Tavares and Isles Complete The Sweep: Islanders 4, Hurricanes 3

by Bob Wage on Feb 18, 2012 11:35 PM EST in Carolina Hurricanes Game Recaps

UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 18: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders scores a goal against Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes during their game on February 18, 2012 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The New York Islanders completed a season sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes with a 4-3 win on Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum. It was the first ever season sweep for the Islanders over the Carolina/Hartford franchise.

Once again, John Tavares played a major role in the outcome as he scored two goals and added an assist. Tavares had 12 points in his four games against Carolina this season.

Cam Ward left the game after the second period and reportedly has a lower body concern. Justin Peters played the third and allowed the game winner to Tavares just seconds into the final period.

The Islanders jumped out to a 1-0 lead just two minutes and change into the game, but Brandon Sutter put a nice move on net to tie things up later in the opening period.

The second period was a wild one as the Canes took a 2-1 lead when Jiri Tlusty buried a nice Jerome Samson pass just 15 seconds into the period. Tlusty now has points in seven straight games.

But the Islanders came right back with two goals of their own to take the lead back, 3-2.

Then at 10:58 into the period, Eric Staal won a faceoff, got the puck to the defense, and Jaroslav Spacek beat Kevin Poulin with a nice shot to tie the game once more. The game remained tied until Tavares knocked in the game winner off of a rebound very early in the third.

Try as they might, the Hurricanes could not get another puck past Poulin the rest of the game. The goalie came up huge stopping a couple of prime chances in the last minute of the game.

The Canes return home for a game against Washington on Monday night. Who will be in goal? Stay tuned.

Game Notes:

The Canes outshot the Islanders 36 to 31. Sutter led the way with six and Justin Faulk was next with five.
The team only had six blocked shots for the game led by Jamie McBain with two. The Isles blocked 25 Carolina shots for the game.
Patrick Dwyer had a team high four hits. The team was credited with 25 for the game.
The Canes won 59% of their faceoffs: (Staal 59%, Sutter 50%, Skinner 75%, Jokinen 75%, Brent 0%)

Post game interviews at Canes PR.com.

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Comments

Tough loss tonight, hopefully we can bounce back against the Capitals. Overall I thought Staal and Sutter were are two best players. As for Ward getting hurt that really stings, will Peters be our savior? Only time will tell.

Hope to see you back soon Wardo…

by CruelIn10tions on Feb 19, 2012 12:01 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Bob, can the Canes appeal to the schedule makers?

Maybe the Canes can get more games against cupcakes like Edmonton or Boston, and less against tough teams like the Islanders.

I missed part of the game with Wardo getting knocked out – if he misses 2 or 3 games, that is it for this season. I am betting that “Space and the letter K” may have scored his last goal wearing a Hurricanes sweater. With the article that someone posted saying we have 4 top caliber defensemen in the NCAA (I know that doesn’t mean they will pull a Faulk and end up playing in Raleigh), but it is time for Spacek to be replaced by Sanguinetti and Allen to be replaced by Joslin, allowing us to load up on picks, or perhaps get a wingman for Staal (I’m looking for a wingman too – maybe Skinner could help me pick up girls – but they might be too young).

Seriously, this team has not won with the mediocre roster – its time to shake up this roster like St. Louis/Colorado did last year. JR, get your pimp hand warmed up, or go to Russia and scout out some of these young draftees…

by jbwhite99 on Feb 19, 2012 1:11 AM EST reply actions

You’ll never see a shake-up as long as Karmanos is in charge. He’s too petrified of losing out on his “we may finish in 8th place revenue” to do something smart and plan for future success. I firmly believe that everything this team does is rooted in Karmonos’ dictate to minimize risk of losing money.

by majormajor on Feb 19, 2012 7:30 AM EST up reply actions

Salary wise

Sangs and Joslin make less than Allen and Spacek, but that is all very short term thinking on my part.

by Crazychf on Feb 19, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions

Sanguinetti and Joslin; Other Trade Thoughts

Allen has been very good for the Hurricanes in his shutdown role. He may well be re-signed in the offseason. Spacek has been great in terms of bringing stability on the ice. Tavares blew past him last night; but Spacek made up for that goal with a goal of his own.

Joslin and Sanguinetti both are much faster skaters than either Allen or Spacek. Sanguinetti is truly on fire with the Checkers. Joslin has been a great team player and despite being healthy scratched numerous times keeps giving 110% with a positive attitude. I expect both Allen and Spacek will be traded. I would suspect that Jim Rutherford is looking to bundle some Checkers’ players in the deal in order to perhaps get a first round pick out of the process. Other than Allen and Spacek, there is a small chance Ruutu would be traded even though I really hope Ruutu will sign an extension. It is unlikely, but possible, that a team will make a pitch for LaRose to get an agitator, energy, depth forward for the playoff run. His salary makes him easy to take on and still stay under the salary cap. Even less likely is that Rutherford would trade Jokinen. I think a team would have to pay the moon to get Jokinen; but Jokinen is money in the playoffs. If a team has scouted the Hurricanes closely over the past several years, Jokinen is perhaps the most under-rated player on the team.

by abramsdoug on Feb 19, 2012 9:09 AM EST up reply actions

Article on Sanguinetti

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/19/3026789/finally-healthy-checkers-sanguinetti.html

This is a nice article on Sanguinetti.

by abramsdoug on Feb 19, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions

A Few Thoughts from Last Night

The Islanders again showed some of the weaknesses in how the Hurricanes are presently built. The Islanders are so fast they are a team that outraces the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes still lack the extremely skilled, fast, big scoring forward to go with Staal. Tlusty is doing quite well. Samson is excellent at possessing the puck, retrieving the puck, and keeping balanced. He is close to being a true scorer and is literally a fraction of a section off in his timing. Still, Samson is not Malkin, Stamkos, Tavares, or Neal. It isn’t a criticism of Samson.

Another related problem is that the Hurricanes top six lacks sufficient size and physicality even with Ruutu; and it’s magnified without Ruutu in the lineup. Other teams like the Rangers and Pittsburgh put a premium on crafting a team whose forwards are hard to play against physically. The Hurricanes drafted and signed too many 5’10" 180 lbs forwards using the “best available player” approach or perhaps undervaluing the need for big, fast, skilled forwards.

On the other hand, it takes three NHL All Star forwards to put together a competitive team. The Hurricanes also are not overall as fast a team yet as they need to be. The Islanders game showed what happens when a quick, not fast, team meets up with a skilled fast team. It was made worse by the fact that the Hurricanes were on the back end of a back to back. Losing Ward was not as much a factor as it could have been because Peters only let in one goal and that goal cannot be put on him. Tavares won the battle of wills on that goal.

I like the physicality that the fourth line of Joslin/Brent/Stewart is bringing each game. The Nodl/Sutter/Dwyer line is doing well in keeping the puck in the Hurricanes offensive zone and in slowing down or shutting down the other team’s best line; but during away games it’s hard to keep that matchup going.

I think it speaks very well of the coaching staff and the Hurricanes players that they continue to compete each game and believe they can get back into the playoff conversation. This season is a season for building character and the players’ trust in the system and each other. I think realistically the best thing for the organization is that while the players are giving all they have for the team to remain in the bottom three. The 2012 draft is where the Hurricanes are going to add talent. Unless Karmanos has a sudden personal revelation that the Hurricanes must sign a top tier UFA forward even at an elevated cost, the Hurricanes best chances for avoiding being a consistent non-playoff team is the 2012 (and possibly 2013) draft.

by abramsdoug on Feb 19, 2012 8:53 AM EST reply actions

The Canes bottom 6, with LaRose on the 4th line instead of Joslin, is pretty solid. Getting 2 more top 6 forwards is the key to making the playoffs next year.

It’s been such a tough year for me as a fan. I always root for the team to win, but this year I find myself checking the standings, hoping someone catches the Canes and we get a better draft position. Unless they pick in the top 3, there will be no NHL-ready forward coming in this draft.

by Gillimus on Feb 19, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

Building a Bigger Fourth Line

LaRose/Brent/Stewart would be a very solid fourth line. If I were in charge of building the team, however, I would prefer a player more the size and with the speed and physicality of Joslin over LaRose. It’s nothing against LaRose; but if I were starting with a blank slate, I’d build my fourth line around big, fast, aggressive players who can light up opposing players with open ice hits. Joslin and Stewart have had more memorable hits than any another grouping of fourth line players I can remember over the past three years. I think Brody Sutter or AJ Jenks might be exactly what the Hurricanes need for the fourth line. Nash, too, fits the profile, but he is less of an open ice hitting menace than I’d prefer in a perfect world.

by abramsdoug on Feb 19, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

I’d say the bottom six is fine too, but the top 6 is terrible. Outside of Staal and Tlusty, the rest of the top 6 is doing nothing. Skinner, Jokinen, and Bowman seem to be doing whatever they feel like and are not working together. Jokinen is mysteriously invisible. Skinner still thinks he can beat the entire team by himself. I like Bowman, but he isn’t a top 6 forward.

I would recommend the team gets rid of Nodl and puts Bowman in his spot and then somehow finds at least two more top 6 forwards.

by hurricane9 on Feb 19, 2012 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

I agree. You are spot on with the assessment of the second line. Going nowhere fast. Hopefully Skinner is going through a learning process. Jokinen seemed to leave the team around about the time his baby was born. Nodl seems to be doing OK but he is occupying Bowman’s spot.

by rmmeli on Feb 19, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

Mostly agree

I think the team’s competitiveness despite the loss of Ruutu and different line combinations shows we now have a good system—something we always seemed to lack previously. As a Pens Fan I’ve been pleased with Bylsma because the Pens always seem to be able to play, compete and win with whatever players slot in due to their goos system, effort and disclipline. Yes, they have better top talent, which we all aagree we are short of, but the system and typs of game Muller and crew have instilled speaks volumes to how competitive we could be with increased talent.

That said, for all Samason does right: winning board battles, passing the puck and going to the net, he whiffed/mishit two or three key passes from Staal that could have been game changers—and it’s not the first time….It’s why I never thought he’d be an NHL forward—though he has impressed me with his play—I doubt he’ll be top six. We still need a good one, plus Ruutu—until we do Skinner’s line will probably remain MIA as well.

by Squeaky83 on Feb 20, 2012 5:56 PM EST up reply actions

Please fill me in...

I missed last nights game and have not heard much on Cam’s condition. Does anyone have an idea of what is wrong with him and is it the same issue he has dealt with over the last week?
Is there a chance Brian B will be back in time to fill in or will we have to call someone up from Charlotte?
Thanks for any insight.

by 'CaneMe on Feb 19, 2012 9:56 AM EST reply actions

Not much forthcoming. Cam practiced in very limited fashion this past week and sat out Friday’s game with what was called a minor “tweak”. Then he started two periods last night before missing the third. Forslund said on the Aftermath (99.9) that fans should be “concerned”. No one came right out and said it, but indications were they were alluding to his past back issues. Not a confirmation by any means, but just a read between the lines.

Bouch is starting to skate and traveled with the team yesterday, but I don’t think he’s near game ready. Murphy is also recovering from injury and starting to skate. Twitterverse last night seemed to suggest that if Cam isn’t available to back up Peters tomorrow night, the Canes may be signing current AHL starter John Muse to an NHL contract (mainly a formality).

Canes aren’t practicing today so there likely won’t be any goalie news until after tomorrow’s pregame skate.

Obviously there’s a lot of speculation in my post, if others have heard differently please weigh in.

Unexpectedly odd times in Canes land for goalies.

twitter @jbk_ltd

by Jamie Kellner on Feb 19, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

lower body...

with him being a goalie, my guess is groin…

Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)

by thebl4ckd0g on Feb 19, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions

More stats from last night's game

For the second time Poulin called up last minute from the AHL to play in goal and gets the W against the Canes. In the eight games before last night, Taveres had no goals and the Isles had only 14. Not even 12,000 at the Nassau Coliseum. But they’re all talking about the last playoff spot up there…thanks to Carolina.

by 80 onI40 on Feb 19, 2012 9:59 AM EST reply actions

So somehow we can make some of the best teams in the league look like amateurs, but then we look like amateurs to one of the worst teams in the league.

Sums up this season

by hurricane9 on Feb 19, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

Not to be a downer

but I think last night was really the dagger for our playoff hopes. I just hope JR handles the stretch the proper way. The end of the season even when out of contention can be very important for team development.

by Crazychf on Feb 19, 2012 11:20 AM EST reply actions

Playoff? Surely you jest? Are there fans who are still deluding themselves thinking the playoff are in play? We are not NJ of last year who went on that unbelievable run. We don’t have that kind of talent.

Harrumph

by ivyleager on Feb 19, 2012 11:26 PM EST up reply actions

18-5 and we’re in. Sometimes my neighbor will have a few too many beers and throw a jab my way from across the yard. His wife tells me she thinks I look sexy in my #17 jersey. They’re both from here, so I don’t take it personally. I’m thinking about putting up a fence. So, anyway, yeah, I still think it’s possible we can make the playoffs. Just getting a little lonely, that’s all.

Not to be confused with CoastalCane.

by coastalcaniac on Feb 20, 2012 12:41 AM EST up reply actions

As long as it is mathmatically possible I don’t think it is a jest.

by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 20, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions

The Canes have not been mathematically eliminated yet, but the road is very hard, and too many other teams to jump over. Both the Leafs and Devils went on torrid runs last year and came up short. Anything is possible, but this team needs to hope for the best but start making moves for the future.

by Hockeydog on Feb 20, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

It will be a little more clear after this home stand. The Canes now have games in hand on the teams they are chasing. More than one game in some cases. So mathematically they are very much alive. On the other hand, losing Cam is a bit of a problem. We can only hope that is a short term problem, but we can’t really afford short term problems at this point.

The only easy day was yesterday.

by CoastalCane on Feb 20, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

Cam Ward and the Goalie position

With the news coming out Friday that Cam has a minor tweak and playing Saturday, I would have to question why did he play. If the issue is his back again why wasn’t Peters back in net? Cam should have err on the side of caution if he knew his back was acting up again. And JR himself should have said something about this. We need to see if Peters is a bonafide NHL back up goalie.
Now with Cam out and not knowing how long and whatever hopes JR had on making a run, pretty much have gone out the window. Now with Boucher skating again he can’t be rushed back in the line up. Murphy is hurt in Charlotte and John Muse is the only one who is ready to be Peter’s back up if necessary.
If I’m JR I have to sit down this off season and look real hard at our back up goalie situation. Even JR has said that Cam shouldn’t be playing so many games that his career could be very short. One article suggestive we should make a deal with L.A. and have one of their goalie prospects come back our way since they have some of the top prospects in that area. One thing is for sure this is an area that has to be addressed if this team wants to be a playoff team every year and we can’t keep riding Cam the whole year or this is going to be a problem that creeps up each season.

by skinnerthewinner on Feb 19, 2012 2:59 PM EST reply actions

gee I beeee sooooo Late !!

hopefully we’ll find out about Cam Ward and BB(#33) will either be close or seeing what the Muse madness is all about as he’d back up Peety Dawg…many will be surprised at Muse’s skill over all…he has filled in very very well…

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

by CaniacSteve on Feb 20, 2012 8:44 AM EST reply actions

Murphy

Murphy has been announced as the back up.

by sittler27 on Feb 20, 2012 10:32 AM EST reply actions

Mike Murphy has been recalled by the Hurricanes. He’ll be backing up Justin Peters tonight.

Practice is just starting. Murph is there. LaRose is also back on the ice. No word as to whether or not he’ll be in the lineup.

I’ll have the Murph call-up in this afternoon’s game preview.

twitter @jbk_ltd

by Jamie Kellner on Feb 20, 2012 10:33 AM EST reply actions

Also, Tlusty is not on the ice this morning. No news yet as to why.

This is all per Canes staff on twitter btw.

twitter @jbk_ltd

by Jamie Kellner on Feb 20, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

I thought Murphy was injured? Or maybe that’s old news.

by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 20, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

Insult to injury

Poulin, who once again Saturday looked like Brodeur against the Canes, gets pulled in today’s Islanders game after giving up three goals in the first period against Ottawa.

by 80 onI40 on Feb 20, 2012 1:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions