Big First Period Carries Carolina: Hurricanes 5, Lightning 2

by Bob Wage on Jan 13, 2012 11:45 AM EST in Carolina Hurricanes Game Recaps

Jiri Tlusty scored two goals and Eric Staal had three assists as the Carolina Hurricanes jumped out to a 4-1, opening period lead and then held on to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 5-2 on Thursday night.

Tuomo Ruutu opened the scoring just three minutes and change into the game as he took a nice feed from Staal - who was behind the net - and beat Mathieu Garon top shelf. It was Ruutu's team leading, 15th goal of the season.

Tlusty then put in a Staal rebound just 1:14 after Ruutu's goal.

The Lightning would fight back later in the period as Nate Thompson stole the puck from Jaroslav Spacek and broke into the clear to beat Cam Ward, but the Canes would answer on the very next shift. Jay Harrison got the puck past Garon with a tight angled shot less than a minute later.

Tlusty would score again - his ninth of the season - when he crashed the net trying to get to another Staal feed.

The Hurricanes pretty much cruised after that as the Bolts could only solve Ward one more time for the game. Tim Brent added some insurance with a perfect shot in the third period.

The Canes chased Garon, who was replaced by Dwayne Roloson just 13:10 into the game. The starting goalie allowed three goals on eight Carolina shots.

Game Notes:

Tlusty led the team with five shots on goal. He meshed well with Ruutu and Staal in this game. The team combined for 32 shots and did not let up on their offensive attack even though they had a nice lead.
Cam Ward had another solid game, (although Thompson beat him pretty easily on the breakaway). The goalie is slowly improving his save percentage and stopped 34 of 36 shots in this one.
The team was credited with 22 hits led by Justin Faulk with four.
Patrick Dwyer had a team high three blocked shots.
Bryan Allen had a team high 23:48 of TOI. Anthony Stewart was low man at 9:06

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Comments

Stewart T.O.I.

I watched last night’s game and Stewart with thoughts of a CC string someone had last week about Stewart being positionally unsound. I saw him only a couple times rushing all over the ice on the offensive end, but for the most part I thought he was playing okay. I just think he chases the puck a little too much, but he is a big body, I wish he could put it all together. I kinda/sorta see why he gets such little time, but I still think it’s odd and that, frankly, he’s wasting a roster spot.

"I need to make sure I don't get too frustrated and stay focused on my game...The points and the offense, you have to believe, are going to come." - Eric Staal, 11/6/2011

by Capt. Stinky on Jan 13, 2012 12:10 PM EST reply actions

I think the problem is that he is great against fourth liners, but against higher pairings and higher forward lines, he doesn’t get too much done.

by hurricane9 on Jan 13, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions

I'll throw this out there

Accountability. Muller is serious. He takes Tlusty off the top line, says he wasnt happy with the effort put forth, decreases his minutes. But then Tlusty gets another chance. Has his best game of the season. Does the things Muller wants to see. Muller doesn’t hold a grudge or perception and lets players recover from their mistakes. So he gets better play from his players. Coincidence? I think not.

Mo rarely applied this tactice—and only towards Samsonov that I could remember—and it always seemed to motivate Sergei for a while. But I remember a lot of lamenting about Mo sending out the same guys, no matter how they played, because they were the vets. Never liked that. I think Muller’s message is getting through.

Case two: Trip and John talked about Muller considering going with 7 defensmen. Sutter 42 talks with Muller at practice and tells the coach he’s got more to give if the coach will give him another chance. Sutter 42 plays. Third line gets 10 minutes. Both an example of accountability and of reward.

Muller seems like a good coach for the players—he tells them what he wants and expects, if they don’t deliver, he gives them less. If players come up and show something, they get rewarded. I like his leadership style. As we have seen htis bodes well for the prospects. If you earn it, you’ll get a fiar shot. You’ll get a real chance where you belong.

Montreal liked this about him—both the other coaches and the players. I do too.

I’m stoked about next year with him.

by Squeaky83 on Jan 13, 2012 12:36 PM EST reply actions

Brett Sutter

One small thing that was discussed by Forslund and Tripp that impressed me about Muller was a report concerning a conversation Brett Sutter was reported to have had with Muller. According to them, Brett Sutter and Muller were talking at the end of practice, and Brett Sutter was reported to have said, “I really feel I have another level I can get to.” Muller then gave Brett Sutter good opportunities to prove himself; and I personally think Brett Sutter had one of his best games. I’ve played for coaches with whom I had good communications and played (or not played) for coaches with whom saying hello before practice was a chore. I thought that discussion between Brett Sutter and Muller was indicative of a coach with an excellent sense of the game. It’s a very hard balance for a coach to be demanding while still being able to encourage. Muller impresses me for being able to carry off that balance well.

by abramsdoug on Jan 13, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

I heard he said he had more “Grit” to give (I think that was cool).. I love that Muller gave him the chance… Never would have happened with MO…

by dbaerry34 on Jan 13, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions

I agree. It would not have happened under Maurice. I don’t categorize Maurice as incompetent; and he surely did a great job nurturing Harrison. On the other hand, I much prefer Muller’s approach, energy, and personality.

by abramsdoug on Jan 13, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

+28 +4 +42 +71 +19 +35

In Kirk we Trust

by Mullett on Jan 13, 2012 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

TB in T-R-O-U-B-L-E

After their top line I don’t see a lot with the ’Bolts. There goal tending is the worst in the NHL. With realignment, may be an opportunity for a trading partner.

Cudos to the ‘Canes for not letting TB come back…I recall we got up early in Winnepeg (2-0) and it disintegrated….TB made a push and we didn’t fold!

It is amazing how this team reflects how #30 and #12 play. They both had great games and we win! I love the heart our team is showing night in and night out!

In Kirk we Trust

by Mullett on Jan 13, 2012 1:22 PM EST reply actions

They’ve been a one line team for seasons. They only got far in the playoffs last season because some of their depth players started scoring. But that disappeared this season. Didn’t they trade one of their top playoff scorers away?

by hurricane9 on Jan 13, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

Bergenheim is now with Florida, but I think he was a UFA last season. They have 2 issues IMO. Last year, everybody on that team was producing. This year, their just not getting the same out of the same players. St. Louis is still very good, but was a 1.2 PPG last season and a 0.9 PPG this season. And others are well below last seasons production. The other, big weakness is their goaltending. It just plain sucks this season.

Staal & Dalpe; The New Dynamic Duo or The Canes Crusaders!

by PackPride17 on Jan 13, 2012 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

It really is interesting how much the team feeds off Staal & Ward. But I guess that’s why it’s said; as they go, so does this team.

Staal & Dalpe; The New Dynamic Duo or The Canes Crusaders!

by PackPride17 on Jan 13, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

Consistency

We need to string together some wins here. The Canes haven’t had back to back wins since Dec 23, 26. The rest of the games in January are against division foes. If we win out in Jan, we will be in a much better spot and perhaps, might persuade JR in to early signings of some UFA’s.

So many times this season, under Mo and Muller, I’ve been uber excited about an all out, dominating win only to be severely disappointed the next game. Last night we showed great chemistry. Need to see that again and again starting tomorrow.

by Charles Lawton on Jan 13, 2012 1:25 PM EST reply actions

Just remember we will be facing one of the best teams in the NHL…

by dbaerry34 on Jan 13, 2012 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

Sure do remember, and I remember owning them in Oct. Understanding of course the Bruins are a different team now; but play like the Canes did last night and we will win. That’s consistency.

by Charles Lawton on Jan 13, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

A win Saturday would be a HUGE step forward….You know we are going to get Boston’s best punch…..hopefully not the ugliness the last time we played them.

In Kirk we Trust

by Mullett on Jan 13, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions

I’ll set the over/under at 10 minutes into the game before Thornton and Gleason drop the gloves. I’m sure they both remember the last game where Thornton was ready to go but Gleason didn’t take the bait.

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

by anonymousJ on Jan 13, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions

I do think the Canes can win.. Just saying that if Boston plays their A game, it would be tough for any team to beat them..

by dbaerry34 on Jan 13, 2012 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

Especially if Tim Thomas brings his A game…

by Squeaky83 on Jan 13, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

Tim Thomas’ A game still consists of little dribble rebounds in front of the net. Gotta he there to score. But their defense makes that difficult and dangerous.

Harrumph

by ivyleager on Jan 14, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions

Jay Harrison with the Gordie Howe hat trick is worthy of a mention, IMO. :)

twitter @jbk_ltd

by Jamie Kellner on Jan 13, 2012 1:31 PM EST reply actions

I don’t recall the ’Canes having one of those in a long time.
And Staal had 3 assists which I guess could be called a Ron Francis hat-trick.

by drifterscape on Jan 13, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

A great effort last night

but not a “total” effort from some. And While i too am a wee bit concerned about Boston tomorrow night but and as i have said before..ANY team can be beat on “any” given day. If the canes come out hard,fast and strong and keep players like Stewart,Poni and etc infront of that net more often than not and they keep shooting at the net consistantly…thewy could pull another win off…but are the Canes as a team willing to pay that price? As we know that the Brjins can be thuggisn and are not shy of checking bodies hard and often so the speed players need to be a step head and the grinders and checking lines need to keep the Bruins off balance while everybody shoots their butts of making who ever will be in the net totally fustrated and worn out after the first period…true the bolts wre NOT the twm they were at the begining of the season..but they still could have beat the canes..if the canes gave up..so which team for carolina will show up ? a team with blood in their eys,a huge chip on their shoulders and a attitude of the old broad street bullies ..then maybe they can and will kick the bruins butts all over the RBCC …But hey…I’m a fan..what do i know ?? :-) time for a bowl of fresh homemade 5 alarm chile

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

by CaniacSteve on Jan 13, 2012 1:38 PM EST reply actions

Great game, now we need 10 in a row just like it.

I'm trying to be positive here, so if you're not go PUCK yourself.

by canescup on Jan 13, 2012 2:29 PM EST reply actions

Ten is a stretch, even on 05-06, we only had 9 game win streaks….like 3 of them. Don’t think this franchise has ever had a 10 game win streak. It would be nice though.

Harrumph

by ivyleager on Jan 14, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions

Harsh Dose of Reality; but the Silver Lining

That’s a dose of cold water so early in the morning. I know as far as I am concerned, I’m in WFU basketball fan mode: the team almost never is going to win the ACC and battles to get into the NCAA (and now even the NIT). In that frame of mind, all I want to see is effort and intelligence on the Court. Here with the Hurricanes, the season is done at least statistically with the playoffs. I am very happy when the Hurricanes win. I am not that much less happy when they lose as long as the effort is there and they play with hockey sense. I’ve had decades of experience watching and supporting teams that were going nowhere in the post-season.

In my mind eye, I see the Hurricanes of the future. I am impatient to get those guys on the ice, and the players I see as ultimately not part of the new era Hurricanes traded so we can get on with the show. Muller and MacLean have brought in a style of play that is fun to watch. Muller in particular has instituted a merit system rather than a class president popularity contest system. Even the stars will find their way to the bench if they don’t have their wheels or brain engaged.

Finally, there is a somewhat amazing scenario emerging if the Hurricanes finish in the bottom three. It appears that not only will one of Yakupov, Girgorenko, or Forsberg be available in the top three picks (if not the top five picks). Galchenyuk has an upper end that rivals those three forwards; but based on ISS’s ranking his injury has knocked Galchenyuk out of the top thirty. I find that to be madness; but it does appear that if the Hurricanes can trade for a first round pick in the top twenty, they could wind up with both one of Yakupov, Girgorenko, and Forsberg, as well as Galchenyuk. If that happens, it’s a new day for the Hurricanes within two or three years maximum.

The question for Jim Rutherford is with twelve forward spots, and with Staal, Skinner, Brandon Sutter, and hopefully Ruutu as cornerstone players; and with Jokinen, Dalpe, Bowman, Rask, Nash, and Hofmann coming along (ignoring the Boychuk debate for a moment), where can he put all the talent he is assembling? Tlusty under Muller and MacLean seems to be hitting his stride and coming into his own as an impact player.

If there is a top six forward signed and two top six forwards drafted, Muller and MacLean can run a 1a, 1b, 1c and 2 set of forward lines. As long as the centers are gifted two way centers, the Hurricanes can have 2005-2006 forward lines on turbocharge.

by abramsdoug on Jan 14, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

Three things that were good last night that are often lacking.

1 – Defensive back pressure. The Bolts were seldom allowed to bring the puck up the ice without a forward challenging from behind.
2- Puck support. If the d-men created turnovers there was a forward (or two) available for an easy outlet pass.
3- Net drive. Both of Tlusty’s goals were good examples of why its important. When the rebound of Staal’s shot kicked out into the slot, the Canes were all moving forward, toward the net. And on Tlusty’s 2nd goal? No explanation required.

They played a 200’ game last night.

by 210beer on Jan 13, 2012 3:11 PM EST reply actions

JVR

Any shot we pull him out of Philly? Gleason and a couple of prospects? Looks like they’re dangling him as trade bait.

by JohnnymcQ on Jan 13, 2012 3:16 PM EST reply actions

JVR would be a nice player ,but recent rumors is that he needs surgery to repair a bad hip joint in the offseason.

by hellfish on Jan 13, 2012 3:23 PM EST reply actions

It doesn’t seem to have cost him any time. He’d be a nice pickup for size and youth, which this team needs, but I feel that they really need some experience – the biggest intangible that left the team this summer with Cole and Corvo.

by 210beer on Jan 13, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions