Some initial thoughts:
1. Don't know what's making the difference; all I know is this is the second game in a row WHERE WE SCORED THE FIRST GOAL! So, well done!
2. Scotty, dude, you do NOT need to be fighting right now.
3. Matt Cullen, you rule. You also remind me of an "if they mated" photo using Dave Grohl and that guy from "Ed."
4. Notice how we're creating scoring chances off the rush? Anyone? Anyone?
5. And SamSOnov is in position to take advantage of a ju-hoo-cy rebound! Oh, snap!
6. What the hell are they putting into Staal's water??? A 5-1 beatdown on the Flyers...I'm not believing this.
7. We're still up by two, no worries.
8. Upshall scores, oh jeez, here we go.
9. Bye bye, lead.
10. Going into OT
11. Lost in shootout. How the hell did that happen?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Lavi's Friday pm presser further evidence of a class act
By now you've probably seen our former coach's 24 minute press conference, held yesterday at Rey's Restaurant.
If you haven't seen it, you can find video here at WRAL SportsFan. The audio is really low, so turn up your speakers.
I was pleased to see him sporting his Stanley Cup Ring as he made his remarks, which were largely to thank people. He looked absolutely calm and relaxed. I guess he's in the denial stage of grieving, because I've never seen him look as peaceful (gosh, sounds like a funeral, doesn't it?) unless you count the summer of '06.
To sum up, he thanked the people at the RBC who put on the games, the team, the organization, the people of Raleigh who aren't necessarily Caniacs but embraced hockey and the Canes, and lastly, the fans.
Have some Kleenex nearby, because you're going to need it.
Admirably, he spoke respectfully of the Canes organization, as well as Mo and Francis in particular. He said this move is what is part of professional sports, and he's always been prepared for it, although he's sad that it's over.
I feel for his kids. Upon his firing, he and Kristen immediately got the kids out of school to break the news. They didn't take it well, of course. The middle child screamed, "Do you know how hard it is to make friends?" So it seems Lavi will be spending a lot of quality time with them for a change, going to the hockey tournaments he never gets to attend due to work, and thinking about the future.
It would be surprising if he didn't get a few offers, and soon.
Once again, thank you, Coach. See you around.
If you haven't seen it, you can find video here at WRAL SportsFan. The audio is really low, so turn up your speakers.
I was pleased to see him sporting his Stanley Cup Ring as he made his remarks, which were largely to thank people. He looked absolutely calm and relaxed. I guess he's in the denial stage of grieving, because I've never seen him look as peaceful (gosh, sounds like a funeral, doesn't it?) unless you count the summer of '06.
To sum up, he thanked the people at the RBC who put on the games, the team, the organization, the people of Raleigh who aren't necessarily Caniacs but embraced hockey and the Canes, and lastly, the fans.
Have some Kleenex nearby, because you're going to need it.
Admirably, he spoke respectfully of the Canes organization, as well as Mo and Francis in particular. He said this move is what is part of professional sports, and he's always been prepared for it, although he's sad that it's over.
I feel for his kids. Upon his firing, he and Kristen immediately got the kids out of school to break the news. They didn't take it well, of course. The middle child screamed, "Do you know how hard it is to make friends?" So it seems Lavi will be spending a lot of quality time with them for a change, going to the hockey tournaments he never gets to attend due to work, and thinking about the future.
It would be surprising if he didn't get a few offers, and soon.
Once again, thank you, Coach. See you around.
Friday, December 05, 2008
'Canes are quickly becoming the punchline to a bad joke, the author of which is Jim Rutherford
I know it's unrealistic to expect any immediate results from the firing of Coach Laviolette, but last night's beatdown by the Penguins certainly added insult to injury.
While the boys came out showing some signs of life in the form of 8 shots on goal in the first few minutes, they still gave up the first goal. After 10-11 games of that it's getting difficult to watch that happen over and over.
I'm disturbed by other things I'm hearing. McCarthy exiled to the press box. Tom Rowe alone at one end of the bench, Francis and Maurice huddled together at the other end. It sounds so high school to me, but there it is.
The only bright spot of last night's game was the return of Justin Williams, for all of 13 minutes. Oh and all things Ruutu (except for the penalties). Rosey's still out there giving his all. He's the only player with any real work ethic I'm seeing.
And please, let Seidenberg and Gleason get healthy immediately.
Leighton's goaltending was horrible. Melichar was particularly awful. Corvo still has a way to go. Despite the effort we only managed to score two goals and immediately handed goals to the Pens after each one.
I'm hearing more rumblings about retiring the Captain, stripping him of the "C," benching him, trading him, all sorts of stuff. It's getting ugly out there.
Kaberle's injured again. I say he's done. Not that we'll get much for him, but I think it's time to get some people in the lineup who can stay healthy. If there isn't a trade by the weekend I'll be surprised.
Not that I have any confidence in our GM's judgment on anything. We could end up with another Anson Carter the way things are going.
So fasten your seatbelts, Canes fans. And harden your hearts, 'cause it's gonna be an ugly season.
While the boys came out showing some signs of life in the form of 8 shots on goal in the first few minutes, they still gave up the first goal. After 10-11 games of that it's getting difficult to watch that happen over and over.
I'm disturbed by other things I'm hearing. McCarthy exiled to the press box. Tom Rowe alone at one end of the bench, Francis and Maurice huddled together at the other end. It sounds so high school to me, but there it is.
The only bright spot of last night's game was the return of Justin Williams, for all of 13 minutes. Oh and all things Ruutu (except for the penalties). Rosey's still out there giving his all. He's the only player with any real work ethic I'm seeing.
And please, let Seidenberg and Gleason get healthy immediately.
Leighton's goaltending was horrible. Melichar was particularly awful. Corvo still has a way to go. Despite the effort we only managed to score two goals and immediately handed goals to the Pens after each one.
I'm hearing more rumblings about retiring the Captain, stripping him of the "C," benching him, trading him, all sorts of stuff. It's getting ugly out there.
Kaberle's injured again. I say he's done. Not that we'll get much for him, but I think it's time to get some people in the lineup who can stay healthy. If there isn't a trade by the weekend I'll be surprised.
Not that I have any confidence in our GM's judgment on anything. We could end up with another Anson Carter the way things are going.
So fasten your seatbelts, Canes fans. And harden your hearts, 'cause it's gonna be an ugly season.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
"A Real Good Man Took the Fall For This"
That's what John Forslund just said to Mike Maniscalco on 99.9 FM The Fan, on the firing of Coach Peter Laviolette.
Paul Maurice returns, and I'm dumbfounded.
I need some time to absorb this.
In the meantime, Thank You Coach Lavi for all you did and tried to do.
Paul Maurice returns, and I'm dumbfounded.
I need some time to absorb this.
In the meantime, Thank You Coach Lavi for all you did and tried to do.
Holding my hand up, with a question for Coach Lavi
Here's an interesting tidbit from the N&O:
Williams, Francis join power-play work
Just gets the blood pumping, doesn't it? I will be at Sunday's game, and the possibility of seeing Williams on the ice there is making my heart sing. I also think the part about Francis getting out there in practice berry eenterestink.
Here's the part that caught my attention. From Lavi:
Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't you work on the power play ON GAME DAY???? There's some prime time for you.
How can a team not have time to work on the Power Play? Someone who might know, please school me in what takes priority over that, especially when your PP stats are at the bottom of the league. Thanks.
Williams, Francis join power-play work
Just gets the blood pumping, doesn't it? I will be at Sunday's game, and the possibility of seeing Williams on the ice there is making my heart sing. I also think the part about Francis getting out there in practice berry eenterestink.
Here's the part that caught my attention. From Lavi:
"When you have 16 games in a month, you don't have time to work on your power play," Canes coach Peter Laviolette said after practice. "You don't want to do that too many times, where you break the team up ... but the power play really needs it right now.
Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't you work on the power play ON GAME DAY???? There's some prime time for you.
How can a team not have time to work on the Power Play? Someone who might know, please school me in what takes priority over that, especially when your PP stats are at the bottom of the league. Thanks.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Canes fall to Ducks 4-1. I'm starting to get a complex here.
This year I've had the great fortune to attend quite a few home games. Unfortunately the Canes have lost nearly every one I've attended since the home opener. I haven't had the heart to go back and check for sure.
Last night's loss was difficult because I thought the Canes came out of the chute a tad more lively, certainly not as flat as previous nights (or matinees). I had great hope after the 2nd period that they'd come out on fire in the 3rd and put it away. Boy was I wrong.
And for the record, I *hate* Chris Pronger. Hate him with the white hot fury of a thousand suns. Get it?
I think there are a few things to take away from last night's game, however. After giving up the first goal per usual, the Canes answered and tied it up in the first. I saw more physical play, even if it wasn't as much as I wanted to see. I saw improved passing and far more shots on goal. We kept the Ducks in their end quite a bit. I think we all want to see more aggression from the Canes. Why it isn't there is the sixty-four thousand dollar question. Is it a mental thing, undisclosed injuries, or both?
I think our D is promising this year, as opposed to just plain awful in years past. I see life in Nic Wallin, and Corvo has that great hard shot. I hope Timmay comes back from injury soon so we can just bench Babchuk indefinitely. Frankie is back, but whether or not he's "back," time will tell. Seidenberg looks much better this year than last, but he's injured for the moment. I think Pitkanen is finding his way, and Melichar, I have no opinion about right now.
The forwards seem to be the problem this year. On any given night it's up to 3 guys. Last night it seemed to be Matt Cullen's line. The other night it was Chad LaRose on Brindy's line. Eric Staal has yet to dazzle us and I find a 100-point season from him to be doubtful. I hear people dissing our Captain, and I'm mystified over the minus-17. Last week he was second only to Whitney in terms of scoring. Lack of speed seems to be his issue, perhaps he's favoring the knee. And Whitney has been pretty silent for a couple of games. I thought for sure he'd break out big last night. I love Ruutu and I think he's going to surprise us in the balance of the season.
With Walker and Williams out of the lineup, we lose a lot of scoring potential right there. So that means it's time for the young-uns to get in there - Sutter, Dwyer, Eaves, I'm talking to you guys. LaRose and Bayda - I'll lump them in there, too. We need to see y'all put up some numbers and fast.
I won't give up on Sergei Samsonov - I think there's so much potential there. But he's not clicking with his linemates, Staal and Ruutu. I think communication is what's tripping them up, and if they don't learn how to play together, we can count on another season out of the playoffs.
We can't keep winning games by relying on Cam to keep the puck out. Our forwards have got to get more pucks IN, plain and simple. We have to have more than one scoring line per night, guys.
It will be interesting to see if Lavi reinstates the game-day skate. Because so far, I don't think not having the skate is working.
Canes face Pittsburgh on Thursday. Lord help them if they come out flat that night.
Last night's loss was difficult because I thought the Canes came out of the chute a tad more lively, certainly not as flat as previous nights (or matinees). I had great hope after the 2nd period that they'd come out on fire in the 3rd and put it away. Boy was I wrong.
And for the record, I *hate* Chris Pronger. Hate him with the white hot fury of a thousand suns. Get it?
I think there are a few things to take away from last night's game, however. After giving up the first goal per usual, the Canes answered and tied it up in the first. I saw more physical play, even if it wasn't as much as I wanted to see. I saw improved passing and far more shots on goal. We kept the Ducks in their end quite a bit. I think we all want to see more aggression from the Canes. Why it isn't there is the sixty-four thousand dollar question. Is it a mental thing, undisclosed injuries, or both?
I think our D is promising this year, as opposed to just plain awful in years past. I see life in Nic Wallin, and Corvo has that great hard shot. I hope Timmay comes back from injury soon so we can just bench Babchuk indefinitely. Frankie is back, but whether or not he's "back," time will tell. Seidenberg looks much better this year than last, but he's injured for the moment. I think Pitkanen is finding his way, and Melichar, I have no opinion about right now.
The forwards seem to be the problem this year. On any given night it's up to 3 guys. Last night it seemed to be Matt Cullen's line. The other night it was Chad LaRose on Brindy's line. Eric Staal has yet to dazzle us and I find a 100-point season from him to be doubtful. I hear people dissing our Captain, and I'm mystified over the minus-17. Last week he was second only to Whitney in terms of scoring. Lack of speed seems to be his issue, perhaps he's favoring the knee. And Whitney has been pretty silent for a couple of games. I thought for sure he'd break out big last night. I love Ruutu and I think he's going to surprise us in the balance of the season.
With Walker and Williams out of the lineup, we lose a lot of scoring potential right there. So that means it's time for the young-uns to get in there - Sutter, Dwyer, Eaves, I'm talking to you guys. LaRose and Bayda - I'll lump them in there, too. We need to see y'all put up some numbers and fast.
I won't give up on Sergei Samsonov - I think there's so much potential there. But he's not clicking with his linemates, Staal and Ruutu. I think communication is what's tripping them up, and if they don't learn how to play together, we can count on another season out of the playoffs.
We can't keep winning games by relying on Cam to keep the puck out. Our forwards have got to get more pucks IN, plain and simple. We have to have more than one scoring line per night, guys.
It will be interesting to see if Lavi reinstates the game-day skate. Because so far, I don't think not having the skate is working.
Canes face Pittsburgh on Thursday. Lord help them if they come out flat that night.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Missing power play the key to Canes' woes
Just a quick post before I go dark again to deal with some family matters.
I attended yesterday's game against the Oilers. And while listening to the post-game autopsy in the parking lot, Hub and I shook our heads at the idiots calling in asking to change goalies because of the softie that Cam let in.
We have a fantastic goalie in Cam. I'm sure he'd like to have that goal back, but frankly, it had nothing to do with the fact that our guys were 0-6 on the power play against one of the worst penalty-killing teams in the league.
In his post-game interview, Coach mentioned that Sergei Samsonov was snake-bit. Very true, and I hope he gets over it soon. Corvo also needs to step up on the PP. He should be deadly with that shot, and he's not quite there yet.
Mike Maniscalco said our team is too fancy, needs to cut down on all the passes and just shoot the dang puck. I agree. We matched EDM shot for shot, where we should have simply overwhelmed them with shots. Instead, we looked semi-asleep out there.
If those guys don't breathe some life into the PP soon, you can count us out of the playoffs again this year.
I attended yesterday's game against the Oilers. And while listening to the post-game autopsy in the parking lot, Hub and I shook our heads at the idiots calling in asking to change goalies because of the softie that Cam let in.
We have a fantastic goalie in Cam. I'm sure he'd like to have that goal back, but frankly, it had nothing to do with the fact that our guys were 0-6 on the power play against one of the worst penalty-killing teams in the league.
In his post-game interview, Coach mentioned that Sergei Samsonov was snake-bit. Very true, and I hope he gets over it soon. Corvo also needs to step up on the PP. He should be deadly with that shot, and he's not quite there yet.
Mike Maniscalco said our team is too fancy, needs to cut down on all the passes and just shoot the dang puck. I agree. We matched EDM shot for shot, where we should have simply overwhelmed them with shots. Instead, we looked semi-asleep out there.
If those guys don't breathe some life into the PP soon, you can count us out of the playoffs again this year.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Canes top Tampa in 4-3 OT win
After a dismal first period, it was the Captain that gave the Canes the needed shot in the arse. My man scored a beautiful goal in the 2nd that helped to wipe away Tampa's 3-0 lead.
Then Cully, who told Tripp he wanted to get "a real goal" in tonight's game, scored the next one, followed by Eric Staal.
Unfortunately Sergei Samsonov flipped the puck over the glass and went to the box for delay of game with less than 2 minutes in regulation. That their team went on the power play at the very end did nothing to rouse a lackluster crowd.
We went into overtime and Ray Whitney made a sweet pass to Staalsy, who buried it.
Un-freakin-believable. Staal, Whitney and Brind'amour each put up 2 points, and the d-men make a nice showing in the form of Pitkanen and Seidenberg. And my new fave Ruutu notched an assist as well.
Can't wait for Monday night. Hub and I get to see the new jerseys and the Red Wings in person! Wooot!
Then Cully, who told Tripp he wanted to get "a real goal" in tonight's game, scored the next one, followed by Eric Staal.
Unfortunately Sergei Samsonov flipped the puck over the glass and went to the box for delay of game with less than 2 minutes in regulation. That their team went on the power play at the very end did nothing to rouse a lackluster crowd.
We went into overtime and Ray Whitney made a sweet pass to Staalsy, who buried it.
Un-freakin-believable. Staal, Whitney and Brind'amour each put up 2 points, and the d-men make a nice showing in the form of Pitkanen and Seidenberg. And my new fave Ruutu notched an assist as well.
Can't wait for Monday night. Hub and I get to see the new jerseys and the Red Wings in person! Wooot!
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