Hurricanes Drop Preseason Home Opener To Predators, 3-2
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2011 10:16 PM EDT
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PrintFor the second straight game, the Hurricanes held the lead in the third period. And for the second straight game, the team came away with a loss.
Chris Mueller pushed Nashville in front with 13 minutes left, taking several whacks in front of Justin Peters, who relieved starter Cam Ward to start the third period, before eventually depositing it in the Carolina net, giving the Predators a 3-2 win Friday at the RBC Center.
The Canes got two goals from newcomer Alexei Ponikarovsky, who lined up with Eric Staal and Jussi Jokinen on the first line, with both tallies coming in the opening minute of the first and third period.
On the game's first shift, Ponikarovsky won a battle behind the Nashville net and beat Predators goalie Jeremy Smith — a former Compuware and Plymouth player — with a wraparound just 31 seconds in to give Carolina a 1-0 lead. He later pushed Carolina in front again, collecting a Staal rebound just 17 seconds into the third period and stuffing it past Anders Lindback to make it 2-1. Staal assisted on both goals.
Nashville had knotted the score at 2 in the third when defenseman Jack Hillen one-timed a rebound off Justin Peters at 5:23 of the third period.
David Legwand had the game's other goal, sneaking behind Tomas Kaberle and converting a cross-ice pass from Patrik Hornqvist to beat Ward and tie the game 1-1 with just over two minutes left in the first period
For the second straight game Peters — Carolina's backup last season who is slated to return to the AHL after the Hurricanes signed veteran Brian Boucher to back up Ward — took the loss, allowing two goals on 10 shots. Ward played two full periods, stopping 20 of 21 shots in his first action of the preseason.
For the second straight game, Carolina lost two forwards to injury. Tim Brent left the game in the second period with a lower body laceration that required stitches, but Maurice said it didn't appear serious yet might keep him out of the Winnipeg game Sunday. Tuomo Ruutu also left the game with a lower body injury, but Maurice said it was precautionary. Patrick Dwyer and Chad LaRose each left the preseason opener at Buffalo with lower body injuries.
The injuries led to a lot of late-game shuffling. With two centers not on the bench, Maurice was forced to move Jeff Skinner back to the middle while mixing and matching all his lines.
Rookie defenseman Ryan Murphy clearly stood out in his second preseason game. The smooth-skating blueliner showed off his shifty moves and quick slapshot throughout the game, and he was leaned on heavily late with Carolina down a goal despite being minus-2 on the night. He was paired with fellow rookie Justin Faulk who, while not as obviously dynamic as Murphy, held his own in his second preseason game, logging 20:56 of ice time.
With 2:59 left, the Predators were called for too many men on the ice, setting up an opportunity for the Hurricanes to tie the score. But the Hurricanes power play, which had just two opportunities on the night, was unable to register a shot on the late-game man-advantage and could not convert in the final minute with Peters pulled from the net.
Paul Maurice Postgame Interview
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How many in the pressbox had not seen Murphy live yet? I was curious about his getting the 3rd star.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2011 10:33 PM EDT reply actions
Brett Sutter & Riley Nash
Brett Sutter played the way he performed in the AHL playoffs. He was aggressive, fast, and well positioned. Riley Nash also had an excellent game. He is improving each game. At this point, based on what I see I’d rather the young forward chasing Tlusty (who has the second open spot thus far) as 1. Bowman, 2. Brett Sutter, 3. Nash, 4. Boychuk, 5. Terry. The performance tonight by Brett Sutter and Nash have them probably within another great pre-season of being even with Bowman. Boychuk has some excellent shifts. Terry is still getting his rhythm and confidence, I thought. Tonight, Brett Sutter and Riley Nash seemed to me to be the best of the young forwards. Nash could quickly become a factor with his size and speed.
Wow – interesting comments from Maurice toward the end of the audio above, on Peters. “He’ll be a dominant #1 AHL guy, looking for a chance here or somewhere else.”
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2011 10:59 PM EDT reply actions
Peters will never be welcomed back here by the fans – ever – no matter how well he does in Charlotte. He steps on the ice and there is an audible groan in the building. I think the writing is on the wall…
I disagree. I think it’s very tough to put a rookie goalie into a situation where he gets so few games. It’s very hard to get into a rhythm. I think the role is much better suited for a veteran like Boucher who knows how to handle that role. I guess we will soon see.
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take-Gretzky
His 3.49/.887 career numbers hardly inspire confidence.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 26, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Its really interesting to see Boychuk now falling in most peoples eyes. The kid is arguably the most talented forward prospect we have, but he just can’t put it together. Maybe another demotion to Charlotte will light a fire underneath him? I hope so, because our former 1st round pick has very little value right now. Didn’t Ray say that Boychuk was going to be his replacement? Was he meaning here or in Phoenix?
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2011 7:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Is Boychuk Falling or Are the Other Prospects Developing Faster?
I am a strong advocate for Boychuk; and I continue to believe in his ability. It is also important to consider that the training camp and pre-season is still a work in progress. I can’t tell whether Boychuk is falling as much as it is that players like Tlusty, Brett Sutter, Bowman, and Nash are developing as a faster, more noticeable rate. Boychuk had some moments last night where he showed why I like his potential. He completely disrupted the Nashville defense behind the net, obtained the puck, and came round to get off an excellent shot. Boychuk’s detractors may say all that is true, but he didn’t finish. Similarly, Boychuk and Brett Sutter had a beautiful sequence where Sutter gained the puck on the half wall, made a move, and hit Boychuk with a great pass for another scoring opportunity.
On one of the Nashville goals, Ward was warning Kaberle to cover the open man, but didn’t get over in time. I thought it was not primarily Boychuk’s responsibility; but I also thought in an ideal world, he probably would have noticed Kaberle was late and would have covered for him. The point is not to micro-analyze Boychuk, so much as to say, although I don’t rank him presently as making the roster, I continue to believe he can be a good player either for the Hurricanes or elsewhere. I’d like to see Boychuk begin by having one game in which he played all over the ice like LaRose does virtually every shift of every game. I’d prefer to see some mistakes by commission driven by over-enthusiasm that the more passive approach my eyes observe. Will Boychuk be traded? Nobody really knows. Is it an Andrew Ladd situation where he was traded for Ruutu and both Ruutu and Ladd benefited? Only time will tell.
As for me, I would love for something to click with Boychuk and for him to be the player he knows he can be. I’d rather see him find his game for rather than against the Hurricanes.
AD, I know you are a big Boychuk support like you know I am not a big supporter of him. The bottom line, whether is is dropping or others are advancing more quickly, is that he is falling behind. The kid has a physical disadvantage in his size. He needs to really impress the rest of camp to resecure his place among the prospects.
I still believe that Boychuk will eventually be a NHL player and will probably be a 2nd/3rd line player, but his chances of doing that with the Canes is growing smaller & smaller. I really believe a trade/change of scenery might be the best thing for him. My only concern is that his value has diminished and the Canes would not get as good as value for the former 1st rounder had they traded him sooner.
Maybe he’ll wake up and display more of that ability or maybe we are looking at a fringe NHLer? Its just interesting to see how the opinions of Boychuk on this blog have changed so quickly due to another lackluster camp (so far).
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2011 8:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Boychuk is back in the conversation
As you say, AD, there were definitely times when Boychuk looked impressive. It was interesting to read that he fared very well in conditioning tests, and in the interview on the Canes’ site, he said the Buffalo game was good for starting to get his legs under him but acknowledged it’s now time to perform. It’s reasonable from all this to think that the issue hasn’t been lack of effort, conditioning or interest. Maybe despite being in good shape it took Boychuk a little longer to get to game speed.
Boychuk will have to be outstanding the rest of the preseason to beat out the other guys, but he’s less of a mystery than before the Preds game. And if the Canes decide to trade him, there’s now a bit of preseason video that shows he’s got some ability. Before, it looked as though he wasn’t even tradeable.
by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2011 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Like AD
as i too am somewhat concerned as to why Boychuck is NOT a Hyper LaRose with shooting the puck at the net ever other min.And true many D-Men do take a few seasons to “develop” as coaches in the NHL seem to accept..but this is a young forward who from past experience has the tools,skills and where withall to be in the NHL…I too am NOT willing to toss him under the bus…but unless He( boychuck) catchhes fire and plays like his families lives are in question/on the line…who know what MO 7 JR will do…it’s not like Boychuck has not had a good and decent shot or chances to make the team has he ? As far Petey Dawg…yes it weill be a battle betwen him and Mike Murphy..but and sadly i think Murphy will win out on that battle and then Justin will have to fight off Muse…I enjoyed last nights game despite the loss as i saw several players step it up..som,e who are getting a ’feel" of the team..and some with a point/case to prove
such as Kabs,Poni and Bowman,Tim Brent,Nash and the slimmed down verson of Pits…but what got my attention was the likes of smooth & grace and effortless movement of Skinner.Ryan Murphy,and Staal!! while each got checked but each stated focused and along with poni..were either at or around the net ..which was sadly missing last season…so despite a 0-2 preseason record thus far..i see a couple more + than – but still the PP and keeping the other time out of our zone/ice on a consistant basis is and will again be the key for the canes…and that is how this old blind in both eyes hockey fan saw last nights game…other than that…MEH !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Ponikarovsky and Stewart
I thought their presence around the net made a big difference in what their lines could do. There can’t be as much attention to Skinner when Stewart is muscling his way through the crease, and Ponikarovsky was often right on the doorstep. It will help to have two more forwards who are hard to keep away from the net.
Ponikarovsky also seemed to have very good hands. If the puck came near him, there was a good chance he could control it and do something with it.
by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2011 8:55 AM EDT reply actions
Having Stewart and Ponikarovsky is already making a tremendous difference in getting space for Staal, Skinner, Ruutu, and Jokinen to operate. Last night both Ponikarovsky and Stewart were banging around the net. Staal in particular had space to accelerate with the puck. Once the regular season starts and hitting starts at full speed, there will be even more of a difference. Add to the fact, Ruutu will have some excellent angles for his hitting due to the additional space and the fact players cannot just focus on Ruutu, and things are definitely looking up.
Agree with all your comments on this Post. I was relieved to see Stewart skating much better and Poni has soft hands for a big man.
Talked to two Canes scouts who were in the building. Both have really liked Brent Sutters game. Their take is that he plays the type of complete game that you want to see in a regular 4th liner.
I liked Bowman’s game last night. He was quick to the puck and finished every check.
I asked scouts about Boychuk. Both said the concensus in the organization is that there are elements to his game that are missing. They see what we see. The drive just doesn’t seem to be there.
Cheated a bit on our bet re Rask and Hoffmann and asked scouts impression. The say their games are very different so tough to compare. Rask is the slick finesse playmaker where they see Hoffmann as a guy that is physical and really sticks his nose into the tough areas of the ice. Who gets there 1st will depend on team needs but you’ll be happy to hear that Rask may have the edge unless Gregory get a lot stronger this year. They said that while he is tall he is real slight of build for the type of game he wants to play.
Brett Sutter I think you meant. (When Brett Sutter and Tim Brent are on a line together it really makes me pause a sec before typing)
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks… good catch. I’m from the era where 6 Sutter brothers played and I still have all their names in my head too….. need a program to keep track.
need a program eh? Seems I’ve been pretty out there with mine (not that you need it).
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
That was a laughing tease – missed a =D or LOL on the end of that.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Hofmann and Rask
What a great post. Hofmann has the hunger that will drive him to do whatever it takes to succeed. The fact he delivers crushing hits with abandon and takes hits without pouting impresses me. He is strong for his weight. He’s the kind of player I could envision coming back to camp next season weight 190 lbs and playing with a physical edge as well as top end speed. I bought the WHL Live video package for the Calgary Hitmen because I want to follow Rask’s play. Rask and Hofmann are both achievers; and have the extra will power it takes to get there. I could see Rask playing at 205 to 210 lbs; and if he gets his game together in terms of taking the puck directly to the goal, he could get to the Canes faster than some think. If Hofmann spends this year building up his strength, he has that extra dimension of speed to get separation. It makes it harder for players like Terry to be long term solutions. As for Boychuk, the same thing applies. The top six positions are already getting crowded for the Hurricanes.
Heckuva draft this year for the Canes.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
But boy, isn't having too many for the top two lines a great problem to have?
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 26, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
My observation about Stewart and his skating, it did look greatly improved over the Buffalo game, yet I was a little concerned that he looked slower by the 3rd period like he was wearing down from having to hustle so hard to keep step. Still to early to tell, but I too was very happy in the earlier part of the game to see he did not look nearly as slow as he had in Buffalo.
Just the Preseason Facts!
Here are some stat highlights after the first 2 preseason games.
The PP is 0 for 3.
The PK is 100% on 5 chances.
We are 47 of 101 for 46.5% in the faceoff circle. Now those numbers include Ruutu who is 2 of 9 and Nash who is 5 of 20. Everybody else is pretty decent so far.
Our expected goalies have stopped 34 of 35 shots, .971 S% in 4 periods.
Last years backup goalie has allow 4 goals on 22 shots, .818 S% in 2 periods of work.
Points Leaders – Poni 2G, Staal 2A, Sutter 1G, Dalpe/Jussi/LaRose/Pits 1A.
+ Leaders – Jussi +2, Gleason/LaRose/Pits/Poni/Staal +1.
- Leaders – Stewart -4, Boychuk/Murphy -3, Faulk/Terry -2.
Shots Leaders – Bowman/Samson/Stewart 5.
Hits Leaders – Gleason 4, Allen/Bowman/Faulk/McBain/Stewart 3.
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2011 9:05 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Did not see the game...
am curious as to how Gleason looked. I think he is an uber-important cog in our defense. If he’s at last year’s level, we’re in trouble. If he’s got his groove back, we should improve. any thoughts from those who were in attendance or watching the stream?
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 24, 2011 10:22 AM EDT reply actions
Agreed. Gleason is much quicker this year than last.
by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
a healthy Gleason is a happy / effective Gleason
"It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times..."
by Gramm Matthew Esq. on Sep 24, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
A few simple thoughts from going to the game last night:
Ward – still a rock. Didn’t show much rust at all from minor injury and not really playing yet in preseason.
Gleason – offensive power? He’s showing a bit more of his dimension. Why not, it’s preseason.
Poni – not even going to try to spell his last name. He’s got decent hands. Not the fastest, but neither was Stillman. Let’s see how this line continues to gel and how it does against NHLers.
Stewart – I really like him on the line with Skinner and Ruutu. That line is going to leave some bruises and put the puck in the net.
Murphy – wow that kid can skate and has some moves. He does get pushed around quite a bit due to his size. He’s still young and long term with his skill that won’t be a factor. He presents a dilemma. Doesn’t look quite ready for the big club but will juniors another year help or hurt him?
Faulk – he didn’t stand out with anything he did, but I noticed he’s solid (both in his play and his frame).
Skinner – I could be crazy, but he looks even stronger on the puck. Love the effort on every shift.
Staal – heard somewhere that he worked on his faceoffs during the offseason. It showed. We’ll see how that plays out over the season.
Overall, I was expecting the team to be much sloppier than they were. Don’t get me wrong, it was still pre-season sloppy, but much more cohesive than I expected. I am not worried about the offense from this team, but I continue to worry about the defense. I’m hoping things will come together over the next few weeks. I’m not a coach, but would it be better to set the defense sooner rather than later and get these guys playing together and learning the new "system". While I always love to see a Ward show, for this team to succeed, the goalies have to face less shots per game this year.
Defense is definitely the bigger concern. It will be interesting to see how the regular pairings look. Murphy is fun to watch and Faulk is going to be good, but Murphy’s size hurts around the Canes’ net. Faulk isn’t so overmatched but at this stage isn’t great at moving people away from the goal either.
The Canes could use another strong shut-down defenseman. Murphy and Faulk could both play now, but adding either one to a lineup with Pitkanen, Kaberle and McBain would be very risky.
by curiouscanesfan on Sep 24, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
It definitely makes the acquisition of Kaberle a little more questionable. He was brought in to help the PP, but he makes the defensive makeup even more lopsided.
With Pitkenen, Kaberle, and McBain all here for a few years; its going to be difficult (not impossible) to fit Murphy & Faulk in the system in you are one that believes in a balanced defense.
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2011 11:40 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not sure Rutherford knew Faulk and Murphy were going to look so good at Camp when he signed Kaberle on July 7th.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure he didn’t, but with Pits & Kabs signed for 3 years and McBain still on his EL deal; like I said, its going to be difficult fitting Faulk & Murphy in during those 3 years.
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2011 12:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
The length of those contracts does jump out now, doesn’t it? Hmmm.
Faulk might not be a terrible #8 Dman if there are injuries. Give him a year to become amazing in Charlotte. He’s more effective in DZone anyway, strong along the boards.
McBain seems stronger than previous seasons (last night’s open ice hit in the highlights was something I don’t remember him doing much last year), but if he isn’t improved along the boards, Faulk has him there.
McBain has a 2-way contract but is waiver eligible, so I don’t see them risking that.
Or – Could be a bit like Brandon Sutter in 2009-10, called up in late Oct, never went back.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Everybody on Canes, Including Skinner Seems Very Impressed with Kaberle
I have noticed that Kaberle is getting compliments from his teammates. Skinner’s comments about Kaberle being amazing on the power play got my attention. I am starting to think the Hurricanes brass are going to go with defensemen almost all of whom are fast and move the puck. I’d predict Pitkanen, Kaberle, McBain, and Gleason are not going anywhere. Faulk and ultimately Murphy are going to make the team as well. If so, Gleason is the only defenseman who qualifies as being a physical, stay at home, shutdown defenseman. I can’t envision any of the top defensemen being traded. Makes things very interesting. Perhaps as you say both Faulk and Murphy got ready sooner than Jim Rutherford et al. imagined. There is also Dumoulin about to be in the mix as well.
Kaberle lost his man on the Preds first goal but overall I liked his game. He positioning is good and he is so calm with the puck. He made some passes that the Rook’s weren’t expecting but that seasoned veterans would have turned into scoring chances. His game has always been very subtle….. I liked what I saw. But by far I was most relieved to see Gleason skating like he did a couple of years ago. I hated his game last year and while it was not the Preds A team last night they play an aggressive game and are quick to the puck. Tim handled it all well and looked very comfortable with Joni ( who by the way was skating very well last night too).
On the negative we were too soft in our own end, especially in front of the net.
If JR has determined to go the route you suggest; with a “future” defense of Pits, Kabs, Timmy, McBain, Murph, & Faulk; that will put even more defensive responsibility on the forwards. So a player like Boychuk, who is small and not strong defensively, is even harder to slot in the lineup.
Here's the SKINNy, the All-STAAL game was CAMtastic!
by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2011 1:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He should have, however, known he was getting a downgrade in physicality and defensive mindset.
Those were things that were already at a premium in our defensive corps.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 26, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
CCF-
Faulk will probably never be a crease clearing type—he’s a solid two way looking good puck moving defenseman. But pair him with Murphy—as they have, no one is a true shut down defenseman, and Murphy clearly needs some more defensive seasoning. Together, they’re not a great pair—put either with Joslin and I think both would look better in a pairing…
Agreed, Squeaky. It’s the other half of the pair that may not be available. I’m not sure Joslin would work well in that combination, though he might. Allen with either Faulk or Murphy would be interesting.
I wonder if we’ll get to see Faulk and Murphy not paired with each other for the rest of the preseason?
by curiouscanesfan on Sep 25, 2011 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Defense
asnoted is still a work in progress, and they are still probably needing work after each game with Mr Lewis. That said, losing two leads, while not generating a lot of offense still has me worried that Mo’s tactics aren’t aggressive enough offensively, and his sitt back on your heels, be ready to run back defensively is limiting our offense. There have been period where the offense has looked like they will rock, and then they look like they’re playing with a hand behind their back in the same games.
i guess it’s preseason, and we’re working new chemistry and new defensive systems for everyone, but I’m a Mo skeptic, I know my opinion is colored by that, but even so, I’d be happier if our offense was scoring just one more per game than we have, or at least looking like we could score one more goal per game. Not seeing it yet.
But so far, I’m not seeing our defense as solid enough to play 1 or 2 goal games. (I know, pre season) so our offense will have to be aggressive while still being able to come back and compliment the defenders and backcheck hard. SO there is a balance to be had…I’m waiting to see if Mo can strike that balance.
To whomever said Ponikarovsky’s name is too hard…my 13 year old agrees and ended up calling him Mike Wazowski (from Disney’s Monsters, Inc.).
I was startled by Kaberle’s size and quick passes (didn’t realize he was that big) and Poni’s speed, especially after AP from Hockey News skewered both. However, I was most impressed with Brett Sutter. WOW! Stood his ground a couple of times and maintained control of the puck. Great genes in that family, fershurr! A close second was Ryan Murphy. He can join the rush and looks natural doing it. However, because of that deep rush he didn’t get back and I think the Preds scored right after that.
(And in other news….Cole scored in a shoot-out win for Montreal last night. Guess he learned how to hit water from a boat.)
Harrumph
yeah poni really looks over the hill doesn't he. more fuel to the fire about that interview with the hockey news guy
Of Maurice, Karmanos said: "I’m happy Paul is back but he’s going to be judged the same way as any other coach. We need to win more consistently."
by Sergeant Stinky on Sep 24, 2011 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Who used that phrase?
He said he’s been trending downward, which he has.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '011: This is what we've been waiting for...we get to overpay the core of a 2-14 team!
by MichaelProcton on Sep 26, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
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