Game Analysis: Islanders At Hurricanes
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 4, 2012 12:21 PM EST
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The Carolina Hurricanes allowed the tying goal with 90 seconds left then lost in the shootout to the New York Islanders, 4-3, in a battle of the Eastern Conference's bottom two teams. Anthony Stewart, Brandon Sutter and Chad LaRose scored for the Hurricanes, who now stand at 13-21-7 with 33 points — one behind the Islanders — at the season’s midway point.
Three Observations
1. Carolina's shootout choices continue to baffle. Jussi Jokinen, one of the best in the league since the inception of the end-of-game skills competition tiebreaker, was an obvious choice, and he converted on the Peter Forsberg-esque postage stamp move that made Jokinen famous back in 2005-06. But using Eric Staal (now 2 for 15, 13.3 percent, on his career) and Chad LaRose (now 1 of 3 in his career) didn't pan out. Using Staal, despite his lack of success, makes sense because he's the team's best player — the exact argument coach Kirk Muller made in defending his choice to use Carolina's captain in the shootout. But going to LaRose over Sutter or Tuomo Ruutu doesn't make sense.
2. Drayson Bowman's play in all three zones stood out Tuesday, and his assist on Sutter's goal — a play created by Bowman's forechecking of Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov — gave him three straight games with a helper since he joined Sutter on Carolina's third line. In a season of downs, the growth of young players like Bowman — along with Justin Faulk, Zac Dalpe and others — is a silver lining.
3. LaRose's 10th goal — a beauty that was accomplished with all-out effort — puts him on pace for 20 this season, which would best the 19 he registered in 2008-09. Yes, LaRose is minus-17 after finishing minus-21 last season, but he is living up to the contract Jim Rutherford gave him in the offseason by combining agitation with production.
Number To Know
12 — Numbers of shots this season for Andreas Nodl in 27 games. Since joining the Hurricanes, Nodl has just six shots in 15 games and was one of just Carolina two players, along with Tim Brent, to not record a shot in Tuesday's game. The Canes finished with 40 shots on goal for the game.
Plus
Cam Ward — His shootout performance was nothing to call home about, but Carolina's goalie was good the rest of the night in between the pipes. The blame on all three Islanders goals lay elsewhere: two were on the power play, and the third is mentioned in "Minus" below. Ward is now 5-3-3 in his last 11 games.
Minus
Justin Faulk — The Carolina rookie defender finished plus-2 on the night and was on the ice for all three of the team's goals, but it was the goal against that he was involved with that stands out. On Kyle Okposo's game-tying goal with 1:30 left in the game, Faulk lost track of the Isles forward and, when John Tavares pass whizzed past the goal, was caught with his stick off the ice. The result was a pass right on Okposo's stick that knotted the score and sent the game to overtime.
Team Notes
The Hurricanes announced that Zac Dalpe has been reassigned to the AHL and that Derek Joslin will also go to Charlotte on a conditioning stint. The release from the team can be read here.
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Interesting moves
Who’s coming back? Dwyer? And, Joslin assigned to Charlotte on a conditioning stint makes me wonder about the timing. Stay Tuned.
From the sounds of those at practice, yes Dwyer is getting close, tho still in no-contact yellow today. Sounds like Skinner also coming along, though still has symptoms. Trying to figure out if I like the idea of Skinner returning for the Philadelphia or Boston games next week. Nerve-wracking to watch, especially if it’s the Bruins.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you there. If he is close to returning it should be against teams with less overall physicality.
No need to rush him back.
I also just read in Chip Alexander’s post a reminder that Dalpe was an emergency call up for Dwyer. So if Dwyer’s healthy, Dalpe has to go back. Muller said they’ll know Friday if Dwyer’s good to go. If not they’ll see about calling up someone else. Boychuk maybe – he hasn’t yet played for Muller – just guessing?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
I understand the fact that he has to be sent down when Dwyer returns, but if they don’t know if Dwyer is returning or not, why send him back down? I’m assuming Charlotte has a game or two before Friday? But I don’t know, I’d like to see him stay for practicing here.
Checkers do have a game tonight. And from what I understand (w/o a lot of details), their roster is a little depleted right now, so not a bad time for Dalpe to get a game (or more) in.
twitter @jbk_ltd
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 4, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
The Checkers were shut out last night actually, and play the same team (San Antonio) tonight. Daniels post game comments were not real thrilled with the effort, if I read the tweets right.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
I would think Muller would like to see Boychuk play under his system at some point. His entry level contract is done this season so decisions need to be made regarding his future with the organization.
That’s what I’m thinking. Especially if JR and the other GMs are looking at trade options, and long term planning.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
My thought was that once they got Nodl, who plays a similar style to Boychuk, that his days with Canes were coming to an end. Problem is that he’s done nothing so far to garner much in trade value.
Boychuk didn’t even get an invite to the AHL ASG. Matsumoto and Samson did.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
Nodl v. Boychuk
I have the impression that the Hurricanes organization is not enamored with Boychuk. I disagree with the assessment; and at minimum would want to see how Boychuk does under Muller’s uptempo style. Nodl does have superb speed and seems to have good hands and positioning. It does feel that the Hurricanes plan on moving Boychuk; but it could be an inaccurate impression based more on the comments at Canes Country and Canes Now than in reality. I’d hate to see that #14 pick wasted. Joe Colborne was picked #15 and he is now in the AHL with the Marlies. Maybe an AHL for AHL trade would work.
Boychuk can still be qualified for the next 3 or 4 seasons. So while his EL contract is up, he is still property of the Canes if they want him or if some other team makes a surprising offer sheet for him.
Staal & Dalpe; The New Dynamic Duo or The Canes Crusaders!
I was thinking Boychuk is coming up on a change in waiver status though. Not so easy to move him back and forth. Does that change things?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
As far as I’m concerned, Boychuk should be packaged with someone else for a better return. I’ve been saying for the past 2 years that the Canes should trade him while his “potential” kept his value high. Now his value is decreasing and combined with his size, I don’t know of a lot of teams that would offer anything of value for him.
Staal & Dalpe; The New Dynamic Duo or The Canes Crusaders!
He should come back when he’s ready to play against everyone.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 4, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. What is the point of bringing him back if there is even the slightest doubt. This season is shot and the kid has a whole career ahead of him. The Crosby situation should be sobering for everyone.
While I may have some concern about how shutting him down for the rest of the year may affect his development as a player, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so if needed. But I am not in charge.
Id din’t say he should be shut down for the year. But there’s no way, IMO, he should be brought back to face a certain team. There are big and rugged player, some ill-intentioned, on every team. He should come back when he’s ready to face anyone and everyone.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 4, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty clear that Faulk is set to stay in the NHL if they’re assigning Joslin to Charlotte. When do they tell him he can move out of the hotel and into an apartment?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 1:31 PM EST reply actions
JR...
already said in an interview a few weeks ago they were keeping Faulk here for the rest of the season – which is why he didn’t go to the juinor’s tournament thing.
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
He did ? The announcement about WJC? I didn’t read it that way – usually it’s a bigger announcement when they tell a player that he’s a permanent fixture, and to get housing (instead of the per diem arrangement that goes with being a temporary call up).
could be, though.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
So do we think that Joslin is getting a conditioning stint because he is going to be play with the canes after trading some d or is he being traded..hmmmm
Forslund alluded to this last night on the Aftermath. The Joslin situation is a Catch-22 in that he’s just not able to crack the Canes lineup right now (absent more injuries) and he’s subject to waivers if he’s sent down. The team doesn’t want another Brett Carson situation where he’s claimed, and there’s belief he would be. But he needs to be in games, playing.
The conditioning stint, as I understand, is in place to help alleviate the waiver risk. The caveat is that the player must agree to be sent to the minors for the conditioning assignment (it’s a CBA thing), which I understand was previously offered and turned down, so perhaps now Joslin (and his agent) believes it is wise as well.
twitter @jbk_ltd
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 4, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Or they’ve been told something. The rumour mill seems to indicate there are three teams interested in Gleason and that it is almost certain he’s going.
I have mixed feelings on this. When on his game, Tim is a solid shutdown D. But when the feet aren’t moving and he is reaching he can be tough to watch.
when was the last time the feet WERE moving? been a while…i worry he’s heading toward Aaron Ward-ism at this point
I CAN'T BELIEVE STAAL FINALLY SCORED!!!
I’m a tough critic when he’s off his game because I remember how good he was for the USA in the last Olympics…. where is that man!? But I have to admit he has had some better games…. problem is that he just doesn’t seem to do it with any consistency.
it was funny seeing him paired w/jack johnson. jim rutherford must’ve watched those games with tears in his eyes…
I CAN'T BELIEVE STAAL FINALLY SCORED!!!
Timmy does not look so bad a deal right now………..of course the deal may look different latter but now here are the stats. I think JR is happy he pulled that trigger.
Johnson since 06-07
Games 322 Goals 27 Assists 87 Points 114 Plus/Minus -87
Gleason since 06-07
Games 391 Goals 14 Assists 77 Points 91 Plus/Minus-13
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Jan 4, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I have been feeling the same. He can be solid one night and slow the next. I honestly doubt we are able to sign him this off-season and would rather get something than watch him leave with nothing in return.
I wish him the best in Philly
Philly knows they won’t go deep unless the get D help. And they have good assets to give up without impacting them up front. Hopefully Lavi remembers Gleason’s best years and they over pay.
I’m not a fan of trade speculations and hypotheticals, but, what the heck….. do you all think the Canes would/could we get Voracek back from Philly for Gleason?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
With the rapid development of Couturier Philly has a forward options. If I were JR I would want Simmonds or Voracek if I could get them. That is a bit rich from Philly’s perspective but they have a big hole to fill on D with Pronger down. They know they are a serious Cup contender so they will make a deal to fix the back end. I also think they would look at signing Gleason longer term.
They have two defensemen who are on the roster now with expiring contracts. Carle and Bourdon. I would expect they would want to sign Carle. Do they havecap room to dish out a $3 million+ contract for Gleason? They have a lot of money tied up in that D – Timonen $6.3, Pronger $4.9, Meszaros $4.0, Carle $3.4 (expiring), Coburn $4.5 (next season).
Doesn’t Pronger’s cap hit come off the books? I mean if he’s on LTIR then it does, but I don’t know if cutting his season and putting him on LTIR is what they did…
I’d make that trade in a heartbeat even though I have always liked Gleason’s game. Philly has an interesting mix of young (25 or less) Dmen and folks in their final years, but no one really entering the usual prime for D (29-33) other than Matt Walker who I think has been bouncing between NHL and AHL.
I think Gleason could be an attractive pickup for the Flyers.
I would love Voracek ,or Simmonds ,and Voracek’s cap number is only $500k less than Gleason and the Canes are only $2m over the floor. Imo they would not trade Voracek ,maybe Simmonds ,but the Canes would be only $1m over the floor with the $1.75m that Simmonds makes…it works though ,but JR would have to get salary back in return if he were to move Ruutu/Allen or even Rosey. Philly would be in a worse cap situation by sending either player as TG makes more than both.
….Or wait untill the deadline for a deal on Ruutu ,but my guess Ruutu will take a kings ransom to get even as a rental with the UFA pool this coming year ,and his value to the Canes is even higher.
I get somewhat bleary eyed at this time of year with the CAP floor and the impact of the extra salaries of injury callups etc. I’m sure JR and Jason K have been getting out the calculator to figure out what they can and cannot do…. and when.
The number crunching in Philly’s case in insane ,and next year Carle/Coburn are UFA’s + Voracek is a RFA ,and will get a big raise ,also if Pronger returns they will have only $8m for all NOT including the minor’s thay may bring up…This is the year imo for them to either win a cup or have a yardsale.
Briere/Pronger/Bryz has Philly in a bad cap situation coming up for years in cap space especially if the cap ceiling drops $2-3m…There in trouble unless the new CBA bails them out with a no penalty buyout clause.
Might turn out that Pronger goes on permanent LTIR – gets him off the books.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
I agree ,but do you think Pronger will walk away from $4.9m next year especially if he can play? ,or the Flyers need him if he can also ,so i can see him there next year imo.
I think he gets paid since he’s of a certain age. It’s more how they treat him on paper, to get the team under the cap. Like they’ve done with Ian Laperriere.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
followingup
I realize the cap hit status is age dependent, but I was confused about the connection of LTIR and the cap hit and him “walking away” (by hellfish).
“walk away” meaning “if” the doctors clear him for next year or this year he will play and collect his $4.9m for next year ,or Philly could buy him out which i doubt ,because they could deffinitely use him.
Coburn has already re-signed. $18M for four years.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 4, 2012 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
He is actually being paid about $500K less than Timmy but we would still be above the floor. Young with great numbers for only 3 years experience. However, can he projected to a 1st line?
I think they might be willing to pay such a price for Gleason but it is a rich exchange it seems from their standpoint. But…..Timmy might be worth it to someone willing to pay the freight.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Jan 4, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Well that was fun. Someone tweeted me a link that the Rangers were also pursuing Gleason (this made the Winter Classic a sort of window shopping trip for me).
In return:
Dubinsky? Stepan (who was a teammate of McBains at Wisconsin)?
And with all the talk about needing a veteran voice in the room and a top-6 winger I’m choosing to believe Ruutu will be deemed “unavailable”. That may be me in denial. But historically I’m at least as big a fan of Gleason as Ruutu. Ask my kids.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Dubinsky for Gleason
I’d do the Dubinsky for Gleason trade in a nanosecond. I too like Gleason; but feel it’s time to move on and to revamp the leadership of the Hurricanes. Some fresh voices need to be heard in the locker room. I think Gleason is a true warrior and will help a playoff bound team.
I’m not as big a fan of Gleason as Ruutu (as you know, that’s not a knock on Gleason). I think the more value JR receives from dealing other players, the easier it becomes to keep Tuomo.
twitter @jbk_ltd
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 4, 2012 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’m at least as big a fan of Gleason as Ruutu
My two jerseys. What do I do if they get traded? Frame the jerseys and move on?
Jay Harrison says “Oh, hai!”
twitter @jbk_ltd
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 4, 2012 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah… you should be proud of those jerseys! They have been fun to watch for quite a while. Never be upset about former Canes.
look at it this way…. Now you get to find a new one… whom to choose?
by RobbinDollar on Jan 5, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Reworking the Team Dynamic
I like how Gleason plays; but I think he will be traded. I do think the team dynamic needs to be reworked. Somehow over the past two and a half seasons, the Hurricanes have become a mentally fragile team. I’m not suggesting Gleason is mentally fragile; but I am suggesting that there is something not working with the team chemistry. Too often the team falls apart in two to five minute stretches. I don’t know about hockey, but I do know in other sports, it’s those times when the leaders on a team take over and settle a team down.
Was it Babchuk who refused the Stint in the AHL? And was that during his first go-round with the club? I remember his refusal wasn’t taken well by the brass. I really liked the potential Joslin showed when first traded to the team. I think the combination of his illness in camp, and then just sheer numbers on the back end have kept him from developing further. I have always thought he could be a Gleason type defender with a bit more offense and foot speed. JR needs to maintain a balance of grit and offensive flair on the blue line.
I don’t think Babchuk’s was related to a conditioning stint.
A team can request to send a player to the minors for a conditioning assignment, but under the CBA the player has the right to turn down the assignment.
In Babchuk’s case, he was assigned to Albany per the terms of his two-way agreement and refused to report.
twitter @jbk_ltd
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 4, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
Well, hate to see Dalpe sent down… But to be honset, he’s not looked the same this year since his injury. I think the combination of being injured and out of play and practice, then coming back and only getting 5 minutes having to play Mo 4th line tactics didn’t allow him to find his game or get it back. Hopefully the NHL taste, his one good game, helps him find the right gear and get his touch and skating back in Charlotte.
He really didn’t have a good game last night.
I wish Joslin would have gotten some mor game time. Like many, I’ve not cared for McBain’s defensive zone play. Yes, he’s improved and his stick work is good, but his physicality though improved is still weak—-he doesn;t have to hit, but he needs better strength to hold the puck when he’s got it, or to do better winning puck battles.
But right now, on the back end, we need more shot blocking and crease clearing—ala Allen and Joslin last year… Guess we’re not getting that this year.
Joslin to get a real chance?
I’m hoping that Joslin is being sent down with the plan to put him back into the starting line up in a couple of weeks.
He needs some game time minutes and he can get them in Charlotte, when he comes back McBain (or someone else) can become the healthy scratch for a while.
10 points in the last 14 games … I wouldn’t scratch him.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 4, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
last 14 games:
5 wins, 9 losses
4-3 loss (shootout)
5-2 loss
4-3 win
4-2 loss
4-2 win
2-1 win
4-3 loss
3-2 loss
4-3 win
2-1 loss
4-2 loss
5-3 win
7-6 loss
3-2 loss
total goals against (with exception of 1 shoutout goal) = 47
McBain’s +/- this season: -6
I wouldn’t mind him sitting a game or two to give Joslin a shot…
I CAN'T BELIEVE STAAL FINALLY SCORED!!!
Considering the guy is still 23 he is doing quite well.
I dont see why some have a problem with Mcbain’s game. He is not an overly physical player, that’s obvious but that’s not his game.. I think some people just want to have all players bang in the corners grind away… oh then they would complain about over slotting. Hands down Jamie is better than Joslin, that has to be obvious to everybody right?
If an elite winger is available ala Ryan then I would condone loosing Jamie but I wouldn’t want to give up on a guy we developed for a re-tread or high risk situation.
Uhm no, not obvious. McBain is better with his stick, better in the offensive zone. Joslin (last year, limited sample this year) was better physically and around the crease.
Overall, for two way game, McBain is better, but honestly, we need more of what Joslin can bring—physically stopping a forward from getting to the net or down the boards, clearing the crease, blocking shots, killing penalities. All the things Joslin excelled at last year. We have Faulk and eventually Pitkanen, but right now we are giving up too many goals against. Joslin would be better in helping that stat. Doesn;t make him better than McBain, but better defensively? Yes.
Ok.. we can disagree.
Ok.. we can disagree.Joslin has looked terrible this year. Yes I liked his game last year but he has been terrible this year.
Ok.. we can disagree.Joslin has looked terrible this year. Yes I liked his game last year but he has been terrible this year.Haha although you even said “Overall, for two way game, McBain is better”
After contracting mono, he was sat for who knows how many games, thrown in for a game or two, sat for another few weeks, thrown in for a few more games, and has since been sat. Are you really going to judge him off his play this season?
We saw how Joslin can play consistently last season and I will use that for comparison. YES, I would rather have Joslin in the lineup than McBain. McBain has better offensive upside but his defense leaves a lot to be desired, and he is a defenseman first.
Ok I understand that Joslin was slowed by Mono and has sat quite a while.
The guy is still practicing and he is a professional athlete. he also sat alot last year with the Sharks and then with us and he came in and played well. I think he was very impressive last year. He has not shown it this year blame it on rust, mono, D partner, whatever you want he still has looked terrible.
He has played 14 games and is -7 with only 16 hits.
16 hits is weak in my opinion especially for a guy that is a physical player.
My opinion is I would rather have McBain then Joslin in the line-up. Seems like a simple decision (to Me) with what we have seen out of each this season.
I hope he gets some time in whit the Checkers and comes back hungry when we have an opening.
by RobbinDollar on Jan 5, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
If McBain gets as good as Timonen, I will be happy. But it is important to note that Timonen did not break into the league as a full time player until he was 25. And Timonen is a great story, being drafted in the 10th round 250th overall.
We can all wish McBain can become a Timonen-like player, but he isn’t going to do it for some years.
Sergei Zubov.
Hit the NHL running at age 23 after numerous years in Russia amd NAmerican minors.
by drifterscape on Jan 4, 2012 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, there are plenty. People play all different types of styles.
I think I would still use McBain in trade talks thats if we can get a core guy.
by RobbinDollar on Jan 5, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
I doubt its going to go down like that. My guess is that we will see a trade, with Gleason being the likely one to go. He gets us the most in return and is an UFA. Joni is at least a month away so Joslin will play as will McBain.
Depending on their position in post season play we could see Murphy and Dumoulin signed and get some playing time starting in March and then sent down to help Charlotte on their playoff run.
I believe I read that Dumoulin will be returning for his senior season next year.
I could see Murphy jumping up with us for a few games and then playing in the AHL playoffs. I dont think we would play him to many, the Canes wouldnt want to waste a year of his ELC
I haven’t seen that anywhere re: Dumoulin.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 4, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’m with you – seen nothing to suggest that.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing to suggest he was going back for his senior year or that he was turning pro? I haven’t heard any announcement about him definitely coming out but he has made a lot of statements about why he came back this season…. a lot of those had to do with some unfinished business and desire to finish up with some seniors this year. It all seems to indicate that this is his last year. Also understand that he is a smart kid and is a few credits ahead.
Nothing either way actually. Mostly I just see stuff that turns up in Google focusing on his BC endeavors. I also follow him on twitter. He was at the Canes game in Boston in Oct and I see him cheering the Canes occasionally.
I have seen that Biega should finish at Harvard after 3 years so I’m guessing he’ll be looking to sign.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
Like Biega…. but do we really need another offensive minded D at this point. What I like about Dumoulin is that he can play offence but is very responsible in his own zone. He also bring a bit of nasty which we could really use.
My impression of Biega was that he was very strong and might be more akin to Faulk (not so much akin to McBain, Murphy).
On a not very good Harvard team, he can contribute points. Just from what I’ve read, never seen him play a minute. And there was one awesome photo of Biega delivering a splendiferous hip check – maybe a year ago. I doubt he’s a lock to play in the NHL, but Charlotte would be the right place to start.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
Murph old enough?
Won’t Murphy be too young to play in the AHL when his season ends? Oh, but Faulk played in the playoffs at under 20, didn’t he? But he was out of college, not juniors, which changes the rules…
When their Junior or College season ends they are aloud to play in AHL or NHL games without it effecting their entry level contracts. However, I believe if they play on the NHL team straight from their respective amateur team when their season ends, they cannot be set down. I am not 100% sure in this, but are pretty confident.
But he’s only minus-2 over that stretch, and his minus-6 is better than Harrison, Joni, Faulk. He’s never going to be a shutdown defender, but he’s holding his own in his end and contributing offensively. It would be foolish to scratch him, imo, esp. for Joslin.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 4, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
McBain
I think McBain is doing quite well. I don’t understand the thought process of expecting young defensemen to have the same positional awareness, or even strength, as older defensemen. McBain clearly has talent and is still nowhere close to his full potential. He could help himself get there more smoothly if he were to become a Corvo-like workout and conditioning fanatic. As far as I am concerned, McBain is exceeding expectations. What better year to learn the ropes than a failed playoff year.
Doug
I don’t expect McBain to be an All-Star or a physical force, but he just appears like a kid on a bunch of candy with the puck in his own zone. He doesn’t appear to have the awareness to make the right pass when under any type of pressure. I was expecting to see some progression from his 1st NHL experience until now and “I” am not seeing that. I know he is still young, but I want to see is he learning. I want to see him making calmer, better decisions with the puck. Maybe I’m a bit spoiled that I am seeing some progression (even though there are still mistakes) with Faulk in such a short period of time.
Staal & Dalpe; The New Dynamic Duo or The Canes Crusaders!
Faulk is to McBain what Skinner was to Boychuk. A younger guy who just plain has it and has taken what the other thought he had!
faulk is so much better along the boards and behind his own net, plus he had that NASTY backhand/forehand goal the other night. i’d like to see our defense consist of:
Faulk
Pumpkinhead
Harrison
Murphy
Allen
Joslin
You’d have Joni + newbie (Faulk/Murphy), Harrison + newbie (Faulk/Murphy), then Allen with Joslin. I think that’d be pretty interesting.
I CAN'T BELIEVE STAAL FINALLY SCORED!!!
The panic with the puck in his own zone is exactly what I see from JM way too often. Occasionally you can tell he is playing with confidence and looks like a NHL d-man but there are way too many nights when he looks scared to death to have the puck in his own end and just flips it away for bad turnovers. I keep hoping that the ratio of good to bad nights will improve with age but that doesn’t really seem to be happening.
Not sure who’s around, but it’s the beginning of the 3rd period in the SUI – USA relegation game for 7th place. Gregory Hofmann is on Team Swiss. It’s 2-1 USA. You can stream for free at FastHockey.com (you’ll need to sign up for a free account – but other than emails there are no issues with the site).
Hofmann is #13 in Red.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 6:41 PM EST reply actions
Announcer just said “Gregory Hofmann has been the go-to guy for the Swiss the last period and a 1/2. He’s sure had the most chances for them.”
He’s very visible, forechecking, breakaway, crashing the net looking for a rebound.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
Can’t believe Bartschi is pointless int he tournament. Only played two games so must have some sort of injury.
Yes – he was injured, and knocked out of the tourney. Can’t remember what it was though.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
I love that the Swiss have a dman named “Sutter” pronounced “Suter”. That’s like a perfect hockey name for the Canes. Need him to add to the clan.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
Hofmann used on the penalty kill – very reminiscent of Sutter, sweeping his stick between the D. Then got a 2-on1 breakaway with a Dman carrying the puck who couldn’t keep up to make the pass.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 4, 2012 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
Which Checker dman comes up first?
Expect to see a lot of McBain, Joslin and a couple of Checker Dmen in a short amount of time. Although Gleason rumours are most abundant, Allen and Spacek will be gone soon also. We,ve always focused on the next Charlotte forward to come up. Soon we will likely see what the Checkers actually have on their blueline. Our March dcorp will have little resemblance to our current one.
Getting Bigger, Faster, More Skilled, More Physical, More Consistent
The essential problem with the Hurricanes is that the team as constructed is not talented enough to compete with other playoff teams. The past two and a half seasons are at heart the result of a lack of sufficient talent. The Hurricanes are at the razor’s edge. If one or two players go into a funk, such as Ward or Staal, the season is tanked. If one or two players get hurt, such as Skinner and Pitkanen, the season is tanked.
At the center of the lack of talent is the lack of money to bring in and keep experienced, talented players. The present discussion about Ruutu being traded is a money discussion. Can the Hurricanes afford to re-sign Ruutu is the question being asked. I’d say the question truly is can the Hurricanes afford not to re-sign Ruutu?
In order to compete in a reshuffled conference system, the Hurricanes as a group have to get bigger, faster, more skilled, more physical, and more consistent. I am glad Brett Sutter is getting another call up. He is the kind of role player the Hurricanes need. He is strong, fast, physical, and has the heart of a warrior. He will fight when he needs to do so. In my view, Sutter is the kind of player for the fourth line the Hurricanes need. I see Tim Brent as that kind of player as well.
What I do not know is whether Peter Karmanos is prepared to spend the money it takes to fill the holes and to avoid creating more holes in the team’s composition. If he does not, the Hurricanes are likely on a two to three year rebuild program. What I also do not know is whether the Hurricanes organization has the will to do what it takes to jettison players who lack the size, speed, skills, and hockey sense to be successful and instead will choose to keep favored players or more skilled players. One could argue easily for example that if Jim Rutherford had been willing to pay Cole, he could have found the money by not signing Kaberle and Ponikarovsky, and not re-signing LaRose. If that were the only choice, I know I would prefer Cole over Kaberle, Ponikarovsky, and LaRose. My real preference was for Jim Rutherford to have traded for Neal or Voracek. These kinds of future decisions will define the Hurricanes.
Does the arrival of Muller and MacLean signal a new era; or instead is it more of the same struggle where an underfunded team tries to battle against the odds to get to the playoffs? We will know more soon.
I essentially agree with most of these points although I do focus more on how money is spent as oppose to how much. That even includes not focusing on “who goes away” but rather on “did the new folks make us a better team than before”. In those measures, JR got a bad grade from me. I will merge that grade with how he responds to this failure before I jump on a JR must go bandwagon.
One other point…… I am perfectly willing for a Ruutu trade if it yields the proven franchise type winger for the top line. To me that is a higher priority than resigning Ruutu at this point in time. However, if JR gains a top line winger through other means that is great. I then believe JR should keep Ruutu as the next priority. I just think that JR should explore trades for a top winger with all the eggs in his trade basket. This does not mean that it is easy to replace a Ruutu, it will be difficult. What I am saying is the opportunity to obtain a proven first line winger is more difficult with fewer opportunities. If JR gets a chance at a top line winger I hope he takes it. I hope the costs is not in the stupid category though.
When able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Jan 6, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
I agree with everything you stated. For example, it’s not that JR didn’t resign Cole that bugs me. It’s the fact that he signed Poni and Stewart to replace him and then turned around and gave a load of money to Kaberle. If you’re going to let Cole go, a known commodity – then he should have signed a legit a winger for Staal instead picking up a player who was on the 4th line of LA and another who was released by Atl/Winnipeg and hoping they would somehow turn out to be first line wingers.
"I'm not going to waste my time with Tuukka Rask" - Cam Ward
Yep……JR took a chance or assumed a higher risk for his decision and it did not work……he failed. I understand why he did it given the temperature of those times (showing a lower dollar liability to attract investors). However, he was conservative with those signing decisions. I really think he knows he has backed himself into a corner where he will have to be much more aggressive in order to correct his past errors in judgement. He partially solved one with the Kaberle trade to the Habs but he has about a handful of other things to correct as well.
When able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Jan 6, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Unless we make the playoffs consistently, we’ll always be a budget team. But that begs the question, how do you become a playoff team on a budget? Many have argued you can’t.
You can—but not necessarily at minimum CAP floor budget. A little more goes a long way. But what it makes you depend on is prospects. If you can’t draft, can’t develop or can’t play your prospects, and can’t give them valuable spots on the roster, then we can’t operate on a low budget. Other teams with bigger budgets operate with this restriciton now—under the cap they have a lot of salary tied up in key players, so they use their prospects in the rest of the roles. See Rangers, Flyers, Pitt for example of this.
We can do the same, but our previous coach didn’t play the prospects, And JR, instead of making a GM decision that would have mandated this type of move (i.e. doing what you all said above—buy one good top six forward instead of two marginal third liners and signing both Dwyer and LaRose), JR gave Mo all the vets he needed.
Not sure if JR was reluctant to force such a strategy upon Mo, or if JR was influenced by Mo’s desires, had no confidence in the prospects or if he tried to play it both ways, but it was a fail.
We can succeed without being a high paid team. BUT to do so we have to draft very well when we’re down—Skinner, Staal, Ladd…. The we have to retain these guys and pay them if/when they pan out (Staal, Ward, Sutter). We can make trades or FA acquisitions to fill holes, but if we are still a budget team, and we will be, then the 2nd and third rounders—OR the prospects we pick up in trades/non-playoff years have to be players and given their shot. They will have to make up 5—8 players on the roster.
That’s the part where we’ve been failing.
Okay, a bit off topic and a bit controversial....
….so if there are complaints about McBain, and glowing reviews of Faulk, and the expectation that we have some other solid D prospects in the wings (Doumulin, Biega, Alt, Murphy, etc.) would anybody consider something like this:
Ruutu
McBain and/or Faulk
One of Boychuk or Dalpe
2012 1st
2012 2nd
for
Ryan Getzlaf
Bobby Ryan
It has been said that Anaheim wanted core players in return, but they’ve got a serious rebuild in their future regardless. Ruutu, Faulk and/or McBain give them young, solid players on D with tons of upside and a rough and tumble forward coming into what feels like a late blooming portion of his career, a potential team leader. They get one of our top forward prospects, plus a guaranteed lottery pick in 2012 and a great 2nd round pick in an incredibly deep draft. Sure we lose the opportunity to pick a great player in a deep draft, we send one or two of our young promising defensive players westward….but we get two of the best players in the west back, a 26 year old, big time centerman, and a 24 year old sniper who is not afraid to be physical.
Could you imagine a top 6 of:
Ryan/Staal/Bowman
Skinner/Getzlaf/Jokinen
Add a third line of Stewart/Sutter/LaRose or Boychuk or Dalpe (whoever wasn’t traded)
And a fourth line of Sutter/Brent/Checker….
Sure it’s a pipe dream but if you factor only the forwards in, it really only adds a bit over $6 million in salary. Tell me that team wouldn’t be exciting to watch….plus figuring that we’d be getting picks back for other traded D-men (Gleason, Allen, Spacek), we’d still have some juice for this year’s draft (where we have two 2nd’s I believe)….well a guy can dream…now for the blasphemy, I’d substitute Ward for Ruutu in this deal and only give up one of the young d-men….guess that’s why I’m not a GM.
Would work on our side but here is the major problem with a workable trade with the Ducks. They might consider trade offers for all of the big 3 guys, perhaps Cam Barker as well right now. BUT…….if the Ducks GM trades it will only be for one of them and not more. Most seem to think he will build the team around whoever is left and the core guy he gets with that trade. Ryan is most likely the one to be traded but does not seem to be on the immediate horizon.
Here is the problem…..JR said last night on NHL Live (1/06) he wants to deal now before the deadline. Ducks prefer waiting to make a decision until just before the deadline or right at it. JR may use up all desirable tradeable assets by then. If he wants Ryan then he will have to give up something he may not want to give up.
When able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Jan 7, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
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