but that is assuming that other times he is competent to cycle back. I can understand the Bodie comment but maybe that is a play we use with the second unit and send Harrison or Joni hard to the net….. of course imaging Joni going hard to the net had me on the floor in fits of laughter.
LOL
If Joni wants to stay here he surely is not making much of a case for himself. You know I could see Allen used like Pronger. He’s not going to get moved, seems to have decent hands, has a good shot when he’s at the point and also seems fairly composed with the puck. Joslin is another possible choice. He seems to have some offensive instincts.
Not sure.....
if the power play info will be useful….however the “how to romance your wife on a budget” may get my power play scoring!
Shoot the puck!!!!!!
1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 14, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Top 20 culprits for the Canes' downward trend
1. Lack of talent for virtually the whole roster (Staal, Ward and Skinner excepted, the rest are 3rd and 4th liners at best, and no D is better than a number 4.) The as-told-to-Sittler-by-scouts theory
2. PK, for skimping on salary
3. Wealthy locals, for failing to embrace the PK bail-out program
4. The all-star game, for providing the season grand finale too soon
5. Mo, for having the wrong system, personality, vocabulary, accent, nationality, motivational approach, tie and horoscope
6. Prospects, for not being veterans.
7. Veterans, for being tired and over the hill
8. Brad Richards, for saying he would play here but not following through with trade demands and salary concessions
9. Mo, for not calling timeout at 3:21 of the first period in the October 27, 2010 loss to the Caps
10. Mo, for switching to a more defensive focus and (accidentally/idiotically – choose one) hurting Canes’ O more than he helped Canes’ D.
11. Ron Francis, for ruining the power play despite Mo’s tireless efforts to intervene.
12. Mo, for stubbornly overslotting LaRose and others.
13. Mo and JR, for not working in talented prospects during the year to get them ready to contribute by now, like Tyler Ennis in Buffalo
14. JR, for not meeting Ray Whitney’s salary and multiyear contract demands
15. Ray Whitney, for nixing the trade that would have saved the franchise
16. Finland, for supplying only two of the Canes’ best forwards and one of their best Dmen. (A country of 5.3 million should do more.)
17. JR, for forcing Rod Brind’Amour to retire when the Canes needed him most.
18. Canes Country malcontents, for posts that interfere with waves of wisdom emanating from Canes’ coaches and management.
19. Fatigue from travel and too much ice time for Staal, Ward, Skinner etc. The explanation of the day
20. JR, for trading Anton Babchuk. For completeness
What did I leave out?
by curiouscanesfan on Mar 14, 2011 4:32 PM EDT reply actions
Man, I think it is hard to argue that Ruutu and Jokinen are third line talents. They are not first line stars, but they are solid solid second liners. Same is true for Stillman and Cole (this season).
On the Canes and other low echelon teams, yes. On top tier teams, I think they fall to 3rd line. But still solid players. On some teams not much to choose between 2nd and 3rd.
They are both 50 point players. Most teams don’t have players who score a lot more than that on their second line… some comparisons… Leino, Versteeg, Hartnell (all second, occasional first, occasional third liners on Philly), Kopecky or Bolland (Chicago 2nd liners), Brooks Leich or Knuble (2nd liners in DC), Koisitsyn or Gionta (2nd liners, maybe 1st liners in MTL), Samuelsson or Burrows (2nd liners in Vancouver)… the list goes on.
Carolina has no lack of really great second line talent. We just have only one first line talent (Skinner not yet there).
Agree on lack of true 1st line talent except Staal, I can see your point on Jokinen and Ruutu but was also thinking of teams who already have solid 2nd line talent and I would relegate them below.
Players that play second line minutes on top teams: Semin, Staal, (even Malkin at times), Franzen, Cleary, Lecavalier, Malone, Giroux, Richards ( Philly). And its not always all about the points. Some teams use their 2nd line up against the other teams 1st. You could not do that at the moment with a line with Skinner and Jokinen on it…. just not positionally strong enough.
First Line Talent
I had hoped the Hurricanes might figure out a way to get Neal because I thought he’d bring a big, fast, first line talent to the Hurricanes. I also think the advance scout’s observations about Staal and Cole being legitimate first line forwards is correct. Cole is now back to being a dominate power forward for what he does. Skinner has first line talent but virtually no 18 year old can sustain the pace and demands of the first line.
I also think the Canes presently on the team and not counting prospects have forwards who would play on any team’s second line, such as Ruutu, Jokinen, and Sutter – even if it’s reasonable to debate whether all three would be on the second line or just two of the three.
The fourth line legitimate forwards would reasonably include: Dwyer, LaRose, Samson, Tlusty, and I think Bodie. I disagree with the scout in that regard. There could be some top five or top six teams that are so loaded that it’s conceivable Bodie would be a call-up; but mark be skeptical. I think it’s hard to find big, fast, physical forwards who are willing to grind out a game and fight. Bowman has all the tools to be at least a third line forward on a top five or six team.
For the Hurricanes, the trick is how to develop Boychuk. Dalpe seems to be one of those young prospects who has grown into an almost can’t miss NHL forward prospect. He has all the physical tools: size, speed, great hands, superb attitude, vision on the ice, a winner’s attitude, and a great team guy. Not being cute, really Dalpe is one of those prospects that will be prosper unless some coach ruins him somehow and in the Hurricanes organization that seems highly unlikely. I personally think Boychuk is going to be an excellent forward for the Hurricanes; but he has to prove himself in the top six. As you and many others have pointed out, at Boychuk’s size and with this system, he has a very specific role he must fill to succeed. Boychuk has to be a top six scoring wing.
Boychuk also has all the tools to be an excellent scoring wing in the top six. He’s fast, quick, loves to battle in the crease to score, is fiesty, has fantastic hands, and is an excellent passer. He also has a quick release. We all realize Boychuk and Dalpe need to add some more strength and elite level conditioning; but almost all young forwards need to add strength and elite conditioning.
Finally, as you and others have discussed very articulately, the Hurricanes need to add size at forward. Just as the terrible start last season returned the reward of Jeff Skinner – who has been a great thing for the Hurricanes organization, if the Hurricanes falter this season, they have a rare opportunity to add a top six talent at forward and a top 6 to 10 pick in the draft for two years in a row. Few top five or top six teams have that luxury.
As long as the Hurricanes core team can keep the team together through these rough times, the team will emerge stronger and closer to a top five or top six tier team next season. It does depend on Dalpe and Boychuk and this year’s first round draft choice providing the additional upper level talent the Hurricanes need.
Not surprised a western conference scout wasn’t high on Bodie…. he couldn’t crack the Ducks lineup. I tend to agree with you that he is a keeper. Big guys develop slower and you can already see the flashes of the player he might be. As well, no to demean scouts, but there are reasons they are that and not coaching or GMs. They provide good insight but most are not infallible. Having said that there are some really good hockey minds out there that just don’t like the pressure of being a coach or the front office. Canes have one in Sheldon Ferguson who was insistent they draft Skinner. Hope he is finding us that same level big forward that will be available when we draft.
Big Forwards for 2011 Draft
I think there are some in the Canes organization who are ready to scream if they hear me beg again for a big forward to add to the talent pool for the Canes. Here’s my list thus far and not in order b/c there are so many variables. I tend to doubt the Canes can get Landeskog without giving up some prospects. Others can debate the wisdom or folly of that approach. What is clear is that the Hurricanes need to bolster their ability to pound the net and stand in front of net and create havoc.
Probable First Round Picks 2011
1. Gabriel Landeskog;
2. Sean Couturier;
3. Tyler Biggs;
4. Brandon Saad;
5. Joel Armia;
6. Rickard Rakell;
7. Victor Rask
Probable Second Round Picks if Not Late First Round Picks:
1. Seth Ambroz;
2. Tomas Jurco;
3. Brett Ritchie;
Ryan Strome seems to be a tremendous goal scorer, but his size is cited as being between 5’11" 170 lbs and 6’1" 180 lbs. I guess hockey players are like gumby and their size varies depending on how far they are stretched that day. I continue to think positional needs have to weigh into consideration when two players are essentially even in over all skill levels. It seems the consideration ought to be among two talented prospects with great character, which player fits the long term style and needs of the team. Sheldon Ferguson has been fantastic and seems to have the special skill of discerning which players will fit in at Carolina and which players have room to grow. 2012 is supposed to be a monster year in the draft and it seems 2011 is going to take some looking at diamonds in the rough.
As far as the Canes go, I’d be thrilled if the Canes got Landeskog, Couturier, Saad, Armia or Biggs. Landeskog and Couturier seem to be the top two big forwards by all the scouting services I’ve seen. Saad and Armia are getting some higher marks by some scouting services than Biggs; but I tend to think Biggs is going to be a sleeper and will grow into a major contributor for some team.
Landeskog’s dropped off recently, most think it’s going to be either Larson or Couturier at #1. The Oilers have also said they’ll draft to address positional needs, so if they get the #1 pick Larson makes the most sense. The Canes need to start stock piling picks in 2013 to get a crack at Nathan McKinnon.
Landeskog
The closer the Canes are to a pick where they can get Landeskog, the easier it might be to make the trade – perhaps even the 2012 2nd round pick + Canes 1st round to be in position to get him.
here are some links to various mock drafts – not that anybody ever gets the draft right:
http://www.mynhldraft.com/NHL-Mock-Draft/
Kimelman’s draft: http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=67025
Morreale’s draft: http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=67028
Hoffner’s draft: http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=67028
I know you mentioned Babchuk as a joke but I was shocked to see that he has 11G and 22A and is a +9 for Calgary.
Do you know if the Flames are using Babchuk differently, pairing him with somebody who can cover for his weaknesses or something? Is Babchuk better than some here thought or is it a matter of a) having the right personnel to pair with him or b) having coaches find the right way to use him?
by curiouscanesfan on Mar 15, 2011 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions
30. Playing Cam Ward too much.
31. Not Playing Cam Ward enough.
by drifterscape on Mar 14, 2011 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Perfect. And it’s us, Canes Country posters, in a nutshell.
by curiouscanesfan on Mar 15, 2011 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
21. Waiving uber talented Patty O’Sullivan
22. Having too much faith in Pete Dawg as a back up goalie
23. For allowing the joke that is Progress Energy to be the sponsor for an anemic power play. Blame it on Glogal Warming and the fact that it is not green or comprehensive.
24. The Canes Org for allowing that ice host Katie continue to drone on at the whistle providing simply the worst excuse for a personality and voice ever presented for a home game.
25. For allowing the owner of Bailey’s fine jewlelry to sound the warning siren early and poorly.
26. For allowing the Pens to wear theri baby blue in our house to please the freaking part time canes…fulltime pens fans for that early season ass whooping
27. For practicing too little and at such a poor facility as the Rec Zone….cmon the Garner ice house has better ice!!!
28. Not hiring Capt Stinky as a consultant and job search specialist for Mo’s replacement.
2 years to the Cup
I think its all because we named the team after a natural disaster. Should have stayed with the Whale.
29. (Should be No. 1) Getting rid of “Brass Bonanza”
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 14, 2011 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
for all the newbies here who don't know what I'm talking about above
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 14, 2011 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
On number 25....
I’m with you, but which jeweler would you prefer?
by curiouscanesfan on Mar 15, 2011 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
On number 28 ...
Subliminal message: for not hiring Capt Stinky to consult on shooting accuracy by volunteering as a target
by curiouscanesfan on Mar 15, 2011 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions
i thought i already was a target judging by some of the posts here
I'D LIKE MY CHOCOLATE-COVERED PRIME RIB NOW, PLEASE
by Capt. Stinky on Mar 15, 2011 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Ray Whitney, for nixing the trade that would have saved the franchise
That’s a stretch………
Shoot the puck!!!!!!
I hoped after
“16. Finland, for supplying only two of the Canes’ best forwards and one of their best Dmen. (A country of 5.3 million should do more.)”
most would detect the humorous intent of your post… guess not.
Well, if people don’t detect it, the fault is in the humor, not the people, so it’s on me. Believe it or not, I was trying to create a diversion from serious postmortems by me and everybody else. I thought the real humor would come from responses to my original post. Didn’t work.
by curiouscanesfan on Mar 14, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually I LOL’ed and applauded. Albeit late to the party.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Mar 15, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Except picking on tiny, exotic, wacky Finland is completely uncalled for.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Mar 15, 2011 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
i dont know if anyone said this,
but i think it may be more of a defenses have learned about skinner more than fatigue..
"a bit of love"
Yep
The kid adated once after a mini slump earlier in the season. He liked going behind the net a lot more, now he’s been in front a lot more. He’s still learning, is smart, and will adapt and get better again. Having someone other than LaRose on his line helped last game and should help going forward…
Good article on ESPN about tonight’s game.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/5565/canes-calm-heading-into-must-win-contest-versus-sabres
The worst thing Jim Rutherford never did was no re-sign Ray Whitney to the team.
Good read
The positive I take is the noted lack of frustration in Staal’s voice.
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