The Washington Capitals didn't do the Hurricanes any favors last night. They won their game against the Lightning on Thursday night, and have closed the gap in the Southeast division. Now, Carolina has a two point lead with five games to play.
A little while ago, Canes fans looked at tonight's game with the Thrashers as a chance to widen the gap and perhaps clinch the division. Suddenly, it has become a "must win". Florida, by virtue of their loss on Thursday, is effectively out of the picture. Washington, however, could easily overtake Carolina unless the Hurricanes take care of their own business.
Right now, the cut for the Eastern Conference is 88 points. 88 is exactly what Carolina has. Although they would have all the tiebreakers in their favor if the season ended today, nothing is guaranteed. There are five games left for Carolina, and they will need to win three of them. Given their play recently, this isn't too much to ask, but the pressure is really on. If they are able to beat Washington at the Verizon Center on April 1, they will need only one other win. Either way, the only acceptable outcome tonight will be a win.
Chad LaRose will be returning to the lineup tonight after just one day of full contact practice. Justin Williams is back at practice, but won't be in the lineup until the playoffs.
Showing posts with label game preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label game preview. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Canes to host big game tonight
Tonight at the RBC Center, the Hurricanes will be playing a critical game against the Capitals. If they can win in regulation, they can virtually clinch the SE division. If Washington wins in regulation, things will get very interesting.
Right now, Carolina's lead over the Caps is five points with six games to play. If they can stretch it to seven points with a win tonight, it would take a miracle for Carolina to blow it. The two teams will square off one last time next Tuesday. By then, Carolina will have had two excellent chances (at home against Atlanta and at Tampa) to put it away regardless of what happens tonight.
Looking at the projected lineups, there are 13 forwards listed. This is because Patrick Eaves is doubtful with the flu. Counting Eaves, eight of the 13 forwards were not on the Hurricanes roster when the season began. Five of them (Ryan Bayda, Keith Aucoin, Wade Brookbank, Joe Jensen and Tim Conboy) are AHL players. This group of players from the River Rats, affectionately called "The Rat Pack", has played quite well.
Alexander Ovechkin has been held goalless in the last two games between the Canes and Caps. Last time in Raleigh, though, he had three assists.
Also in the SE, Florida will be taking on Tampa, in a game that has some implications. There are loads of other games with playoff implications, including the Sabres v Sens, the Bruins v Leafs, the Penguins v Devils and Flyers v Rangers.
Carolina will be in third place in the East no matter what happens tonight, but Washington could end up anywhere between eighth and eleventh.
Cam Ward and Cristobal Huet will be in nets tonight.
Right now, Carolina's lead over the Caps is five points with six games to play. If they can stretch it to seven points with a win tonight, it would take a miracle for Carolina to blow it. The two teams will square off one last time next Tuesday. By then, Carolina will have had two excellent chances (at home against Atlanta and at Tampa) to put it away regardless of what happens tonight.
Looking at the projected lineups, there are 13 forwards listed. This is because Patrick Eaves is doubtful with the flu. Counting Eaves, eight of the 13 forwards were not on the Hurricanes roster when the season began. Five of them (Ryan Bayda, Keith Aucoin, Wade Brookbank, Joe Jensen and Tim Conboy) are AHL players. This group of players from the River Rats, affectionately called "The Rat Pack", has played quite well.
Alexander Ovechkin has been held goalless in the last two games between the Canes and Caps. Last time in Raleigh, though, he had three assists.
Also in the SE, Florida will be taking on Tampa, in a game that has some implications. There are loads of other games with playoff implications, including the Sabres v Sens, the Bruins v Leafs, the Penguins v Devils and Flyers v Rangers.
Carolina will be in third place in the East no matter what happens tonight, but Washington could end up anywhere between eighth and eleventh.
Cam Ward and Cristobal Huet will be in nets tonight.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Carolina visits Sunrise
Tonight, Carolina will visit the Panthers with a chance to put some real distance between themselves and both of the SE contenders. If Carolina can snap Florida's seven game winning streak, their lead will be seven over Washington and nine over Florida. That will all but eliminate the Panthers. If, however, the Panthers win, Carolina's lead will be just five points over each team.
Even if Carolina can muster just one standings point, a lot of pressure will be on Washington and Florida because they will both be six points back with seven games to play.
Puck drop is 7:30.
There are no other games of interest in the Southeast tonight. Tampa plays Pittsburgh, and the Penguins will have a chance to take over first place in their division, but that won't affect the Hurricanes' standing.
Even if Carolina can muster just one standings point, a lot of pressure will be on Washington and Florida because they will both be six points back with seven games to play.
Puck drop is 7:30.
There are no other games of interest in the Southeast tonight. Tampa plays Pittsburgh, and the Penguins will have a chance to take over first place in their division, but that won't affect the Hurricanes' standing.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The home stretch
With eight games to play, Carolina is atop the Southeast division with a three point lead over Washington and a five point lead over Florida. All eight remaining games are Southeast matchups. Two against each team in the division.
Every game will be critical, starting tonight in Atlanta. Puck drop at 7:00.
Jeff Hamilton has cleared re-entry waivers. With Matt Cullen out of the lineup indefinitely with post-concussion issues, Hambone will get some quality ice time. Or at least some quantity ice time.
When will the injuries to key players finally be too much?
The top line of Ray Whitney/ Rod Brind'Amour/ Justin Williams is out. Matt Cullen is out.
The newcomers and the "Rat Pack" have played extremely well, but it's gonna be hard to make a deep playoff run with AHL-quality players in the lineup. I hope they prove me wrong.
On the other hand, Justin Williams should be able to return if the Hurricanes can hold on to that SE lead and make the playoffs.
It's going to be a very tight race. Every game is a "must win". For the Panthers, they literally must win every game (and get some outside help). The Thrahsers and Lightning are out of contention, but they could easily play the part of spoiler.
The Caps, who won last night in Nashville, will be on the road tonight at Chicago. Canes fans will have a keen interest in that game, just as the Caps fan will have an interest in the Canes game.
Full game posts late tonight.
Every game will be critical, starting tonight in Atlanta. Puck drop at 7:00.
Jeff Hamilton has cleared re-entry waivers. With Matt Cullen out of the lineup indefinitely with post-concussion issues, Hambone will get some quality ice time. Or at least some quantity ice time.
When will the injuries to key players finally be too much?
The top line of Ray Whitney/ Rod Brind'Amour/ Justin Williams is out. Matt Cullen is out.
The newcomers and the "Rat Pack" have played extremely well, but it's gonna be hard to make a deep playoff run with AHL-quality players in the lineup. I hope they prove me wrong.
On the other hand, Justin Williams should be able to return if the Hurricanes can hold on to that SE lead and make the playoffs.
It's going to be a very tight race. Every game is a "must win". For the Panthers, they literally must win every game (and get some outside help). The Thrahsers and Lightning are out of contention, but they could easily play the part of spoiler.
The Caps, who won last night in Nashville, will be on the road tonight at Chicago. Canes fans will have a keen interest in that game, just as the Caps fan will have an interest in the Canes game.
Full game posts late tonight.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Canes to host Sens in "reunion game"
On Sunday afternoon, the Hurricanes will host the Senators. They will try to put Friday's debacle in Buffalo behind them, but Ottawa is pretty hot right now. It should be a fun game, and I'll have to miss the first period, but I'm DVRing the whole thing.
This is the first time the teams have met since Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore were traded for Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves. Also, Matin Gerber will be back.
Carolina has recalled forwards Joe Jensen and Patrick Dwyer from Albany. Jensen had a one-game call up earlier in the season, but he became violently ill during the game. This will be Dwyer's NHL debut.
Puck drop is at 3:00.
Also, don't forget to sign up for the NCAA mens basketball bracket pool.
The group is called "hockey bloggers", but it's open to anyone.
To enter, simply click on the link below, or cut and paste it into your browser.
http://hockeyblog.mayhem.sportsline.com/e
Our Group password is: icing
This pool will have special bonus points if you correctly pick a Cinderella to make a deep run.
This is the first time the teams have met since Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore were traded for Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves. Also, Matin Gerber will be back.
Carolina has recalled forwards Joe Jensen and Patrick Dwyer from Albany. Jensen had a one-game call up earlier in the season, but he became violently ill during the game. This will be Dwyer's NHL debut.
Puck drop is at 3:00.
Also, don't forget to sign up for the NCAA mens basketball bracket pool.
The group is called "hockey bloggers", but it's open to anyone.
To enter, simply click on the link below, or cut and paste it into your browser.
http://hockeyblog.mayhem.sportsline.com/e
Our Group password is: icing
This pool will have special bonus points if you correctly pick a Cinderella to make a deep run.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Canes/Sabres square off again
Tonight, the Hurricanes and Sabres will meet for the final time in the 2007-08 regular season. So far, the home team has won all three games in the series. Buffalo managed an overtime loss in Raleigh last week, so Carolina has gained four standings points, going 2-1-0 so far while Buffalo has gained three standings points, going 1-1-1 so far.
Last time, I commented that the Sabres were eat up with injuries. Things have only gotten worse for them in that department. Defensemen Dmitri Kalinin, Jaro Spacek and Centerman Tim Connolly continue to be out of the lineup. Now, defenseman Nathan Paetsch has been added to the list after suffering a concussion in Wednesday's game against the Penguins. For that hit that caused the concussion, Pens tough guy Le Grand GG Georges Laraque has been suspended for three games.
Just as in the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals, the Sabres are reduced to playing some very inexperienced defensemen. The third pairing of Michael Funk and Mike Weber have five career NHL games between them.
By no means, though, should anybody count the Sabres out. They're a good team, and they're gonna bring it. They're on the outside looking in, and they desperately need a win. They're not about to roll over or mail it in.
Carolina is 8-1-1 in their last ten, while Buffalo is 2-5-3 in theirs.
I can't stress enough. Don't count them out. This should be a good game. There is a bit of a rivalry, and for no other reason, the Sabres' postseason hopes pretty much hinge on this game.
Cam Ward will get his 11th straight start while Ryan Miller will get his millionth straight start. He isn't just the #1 guy. He is THE guy. He's got his Martin Brodeur pants on, and all kidding aside, this is going to be his 25th straight start.
Carolina fans will be keeping a close eye on other games around the league. Atlanta at Washington and Rangers at Florida. Go Thrash! Go Rags! Oddly, the Sabres will also be rooting for Atlanta in that game, as both the Caps and the Sabres are trying to claw back into the eighth playoff spot.
Eric Staal, Sergei Samsonov, Matt Cullen and Joe Corvo all have five game points streaks going.
Puck drop is 7:30.
As always, check out BFLOBLOG for excellent Buffalo perspective and an open thread during the game. If you make comments over there, please act like you have some sense. They're good guys.
Last time, I commented that the Sabres were eat up with injuries. Things have only gotten worse for them in that department. Defensemen Dmitri Kalinin, Jaro Spacek and Centerman Tim Connolly continue to be out of the lineup. Now, defenseman Nathan Paetsch has been added to the list after suffering a concussion in Wednesday's game against the Penguins. For that hit that caused the concussion, Pens tough guy Le Grand GG Georges Laraque has been suspended for three games.
Just as in the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals, the Sabres are reduced to playing some very inexperienced defensemen. The third pairing of Michael Funk and Mike Weber have five career NHL games between them.
By no means, though, should anybody count the Sabres out. They're a good team, and they're gonna bring it. They're on the outside looking in, and they desperately need a win. They're not about to roll over or mail it in.
Carolina is 8-1-1 in their last ten, while Buffalo is 2-5-3 in theirs.
I can't stress enough. Don't count them out. This should be a good game. There is a bit of a rivalry, and for no other reason, the Sabres' postseason hopes pretty much hinge on this game.
Cam Ward will get his 11th straight start while Ryan Miller will get his millionth straight start. He isn't just the #1 guy. He is THE guy. He's got his Martin Brodeur pants on, and all kidding aside, this is going to be his 25th straight start.
Carolina fans will be keeping a close eye on other games around the league. Atlanta at Washington and Rangers at Florida. Go Thrash! Go Rags! Oddly, the Sabres will also be rooting for Atlanta in that game, as both the Caps and the Sabres are trying to claw back into the eighth playoff spot.
Eric Staal, Sergei Samsonov, Matt Cullen and Joe Corvo all have five game points streaks going.
Puck drop is 7:30.
As always, check out BFLOBLOG for excellent Buffalo perspective and an open thread during the game. If you make comments over there, please act like you have some sense. They're good guys.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Lots of familiar faces in Chicago tonight
For Wednesday night's game between the Blackhawks and the Hurricanes, both teams will see some familiar faces wearing the wrong sweater.
Carolina will see their old friends Kevyn Adams, Craig Adams and Andrew Ladd all playing for the Blackhawks.
Chicago will see Tuomo Ruutu and castoff Sergei Samsonov playing for the visiting Hurricanes.
Craig Adams has been doing nothing all season. It doesn't matter what sweater he wears. Kevyn Adams has been injured most of the year and just returned to the lineup on Sunday. Andrew Ladd has played well since the trade deadline trade. In eight games with the Blackhawks, Ladd has recorded six (2/4) points and is a -1.
Since the Ladd trade, Tuomo Ruutu has played well with the Hurricanes, recording just three (1/2) points, but he's been a very physical and energetic player.
Sergei Samsonov, though, has to be the best acquisition the Hurricanes have made in quite some time. Since being claimed on re-entry waivers from the Blackhawks on January 8, Samsonov has 24 (12/12) points in 27 games and is a +11. In that time frame, he's been the most prolific Hurricanes scorer, and one of the biggest stories in the NHL.
Although these teams don't face each other very often, they know each other pretty well.
The Blackhawks are fighting just to make the playoffs, while the Hurricanes will try to extend their lead in the SE division and build on their longest winning streak of the season.
Game recap to follow.
Carolina will see their old friends Kevyn Adams, Craig Adams and Andrew Ladd all playing for the Blackhawks.
Chicago will see Tuomo Ruutu and castoff Sergei Samsonov playing for the visiting Hurricanes.
Craig Adams has been doing nothing all season. It doesn't matter what sweater he wears. Kevyn Adams has been injured most of the year and just returned to the lineup on Sunday. Andrew Ladd has played well since the trade deadline trade. In eight games with the Blackhawks, Ladd has recorded six (2/4) points and is a -1.
Since the Ladd trade, Tuomo Ruutu has played well with the Hurricanes, recording just three (1/2) points, but he's been a very physical and energetic player.
Sergei Samsonov, though, has to be the best acquisition the Hurricanes have made in quite some time. Since being claimed on re-entry waivers from the Blackhawks on January 8, Samsonov has 24 (12/12) points in 27 games and is a +11. In that time frame, he's been the most prolific Hurricanes scorer, and one of the biggest stories in the NHL.
Although these teams don't face each other very often, they know each other pretty well.
The Blackhawks are fighting just to make the playoffs, while the Hurricanes will try to extend their lead in the SE division and build on their longest winning streak of the season.
Game recap to follow.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
canes, river rats on tv tonight
Tonight the Hurricanes will play the Rangers in the fifth game of a six-game homestand.
While the Hurricanes attempt to extend their hot streak, their top minor league affiliate Albany River Rats will be playing a game against the Rochester Amerks. That game will be part of the NHL Network's AHL coverage.
I won't be able to watch either game, but I'll have the dvr working overtime.
As expected, Tim Gleason will not play tonight. The good news is that defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (ankle) has a good chance of playing.
The other good news is that Tuomo Ruutu (henceforth referred to as "Rudy" or "Rooty" or "Ruuty") will be back in the lineup. Our friend The Sliding Pokecheck has a great post about the amount of character this guy is already displaying. There's also a great picture of him at a press conference yesterday. Looking like Frankenstein's monster, but with a huge grin on his face like he couldn't be happier.
He'll play with a cage mask tonight. At least he'll attempt to play.
Eventually, I'll have a NHR post about the completely ridiculous display of asshattery last night in a college basketball game. In brief: In the Duke/Georgia Tech game, a GaTech player took a charge and hit his head against the floor very hard. He was clearly, clearly concussed. Instead of being taken to the room, he sat on the bench with his eyes rolling around in his head. He sat there for a while, then was SENT BACK INTO THE GAME by their idiot coach. On the floor, he looked worse than he did on the bench. His eyes were rolling and fluttering. He was shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, trying to remove the cobwebs and regain his focus. It was a completely asinine move by the coach, putting the boy's health in very serious jeopardy. His mother was in the stands, and I hope she went to kick the coach's ass after the game.
Anyway, both the Canes game and the River Rats game begin at 7:00. The Rats are on a bit of a streak of their own, and it should be a treat to watch.
As far as the Canes game is concerned, it will be another Staal/Staal matchup and a chance for Canes fans to lustily boo Sean Avery.
While the Hurricanes attempt to extend their hot streak, their top minor league affiliate Albany River Rats will be playing a game against the Rochester Amerks. That game will be part of the NHL Network's AHL coverage.
I won't be able to watch either game, but I'll have the dvr working overtime.
As expected, Tim Gleason will not play tonight. The good news is that defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (ankle) has a good chance of playing.
The other good news is that Tuomo Ruutu (henceforth referred to as "Rudy" or "Rooty" or "Ruuty") will be back in the lineup. Our friend The Sliding Pokecheck has a great post about the amount of character this guy is already displaying. There's also a great picture of him at a press conference yesterday. Looking like Frankenstein's monster, but with a huge grin on his face like he couldn't be happier.
He'll play with a cage mask tonight. At least he'll attempt to play.
Eventually, I'll have a NHR post about the completely ridiculous display of asshattery last night in a college basketball game. In brief: In the Duke/Georgia Tech game, a GaTech player took a charge and hit his head against the floor very hard. He was clearly, clearly concussed. Instead of being taken to the room, he sat on the bench with his eyes rolling around in his head. He sat there for a while, then was SENT BACK INTO THE GAME by their idiot coach. On the floor, he looked worse than he did on the bench. His eyes were rolling and fluttering. He was shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, trying to remove the cobwebs and regain his focus. It was a completely asinine move by the coach, putting the boy's health in very serious jeopardy. His mother was in the stands, and I hope she went to kick the coach's ass after the game.
Anyway, both the Canes game and the River Rats game begin at 7:00. The Rats are on a bit of a streak of their own, and it should be a treat to watch.
As far as the Canes game is concerned, it will be another Staal/Staal matchup and a chance for Canes fans to lustily boo Sean Avery.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Canes-Caps have late afternoon date
Today at a really awkward time of the weekend day, Carolina and Washington will square off at the RBC Center. Heading into the game, Carolina has a four point cushion over the Caps, but the Capitals have three games in hand.
Carolina leads the season series 3-2 and has won the last two games between the teams.
In the five games between the teams, Alexander Ovechkin has been simply en fuego. He has six (5/1) points, including two two-goal performances. The last time the teams met, he was kept off the scorecard. That has been happening a lot lately. Ovechkin hasn't tallied a point, and is a -5 in the last three games. JP over at Japers' Rink thinks that this has nothing to do with the arrival of Ovie's new girlfriend, who he met over the internet. There's a correlation between her arrival in town on February 7, and his virtual disappearance from the scoresheet. Correlation, not causation. Who knows whether she's wearing him out in the sack, or if he's daydreaming about her during the game, but he's gone ice cold. He may have snapped a scoring slump with the ladies, but the Capitals aren't paying him for that kind of scoring.
Carolina can only hope that hockey's answer to Jessica Simpson shows up at the RBC Center sporting one of these:
Carolina will be without their captain for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs. Rod Brind'Amour suffered a knee injury in the first minute of play on February 14 against the Penguins. Including that game, the Hurricanes are 3-1-1 without their Captain. In that time, Eric Staal has recorded seven (2/5) points. We'd really like it if Staal stepped up the same way Evgeni Malkin did when Crosby went down, but we Canes fans are pretty happy with what he's done.
This is a huge game for both teams. If Carolina can win this game outright, they can widen their lead over the Caps to six points, which takes the games in hand out of play.
Olaf Kolzig is calling this "the biggest game of the year." Mike from DC One-Timer is calling it "the most important game the Caps have played in the last 2 1/2 years." I'm guessing the Caps will have their game faces on. Will Carolina have theirs? One of the problems Carolina has had this season is consistency. They'll play an amazing game, a full 60 minutes of hockey one night, then come out flat the next game.
Eric Staal knows that this is his team now. He does all that "this is a team sport; it's not about one guy" stuff with the press, but he knows, and we all do, that it's on him now. He's capable of making it happen, and the rest of the guys are capable of stepping up their game in the face of adversity. Now is the time.
Carolina is 5-0-1 in their last six home games. Washington is 3-2-1 in their last six road games. The Caps will be playing on the front end of a back-to-back, while Carolina will be off until Tuesday.
We'd like to welcome DC One-Timer to the fray. As always, check out the excellent coverage around the Caps blogosphere from Off Wing Opinion, Japers' Rink, A View From The Cheap Seats, and from the owner himself, Ted's Take.
Carolina leads the season series 3-2 and has won the last two games between the teams.
In the five games between the teams, Alexander Ovechkin has been simply en fuego. He has six (5/1) points, including two two-goal performances. The last time the teams met, he was kept off the scorecard. That has been happening a lot lately. Ovechkin hasn't tallied a point, and is a -5 in the last three games. JP over at Japers' Rink thinks that this has nothing to do with the arrival of Ovie's new girlfriend, who he met over the internet. There's a correlation between her arrival in town on February 7, and his virtual disappearance from the scoresheet. Correlation, not causation. Who knows whether she's wearing him out in the sack, or if he's daydreaming about her during the game, but he's gone ice cold. He may have snapped a scoring slump with the ladies, but the Capitals aren't paying him for that kind of scoring.
Carolina can only hope that hockey's answer to Jessica Simpson shows up at the RBC Center sporting one of these:
Carolina will be without their captain for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs. Rod Brind'Amour suffered a knee injury in the first minute of play on February 14 against the Penguins. Including that game, the Hurricanes are 3-1-1 without their Captain. In that time, Eric Staal has recorded seven (2/5) points. We'd really like it if Staal stepped up the same way Evgeni Malkin did when Crosby went down, but we Canes fans are pretty happy with what he's done.
This is a huge game for both teams. If Carolina can win this game outright, they can widen their lead over the Caps to six points, which takes the games in hand out of play.
Olaf Kolzig is calling this "the biggest game of the year." Mike from DC One-Timer is calling it "the most important game the Caps have played in the last 2 1/2 years." I'm guessing the Caps will have their game faces on. Will Carolina have theirs? One of the problems Carolina has had this season is consistency. They'll play an amazing game, a full 60 minutes of hockey one night, then come out flat the next game.
Eric Staal knows that this is his team now. He does all that "this is a team sport; it's not about one guy" stuff with the press, but he knows, and we all do, that it's on him now. He's capable of making it happen, and the rest of the guys are capable of stepping up their game in the face of adversity. Now is the time.
Carolina is 5-0-1 in their last six home games. Washington is 3-2-1 in their last six road games. The Caps will be playing on the front end of a back-to-back, while Carolina will be off until Tuesday.
We'd like to welcome DC One-Timer to the fray. As always, check out the excellent coverage around the Caps blogosphere from Off Wing Opinion, Japers' Rink, A View From The Cheap Seats, and from the owner himself, Ted's Take.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ryan Bayda becomes the flu's latest victim
Carolina Hurricanes third line left winger Ryan Bayda was sent home from practice today because he was sick. Here's the list of players already out of the lineup for tonight's game against the Bruins:
C Rod Brind'Amour (out for the season -- ACL)
LW Justin Williams (out for the season -- ACL, MCL)
C Chad LaRose (out for the season -- broken leg)
D Dennis Seidenberg (ankle)
W Patrick Eaves (shoulder)
D Bret Hedican (lower body)
D David Tanabe (concussion)
From the sounds of the reports this morning, LW Bayda will be unable to go, making the count eight.
In addition, the following players are sick with flu-like symptoms, but will probably play anyway, but will be unable to give 100%:
RW Erik Cole
LW Ray Whitney
There's a reasonable chance that Carolina could only have nine forwards available tonight, and that's counting Wade Brookbank.
Center Joe Jensen was called up from Albany on Monday, only to be hospitalized by illness during the game. He was reassigned to Albany, but sent home to bed.
This will be the first of six straight home games for the Canes, who have won four home games in a row.
Washington and Atlanta, who both trail the Hurricanes by two standings points, are idle tonight. Florida, who is four points back, is at Pittsburgh.
Puck drop is at 7:00. No local TV coverage.
C Rod Brind'Amour (out for the season -- ACL)
LW Justin Williams (out for the season -- ACL, MCL)
C Chad LaRose (out for the season -- broken leg)
D Dennis Seidenberg (ankle)
W Patrick Eaves (shoulder)
D Bret Hedican (lower body)
D David Tanabe (concussion)
From the sounds of the reports this morning, LW Bayda will be unable to go, making the count eight.
In addition, the following players are sick with flu-like symptoms, but will probably play anyway, but will be unable to give 100%:
RW Erik Cole
LW Ray Whitney
There's a reasonable chance that Carolina could only have nine forwards available tonight, and that's counting Wade Brookbank.
Center Joe Jensen was called up from Albany on Monday, only to be hospitalized by illness during the game. He was reassigned to Albany, but sent home to bed.
This will be the first of six straight home games for the Canes, who have won four home games in a row.
Washington and Atlanta, who both trail the Hurricanes by two standings points, are idle tonight. Florida, who is four points back, is at Pittsburgh.
Puck drop is at 7:00. No local TV coverage.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Illness, Devils pound Carolina.
In a rare lunchtime game, the Devils trounced the Hurricanes 5-1 on Monday. This is the second time in as many visits to the Devils' new arena that the Canes have been thoroughly beaten.
With Erik Cole feeling the effects of the flu, Carolina had to make an emergency callup. Two weeks ago, they acquired forward Joe Jensen in a prospect trade with the Penguins. The Canes had no choice but to call him up, but things did not go well for him. Jensen became ill during the game, and by the time the game was over, he was so violently ill that he required hospitalization.
After receiving IV fluids and other treatment, Jensen was released and will fly to Raleigh to join the rest of the team.
Carolina will play host to the Bruins on Tuesday. No word yet on whether Cole will be back or if someone else will be called up to take Jensen's spot.
This is getting ridiculous.
The Bruins last played on Saturday, a 4-3 overtime loss at Toronto. In their last seven games, they are 2-4-1 and have been outscored 23-15.
Carolina is 4-3 in their last seven games, and have been outscored 22-16.
The two teams met last Tuesday in Boston. In a 3-2 Hurricanes victory, Sergei Samsonov had the game-winning goal against his former team.
With Erik Cole feeling the effects of the flu, Carolina had to make an emergency callup. Two weeks ago, they acquired forward Joe Jensen in a prospect trade with the Penguins. The Canes had no choice but to call him up, but things did not go well for him. Jensen became ill during the game, and by the time the game was over, he was so violently ill that he required hospitalization.
After receiving IV fluids and other treatment, Jensen was released and will fly to Raleigh to join the rest of the team.
Carolina will play host to the Bruins on Tuesday. No word yet on whether Cole will be back or if someone else will be called up to take Jensen's spot.
This is getting ridiculous.
The Bruins last played on Saturday, a 4-3 overtime loss at Toronto. In their last seven games, they are 2-4-1 and have been outscored 23-15.
Carolina is 4-3 in their last seven games, and have been outscored 22-16.
The two teams met last Tuesday in Boston. In a 3-2 Hurricanes victory, Sergei Samsonov had the game-winning goal against his former team.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Canes visit Bubba
On Tuesday night, the Hurricanes will visit Bubba for the second of five straight road games. They are coming off a 4-1 loss in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
This will be the fourth game in the Central division road game series. So far, Carolina has lost on the road to Columbus, Detroit and St. Louis. While these out-of-conference games are generally regarded as "not as important", Carolina will need a win to avoid falling into second place in the Southeast Division.
The last time Carolina met the Predators was in the year of the Cup. Carolina won in overtime and Tomas Vokoun had a major meltdown afterwards, launching his goalie stick into the protective netting behind him. Of course Vokoun is no longer a Pred, and Josef Vasicek doesn't play for either team anymore.
This will be Scott Walker's first return to Bubba since he left the Preds in the summer of '06.
Speaking of the Preds, some idiotic rumor monger (you know which one) is trying to suggest that the Canes are looking to ship Erik Cole to the Preds for Kevin Klein +. Sorry, but I'm not buying that, unless the "plus" means Martin Erat. Klein, who is most famous for starring in "A Fish Called Wanda", "Dave" and "The Ice Storm", has played in only 16 NHL games. This season, he has appeared in 11 games and has recorded two assists. He has been a healthy scratch for the last 11 games, and was scratched for 24 straight games earlier in the season. Although he sort of falls into the "puck-moving defenseman" category that the Canes are looking for, he's just not NHL-ready. Carolina would have to get much more in the "immediate impact" department to make a Cole trade make any sense. Radulov is right out. There are no other forwards who would make any sense.
I'm just not buying this as a trade deadline thing. Much more likely would be for something to happen with Colorado and J-M Liles.
Nashville will be playing the third of four straight home games, and they have won the last two.
For some excellent Preds coverage, please visit On the Forecheck.
Puck drop will be 8:00 Eastern time, and the game will be broadcast nationally on Versus.
This will be the fourth game in the Central division road game series. So far, Carolina has lost on the road to Columbus, Detroit and St. Louis. While these out-of-conference games are generally regarded as "not as important", Carolina will need a win to avoid falling into second place in the Southeast Division.
The last time Carolina met the Predators was in the year of the Cup. Carolina won in overtime and Tomas Vokoun had a major meltdown afterwards, launching his goalie stick into the protective netting behind him. Of course Vokoun is no longer a Pred, and Josef Vasicek doesn't play for either team anymore.
This will be Scott Walker's first return to Bubba since he left the Preds in the summer of '06.
Speaking of the Preds, some idiotic rumor monger (you know which one) is trying to suggest that the Canes are looking to ship Erik Cole to the Preds for Kevin Klein +. Sorry, but I'm not buying that, unless the "plus" means Martin Erat. Klein, who is most famous for starring in "A Fish Called Wanda", "Dave" and "The Ice Storm", has played in only 16 NHL games. This season, he has appeared in 11 games and has recorded two assists. He has been a healthy scratch for the last 11 games, and was scratched for 24 straight games earlier in the season. Although he sort of falls into the "puck-moving defenseman" category that the Canes are looking for, he's just not NHL-ready. Carolina would have to get much more in the "immediate impact" department to make a Cole trade make any sense. Radulov is right out. There are no other forwards who would make any sense.
I'm just not buying this as a trade deadline thing. Much more likely would be for something to happen with Colorado and J-M Liles.
Nashville will be playing the third of four straight home games, and they have won the last two.
For some excellent Preds coverage, please visit On the Forecheck.
Puck drop will be 8:00 Eastern time, and the game will be broadcast nationally on Versus.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Canes-Rangers
Tonight the Rangers come back to town for a much anticipated 7:00 game.
The Canes haven't played in a week. I'm sure the guys are anxious to get back on the ice, and I know the fans are ready so see the boys again.
However, the restlessness has a little more to do with the Blueshirts than it has to do with the All-Star break. The last time these two teams squared off, Matt Cullen left the game with a concussion after a hard high hit from Colton Orr. Later in the game, Andrew Ladd suffered a broken orbital bone after he was sucker-punched by Sean Avery while the linesmen were restraining Ladd.
Carolina spent the better part of 05-06, the entirety of 06-07, and the first half of this season without an "enforcer", but that game changed it all. Wade Brookbank, the 6'4" 227 lb enforcer, was recalled from Albany the next day. Since then, he has made his presence known. He isn't getting much ice time, but his time is short and to the point.
Peter Laviolette is more concerned about getting the two standings points tonight and hasn't told his players to "even the score" or anything like that. According to LSB, he has expressly forbidden Andrew Ladd from fighting.
However, Brookbank is in the lineup, and Laviolette says the boys will be ready for whatever happens.
Defenseman Tim Gleason echoed the sentiment :
I won't be at the game. I'll be watching from home on Center Ice. I'm hoping that the RBC Center faithful give Sean Avery a not-so-warm welcome.
Secondary to all that piss and vinegar stuff, Eric Staal will be trying to beat his little brother Mark.
A tertiary rallying point is that Matt Cullen will be going against the team who never made him feel like he was a welcome addition to the team.
Although I would love to see Avery get his ass whipped, I'm not anticipating any fireworks. Just a good game.
In the near future, I plan to write a very boring piece about the naming rights of the NHL Arenas. Some of them aren't as funny as you think.
The Canes haven't played in a week. I'm sure the guys are anxious to get back on the ice, and I know the fans are ready so see the boys again.
However, the restlessness has a little more to do with the Blueshirts than it has to do with the All-Star break. The last time these two teams squared off, Matt Cullen left the game with a concussion after a hard high hit from Colton Orr. Later in the game, Andrew Ladd suffered a broken orbital bone after he was sucker-punched by Sean Avery while the linesmen were restraining Ladd.
Carolina spent the better part of 05-06, the entirety of 06-07, and the first half of this season without an "enforcer", but that game changed it all. Wade Brookbank, the 6'4" 227 lb enforcer, was recalled from Albany the next day. Since then, he has made his presence known. He isn't getting much ice time, but his time is short and to the point.
Peter Laviolette is more concerned about getting the two standings points tonight and hasn't told his players to "even the score" or anything like that. According to LSB, he has expressly forbidden Andrew Ladd from fighting.
However, Brookbank is in the lineup, and Laviolette says the boys will be ready for whatever happens.
Defenseman Tim Gleason echoed the sentiment :
"We don’t want to focus on one particular person. We want to focus on beating them to pucks. If they want to goon it up, we have no problem doing that, but that’s not the way we play.
We’re just a hard-working team. When it comes down to it, if they want to get gritty, we’ll get gritty back.... If we have to muck it up, we’ll muck it up."
I won't be at the game. I'll be watching from home on Center Ice. I'm hoping that the RBC Center faithful give Sean Avery a not-so-warm welcome.
Secondary to all that piss and vinegar stuff, Eric Staal will be trying to beat his little brother Mark.
A tertiary rallying point is that Matt Cullen will be going against the team who never made him feel like he was a welcome addition to the team.
Although I would love to see Avery get his ass whipped, I'm not anticipating any fireworks. Just a good game.
In the near future, I plan to write a very boring piece about the naming rights of the NHL Arenas. Some of them aren't as funny as you think.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Brind'Amour, Ladd, Commodore return to the ice
On Thursday night, the Hurricanes will return to Southeast Division play, and three of their players will make their return to the ice. Rod Brind'Amour missed one game with the flu, Mike Commodore missed 12 with a broken finger and Andrew Ladd missed four with a reassignment and a bout with the flu. With Chad LaRose and David Tanabe out with concussions and Craig Adams suspended, they will be needed.
The N&O reports that the Canes will roll with 11 forwards and seven defensemen tonight, which is a pretty common occurrence under Peter Laviolette. He's keeping mum on who the starting goaltender will be, but Johnny Crackers looked fantastic against the Leafs and got the job done against Philly, earning two wins in a row. I'm given to saying things like "You shouldn't change your horses midstream" and "Ride a goalie while he's hot". I wouldn't be surprised to see him in nets tonight. Given his struggles against his former team, however, I'd bet my paycheck that we'll see Cam Ward against the Bolts on Saturday.
The Hurricanes have won three of the four meetings between the teams so far this season. All have been good games.
Carolina's main focus will be on Olli "Cane Killa" Jokinen. He has enjoyed a ton of success against the Canes over the years and has tallied six (1/5) points against the Canes in four games this season. If this guy played for my team, I would love him. But he doesn't, and I don't.
Cory Stillman (3/2) Rod Brind'Amour (2/3)and Matt Cullen (1/4) each have five points versus the Kitties this year. Justin Williams (2/2) and Ray Whitney (1/3) each have four.
Puck drop will be at 7:30.
The N&O reports that the Canes will roll with 11 forwards and seven defensemen tonight, which is a pretty common occurrence under Peter Laviolette. He's keeping mum on who the starting goaltender will be, but Johnny Crackers looked fantastic against the Leafs and got the job done against Philly, earning two wins in a row. I'm given to saying things like "You shouldn't change your horses midstream" and "Ride a goalie while he's hot". I wouldn't be surprised to see him in nets tonight. Given his struggles against his former team, however, I'd bet my paycheck that we'll see Cam Ward against the Bolts on Saturday.
The Hurricanes have won three of the four meetings between the teams so far this season. All have been good games.
Carolina's main focus will be on Olli "Cane Killa" Jokinen. He has enjoyed a ton of success against the Canes over the years and has tallied six (1/5) points against the Canes in four games this season. If this guy played for my team, I would love him. But he doesn't, and I don't.
Cory Stillman (3/2) Rod Brind'Amour (2/3)and Matt Cullen (1/4) each have five points versus the Kitties this year. Justin Williams (2/2) and Ray Whitney (1/3) each have four.
Puck drop will be at 7:30.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
A tale of two cities
While Carolina is unbeatable in Montréal, they can't buy a win in Detroit. Add that to the difficulties of a 19-hour turnaround from the end of Saturday's game to the start of Sunday's.
Entering last night's game, Carolina had eight consecutive wins at the Bell/Molson Centre, dating back to the lockout. The 5-1 win stretched that streak to nine, including postseason. Detroit is a different tale altogether. Carolina won game one of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final at the Joe, but aside from that, Carolina/Hartford hasn't won a game there since 1989. Unless I have it wrong, that's a run of 0-10-0-2. Throw in the 2002 Stanley Cup, and it's 1-12-0-2. That's a terrible record.
Thanks in large part to that 2002 Stanley Cup disaster, the Hurricanes count Detroit as one of their rivals. They don't fool themselves into thinking that the feeling is reciprocated, but it's always a big game against the Wings. Carolina has done a little better against the Winged Wheel at the RBC Center, but not at the Joe.
Ray Whitney will be playing there for the first time since they bought out his contract coming out of the lockout. He's not looking at it as a sort of homecoming. He doesn't say so, but I think it has to be a red letter game, going against a team that essentially threw him away.
Chad LaRose, who is from nearby Fraser, Michigan is viewing this as a homecoming. He's snatched up about 60 tickets for relatives and friends. He's played in the Joe before, but not as a professional. As a seven year old, his team played a game there. According to Lord Stanley's Blog, he has a painful memory of that game
In order for Fox Sports South to air "The best damn archery shots" or "the best damn arm wrestling bouts" or some other such dreck, they won't show this game. Their excuse is that there's a college basketball game scheduled to air at 7:30. One that doesn't feature any of the teams from the FSS viewing area. You can still catch the game on Center Ice. Fox Sports Detroit is also scheduled to show a college basketball game at 7:30, but they're going to air the Red Wings game in its entirety, sacrificing the first seven minutes of the basketball game, joining it in progress.
I wonder why FSS didn't consider the option of running the hockey game in its entirety, picking up the basketball game on a (roughly) seven minute tape delay, then catching up to live time during halftime. Seems like that would work.
Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'll pick up the FSN Detroit broadcast.
The Red Wings have been off since Friday, and are a red hot team. They're leading the league in goals per game at 3.36. Carolina is third with 3.2. Also, they're third in the league in goals allowed per game at 2.21 while Carolina is 23rd at 2.93.
Chris Osgood, who has a league best 1.79 Goals Against Average, will thankfully have the night off. Dominik Hasek, though, is no slouch. His numbers this season are way less scary than they used to be, but he's still "The Dominator".
Carolina will be very tired. They played in Montréal last night while the Wings were sleeping. However, they skated seven defensemen and really only rolled three lines last night. Since there was one healthy scratch (Jeff Hamilton) and two guys (Craig Adams, Trevor Letowski) who played sparingly on the fourth line, they'll be asked to contribute a lot tonight. Chad LaRose is all geeked up, so there won't be any problem getting effort from him, but it's going to be hard for the other guys.
The second period will be the deal. That's when fatigue will most likely be the biggest factor working against the Canes. Maybe, just maybe, they'll get lucky and catch the Wings napping. I wouldn't bank on it though.
Around the Wings blogosphere:
Abel to Yzerman
Behind the Jersey
On the Wings
Entering last night's game, Carolina had eight consecutive wins at the Bell/Molson Centre, dating back to the lockout. The 5-1 win stretched that streak to nine, including postseason. Detroit is a different tale altogether. Carolina won game one of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final at the Joe, but aside from that, Carolina/Hartford hasn't won a game there since 1989. Unless I have it wrong, that's a run of 0-10-0-2. Throw in the 2002 Stanley Cup, and it's 1-12-0-2. That's a terrible record.
Thanks in large part to that 2002 Stanley Cup disaster, the Hurricanes count Detroit as one of their rivals. They don't fool themselves into thinking that the feeling is reciprocated, but it's always a big game against the Wings. Carolina has done a little better against the Winged Wheel at the RBC Center, but not at the Joe.
Ray Whitney will be playing there for the first time since they bought out his contract coming out of the lockout. He's not looking at it as a sort of homecoming. He doesn't say so, but I think it has to be a red letter game, going against a team that essentially threw him away.
Chad LaRose, who is from nearby Fraser, Michigan is viewing this as a homecoming. He's snatched up about 60 tickets for relatives and friends. He's played in the Joe before, but not as a professional. As a seven year old, his team played a game there. According to Lord Stanley's Blog, he has a painful memory of that game
“I had a penalty shot and I missed,” LaRose said. “I cried all the way home.”Defenseman Tim Gleason is also from the Detroit area. His hometown of Clawson is just 20 miles north of the Motor City. The paper doesn't mention it, but I'm sure he's got dozens of friends and family there as well.
In order for Fox Sports South to air "The best damn archery shots" or "the best damn arm wrestling bouts" or some other such dreck, they won't show this game. Their excuse is that there's a college basketball game scheduled to air at 7:30. One that doesn't feature any of the teams from the FSS viewing area. You can still catch the game on Center Ice. Fox Sports Detroit is also scheduled to show a college basketball game at 7:30, but they're going to air the Red Wings game in its entirety, sacrificing the first seven minutes of the basketball game, joining it in progress.
I wonder why FSS didn't consider the option of running the hockey game in its entirety, picking up the basketball game on a (roughly) seven minute tape delay, then catching up to live time during halftime. Seems like that would work.
Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'll pick up the FSN Detroit broadcast.
The Red Wings have been off since Friday, and are a red hot team. They're leading the league in goals per game at 3.36. Carolina is third with 3.2. Also, they're third in the league in goals allowed per game at 2.21 while Carolina is 23rd at 2.93.
Chris Osgood, who has a league best 1.79 Goals Against Average, will thankfully have the night off. Dominik Hasek, though, is no slouch. His numbers this season are way less scary than they used to be, but he's still "The Dominator".
Carolina will be very tired. They played in Montréal last night while the Wings were sleeping. However, they skated seven defensemen and really only rolled three lines last night. Since there was one healthy scratch (Jeff Hamilton) and two guys (Craig Adams, Trevor Letowski) who played sparingly on the fourth line, they'll be asked to contribute a lot tonight. Chad LaRose is all geeked up, so there won't be any problem getting effort from him, but it's going to be hard for the other guys.
The second period will be the deal. That's when fatigue will most likely be the biggest factor working against the Canes. Maybe, just maybe, they'll get lucky and catch the Wings napping. I wouldn't bank on it though.
Around the Wings blogosphere:
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Canes to end road trip with grueling back-to-back
On Saturday afternoon, the Hurricanes will enter the friendly confines of the Bell Centre to take on the Canadiens. This game will end at about 9:30 eastern time. The Canes will then immediately fly to Detroit after going through Customs and play a Sunday afternoon game at 5:00 eastern. The Red Wings will be resting at home after having played there Friday night.
This seems extreme, but there are no rules against this kind of quick turnaround.
Carolina hasn't lost a game in Montréal since before the lockout, and there are two Hurricaes players who would just as soon call the Bell Centre home:
For the Hurricanes, Nic Wallin is "probable" for Saturday after sitting out a few games with lingering shoulder issues. Mike Commodore will continue to be out with a broken finger.
As for Les Habitants, they will be without the services of left wing Steve Bégin (shoulder) and centerman Brian Smolinski (knee). The slumping Michael Ryder was a healthy scratch in Montréal's last game as a "message" from coach Guy Carbonneau. Goaltender Cristobal Huet is out with a groin injury, leaving Carey Price at the wheel.
Puck drop will be at 7:00.
The Canes have been doing the Jekkyl/Hyde thing, alternating wins and losses. Their last game was a 2-1 loss at Tampa.
The Habs are coming off a 4-2 win over Boston. They have also been (for the most part) alternating wins and losses.
This will close out the four game series between the two teams. The Habs have won two and lost one. They have outscored Carolina 11-9 in those three games.
Montréal's offensive leaders are Alex Kovalev with 23 (12/11) points, Tomas Plekanec with 21 (9/12) and Saku Koivu with 21 (5/16).
Carolina's offensive leaders are Cory Stillman with 34 (16/18) points, Rod Brind'Amour with 31 (13/18) and Ray Whitney (12/15) Matt Cullen (6/21) and Justin Williams (9/18) with 27 points apiece.
Around the Habs blogosphere:
A Theory of Ice
Eyes on the Prize
Four Habs Fans
Sisu Hockey
A full writeup should follow the game.
This seems extreme, but there are no rules against this kind of quick turnaround.
Carolina hasn't lost a game in Montréal since before the lockout, and there are two Hurricaes players who would just as soon call the Bell Centre home:
- In nine regular season games in Montréal, Erik Cole has registered 12 (8/4) points including two hat tricks. Last game there, Cole recorded one assist.
In addition, Cole scored three goals in three playoff games at Molson in 2002. - Cam Ward has never lost a game in Montréal. He has a career GAA of 1.48 and a save % of .948 in that building.
For the Hurricanes, Nic Wallin is "probable" for Saturday after sitting out a few games with lingering shoulder issues. Mike Commodore will continue to be out with a broken finger.
As for Les Habitants, they will be without the services of left wing Steve Bégin (shoulder) and centerman Brian Smolinski (knee). The slumping Michael Ryder was a healthy scratch in Montréal's last game as a "message" from coach Guy Carbonneau. Goaltender Cristobal Huet is out with a groin injury, leaving Carey Price at the wheel.
Puck drop will be at 7:00.
The Canes have been doing the Jekkyl/Hyde thing, alternating wins and losses. Their last game was a 2-1 loss at Tampa.
The Habs are coming off a 4-2 win over Boston. They have also been (for the most part) alternating wins and losses.
This will close out the four game series between the two teams. The Habs have won two and lost one. They have outscored Carolina 11-9 in those three games.
Montréal's offensive leaders are Alex Kovalev with 23 (12/11) points, Tomas Plekanec with 21 (9/12) and Saku Koivu with 21 (5/16).
Carolina's offensive leaders are Cory Stillman with 34 (16/18) points, Rod Brind'Amour with 31 (13/18) and Ray Whitney (12/15) Matt Cullen (6/21) and Justin Williams (9/18) with 27 points apiece.
Around the Habs blogosphere:
A full writeup should follow the game.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Canes-Sabres tonight
The Hurricanes and Sabres will be meeting for the second time this season, and the first in Buffalo. The injured but well rested Sabres have been idle and at home since Wednesday, while the healthy but tired Canes are on the back end of a back-to-back.
Buffalo completely dominated the Hurricanes last season. Carolina was 0-3-1 versus the Sabres last season and they were outscored 19-11. Earlier this season, Carolina used a third period explosion to win 6-2 at home.
Carolina, who played very well in October, ran into some problems in November. Erik Cole was out for several games. Scott Walker was out for several games. Andrew "Trade Bait" Ladd was out for a few games. Defenseman Nic Wallin was out for a few games. Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg missed a few games with some immigration problems. The whole team forgot how to pass and shoot and skate. November was ugly, and they're glad it's over. Although still in the top two in the league in goals scored, Carolina hit a very dry spell in late November. As I detailed the other day, Carolina went 2-5-0 in a seven game span and was outscored 27-13 in that span.
Carolina is a very high-powered and dangerous team if they get hot. The only problem is that they never got hot in November. Thankfully, they never got ice cold either. They never put together a streak of more than two wins or more than two losses.
Buffalo, on the other hand has been the paragon of "streaky". Prior to Wednesday's loss to the Blues, the Sabres had won five games in a row and had outscored their opponents 18-6. Just before that, they had a six game span where they went 1-5-0 and were outscored 15-7.
According to the Buffalo News, the Sabres will be without Adam Mair, who is recovering from an ankle injury. He could go tonight but they're saving him for their upcoming west coast road trip.
The Sabres have been juggling their lines to deal with injuries, but tonight, the Canes should be facing a top line of Jochen Hecht/Tim Connolly/Jason Pominville. Or is that their second line? Either way, this is a very skilled line, and Carolina will have to step up on defense while also staying out of the box.
In other Sabres news, Brian "Soupy" Campbell has given the captaincy for the month of December.
Derek Roy should be back in the lineup for the Sabres, but Dmitri Kalinin will still be out.
Carolina will be playing without Defensemen Mike Commodore (broken finger) and "Avi" Tanabe (flu). I'm hoping that Andrew Ladd goes to the press box and Trevor Letowski is given a shot. Ladd's play has been pretty uninspired lately. Frankly, I'd really like to see him traded out West for one of those young puck moving defensemen like J-M Liles or Matt Carle. Ladd was a fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft behind Ovechkin, Malkin and Cam Barker. He has a tremendous amount of "untapped potential", but it's getting kind of old waiting for it to come to fruition.
For tonight's matchup, I would expect Peter Laviolette to give Cam Ward the night off after playing last night. Johnny Crackers hasn't been very good lately, or really at all. However, he's going to have to be the man tonight. Until Carolina calls Michael Leighton up from Albany, Crackers is the #2 guy.
Although Carolina's PP and PK woes continue, last night they found a way to find a way. Despite being badly outshot, they turned the ship in the right direction and had the advantage in "scoring chances". Unlike the other night against Philly when they had 41 shots, but very few scoring chances, they had good chances and had quality shots. And they got some bounces. Sometimes, a lucky bounce or two is all a team needs to get back in their groove. I hope that's the trick.
Kevin BFLOBLOG will be at HSBC with his son. The Sabres usually win when his son is there. Nothing personal against the little guy, but I hope his luck runs out tonight.
For Sabres commentary, visit BFLOBLOG, as well as these other blogger-types:
Sabre Rattling
The Willful Caboose
Dispatches from the Aud
Top Shelf
Kevin BFLOBLOG is one of the good guys. He roots for the wrong team, but he's a good writer and a good hockey fan. And he respects the competition.
While I often disagree with Tom Sabre Rattling when it comes to analysis of Canes games or players, I don't have a problem with him. He doesn't like the Canes but he doesn't use the third grade tactic of calling them names either. He's just a passionate fan with a healthy dislike for our boys in red and black.
I'd gladly drink beer with either one of these guys. I can't speak for or endorse the others. I just know that they're active Sabres bloggers.
For giggles, here's proof that the Sabres are pretty cool guys. Although this video sparked a little bit of debate, the whole thing is clearly staged. And funny.
The Buffalo Sabres: Can they pick up the pieces
And this piece about Andrew Peters:
Okay. That's enough. Puck drop at 7:00. Full write-up to follow.
Buffalo completely dominated the Hurricanes last season. Carolina was 0-3-1 versus the Sabres last season and they were outscored 19-11. Earlier this season, Carolina used a third period explosion to win 6-2 at home.
Carolina, who played very well in October, ran into some problems in November. Erik Cole was out for several games. Scott Walker was out for several games. Andrew "Trade Bait" Ladd was out for a few games. Defenseman Nic Wallin was out for a few games. Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg missed a few games with some immigration problems. The whole team forgot how to pass and shoot and skate. November was ugly, and they're glad it's over. Although still in the top two in the league in goals scored, Carolina hit a very dry spell in late November. As I detailed the other day, Carolina went 2-5-0 in a seven game span and was outscored 27-13 in that span.
Carolina is a very high-powered and dangerous team if they get hot. The only problem is that they never got hot in November. Thankfully, they never got ice cold either. They never put together a streak of more than two wins or more than two losses.
Buffalo, on the other hand has been the paragon of "streaky". Prior to Wednesday's loss to the Blues, the Sabres had won five games in a row and had outscored their opponents 18-6. Just before that, they had a six game span where they went 1-5-0 and were outscored 15-7.
According to the Buffalo News, the Sabres will be without Adam Mair, who is recovering from an ankle injury. He could go tonight but they're saving him for their upcoming west coast road trip.
The Sabres have been juggling their lines to deal with injuries, but tonight, the Canes should be facing a top line of Jochen Hecht/Tim Connolly/Jason Pominville. Or is that their second line? Either way, this is a very skilled line, and Carolina will have to step up on defense while also staying out of the box.
In other Sabres news, Brian "Soupy" Campbell has given the captaincy for the month of December.
Derek Roy should be back in the lineup for the Sabres, but Dmitri Kalinin will still be out.
Carolina will be playing without Defensemen Mike Commodore (broken finger) and "Avi" Tanabe (flu). I'm hoping that Andrew Ladd goes to the press box and Trevor Letowski is given a shot. Ladd's play has been pretty uninspired lately. Frankly, I'd really like to see him traded out West for one of those young puck moving defensemen like J-M Liles or Matt Carle. Ladd was a fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft behind Ovechkin, Malkin and Cam Barker. He has a tremendous amount of "untapped potential", but it's getting kind of old waiting for it to come to fruition.
For tonight's matchup, I would expect Peter Laviolette to give Cam Ward the night off after playing last night. Johnny Crackers hasn't been very good lately, or really at all. However, he's going to have to be the man tonight. Until Carolina calls Michael Leighton up from Albany, Crackers is the #2 guy.
Although Carolina's PP and PK woes continue, last night they found a way to find a way. Despite being badly outshot, they turned the ship in the right direction and had the advantage in "scoring chances". Unlike the other night against Philly when they had 41 shots, but very few scoring chances, they had good chances and had quality shots. And they got some bounces. Sometimes, a lucky bounce or two is all a team needs to get back in their groove. I hope that's the trick.
Kevin BFLOBLOG will be at HSBC with his son. The Sabres usually win when his son is there. Nothing personal against the little guy, but I hope his luck runs out tonight.
For Sabres commentary, visit BFLOBLOG, as well as these other blogger-types:
Kevin BFLOBLOG is one of the good guys. He roots for the wrong team, but he's a good writer and a good hockey fan. And he respects the competition.
While I often disagree with Tom Sabre Rattling when it comes to analysis of Canes games or players, I don't have a problem with him. He doesn't like the Canes but he doesn't use the third grade tactic of calling them names either. He's just a passionate fan with a healthy dislike for our boys in red and black.
I'd gladly drink beer with either one of these guys. I can't speak for or endorse the others. I just know that they're active Sabres bloggers.
For giggles, here's proof that the Sabres are pretty cool guys. Although this video sparked a little bit of debate, the whole thing is clearly staged. And funny.
The Buffalo Sabres: Can they pick up the pieces
And this piece about Andrew Peters:
Okay. That's enough. Puck drop at 7:00. Full write-up to follow.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Bolts come to town
Tonight, the Hurricanes will host the Bolts in a key Southeast Division matchup. In two previous meetings this season, Tampa has owned the Canes, winning 6-1 and 5-1.
Last time, Peter Laviolette started former Bolt Johnny Crackers, and it didn't pay off. They beat him badly. Meanwhile, the Canes were having a whale of a time solving Johan Holmqvist.
As difficult as it was to solve the Swede, the Canes had even more trouble shutting down the high-octane first line of the Bolts. Vincent Lacavalier and Marty St. Louis have been on fire. Vaclav Prospal (who I refuse to call "Vinny") has been pretty productive too. And of all people, defenseman Shane O'Brien - formerly of the Ducks- potted two goals in the first meeting.
The good news is that Erik Cole has been activated from the IR. No word yet on whether he'll play. I suppose it's one of those game-time decisions. The Canes have been, in a word, flat since his injury last week.
I suppose Cam Ward will be in the nets for the home team.
According to the N&O, they'll be wearing a redesigned sweater that will eliminate some of the problems players have been reporting. They'll be a bit roomier and will have less of that stuff that makes the moisture wick away.
I'm hoping Dennis Seidenberg will return to the ice and "Avi" Tanabe will return to the pressbox. Like the first part of last season, he's been bad most of the time this season.
Scott Walker has been practicing, but without contact. No timetable on a return at this point.
Good news! Former full-time anthem singer Karen Tulloss (now Pahl) will be singing the anthem tonight. She was always a fan favorite, and there were many upset people when she was replaced with Holly Wilver after the lockout, and the little eight year old girl this year. Apparently, she's on permanent stand-by as the "#2 singer". I don't want to wish illness on anyone, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if the little girl is unable to sing for a while.
Details and stuff when I get back tonight.
Last time, Peter Laviolette started former Bolt Johnny Crackers, and it didn't pay off. They beat him badly. Meanwhile, the Canes were having a whale of a time solving Johan Holmqvist.
As difficult as it was to solve the Swede, the Canes had even more trouble shutting down the high-octane first line of the Bolts. Vincent Lacavalier and Marty St. Louis have been on fire. Vaclav Prospal (who I refuse to call "Vinny") has been pretty productive too. And of all people, defenseman Shane O'Brien - formerly of the Ducks- potted two goals in the first meeting.
The good news is that Erik Cole has been activated from the IR. No word yet on whether he'll play. I suppose it's one of those game-time decisions. The Canes have been, in a word, flat since his injury last week.
I suppose Cam Ward will be in the nets for the home team.
According to the N&O, they'll be wearing a redesigned sweater that will eliminate some of the problems players have been reporting. They'll be a bit roomier and will have less of that stuff that makes the moisture wick away.
I'm hoping Dennis Seidenberg will return to the ice and "Avi" Tanabe will return to the pressbox. Like the first part of last season, he's been bad most of the time this season.
Scott Walker has been practicing, but without contact. No timetable on a return at this point.
Good news! Former full-time anthem singer Karen Tulloss (now Pahl) will be singing the anthem tonight. She was always a fan favorite, and there were many upset people when she was replaced with Holly Wilver after the lockout, and the little eight year old girl this year. Apparently, she's on permanent stand-by as the "#2 singer". I don't want to wish illness on anyone, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if the little girl is unable to sing for a while.
Details and stuff when I get back tonight.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Canes - Kitties, Ronnie to enter hall
Tonight will be a bigger night for the Hurricanes off the ice than it will on it. Simultaneously, Ron Francis will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Hurricanes will be in Sunrise taking on the Panthers.
There is nothing I can say about Ronnie Franchise that hasn't been said before and more eloquently than I ever could. He is a paragon of class, a model of leadership and a perfect example of what a teammate, brother and father should be. While he won two Cups with the Penguins, he spent the majority of his career with the Whaler/Canes and holds the franchise record in all offensive categories. He will, without ever having received fanfare, enter the Hall of Fame with the second most assists (1249) in NHL history, the 21st most goals (549) and the fourth most points (1798).
TSN, NHL.com, The Raleigh News & Observer all chime in about Francis. As always, Luke Decock's piece in the N&O is well worth the price of admission. Also check out the list of 151 different players Ronnie gave goal assists to. Jaro Jagr tops that list with 110 assists received. Then there's the list of 157 different goalies he scored against. St. Patrick Roy tops that list with 16 goals against.
The induction ceremony starts at 7:30. So does the game. The game will be nationally televised on Versus, while the induction ceremony will be on the NHL Network. While NHLN has made it into the Raleigh market, it has unfortunately not made it into my market. I won't be able to watch. I guess I'll catch the tape of it later.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will be in South Florida for the first time since Halloween night, when the South Florida reporters complained about diving, and referee Brad Watson responded by whistling the Canes for two diving penalties. Carolina lost that game 4-2, but returned home to beat the Panthers by the same score in Raleigh three days later.
This time, the Panthers writers are mum. They're too busy moaning about the Panthers recent losses to the Thrashers (4-1) and the Lightning (3-1).
No word on who the officials will be tonight Mick "Helmet" McGeough will be the lead official tonight.
Ray Whitney enters the game with a nine game points streak.
Brett McLean and Richard Zednick are out for the Panthers. In their stead, they have called up Stefan Meyer and Tanner Glass from Rochester. Carolina only wishes that Olli Jokinen were out. He's been lethal against Carolina, and will be their #1 concern.
There is nothing I can say about Ronnie Franchise that hasn't been said before and more eloquently than I ever could. He is a paragon of class, a model of leadership and a perfect example of what a teammate, brother and father should be. While he won two Cups with the Penguins, he spent the majority of his career with the Whaler/Canes and holds the franchise record in all offensive categories. He will, without ever having received fanfare, enter the Hall of Fame with the second most assists (1249) in NHL history, the 21st most goals (549) and the fourth most points (1798).
TSN, NHL.com, The Raleigh News & Observer all chime in about Francis. As always, Luke Decock's piece in the N&O is well worth the price of admission. Also check out the list of 151 different players Ronnie gave goal assists to. Jaro Jagr tops that list with 110 assists received. Then there's the list of 157 different goalies he scored against. St. Patrick Roy tops that list with 16 goals against.
The induction ceremony starts at 7:30. So does the game. The game will be nationally televised on Versus, while the induction ceremony will be on the NHL Network. While NHLN has made it into the Raleigh market, it has unfortunately not made it into my market. I won't be able to watch. I guess I'll catch the tape of it later.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will be in South Florida for the first time since Halloween night, when the South Florida reporters complained about diving, and referee Brad Watson responded by whistling the Canes for two diving penalties. Carolina lost that game 4-2, but returned home to beat the Panthers by the same score in Raleigh three days later.
This time, the Panthers writers are mum. They're too busy moaning about the Panthers recent losses to the Thrashers (4-1) and the Lightning (3-1).
Ray Whitney enters the game with a nine game points streak.
Brett McLean and Richard Zednick are out for the Panthers. In their stead, they have called up Stefan Meyer and Tanner Glass from Rochester. Carolina only wishes that Olli Jokinen were out. He's been lethal against Carolina, and will be their #1 concern.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Canes-Caps
Carolina will play host to the Capitals on Monday night. On October 6, Washington handed Carolina its only shutout loss, one of only three regulation losses so far. The Hurricanes will be looking to avenge that loss and widen their SE Division lead with a win.
After having played six games in a nine day span from October 19 to October 27, Carolina has been given a bit of a breather. This is just the third game in the nine day period following that flurry.
Of 13 games in November, 11 are against SE Division opponents, including three against these Washington Capitals.
The key to tonight's game will be penalties. Carolina's power play is ranked second in the league, while their penalty kill is a dreadful 28th. Washington's power play and penalty kill are both a mediocre 19th in the league.
As always, Carolina will have to look out for Alexander Ovechkin.
As far as the power play goes, Washington will have to look out for an "under the radar" player. Jeff Hamilton, who was Carolina's only free agency catch, has quarterbacked the power play expertly. He's piled up 8 (3/5) power play points playing the opposite point from Matt Cullen, who has accrued 9 (3/6) power play points. Additionally, Hamilton has four (1/3) even strength points for a total of 12 (4/8) while Cullen has six (1/5) even strength points for a total of 15 (4/11).
Ovechkin is the only Caps player with any substantial power play production. He's got six (5/1) power play points. Micheal Nylander also has six power play points (2/4).
Carolina is one of only five teams who have yet to score a shorthanded goal.
Expect Ward and Kolzig to start between the pipes.
Puck drop is at 7:00. No Carolina TV, but it should be on Center Ice, even in the Carolina viewing area.
After having played six games in a nine day span from October 19 to October 27, Carolina has been given a bit of a breather. This is just the third game in the nine day period following that flurry.
Of 13 games in November, 11 are against SE Division opponents, including three against these Washington Capitals.
The key to tonight's game will be penalties. Carolina's power play is ranked second in the league, while their penalty kill is a dreadful 28th. Washington's power play and penalty kill are both a mediocre 19th in the league.
As always, Carolina will have to look out for Alexander Ovechkin.
As far as the power play goes, Washington will have to look out for an "under the radar" player. Jeff Hamilton, who was Carolina's only free agency catch, has quarterbacked the power play expertly. He's piled up 8 (3/5) power play points playing the opposite point from Matt Cullen, who has accrued 9 (3/6) power play points. Additionally, Hamilton has four (1/3) even strength points for a total of 12 (4/8) while Cullen has six (1/5) even strength points for a total of 15 (4/11).
Ovechkin is the only Caps player with any substantial power play production. He's got six (5/1) power play points. Micheal Nylander also has six power play points (2/4).
Carolina is one of only five teams who have yet to score a shorthanded goal.
Expect Ward and Kolzig to start between the pipes.
Puck drop is at 7:00. No Carolina TV, but it should be on Center Ice, even in the Carolina viewing area.
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