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Yesterday Carolina Hurricanes play-by-play announcer John Forslund took time away from playing tourist with the team in Philadelphia to participate in an afternoon "Happy Hour" Q&A session on twitter. It was rapid fire for an hour as the veteran broadcaster fielded questions from Canes fans about the state of the team, players, insights, predictions, and a little good humor.
Following are a few highlights from the twitter conversation. Other than combining and rearranging questions and answers together to improve readability, all of the comments are without further edit as to content of the twitter text itself.
You can read all of Forslund's comments and follow the entire conversation thread on his twitter feed.
As we like to say around these parts, none better.
@scrappysattic: do you think the Hurricanes will make any significant trades the remainder of the season?
@JohnForslund: Wouldnt rule that out
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@johnfbreezy: Stanley Cup this year. Give me the odds.
@John Forslund: getting in hardest part for any team based on conditions. I'll take that first step, then anything can happen.
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@pull_i_am_: How will the Canes finish up the season?
@JohnForslund: In the playoffs
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@caniac176: Hey John, any indications/hunch that Mr. Rutherford will offer extensions to Semin and/or Faulk during the regular season?
@JohnForslund: I would say no. Off season biz.
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@jamesmwhit what is the chemistry like with the team and Semin? He seems very quiet and to himself.
@JohnForslund very good. Better than it appears.
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@mullen5276: Canes should give Semin long term contract. Chemistry with E Stall is great and he is great all around. Agree? Thoughts?
@JohnForslund: I like it, need to see more.
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@tumpover: Do you think you & Tripp could get Semin comfortable enough to do an intermission interview at some point?
@JohnForslund: It will happen
@tumpover: That would be dynamite! Love how you two apparently have been talking to him. Never heard anything similar as a Cap.
@JohnForslund: We like him.
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@jr43517: What are your thoughts on Semin's play? Any chance Canes re-sign him?
@JohnForslund: so far so good. Based on final numbers that will set market. It really looks like he is enjoying this situation. #goalspaythebills
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@BobbyCollins16 what do you think the Canes are missing that could get them to the next level?
@JohnForslund Continue to fortify the "d"
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@Jimbo3420: What kind of player do you think Canes now need to put them over the top in terms of a serious run at the Cup - defenseman?
@JohnForslund: I say yes. But tough to acquire.
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@Ih8theriders: do the canes need to get more physical presence on the back end? Other than Gleason they seem a bit "soft". Go canes!
@JohnForslund: Yes and yes. #nailonhead
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@haptweet: is this the end of Joe Corvo? Bobby S is getting more TOI and McBain has been strong since his healthy s arches early.
@JohnForslund: I say no a little lockout effect
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@edo21novo: When do we pick up Marc Staal?
@JohnForslund: Call Santa
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@andrewhirsh: I think Pat Dwyer is a smart enough player to stick in the Canes top-six. What do you think?
@JohnForslund: He is. But if he is in your nine, you're better!
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@AllanBake: what are your impressions of Jared Staal? Think he will make it to the show and play with his brothers? Thanks!
@JohnForslund: Still developing
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@Fergy015: Has there been any improvement with Jared Staal and is there any chance we will see him in Raleigh
@JohnForslund: Still has ways to go.
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@canescup: Do you think Jared Staal will ever break into the NHL? Seems the organization is being patient with him.
@JohnForslund: Great kid. Big body, sometimes takes longer.
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@shanefeely: Will Ruutu return in time to play a few regular season games, during the playoffs, or miss everything?
@JohnForslund: Still early to gage. Once he resumes skating we will know more.
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@ScrueyRuey: Do you think that after Rutuu does make his return that Rutherford would consider trading him. #KeepRutuu
@JohnForslund: No chance. #IMO
@ScrueyRuey: Thats good to hear. I was there the night he took the stick to the face, and have been a huge fan ever since.
@JohnForslund: Heart and Soul #IMO
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@Jimbo3420: when Tuomo Ruutu returns, where will he fit in? Will he center the 3rd line?
@JohnForslund: top six.
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@adean1984: do you know when Rutu will be back , if he makes it back this season where could he fit in and have the biggest impact?
@JohnForslund: Hope he is back, not sure
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@D_Sopko: ever miss Hartford
@JohnForslund: All the time
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@Jimbo3420: Goalie Cam Ward seems to miss Tom Barrasso's coaching - why did Canes let Tom go?
@JohnForslund: He is good hands. #trust
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@KyleHagborg: You get the behind the scenes look at the Canes. Whats the biggest change youve seen in them this year. As opposed to last?
@JohnForslund: For me a continuation. Muller laid foundation last season.
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@edo21novo: How much fun is J. Staal having?
@JohnForslund: As an observer, I see lots.
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@D_Sopko: think the @NHLCanes have the pieces to make a deep playoff run? How far?
@JohnForslund: @NHLCanes It's so early and they do have challenges. But if they get in, they will have lots of emotion and belief. #toughtobeat
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@holmes827: Sanguinetti 's play so far?
@JohnForslund: Not bad. Making progress. Steady player, just needs more reps for confidence.
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@caniac47: likely that dalpe will be recalled? Waivers?
@JohnForslund: still that chance
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@Jimbo3420: Do you think the best days of Jussi Jokinen are past? He seems slow and tentative - not his usual creative persistence
@JohnForslund: In between right now, but has made intangible contributions.
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@kinglazybones: What's it going to take to get 36 rolling?
@JohnForslund: one big game
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@jsorr31: Where did the Captain's extra burst of speed come from at the end of regulation? Was it a pre-shift bowl of Wheaties??
@JohnForslund: He is a phenomenal talent. #monsteracceleration
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@Kirb_Stomp17: how big of a loss was Zach Boychuk to the Pens?
@JohnForslund: Skill depth, yes a loss. I'm happy for him, great kid.
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@TurnerWatson: Have you ever considered strangling Tripp in his sleep?
@JohnForslund: now, now...I have a lot to live for!
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