Carolina Hurricanes vs. San Jose Sharks: Game Day Preview
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 17, 2012 12:26 PM EST
in Carolina Hurricanes Game Day Previews
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After almost two weeks away from home ice, the Carolina Hurricanes finally return to the RBC Center tonight to play host to the San Jose Sharks. This is the only meeting between the two teams this season. The Hurricanes won the only meeting last season, 5-2, in San Jose on October 19, 2010. The last time the teams met in Raleigh was November 1, 2009, a 5-1 loss on the night Ray Whitney was honored for his 1,000th NHL game.
The Hurricanes have not played since Monday night, an emotional victory in Montreal for Kirk Muller's first return to Centre Bell as Hurricanes head coach. Captain Eric Staal led the way with a three-point night (2g, 1a), and line mate Jiri Tlusty also chipped in a goal as he continues to steadily improve in his new role, with points in five straight games. Unfortunately the game was not without a casualty as leading goal scorer Tuomo Ruutu made an early exit after a hit from Tomas Plekanec. Ruutu suffered an upper body injury and is projected to be out for three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Sharks have embarked on a road trip that will see them log 7,750 miles in 16 nights while playing nine games, including three sets of back-to-back games. They will be facing the Canes in the third game of their road trip, at the end of a back-to-back series. The Sharks faced the Tampa Bay Lightning last night and did not fare well, losing 6-5 in overtime. Goaltender Antti Niemi was called out by his coach, Douglas Murray left with an injury, and to add insult to injury, fog in Raleigh kept the Sharks grounded Thursday night (or perhaps it was the extra cargo weight from picking up Dominic Moore?).
Hurricanes News and Notes
As mentioned, the Hurricanes (21-25-11, 53 pts.) have not played since Monday, but the days between games have not been without their share of drama. There was a scheduled day off Tuesday, then Wednesday's limited practice had a few fireworks as tempers got the better of Jeff Skinner and Patrick Dwyer, leading to a scuffle as practice wrapped up. Things heated up but cooled off quickly, and in the end everyone shook hands and had a laugh.
ch.com: Tracking the Storm - Skinner, Dwyer Scrap as Canes Keep Fighting
Canes Now: Skinner-Dwyer fight shows Canes' competitiveness
Kirk Muller: Wednesday Audio
A few interesting turns as well between practice on Thursday and today's pre-game skate. Jerome Samson, who must feel a little like a yo-yo after being recalled Sunday, sent down Tuesday, and recalled again Wednesday, will take Ruutu's spot on the line with Staal and Tlusty. Chad LaRose did not practice this week and is currently listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury. There has been no call-up to replace LaRose's spot at forward. Defenseman Derek Joslin practiced with the forward lines on Thursday and again this morning. Muller intends to give the former Shark a start on the fourth line (and also use him as seventh 'D'). He praised Joslin for his demeanor after being scratched of recent, but also sent a strong message for some of the other prospects that were not recalled. Cam Ward had not practiced this week before today's skate. Muller said there is no injury issue with Ward (just a minor "tweak"), but with three games in four nights, he is getting additional rest and will likely start tomorrow night against the Islanders. Justin Peters will get the start tonight, his first since January 7th.
Kirk Muller: Thursday Audio
Kirk Muller: Friday Audio
ch.com: Tracking the Storm - Canes Hope Injuries Won't Shake Chemistry
Canes Now: Samson, Joslin ready for wing duty
Lines, based on today's pregame skate:
- Jiri Tlusty - Eric Staal - Jerome Samson
- Drayson Bowman - Jeff Skinner - Jussi Jokinen
- Andreas Nodl - Brandon Sutter - Patrick Dwyer
- Anthony Stewart - Tim Brent - Derek Joslin
- Justin Peters
- Cam Ward
Injuries: Joni Pitkanen (IR concussion/knee), Brian Boucher (IR, lower body), Tuomo Ruutu (upper body), Chad LaRose (upper body)
In other news, I'm not sure if there's a Finnish equivalent to "du jour", so here is the latest Tuomo Ruutu contract update:
Newsobserver. com: Canes Now - Ruutu contract decision expected next week
Michael Smith published a nice feature on Anthony Stewart with insight on his recent performance after going through the waiver process.
ch.com: Tracking the Storm - Stewart: "It's All Up from Here"
Luke DeCock's feature on Justin Faulk as a potential Calder consideration:
NewsObserver.com: Could Canes' Justin Faulk be a Calder contender?
And in local news Jeff Skinner was recognized as the Triangle's Sports Person of the Year, in a ceremony sponsored by the Raleigh Sports Council on Thursday night.
ch.com: Tracking the Storm - More Hardware for Skinner
Sharks News and Notes
The San Jose Sharks (31-17-7, 69 pts.) have a firm grasp on first place in the Pacific division, with points and games in hand on both the Coyotes and the Kings. The Sharks are led by the two Joes - center Thornton and right-winger Pavelski - who have been on fire as of late. Over the past eight games, Thornton has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and Pavelski has 10 (five goals, five assists).
Goaltender Antti Niemi had a disappointing performance in last night's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and was called out by head coach Todd McLellan. Defenseman Douglas Murray was injured in the first period of that game when he took a puck to the throat. Murray was taken to the hospital for precautionary observation and his status for the remainder of the road trip is unclear.
In an interesting "in arena" development last night, Lightning center Dominic Moore was held out of warmups as it was announced just minutes before puck drop that he had been traded (along with a 2012 seventh round draft pick) to the Sharks (in return for a second round pick). Moore is expected to provide depth and versatility as the Sharks prepare for their playoff run. According to twitter, some of the Sharks players did not know about the trade until after the game. Moore is expected to be in the lineup against the Hurricanes tonight.
Raleigh weather prevented the Sharks from flying out Thursday night, and they did not skate this morning at the RBC Center. Following are the Sharks' lines as they took the ice against the Lightning last night. With Moore in the lineup and Murray likely out, these lines will change, and it is possible the Sharks will have Thomas Greiss in net after Niemi's start and performance last night. if there is any media confirmation on line changes or starting goaltender, I'll publish an update.
UPDATE 4:30 PM - Greiss in net, Murray officially out, per the Sharks team blog.
- Patrick Marleau - Joe Thornton - Joe Pavelski
- Ryane Clowe - Logan Couture - Tommy Wingels
- Jamie McGinn - Michal Handzus - Torrey Mitchell
- Brad Winchester - Andrew Dejardins - John McCarthy
- Marc-Edouard Vlasic - Dan Boyle
- Douglas Murray - Brent Burns
- Colin White - Justin Braun
- Niemi
- Greiss
Martin Havlat and Jason Demers are both out of the Sharks line-up (injured reserve).
WRALSportsFan.com: Canes host Sharks in season's only meeting
For other news and updates on the Sharks, check out SB Nation affiliate Fear the Fin.
Game time is 7:00 pm on Fox Sports Carolinas and WCMC 99.9 The Fan. We'll have the open game thread starting at 6:30 pm, and Bob and Brian will be reporting live from the RBC Center. See you there.
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Joslin playing winger… Ouch. If Dalpe and Boychuk weren’t pissed off already they have to be now.
What greats lengths Dalpe has seem to have fallen in the eyes of the org this season. If they dont see him as part of the future, hopefully they trade him while his value is still high instead of letting it drop to near nothing like Boychuk.
by JussiJuice on Feb 17, 2012 1:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Dalpe, Boychuk, and Dadonov
You of course could be right. I think, however, that Muller and MacLean are bringing a new set of eyes and approaches to the team. Muller’s comments were very direct. I believe they were intended to stake out an approach where work ethic is equally important as skill in earning a call up. Dalpe, Boychuk, and Dadonov all are highly skilled. They have not been slacking off by any means from what I’ve seen. On the other hand, there have been some shifts where they were not on top of their game; and could have shown more. It’s all about consistency of effort and being relentless.
I doubt Muller made those comments other than for the benefit of the Checkers’ prospects ears. I do think there is a new emphasis on personal accountability and on a consistent effort each shift and it seems each practice. My bet is that ultimately Dalpe gets an extended look this season. I assume Boychuk and Dadonov will also get fairly long looks as well. It will be very telling to see how the Checkers respond to Muller’s comments by their energy level for this weekend’s three games. Muller certainly has no problem communicating what he wants to see.
Muller certainly has no problem communicating what he wants to see
I like it! Unlike Mo he rewards the young guys far more when they deserve it, so I see this as pretty straightforward and easy for the young players to digest. Muller is using Joslin to set an example ( as well as rewarding Joslin for having the right approach). All the players you mention are capable, the question is. will they get the message and respond correctly. The other question is if JR might include one as part of a trade package.
But do we really want to see Samson, Boychuk, Bowman, Dalpe play on the 4th line because thats where they would be. The only call up that would make sense in this scenerio would be Sutter. Sounds like they want to reward Joslin for hanging in there instead.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 17, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
Could just as easily move Samson or Dwyer to the 4th line and play Boychuk/Dalpe up in the top-6.
by JussiJuice on Feb 17, 2012 3:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Why punish Dwyer and Samson when they’ve been playing well? It’s a numbers game, I wouldn’t read into it
by Caniac Kid on Feb 17, 2012 6:18 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
For no more than...
4th line minutes ,and LaRose likely being ready by Monday with a back to back road games for the Checker’s on the same days ,so Bringing up another forward for such little TOI I’m sure was in the thought process as JD is without 2 of his best forwards now ,and the Games VS Peoria and Chicago on the road are important for the Checker’s as both teams are very close in the division.
Joslin
Very interesting. I’d really like to know exactly what the AHL boys are doing ( or not) to get passed by this time. Performance or attitude, or both? On the other hand, big props to Joslin for the attitude Muller described. I am sure it’s hard for Dalpe and Boychuk to not be up here, based on projections when they were drafted. But it also has to be very hard for Joslin to be here, skate the warm-up every night, then shower and head upstairs while his teammates take to the ice. JR has always liked players who don’t make waves, and Muller evidently ( and rightly so) also puts a high value on great attitudes. This recognition bodes well for Joslin’s future with this organization. It will be an interesting night to say the least!
One comment made by someone out there (don’t remember who) said Joslin was being rewarded for his hard work but also rewarded by giving him a chance to play against his old team. For one game….nice touch by the coaches. If he makes the most of it….who knows, he may be given more chances.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
I’ll be interested to see how Joslin makes out. Hockey is such a fast paced read and react sport that it is much harder at the pro level to change positions than many realize. Hard enough to go from center to wing ( and vice versa) let alone from D to forward or forward to D. Ever watch how even the most talented forwards look like rented D when they are caught back in a one on one with an onrushing forward.
When on the attack, its not so much an issue but its where do I go when I don’t have the puck, how do a play defensively when the other team breaks out and moves through the neutral zone. How do I cover my lane and the high man in my own zone without the natural D tendency to drop down low. It’s one thing to do it in practice and another to do it a game. Its why there are no players in the league who are “rover” types that can play all positions. You would think that a team wants to put the 18 most talented skaters on the bench….. doesn’t work that way because of the specialization in the sport. But heck…. if it works out, we sure have more need for a true power forward than another D.
From: Chip Alexander@ice_chip
Joslin (smiling) on playing the wing tonight: “I’m trying to take the backward skating fully out of my repertoire.”
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 17, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Occasionally I can see that it makes perfect human sense to send a player out in a role he is not suited for even thought it makes no hockey sense…….and no I am not talking about what-his-name. Even though that decision may make it a little more difficult for the Canes, the good will given that player might be worth it. I also suspect that every other player on the ice tonight will also clearly understand that and cover him as best they can. You are right, there will be a lot of things happening that will be very interesting to see, including how Joslin makes out and how his teammates react.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 17, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
I apparently do NOT know the way to San Jose (a tribute to Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick for all you oldies).
WTH was I thinking there. ThankS God I got the title and the tweet right. Fixed. THANK YOU!
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 17, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
Now you know why I don’t do this for a living.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 17, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Gasp !!!
gee all of us hear have seen something we never thought was even possible…
The greatest Photoblographer in the Eastern Conference didn’t have her GPS Working and didn’t know the way to San Jose ( via the keyboard) ?? ladies and gentlmen we have seen/witnessed something more rare than the hope diamond cut emerald or ruby…and even more rarer that a unicorn…gee do you think we can see that more often ?? :-) Well we can hope can’t we ?? :-D LOL
Not to worry Miss Jamie..after all each and every person here from Bob on down to little ol me has done the same thing…but like in my case…( due to fat finger syndrom ya know) it happens more often !!
we thank you and you did as great job…..and this fan hopes Joslin will continue to do so as well…for some reason there is something about the young man that makes one want to encourage him and cheerr him on..justblike we do you Miss Jamie !! Just like you…have fun at the game tonight folks..and don’t forget the Checkers are in Peoria trying to lay the smack down on the them!!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
It’s not the first time we’ve been referred to as the San Diego Sharks. And we really don’t want to be that close to the Ducks or Kings. Up in Northern California works just fine for us thank you very much. :)
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
Google answers all. But what I want to know is who are you calling the Cadillac and who is the Honda? :)
GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)
I know the way to San Jose...
b/c I lived there for 9 years of my life before moving to NC. nice place with lots of fun stuff to do. :)
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Read yesterday where the reason for no call up was the Checkers would be very thin at forward. Still we need to see Dalpe or Dadonov.
by skinnerthewinner on Feb 17, 2012 2:36 PM EST reply actions
That's cool and all
But Muller called out the compete level of those young player. Not their talent or if it was wise to call them up for a game then send them right back down. No, he called out their compete level. He said in no uncertain terms that they don’t deserve to be in the NHL. I said things that were not nearly so critical early in the season and was roasted for it, but Muller calls out the compete level of the guys, and that’s seemingly okay with everyone.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
That’s an excellent return for Montreal. That, coupled with what Grossman brought yesterday, should really keep the price for Allen and Spacek high.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
Ridiculous return, Gleason would have easily netted a 1st + a prospect at those rates. Although I still expect Allen and Spacek to only get 2nd or 3rd Round picks, if traded at all.
At those rates, Ruutu also would have pulled in a treasure trove. Hopefully JR can get him signed so we dont lose yet another high value UFA for nothing.
by JussiJuice on Feb 17, 2012 3:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
My concern is JR does want too much for these guys, and teams are going elsewhere…. Hope we do get rid of at least one of Spacek and Allen for some picks, but not sure if it’s the players themselves or JR’s high price that’s keeping them here.
Think of this the way I do……..there are 30 candy stores and 30 little boys……….they chase after the candy store that has the best candy, if gone or the price too high, then chase the candy store that has the second best candy and so on……….little boys will be little boys.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 17, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting dynamics:
Skinner, 2nd Line Sophopmore vs Couture, 2nd Line Sophomore. Calder vs Calder runner up. Who’s gonna want to show he deserved it more last year??
Marleau, Thornton, Pavelski vs Nodl, Sutter, Dwyer—big size difference between those lines… Does Sutter play against this line (Marleau is still a speedster) or do you put out Staal’s line for size matching?
Tough game and I’m not expecting a win (especially without Cam), but it will be interesting to see how we compete and if we can keep it close. Go Canes!
hopefully...
skinner gets over his frustration of being slow over the past road games and returns back to the jeff skinner we know and loved pre-concussion and from all of last season. :)
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Wooo Hooo Go Peety Dawg !!
scale the Sharks !!
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
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