Game Analysis: Capitals At Hurricanes
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 11:02 AM EST
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In what could be deemed their best performance of the season, the Carolina Hurricanes thoroughly overwhelmed the Washington Capitals en route to a 5-0 lambasting Monday at the RBC Center. Eric Staal scored twice, and Justin Faulk, Anthony Stewart and Andreas Nodl all added goals for Carolina. Justin Peters earned his first NHL shutout, stopping all 17 shots he faced.
The Canes improved to 23-26-11, tying Buffalo for 14th in the Eastern Conference with 57 points. They are eight points behind division-leading Florida, but the Panthers have two games in hand, and seven points out of eighth place in the conference.
Three Observations
1. Faulk notched his fourth power play goal of the season Monday, tying him for eighth in the NHL in man-advantage tallies with a large group of players that are mostly considered All-Stars. His total is also tied for the 10th-most by a defenseman in Hurricanes' history, and he's done it in just 44 games. Toss in a fight with the much bigger Troy Brouwer, and Faulk had quite the Calder candidacy statement game.
2. How good has Staal been the past two weeks? Only Ottawa's Jason Spezza has more points (15 to Staal's 11), and Staal's plus-9 the past 14 days is tied with Vancouver defenseman Dan Hamhuis for the best in the NHL during that stretch. He also has just two penalty minutes in the past 14 games, a good sign as Staal is usually more apt to take bd penalties when he is struggling.
3. Congratulations to Peters on his first NHL shutout, but the credit belongs to the entire team for the effort Monday night. Other than a couple good chances, Washington was shut down by Carolina and managed just 17 shots — and only one in four minutes of power play time. The credit doesn't go solely to the Canes, as the Capitals look absolutely lost right now, but it was easily clear who the better team was on the ice.
Number To Know
2 — Goalies other than Cam Ward who have recorded shutouts since Ward became the team's official No. 1 netminder in 2006-07. Manny Legace stopped all 27 shots on March 7, 2010, win over Atlanta, and Peters became the second with his 17-save effort Monday.
Plus
Eric Staal — It's hard not to give it to Peters, who earned his first NHL shutout, but Staal was a man among boys again. The captain had two goals — including his franchise-record 12th career shorthanded tally — and an assist, pushing his point streak to six games, and was plus-3 for the second time in four games. Not only is he well out of the NHL basement in plus/minus, but he blew past Chad LaRose (minus-18) and is now just minus-15 on the year.
Minus
Derek Joslin — Many will applaud Joslin's willingness to engage Matt Hendricks twice, but really the Hurricanes had nothing to gain and plenty to lose with Joslin dropping the gloves. Furthermore, he earlier took an undisciplined elbowing penalty in the second period when the game was 3-0 that could have given the Capitals the spark they sorely needed. Instead, Staal put the game away with his shortie, but that doesn't absolve Joslin from taking the infraction.
Miscellaneous News
The Hurricanes have reassigned goalie Mike Murphy to the AHL's Charlotte Checkers. Here's the release from the team:
‘CANES REASSIGN MIKE MURPHY TO CHARLOTTE
Goaltender served as backup last night against Washington
RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has assigned goaltender Mike Murphy to the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Murphy served as backup to Justin Peters on Monday night against the Washington Capitals.
This completes the second NHL recall for the 23-year-old Murphy. The Kingston, Ont., native is 15-11-1 with a 2.71 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 29 games for the Checkers this season. He made his NHL debut earlier this season when he played in relief of Cam Ward on Dec. 6 at Calgary, and became the first goaltender in NHL history to record his first NHL loss before allowing his first NHL goal. The Hurricanes’ sixth-round selection (165th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Murphy has a career record of 46-31-3 with a 2.65 goals-against average in 88 career AHL games with Albany and Charlotte.
Prior to turning professional, Murphy (5’11", 172 lbs.) completed four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Belleville, establishing Bulls regular-season franchise records for career wins (85), shutouts (8), goals-against average (2.42) and save percentage (.929). He was a two-time OHL All-Star, and was named Goaltender of the Year for the entire Canadian Hockey League (CHL) in 2008-09, after posting career-bests in wins (40), goals-against average (2.08), shutouts (5) and save percentage (.941), all of which were franchise records.
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Nice write-up Cory! When I saw Brouwer drop the gloves, I was sure Faulk was about to get a beating. He more than held his own against a much bigger and seasoned fighter.
Staal is on fire and he and Tlusty are really showing excellent chemistry. If we can re-sign Ruutu, I wouldn’t be opposed to putting the Finns and Skins line back together and leave Tlusty on the top line with Staal. We just need to add another top winger with them and we wouldn’t be looking shabby at all in my opinion.
Also, that was the first game I’ve been able to attend since our loss to Philly in the RBC when Samson scored his first goal. What a game to get out to. Outside of the game, my favorite part of the night was after the game when a Caps fan started spouting off to some Canes fans with “Good luck in the playoffs”. I just laughed wondering if the guy even knew where his team was in the standings. Irony…
"I'm not going to waste my time with Tuukka Rask" - Cam Ward
Muller made a great point post game about how Staal is really working in straight lines and that Tlusty is a similar player, allowing them to give and go in the offensive zone. That’s a tough duo to deal with — I don’t think people realize how big Tlusty is. Not tall, but pretty thick.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
He’s obviously not as thick as Washington’s #8. Ovie really laid Tlusty out last night; of course that seemed to be Alex’s way of unleashing some of his frustration. I was actually wondering if Tlusty’s teammates were picking on him in the locker room about that hit he tried to deliever to Ovie.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 21, 2012 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
I thought Joslin should have been the 3rd star. Don’t agree with his “minus” assessment noted above. I think the elbow he gave was to the player who mauled Skinner in the crease and gave him a head whack. Not sure tho. There seems to be some who complain that we have a need for a “toughness” and even a retaliatory type player to protect our stars. Well, if that is truly what they wish for, Joslin delivered.
I thought it was telling that in the final few minutes our d-men were blocking pucks in front of Peters. Made me smile.
Harrumph
I agree...
If you absolutely HAVE to pick a minus, I guess it would be Joslin’s elbow. But he is getting ice time over other players for a reason-his physical play. Anyone that plays that style is gonna take a few penalties. Ruutu is a prime example. You know they have to play that way to be effective so you deal with the penalties. I might feel different if it had happened in the 3rd period of a tight game but it didn’t. I’m glad Joslin is getting some ice time. He brings a snarl to this team that we need.
This could have been the best performance of the season for this team.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 21, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, but you don’t need snarl in a 3-0 game unless the other team going all Bruins on you. The Halpern-Skinner thing was a typical mini-scrum … not worth elbowing someone over. What if he had caught him and they got a five-minute major power play?
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
The elbow was not necessary. Joslin can make a statement with a clean hit, as he does that pretty well. I’ll agree that was a minus. Regarding answering the bell, I am glad he did. Taking Hendricks off the ice with him is an even trade if not better, and shows the he and the team will respond when challenged. Joslin is trying to stay in the lineup any way he can. Right now he’s out of his element at the wing, so he is trying to bring the physical play to add value to his presence in the lineup.
He brings the physical play when/where ever he plays.
The elbow was not malicious. It was a little reckless, yes, but not malicious. There was no intent to injure. And of course he is trying to stay in the lineup. His physical play is already a big part of his value in the lineup. He doesn’t have to sell that to anyone. That’s why he’s in the lineup.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 21, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
His physical play is already a big part of his value in the lineup. He doesn’t have to sell that to anyone. That’s why he’s in the lineup.
So then why has he been out of the lineup so much of the year. I think you missed my point
I didn't miss your point. I just don't agree with it.
I don’t agree that this “dirty hit” was because Joslin is out of his element on the wing. I don’t agree that it was a dirty hit at all. Joslin has always been a physical player and with that style comes an expected amount of PIMs.
He was the odd man out on the blue line, especially given the unforeseen emergence of Justin Faulk, the continued improvement from McBain, and so on. Plain and simple. That’s why he has been out of the lineup for so long. He is still a young defenseman at 23.
Muller obviously wants some physical play from the fourth line and your not gonna get that from a Dalpe or Boychuck. So you give Joslin, a guy who has kept his mouth shut and continued to work his tail off, a chance to get in the lineup because he plays the style you need and he has earned it.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 21, 2012 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
Amen
he has done what was asked of him and when it was asked of him..grant you he is no Bobby Orr or eddie O ..but Joslin’s heart and effort would be very comparable to them both…
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
I disagree.
I feel you have to keep your foot on the throat of your opponent until the last buzzer sounds, ESPECIALLY when you are up by 3 early in the game. Backing off is a sure-fire way to let them back in the game. And again, if it was a tight game I may feel different. if it was a major penalty I may feel different as well. But it was neither. It was a physical player making a physical play that got a little too physical. Joslin isn’t a dirty player, and I don’t believe the elbow was a retaliation for anything (I could be wrong-I just don’t remember). Most people wouldn’t consider Ruutu a dirty player either, but he has been guilty of some boardings and other questionable penalties due to the style he plays.
Joslin plays hard with an edge every time he is on the ice. That’s why he is getting time and others are not. I personally am fine with a some penalties here and there if we continue to play hard and physical.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 21, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t say back off on your game plan. But taking bad penalties isn’t part of the game plan, IMO.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
It wasn't a bad penalty, just a penalty IMHO.
I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree…
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 21, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
I get what you’re saying, but that kind of mentality is the type that gets players hurt.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Tacked on the Murphy reassignment, which I forgot to include the first time around.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 11:58 AM EST reply actions
Question
Do you think this means Cam is fit enough to play if needed or is Boucher close to a return?
In Kirk we Trust
There’s time to bring back Murphy if needed, but I’m guessing Cam will be well enough to at least dress vs. the Ducks.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Also.....
Do we make room for Pete Dawg on the roster permanently? Boucher is nice and I realize he is signed for next year but could he be someone that gets dealt?
In Kirk we Trust
Peters had his shot last year … I’d say no. And Boucher isn’t healthy, so i doubt anyone deals for a hurt backup.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed.
Being a backup is a tough job for a young goalie who’s unaccustomed to playing so infrequently.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 21, 2012 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
i think peters has showed that when he plays regularly…hes just okay, at best. part of that, imo, is still the guys trying harder in front of him. Id like to see murphy some more , maybe that will happen with ward out
I am not a heavy drinker. I can sometimes go for hours without touching a drop --Noel Coward
by DaveLovesBier on Feb 21, 2012 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
Rutuu
TSN reporting that Ru’ has until Wednesday to make a decision.
“According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the club is still awaiting word from Ruutu on their contract offer and have informed the winger that they need to know his intentions by Wednesday.”
Sounds like JR has made his final offer. Curious about the Wednesday deadline. Does JR have something on the table for Ruu already, or does JR just feel a Wed. deadline will give the demand for Ruutu enough time to swell to incredible levels by Monday’s drop dead date? Maybe last nights game make JR rethink the teams level of need for Mr Ruutu? The fact that he’s publicly stated he’s given Ruu a deadline doesn’t sound too promising that the deal will get done. This team could look quite different next fall. ( if not sooner)
My guess is JR gave him a relatively low deal, maybe slightly less than market value. Ruutu wants to stay and wants an extension, but he knows JR is low-balling him and he can get more money if he waits. Giving him a deadline of Wednesday puts more pressure on Ruutu to make his decision. Then there is plenty of time for JR to make a deal for him, and maybe time for Ruutu to rethink his decision.
If JR did give him a low contract, this is a win-win for him. He either gets a top 6 forward signed at a great rate for the next few years, or he gets a good trade return and signs Ruutu over the off-season.
I seriously doubt he is low balling him based just on how he deals with players. I don’t see putting players into a corner as JR’s style. Plus very rarly does JR or players come out publicly, as for the ’Canes, naming their intentions. I would see it as a more or less time to make a decision so each side can move in a different direction if they have to.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 21, 2012 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well he’s not going to give him more than he deserves or anything close to what he could get right on the free market. I’m not saying that he’s giving him a $2 million/year offer, but something like $4-4.5 million that is probably what he should be getting, while his market value (due to low supply) is more like $5-6 million.
i dont think he gets enough points per season to pull 5 – 6 million, but between points and physical play could get 4 – 4.5 they wouldnt pay 4.5 for cole, so i have a hard time seeing them offer that to rutuu.
things is, id rather see him go. nothing against him, i just dont see the point in signing the same players over and over again. he’s not bad, just replaceable (Dont ask me with who) and not a guy you build around.
I am not a heavy drinker. I can sometimes go for hours without touching a drop --Noel Coward
by DaveLovesBier on Feb 21, 2012 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
They wouldn’t pay 4.5 million for 4 years. The years was the killer.
And Ruutu could probably get 5 million on the open market. He is probably the best UFA besides Parise this summer.
And as for replacing him, good luck with that. You clearly aren’t sure who can fill the void that would be left if he left, and I have no clue either. There is no one on the market who could do it, and getting a player through trade would require a lot of precious assets.
Replacing Ruutu
We have found it difficult replacing UFA’s. Cole, Whitney, Cullen come to mind. They all brought a different ingredient into the mixture that has not been filled. I picture Ruutu in the same vain. Don’t underestimate the value a guy like Ruutu has in the locker room and on the ice. He has a rare combination of aggressiveness and skill that make him a valuable commodity. Especially on a team like the Canes who have a number of undersized forwards (Samson, Skinner, Nodl, Brent)
In Kirk we Trust
We have found it difficult replacing UFA’s. Cole, Whitney, Cullen come to mind.
Yeah it is difficult to replace UFA’s when you try to do it cheap. Cullen was replaced by Belanger because of money. And while the “Belanger experiment” did not work here, he averaged about the same PPG as Sutter has this season. Whitney, well REALLY we didn’t even try to replace Whitney. All we did was plug many random players in that role. And Cole’s replacement was also done on the cheap with 2 “project” players. If we actually spent some money to replace any of these UFA’s, then it probably wouldn’t have been so difficult.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
Tried Hamilton for the Cullen role too.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 22, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
I’d bet there are at least 10 teams with offers for Ruutu on the table. Perfect Playoff intangibles and a decent enough scorer to fill out a top-9 on any Cup contender.
I would ideally like to see him signed long-term at $4 million per, but as I don’t see that happening I’m interested to see just how much he brings back. A 1st + a good prospect seems to be the buzz.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the lack of forwards being traded compared to D lately is hinging on teams waiting for this domino to fall. I can imagine interest in him is very high. JR’s public deadline is a proverbial dinner bell for the hungry GM’s waiting patiently to improve their team’s Cup chances.
by JussiJuice on Feb 21, 2012 2:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well, perfect for the playoffs except that he’s got four points in 16 career playoff games. #justsayin
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 21, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Canes versus the Competition
Interesting little stat I noticed about the Canes this season. If you break down our schedule into 3 groups; last season’s Division Winners, last season’s other Playoff Teams, and last season’s non-playoff teams; we are exactly the opposite of how logic would dictate.
Against last season’s Division Winners (Flyers, Bruins, Caps, Wings, Canucks, Sharks), we are 9-5-1, a 64.3% win percentage.
Against last season’s other Playoff Teams (Penguins, Rangers, Habs, Sabres, Lightning, Preds, Hawks, Ducks, Coyotes, Kings), we are 8-10-3, a 38.1% win percentage.
Against all Playoff Teams from last season, we are 17-15-4, a 47.2% win percentage.
Against all of last season’s non-playoff teams, we are 6-11-7, a 25% win percentage.
So roughly, the better teams we play, the better results we have. As our competitions win percentage decreases, so do our results. It’s just interesting.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
Joslin
Love the write ups by the way, but I’m a little confused on how Faulk gets the compliment for toughness with his fight but Joslin finds his way into the minus category for his two scraps. Granted the high elbow was a tough penalty to take but you got to give the guy credit for bringing the grit to each shift he plays. I personally love the guy, and though he should be on the blue line, for right now I think he’s earned his ice time up front. We need a forward, besides Ruutu , who is willing and ABLE to truly punish the other team, and Joslin has shown he’s ready to do just that and more. His inclusion on the 4th line has also helped amp up Stewart’s game too, he was flying last night! Let’s hope they can string a number of wins and row and honestly make it interesting down the stretch.
Faulk didn’t get the plus because of his fight, he got it b/c he scored and was part of a defense that shutdown Washington’s offense. In truth, Faulk didn’t have a chance not to fight b/c Brouwer was on him thisfast. Joslin’s decision was premeditated. I was just pointing out that people take notice when someone fights, and it probably ups people’s view of Faulk’s toughness b/c he didn’t turtle against a bigger guy who went after him.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 22, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
Upped mine
I’ve watched all year and knew Faulk seemed strong—his holding his own against an older, bigger, experienced guy was impressive in my book. He used his strength to maintain control of the threat and not get placed in a position of disadvantage.
Ruutu
Apparently JR has set deadline of tomorrow to hear back from Ruu or his agent on contract offer. Uh Oh. Whenever he starts sending out messages through the media it usually doesn’t have a good place to go.
Sorry about that…. my CC page had not refreshed and I missed all the prior comments on that. Most of see this as a red flag. I think Ruutu may be gone. Hope I’m wrong.
I just posted JR’s comments from NHL Live (about an hour ago). His response on the Ruutu deadline was a little softer than what Darren Dreger tweeted earlier today.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 21, 2012 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
If you fast-forward through the first 5:55 of Maple Leafs news, there’s a snippet about Ruutu at the end of this interview with Dreger from this afternoon.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 21, 2012 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
I just cannot see JR playing hard ball with Ruutu by giving him an ultimatium just based on all of the communication that has been going. To see comments to the contrary is kind of shocking.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 21, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
As have all of us. Anything else is nothing more than conjecture.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 21, 2012 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
Rumors are flying all over the place right now regarding players like JVR and Brouwer . I think we could get a lot from Ruutu if he declines the deal.
I think it would be simpler if he weren’t injured. My guess is any deal will be conditional on him being assessed by the other team’s doctors.
you are 1000% coorrect on that
remember how long he was back from injury when we got him from the hawks…and even though he is not sdoing much via the score sheet…the Juice has also been around contributing to the teams over all efforts and lets players like Skinner, Sutter Staal get all the spot light time & attention they have been getting as of late /this back half of the season…
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Good effort Cory
and love the “debates” too !! who ssays the caniac nation fans are a bunch of un-informed red necks !! HA! Guess again …guess again…
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
That is a much “softer” presentation of where it is at with Ruutu than what Dreger reported.
Interesting that JR threw Joni’s name in there.
In the end JR did what he usually does. He answers the questions but really doesn’t reveal more than he wants to.
My guess is the only sure thing is that Spacek will be moved. Makes no sense to keep him. But I could go either way with Allen. He is a valuable guy to have around with the young guns we have on D and those coming up as prospects. There aren’t too many good, affordable shut down D available anywhere as UFAs next year. It might make more sense to use Joni to get a top 6 forward in the offseason and sign Allen. With Harrison, Gleason and Allen in the fold they would have the defensive strength to go with Faulk, McBain and Murphy or Sanguinetti or Dumoulin ( and Joslin as backup). I think we have bigger needs up front.
agree on spacek
i think the only reason joslin’s been on the fourth line as a forward is to get him up to NHL game speed to step in for Spacek on defense once the trade goes down.
"Look into my eyes and repeat after me: I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario..."
by Capt. Stinky on Feb 22, 2012 6:49 AM EST up reply actions
Pitkanen and the Hurricanes
My belief is that Pitkanen will not be traded. He was playing his best hockey before he was hurt. Also, Muller’s uptempo approach will make Pitkanen even more valuable. Accordingly, I think the Hurricanes intend to keep Gleason, Pitkanen, Faulk, McBain, and Murphy over the long term. I believe it will be a battle among Harrison, Joslin, Dumoulin, and Sanguinetti for the remaining roster spots. I, too, am conflicted about keeping Allen. He has been tremendous for the Hurricanes; and his combination of physicality and leadership will be needed. I also realize and understand that keeping Gleason, Pitkanen, Faulk, McBain, and Murphy leaves Gleason as the only guy among the group who is a consistently a fighter (kudos to Faulk for dropping is gloves, however). What that group of five players gives the Hurricanes defense is puck-handling and speed.
Harrison, Joslin, Dumoulin, and Sanguinetti are all NHL quality defensemen, so it’s not going to be an easy road to a roster spot for any of them. Harrison has been great. Joslin has a great deal of potential as a defenseman. Dumoulin has star potential; and Sanguinetti has been on fire.
One Word…… Chicago. How has this type of D configuration been working for them? Now look at Detroit…. Kronwall, Stuart, Kindl, Ericsson….. all strong defensive minded guys. Lidstrom is effective in both ends and White is more offensive. My belief is that you need at least 3 guys who can play shutdown type D. If not you place too much burden on your forwards to compensate.
Today’s game rewards teams who can get offense from their blueliners, but I agree. Defensmen should be able to defend first. Harrison, Gleason and Allen are all guys, who while are not elite level shutdown players, are defense first types who can be physical as well. Faulk is a wonderful young player who is showing he’ll excel at both, and will be an elite level 2 way D man very soon.
That leaves two spots open if they were to hold onto Allen. ( a move I would not mind in the least either)
The Hurricanes Defensive Dilemma
I bounce back and forth. I have always felt that unless there were three physical defensemen on the roster, unless a team had huge, physical forwards like some of the Western Conference teams, it would create too many mismatches. As for me, it comes down to having a draft philosophy of “draft the best player available” and too low a budget to sign UFAs to fill the gaps. The Hurricanes continued to pick puck moving defensemen and small forwards when they needed rangy, big, fast physical forwards with skill and shutdown defensemen who were also big and fast. The counter-argument that is Faulk plays both as an able shutdown defenseman and as a puck moving defenseman. PItkanen is one of the strongest men on the Hurricanes team and is subtly nasty on the ice.
The problem with picking the best player available is that unless a team has the cash to go buy the holes in the team’s structure, the team becomes dependent on training a player to the point that he is quite good and then trades him for something the team needs more. For the Hurricanes, it’s creating a dilemma. If the Hurricanes keep Allen, then there is no room on the roster for somebody else with NHL talent. I can’t see trading McBain. He started slow and some people haven’t gotten over that; but McBain’s play has been excellent. His offensive instincts are superb and have won or helped win several games. He’s had some fine defensive plays as well.
Assuming, that Allen stays, then the defensive players who are certain for the roster, I think, would be Gleason, Allen, Pitkanen, Faulk, McBain, and most likely Murphy. It’s one player heavy on puck moving defensemen; but arguably Faulk is able to handle the minutes as a hybrid defenseman, equally adept at puck moving and defensive focus. That leaves Harrison, Joslin, Dumoulin, and Sanguinetti battling for the 7th spot. The organization seems to believe Murphy will be ready next season. Dumoulin may need a year in the AHL. It’s getting crowded at defense; while the Hurricanes lack enough big-bodied, highly skilled, fast right wings who can score goals.
I’m sorry, but McBain’s play has not been excellent! He has done a very good job at providing offense, but his defensive play has still been very underwhelming. Because of his offensive gifts, McBain may be a very sought after offensive defenseman if he would become available. I’m not saying we can answer our other issues by trading him, but we should have an adequate replacement next season for McBain in either Murphy or Dumoulin.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
I don’t think Dumoulin will be ready next year. Could use a full year in the A
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 22, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
It would seem that of all the defensemen in the system only Murphy and maybe Sanguinetti are possible roster players next fall. Maybe we get a surprise but next seasons opening night 6 on the blue line would seem to be a mix of who we have now, the two mentioned above and maybe an acquisition of an experienced NHL’r. Makes me think maybe JR would want to keep Allen. I’d be curious to see if JR would switch gears and try an extension with Allen after Ruutu’s fate is determined.
Agreed.
And his youth and contract status will only make him more coveted.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 1:22 AM EST up reply actions
I really don’t mind keeping Gleason, Pitkanen, and Faulk long-term. I also don’t mind keeping Harrison next season and possibly a little longer. I still believe that McBain can be replaced my Murphy or somewhat by Dumoulin (but I believe Dumoulin will be a different type of player, more solid as an overall defenseman). I’m not sold on Joslin, even as a 7th defenseman. And Sanguinetti, well I’m just not sure what he will actually be. I still think 1 solid, two-way, top 4 defenseman is the best path for the Canes; but I really don’t see that happening.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 22, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
I love the offensive potential Murphy has, but I am still very skeptical about his being able to fit in the top 6 due to his size. There are examples of players his size who have been able to carve out nice careers as NHL D-men, but they are not the norm.
Murphy
If Murphy can’t be a star, the Hurricanes scouts totally blew the draft. Armia was available and the Hurricanes passed on him to get Murphy. Murphy has star potential; and the Hurricanes lately have been quite good at doing their assessments. I think Murphy will be an NHL star despite his small size. He’s a uniquely gifted athlete. I really hope I am right, however, because if can’t manage the grind of the NHL, the Hurricanes lost a superb opportunity to fill the need for an elite, big, fast forward.
Murphy at 12 was a no-brainer for me. If Rutherford can’t pass on a d-man when he’s picking in Rd. 1 ….
Anyway, I think Armia has potential, but Murphy might be the most talented offensive dman in since that great calls in ’08 with Doughty, Pietrangelo, Bogosian, Karlsson, Myers, Carlson, Del Zotto and Gardiner.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 22, 2012 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Kris Letang
He is only 6’0 and 201 lbs….Murphy currently is 5’11 and with age, diet, and the proper weight program he could grow to 190 – 200 easily. As a 5’11 former college place kicker I can attest to what proper diet and weight training can do in terms of size and strength.
In Kirk we Trust
J.M. Liles
Sounds like a similar size and Liles has carved out a nice career in the NHL.
"If you can't beat 'em in the alley, you can't beat 'em on the ice." Conn Smythe
by Winter is Coming on Feb 22, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
To be fair...
I’m sure CHL players are well ahead of most athletes their age when it comes to training and nutrition.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 1:25 AM EST up reply actions
NCAA players are much better off coming out than CHL guys. Because there aren’t as many games, they spend a lot more time in the weight room.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 23, 2012 8:15 AM EST up reply actions
But you're talking about 19-22 year olds instead of 17-20.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
Sometimes. I find that even the 19-year-olds from each tend to be much different, conditioning/weightroom-wise. I know bringing up Sutter is an extreme case, since I never think he’ll be that big, but he outweighed Nash coming in to the ’07 draft and now Nash weight more than him despite being a could inches shorter. Faulk, Biega, Alt … all big, strong guys already.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 23, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
weighs* more than him despite being a couple* inches shorter
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 23, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
I think once he gets into an NHL weight program he’ll be fine. More and more, there are undersized d-men proving they can make it in the NHL and even hold their own defensively. Enstrom, Karlsson, Timonen, Goligoski, Streit, Liles, Campbell … these guys aren’t only great offensively, but several of them are better than average in their own end.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 22, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Add Faulk to that list. His use of the body to protect the puck, get leverage against the boards and just overall play is exceptional for 19 year old and he will only get better.
Before he was sent back to the OHL, I asked every Canes coach which of the “kids” they were most impressed with. Murphy came up every time. They were really impressed with his skating, instincts, shot and overall skill level. Rod said at the time that if it were based on pure ability Murphy would stay with the Canes but that the business side would make it likely that he be sent back to Juniors. I was actually surprised with how positive they all were about his game given his age and size. ( btw, in the same breath it came through loud and clear how disappointed they were in Boychuk’s progress as a forward).
Thanks Sittler as
we fans too are “disappointed” in Him as well…maybe now would be the time to rade him where he might do or is willing to do better…
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
by CaniacSteve on Feb 22, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
His skill level is amazing. I truly hope he can develop or overcome being a smaller D – man in the league. Sittler, since the club has a good supply of offensive d-men, could the club look at him in a forward position?
I don’t think so. He has been on the small side his whole career and I’m sure coaches and advisors have made that suggestion to him. He has a passion to be a defenceman. Second….. that transition is a whole lot harder than it looks.
10-4. I don’t doubt it’s easy. Just from my days of beer league, where I was a forward it was an adjustment to slide back to D. And that is beer league!
If he has a passion then I’m all for him achieving his dreams ! He’s damn exciting to watch wind it up from the D- zone.
Sometimes I was used on the point during the PP. Still remember those “aw sh…..t” moments when I was the only one back and it was 1-1 or 2-1. You know it was bad when you skate to the bench and they start calling you Bobby Orr.
You know I never played high level hockey, but when I played rec league and was "forced " to play D it would take about 3 shifts for me to realize that when the puck carrier went below the face-off dot that I should go with him instead of releasing him to the D-man! Not a way to make a goalie your friend.
The Boychuk Mystery
Boychuk has tons of skill and is a great kid. It’s a mystery to me as to his development, especially as seemingly seen through the eyes of the coaching staff. Maybe the light will switch on and he’ll figure out what he needs to do to make himself a player the Hurricanes coaches compliment every chance they get. I have to say it’s hard for me to figure out the psychology that makes some athletes need a shot across the bow to step it up. It clearly happens with some regularity. Sometimes, on the other hand, coaches in one organization can view a player in one light; and merely changing organizations yields an entirely different result.
Southeast Division
Anyone looked at the SE standings lately? Only 4 wins separate First and Last. I was one who said a month ago that this season was a write-off. Now I’m not so sure and it isn’t blind optimism. Who in the SE is playing better than us at home?
None of the teams ahead of us are playing awesome. We saw a talent laden Washington team the other night that looked very fragile. Tampa has lost Lecavalier and has goaltender issues. Florida is not playing as well as they did to start the season and we play them three times head to head before the season is out. Winnipeg has a favorable home schedule and could actually be the team to beat. BUT…. we have a home stand of our own coming up. We play SE opponents 9 more times in total..
Those 3 point games may in the end kill us but this is more doable than I would have thought a month ago. Still long odds, but we could still make this interesting.
Good thoughts and......
How close would we be if we had simply played .500 in the OT games instead of 2-11? Like I’ve said before, the difference between the top and the bottom is not that great. I believe with the new system and added confidence, we are one top 6 forward plus status quo from contending.
In Kirk we Trust
Still going to be a tough road to hoe.
15-5-2 is what we need, and that’d be a hell of a run for this team.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 1:29 AM EST up reply actions
Still no word on Ruutu???
Not sure if that’s necessarily a bad thing but I figured something would’ve come out by now. The longer this drags out, the more I think he’s traded.
"I'm not going to waste my time with Tuukka Rask" - Cam Ward
Both Bob McKenzie and Chip Alexander are saying it’s imminent (re-signing).
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
This is real nice……wonder what those terms turned out to be……….
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 22, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Oops…….Chip just said 4 years……
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 22, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
Certainly no discounts there…
Comparable to what Tim Connolly (Superior offensively, less physical) got last year. An extra $1.8 million gets you Brad Richards last offseason.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 3:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not really…..Ruutu is actually making $4.4mm now. So JR got Ruutu to agree to a $350k increase in pay and that is fixed over the next 4 years (assuming what I see means same amount over 4 years). Ruutu gave a hometown discount it seems and JR moved closer that he probable liked but the real difference here is only $350,000 dollars.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 22, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Does he deserve the $350k raise? His goal production is down. His assist production has increased, but he can thank Skinner for that. His hitting has disappeared recently.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very glad we signed him. But $4.75 over the next 4 years for a injury prone player who has had inconsistent numbers throughout his career seems too much, especially when you are in the drivers seat in negotiations.
It was either a $350K raise or a second top 6 forward that Jr would have to buy for next season (in addition to the top six winger for Staal). JR is already on record as saying he is going to chase a line mate for Staal. Trying to get two will make his life a whole lot more complicated and greatly increase his chances for failure at that.
Seems he is already paying Ruutu this season just about the full amount of this new contract for the next 4 years. Ruutu is a known player to the organization. In year 3 and certainly in year 4 this will likely be a steal. Ruutu will produce if he is surrounded by the right second line forwards. When that issue with the top line is solved it will allow more opportunity for some players who filled in the top line to drop down to the second line with Ruutu. Again, assuming JR gets that top line winger. Not a bad thing at all IMO.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 22, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
It is high for a player who has scored over 20 goals and 50 points in only 2 of his past 7 NHL seasons, averages about 0.5 ppg, and has an injury history.
Ruutu has amazing intangibles… Unfortunately for the Canes intangibles true importance shines in the Playoffs. You have to put points on the board and win games to get to that point first.
Ruutu is worth $4.75 million to a team that is already there. I’m just not convinced the Canes are in a position skill and budget wise to afford that luxury.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 3:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Nice to see the Canes keeping Ruutu. Probably better than a mystery 1st Round pick who may or may not shake out. Not extremely thrilled to watch the exact same team next year but we shall see.
Would have preferred money spent on Gleason and Ruutu was used to bring in a true impact player like Parise or Suter instead, but the likelihood the Canes were ever going to draw a top UFA were slim to none (much less factoring in PK’s budget).
Fom here I’d guess the Canes will make their annual run up to 9th in the East, dropping us out of any decent Draft pick, and JR will sign a project top-6 like Brad Boyes or Jiri Hudler in the offseason. Re-sign Allen and the lineup is pretty much set.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 3:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions
JussiJuice: Would have preferred money spent on Gleason and Ruutu was used to bring in a true impact player like Parise or Suter instead, but the likelihood the Canes were ever going to draw a top UFA were slim to none (much less factoring in PK’s budget).
Exactly my thoughts.
With the new coaching staff (and the success that they have brought), the excellent positive exposure from the ASG, and a solid young core I personally don’t think we will have any trouble attracting free agents. Also, with the ownership situation being addressed and Rutherford learning some valuable lesson this year I think we will be willing to pay what is needed to land the type of player(s) we need.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 22, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Attracting free agents isn’t the issue. The Canes are pretty much already at their current budget going into next year with a full lineup of NHL players on 1 way contracts. The Canes can’t afford anyone new.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 4:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Correct me if I’m wrong as I don’t have the exact #s but don’t we have about 6+mil in salary for Allen and Spacek that isn’t on the books for next year? One of those spots will be filled by Pitkanen, whose salary is already on the books. And I’ll assume that the other spot would be filled with a Joslin/Murphy/Doumolin at a <1mil salary. That would be roughly 5 mil to spend on a free agent winger for Staal.
I still think we will trade for the player we need. The UFA pool isn’t very impressive, and we will have some cap space and decent assets to deal with.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 22, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
Agree Forward, Disagree JR thinks we need a top 4 D
JR with Pitkanen, Gleason and Faulk has enough top four Dmen in his mind and statements….
The success they have brought...
Is still only an 87-point pace prorated over 82 games.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 1:33 AM EST up reply actions
That annual run only has about a 6% chance of happening at this point.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 1:32 AM EST up reply actions
I'm usually subjected to watching the Canes play the Caps with my stepson and mother in law who are huge Caps fans
My only regret was not being able to watch that game with the other night. I hope they use that huge win as a springboard to finish the season strong.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 23, 2012 1:01 PM EST reply actions
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