It looks like the Canes are looking a little streaky at this point in the season. A four game win streak, followed by a three game losing streak, and now we're in the midst of stringing three wins together.
Win #1 came Tuesday against the Maple Leafs. The Canes really didn't look that spectacular in this one, trading goals with the Leafs in the first period. Which wouldn't be too bad except, come on, it's the Leafs. The News and Observer had an interesting article about Rutherford actually going down to talk to the team during the second intermission - somehow I suspect that "come on, it's the Leafs" was an extremely tame version of what was being said.
Perhaps the talk from the GM will have lasting impressions on the season - a convincing win came in the next game, 4-0 over the Ottawa Senators. This is the second blowout this season against the Sens, however, this time the opposing team was not coming off of an emotional day. No, I'm not entirely sure why Ottawa was so lame this time around - although Brian Elliott in goal looked absolutely horrendous. Or perhaps the Canes just looked really good? Either way, Cam Ward earned his second shutout of the season.
Win #3 came as a 6-3 win against the lowly New Jersey Devils. The Canes came out on fire in the first period, opening up with a quick 4-0 lead. Zac Dalpe earned his first NHL goal in the period, although Martin Brodeur had already been pulled by that point. Let's just say that Brodeur looked nothing like he used to in net.
After the marvelous first period, the Canes came out slow and sloppy in the second, only notching five shots on net. Their play probably would have been an issue in any other game - but it's pretty hard to play worse than the Devils this year, and the Canes recovered well in the third period.
So the Canes have fixed themselves a nice three game win streak... against teams that are 10th, 13th, and 15th in the Eastern Conference. Which is good, as it signals that the Canes are beating the teams that they should - and besides the Toronto game, they're beating the teams quite handily. Their upcoming schedule for this week isn't quite as easy - two games against the Panthers, who aren't that great but seem to give the Canes trouble, and one against the Rangers who are currently 6th in the East. Hopefully the Canes can continue their win streak and gain the four points that would put them tentatively in the playoffs.
Erik Cole stats (29th): 1 goal
On the season: 8 goals, 8 assists
Chad LaRose stats (1st): 2 assists
On the season: 6 goals, 8 assists
Showing posts with label Jim Rutherford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jim Rutherford. Show all posts
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Monday, June 28, 2010
Buyouts?
Buyouts are an interesting concept to me. The fact that you're essentially paying people to not play seems somewhat counterintuitive - but can be very useful when dealing with poor play and large contracts. And, in the Canes case, trying to keep close to their self-imposed low salary cap.
The two names that have been bandied about when it comes to buyouts this year are Rod Brind'Amour, our ex-captain, and Sergei Samsonov. As sad as it is to say, I think that both should be bought out, although perhaps Brind'Amour deserves it more.
Samsonov didn't have that great of a year, certainly not on par with the previous one, and he never really seemed to be a deciding factor in most of the games. He might, however, just be a victim of the Canes trying to get younger and cheaper and unfortunately for Sergei, he is neither.
Brind'Amour, well, let's just say that his play has tailed off from his Selke-winning years. Two years ago, his plus-minus was absolutely horrible, and this past season he followed it up with a worse plus-minus and barely produced point-wise. He was moved to the fourth-line, he spent games in the press box, the captaincy was taken away from him. I understand that it's hard to retire... but I'm not sure that much is left in the tank.
That being said, I do not envy Rutherford for having to make this decision. Brind'Amour has been an integral part of this Canes team for many years and I don't think that a buyout is the way anyone wants this relationship to end. But, I also shudder to think of another year of Brind'Amour playing the way he did last season.
The final decision is Rutherford's and he has until the 30th to buyout either (or both) players. I wouldn't be surprised if either event occurs.
****
A quick blog note: Over the next few weeks I might be moving things around here. Nothing drastic, but just a heads up that if the blog looks like someone threw up HTML I probably just messed something up. If you come back in a few hours and it still looks the same... well, maybe you should stop using IE and switch to a better browser.
The two names that have been bandied about when it comes to buyouts this year are Rod Brind'Amour, our ex-captain, and Sergei Samsonov. As sad as it is to say, I think that both should be bought out, although perhaps Brind'Amour deserves it more.
Samsonov didn't have that great of a year, certainly not on par with the previous one, and he never really seemed to be a deciding factor in most of the games. He might, however, just be a victim of the Canes trying to get younger and cheaper and unfortunately for Sergei, he is neither.
Brind'Amour, well, let's just say that his play has tailed off from his Selke-winning years. Two years ago, his plus-minus was absolutely horrible, and this past season he followed it up with a worse plus-minus and barely produced point-wise. He was moved to the fourth-line, he spent games in the press box, the captaincy was taken away from him. I understand that it's hard to retire... but I'm not sure that much is left in the tank.
That being said, I do not envy Rutherford for having to make this decision. Brind'Amour has been an integral part of this Canes team for many years and I don't think that a buyout is the way anyone wants this relationship to end. But, I also shudder to think of another year of Brind'Amour playing the way he did last season.
The final decision is Rutherford's and he has until the 30th to buyout either (or both) players. I wouldn't be surprised if either event occurs.
****
A quick blog note: Over the next few weeks I might be moving things around here. Nothing drastic, but just a heads up that if the blog looks like someone threw up HTML I probably just messed something up. If you come back in a few hours and it still looks the same... well, maybe you should stop using IE and switch to a better browser.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
An active draft for the Canes
Well, let's go over this crazy draft, hm?
First off, my selected pick for the Canes, Nino Niederreiter, was taken at 5th by the Islanders, so that was unfortunately not in the cards. Several top defensemen were still on the boards when the Canes picked at 7th, including the touted Cam Fowler, but the Canes went slightly off the grid and picked Jeff Skinner.
Skinner is known for scoring goals, which is always good, but his 5'-10" 190 lb frame makes me think that Rutherford is really, really adverse to getting forwards over six foot for his team. His skating is meh, which is odd because he used to be a figure skater.
Yes, the Canes drafted an ex-figure skater. Needless to say this factoid didn't go over well initially (He picked a short figure skater over a defenseman?! Defense, Rutherford, we need defense!).
But the defense issue was put to rest on Day 2 of the draft, where the Canes drafted 5 defensemen out of their 7 picks. They also traded for a defenseman, Bobby Sanguinetti, sending some picks to the Rangers.
Also gained in trades were forwards Riley Nash from the Oilers and Jonathan Matsumoto from the Flyers.
So it was a busy day in the Draft for the Canes. My first impression is that the plethora of defensemen is an excellent thing for the farm system, and Rutherford seems to generally get value out of trades, so hopefully these will pan out.
As always, time will tell who won and lost in this Draft. A more pertinent issue is the upcoming free agency date - July 1st. No real spectacular updates on that front, but I expect that to change quickly as the week progresses. I do believe the last day for contract buyouts is this Wednesday...
First off, my selected pick for the Canes, Nino Niederreiter, was taken at 5th by the Islanders, so that was unfortunately not in the cards. Several top defensemen were still on the boards when the Canes picked at 7th, including the touted Cam Fowler, but the Canes went slightly off the grid and picked Jeff Skinner.
Skinner is known for scoring goals, which is always good, but his 5'-10" 190 lb frame makes me think that Rutherford is really, really adverse to getting forwards over six foot for his team. His skating is meh, which is odd because he used to be a figure skater.
Yes, the Canes drafted an ex-figure skater. Needless to say this factoid didn't go over well initially (He picked a short figure skater over a defenseman?! Defense, Rutherford, we need defense!).
But the defense issue was put to rest on Day 2 of the draft, where the Canes drafted 5 defensemen out of their 7 picks. They also traded for a defenseman, Bobby Sanguinetti, sending some picks to the Rangers.
Also gained in trades were forwards Riley Nash from the Oilers and Jonathan Matsumoto from the Flyers.
So it was a busy day in the Draft for the Canes. My first impression is that the plethora of defensemen is an excellent thing for the farm system, and Rutherford seems to generally get value out of trades, so hopefully these will pan out.
As always, time will tell who won and lost in this Draft. A more pertinent issue is the upcoming free agency date - July 1st. No real spectacular updates on that front, but I expect that to change quickly as the week progresses. I do believe the last day for contract buyouts is this Wednesday...
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Rock Bottom
Well, this is it. There's nowhere else for this team to go.
Last night the Canes lost to the Maple Leafs 3-2, cementing their spot as the worst team in the National Hockey League.
The game looked like it was going to swing Carolina's way after they knocked two goals in after one period. But apparently the Canes need a lot more than a two goal lead after the first to win a game nowadays. The Leafs scored three unanswered, and the Canes are left with a dismal losing streak.
The worst part? Looking at the highlights, those goals the Leafs scored were not good. At best they were mediocre, at worst they were pansy goals allowed by letting them skate all over us. Watching the first goal, I thought that the Maple Leafs were on a power play with the way they were directing the puck throughout our zone. Then I counted our players and realized, with some developing horror, that it was even-strength.
To pose a serious question, how long will this losing streak last? You must think that the Canes will snap out of it soon, they can't be that bad of a team, not with all of the good parts that they have.
But then you realize that this team just got beat by the Toronto Maple Leafs... the 29th team in the league. If the Canes can't manage to create a win against them...
And I say "good parts" slightly tongue-in-cheek, because obviously something has gone horribly rotten with this team. Zach Boychuk led the team in shots last night, and Brandon Sutter is the only player that has been consistently scoring. Where are the rest of our veterans? The people who, last year before the playoffs, if Eric Staal wasn't scoring, would step up and pull through for the team?
I am at a loss as to what to do about this team. There are two things that I can think of to begin to turn it around: either trade a well-liked player (which pains me to say, I know), or fire Paul Maurice. Maurice got a three-year contract this offseason, but I think that is looking more and more like a bad move after each game we lose. Something has got to wake up this hockey team - Rutherford has said that he's willing to make changes, hopefully for the sake of what's left of our season he'll pull something through.
The next game is tonight against Columbus. Hopefully the Canes will find a way to pull out of this streak.
Last night the Canes lost to the Maple Leafs 3-2, cementing their spot as the worst team in the National Hockey League.
The game looked like it was going to swing Carolina's way after they knocked two goals in after one period. But apparently the Canes need a lot more than a two goal lead after the first to win a game nowadays. The Leafs scored three unanswered, and the Canes are left with a dismal losing streak.
The worst part? Looking at the highlights, those goals the Leafs scored were not good. At best they were mediocre, at worst they were pansy goals allowed by letting them skate all over us. Watching the first goal, I thought that the Maple Leafs were on a power play with the way they were directing the puck throughout our zone. Then I counted our players and realized, with some developing horror, that it was even-strength.
To pose a serious question, how long will this losing streak last? You must think that the Canes will snap out of it soon, they can't be that bad of a team, not with all of the good parts that they have.
But then you realize that this team just got beat by the Toronto Maple Leafs... the 29th team in the league. If the Canes can't manage to create a win against them...
And I say "good parts" slightly tongue-in-cheek, because obviously something has gone horribly rotten with this team. Zach Boychuk led the team in shots last night, and Brandon Sutter is the only player that has been consistently scoring. Where are the rest of our veterans? The people who, last year before the playoffs, if Eric Staal wasn't scoring, would step up and pull through for the team?
I am at a loss as to what to do about this team. There are two things that I can think of to begin to turn it around: either trade a well-liked player (which pains me to say, I know), or fire Paul Maurice. Maurice got a three-year contract this offseason, but I think that is looking more and more like a bad move after each game we lose. Something has got to wake up this hockey team - Rutherford has said that he's willing to make changes, hopefully for the sake of what's left of our season he'll pull something through.
The next game is tonight against Columbus. Hopefully the Canes will find a way to pull out of this streak.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Midsummer Action!
So it's the eve of my semi-annual trip to family in the middle of technological nowhere (I think I'll have access to email this time...), and of course I'm going during the most interesting part of the offseason.
Tonight and tomorrow are, of course, the 2009 NHL draft. The Canes first pick is 27th, so that means we are nowhere near involved with the Tavares/Hedman debate. My full insight on the draft is at Cycle at the Sedins, which makes me look awesome because I have mostly the same opinion as the dudes at Canes Country and also kind of makes me look like a retard because I confess that I can't keep the NHL and NFL drafts straight. But, honestly, I can't, which is why I generally only list who the Canes picked up and don't do any kind of analysis. Because analysis is severely overrated.
Then the next few days become crunch time for the Canes to sign their UFAs before they hit the open market. Unfortunately, Rutherford has said that contract negotiations are slow, so signs point to a Cole-and-LaRose-less hockey team. Which makes me want to weep tears of infinite sadness because those two are my two favorite players... argh!
Finally, July 1 (next Wednesday) is the first day of free agency, also the day I am returning. Expect either a long, rambling post or a short detail-less post towards the evening with all of the crazy happens of the most exciting day in the offseason (read: the only day with any hockey news).
Tonight and tomorrow are, of course, the 2009 NHL draft. The Canes first pick is 27th, so that means we are nowhere near involved with the Tavares/Hedman debate. My full insight on the draft is at Cycle at the Sedins, which makes me look awesome because I have mostly the same opinion as the dudes at Canes Country and also kind of makes me look like a retard because I confess that I can't keep the NHL and NFL drafts straight. But, honestly, I can't, which is why I generally only list who the Canes picked up and don't do any kind of analysis. Because analysis is severely overrated.
Then the next few days become crunch time for the Canes to sign their UFAs before they hit the open market. Unfortunately, Rutherford has said that contract negotiations are slow, so signs point to a Cole-and-LaRose-less hockey team. Which makes me want to weep tears of infinite sadness because those two are my two favorite players... argh!
Finally, July 1 (next Wednesday) is the first day of free agency, also the day I am returning. Expect either a long, rambling post or a short detail-less post towards the evening with all of the crazy happens of the most exciting day in the offseason (read: the only day with any hockey news).
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Tidbits from around the league
There's a bunch of interesting things going on in the Canes/NHL world.
In order of my open Firefox tabs:
- Matt Murley has reportedly bolted to the Russian KHL, even after signing a two-way deal with the Canes in September.
- In a meld of some of my favorite things, Regan Smith, a NASCAR driver, will be wearing a Canes-themed helmet for this week's race in Charlotte. He will then donate the helmet to the Canes' charity, the Kids 'N Community Foundation, for a charity auction.
- Apparently Rutherford is kind of unhappy with the injury situation, instructing Pete Friesen to make changes to the offseason training regimen. Sounds like a good call to me - I'm sick of seeing players in the press box and not on the bench.
- Blackhawk's forward Ben Eager has been suspended three games for swinging his stick (while he was on the bench) at Sean Avery (who was on the ice).
And, yes, I would have loved to see that. Not that I'm advocating purposefully trying to injure a player... but who wouldn't like to see Avery get pwned?
- Also in news that makes me giggle a little at someone's expense: The Flyers lost their final game at the Spectrum - to their own minor league team.
And, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'll leave you with the happy thought that, no matter how bad things have gone for the Canes, at least we haven't lost to our own farm team.
In order of my open Firefox tabs:
- Matt Murley has reportedly bolted to the Russian KHL, even after signing a two-way deal with the Canes in September.
- In a meld of some of my favorite things, Regan Smith, a NASCAR driver, will be wearing a Canes-themed helmet for this week's race in Charlotte. He will then donate the helmet to the Canes' charity, the Kids 'N Community Foundation, for a charity auction.
- Apparently Rutherford is kind of unhappy with the injury situation, instructing Pete Friesen to make changes to the offseason training regimen. Sounds like a good call to me - I'm sick of seeing players in the press box and not on the bench.
- Blackhawk's forward Ben Eager has been suspended three games for swinging his stick (while he was on the bench) at Sean Avery (who was on the ice).
And, yes, I would have loved to see that. Not that I'm advocating purposefully trying to injure a player... but who wouldn't like to see Avery get pwned?
- Also in news that makes me giggle a little at someone's expense: The Flyers lost their final game at the Spectrum - to their own minor league team.
And, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'll leave you with the happy thought that, no matter how bad things have gone for the Canes, at least we haven't lost to our own farm team.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Whatever.
*sigh* I just haven't wanted to write anything on here. I think I'm a little hockey-depressed right now...
But, I feel the only way to get over this feeling of abject loss is to power through it, so here goes:
First off - Rutherford's thinly veiled anti-Laviolette comments
My advice to you, Jim (because I know my blog is one of your number one reads...), is to power through the loss and DON'T FIRE LAVIOLETTE! Laviolette is awesome! I even wrote a post about his complete awesomeness here. (If you can call that coherent writing...)
Second - Offseason signings
Jeez... who's even up for free agency this year? Ah well, sign Samsonov, he wants to stay.
Third - The 2008 playoffs
Despite what I think should have happened, the NHL playoffs have continued to go on without the Canes present. No predictions for this season, I've decided (it's sort of too late for that, y'know?). And, who am I rooting for? Whoever is playing the C[r]apitals. Go Flyers! (Sorry, no cool graphics or Southeast Division loyalty this year...
Fourth - ...?
Yeah, no fourth. I guess three's the charm in this post.
But, I feel the only way to get over this feeling of abject loss is to power through it, so here goes:
First off - Rutherford's thinly veiled anti-Laviolette comments
My advice to you, Jim (because I know my blog is one of your number one reads...), is to power through the loss and DON'T FIRE LAVIOLETTE! Laviolette is awesome! I even wrote a post about his complete awesomeness here. (If you can call that coherent writing...)
Second - Offseason signings
Jeez... who's even up for free agency this year? Ah well, sign Samsonov, he wants to stay.
Third - The 2008 playoffs
Despite what I think should have happened, the NHL playoffs have continued to go on without the Canes present. No predictions for this season, I've decided (it's sort of too late for that, y'know?). And, who am I rooting for? Whoever is playing the C[r]apitals. Go Flyers! (Sorry, no cool graphics or Southeast Division loyalty this year...
Fourth - ...?
Yeah, no fourth. I guess three's the charm in this post.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Canes pick up Samsonov (?)
Do you ever think you're steadily going insane?
No? Oh...
Well, uh, Canes picked Sergei Samsonov off of waivers today. The thoughts that ran through my brain:
Allright! I know this guy from... somewhere... he's pretty good, right?
Oh, wait, he must be the physical defenseman we need! YaY! DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!
Wait, he's a right wing... YaY! Physical right wing!
Why I thought a Russian was physical is beyond me... continuing...
Wait, this guy's 5'8"?
And he only scored 4 assists in 23 games with Chicago?
And he has a $3.5 mil contract (of which the Canes will pay half)?
Huh?
And that's the thought I have right now. Huh? I thought defense was the key need right now. Not a scrawny right wing who appears to have his 70-pt seasons behind him...
Well, maybe Rutherford knows what he's doing. Or maybe not...
Either way, we'll see Samsonov in Boston tonight.
No? Oh...
Well, uh, Canes picked Sergei Samsonov off of waivers today. The thoughts that ran through my brain:
Allright! I know this guy from... somewhere... he's pretty good, right?
Oh, wait, he must be the physical defenseman we need! YaY! DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!
Wait, he's a right wing... YaY! Physical right wing!
Why I thought a Russian was physical is beyond me... continuing...
Wait, this guy's 5'8"?
And he only scored 4 assists in 23 games with Chicago?
And he has a $3.5 mil contract (of which the Canes will pay half)?
Huh?
And that's the thought I have right now. Huh? I thought defense was the key need right now. Not a scrawny right wing who appears to have his 70-pt seasons behind him...
Well, maybe Rutherford knows what he's doing. Or maybe not...
Either way, we'll see Samsonov in Boston tonight.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Canes lose in OT; Leighton called up
Canes lost 5-4 against the Thrashers in OT last night. My notes:
- Defense was sort of lame.
- Cam Ward was consistent: 1 shot out of three went in.
- Casey Borer looked completely awesome for his first NHL game. Good, crisp passes - few defensive breakdowns (saying something for a Canes defenseman...) - and a little physicality too!
Anyways... big news today! John Grahame was placed on waivers and Michael Leighton was one of a trio called up from the minors today.
Looks like Rutherford is a little fed up with the goalie lameness of late, eh? I think it's a good move - maybe it'll spur Cam into playing a little bit better. Or, heck, maybe Leighton will kick rear in net. Either way, it can't hurt to call him up at this point.
Next game is tomorrow against the Thrashers (again).
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 9 goals, 18 assists
- Defense was sort of lame.
- Cam Ward was consistent: 1 shot out of three went in.
- Casey Borer looked completely awesome for his first NHL game. Good, crisp passes - few defensive breakdowns (saying something for a Canes defenseman...) - and a little physicality too!
Anyways... big news today! John Grahame was placed on waivers and Michael Leighton was one of a trio called up from the minors today.
Looks like Rutherford is a little fed up with the goalie lameness of late, eh? I think it's a good move - maybe it'll spur Cam into playing a little bit better. Or, heck, maybe Leighton will kick rear in net. Either way, it can't hurt to call him up at this point.
Next game is tomorrow against the Thrashers (again).
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 9 goals, 18 assists
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Possible trades (?)
During Saturday's second day of the draft, talk flooded the draft floor that the Canes were working on a three-way deal that would send Erik Cole to the Edmonton Oilers and bring defenseman Joni Pitkanen to Carolina from the Philadelphia FlyerReading that in the N&O article this morning almost gave me a heart attack. Luckily:
Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford denied Cole was in play -- "wasn't, hasn't been, no," Rutherford said -- and Edmonton general manager Kevin Lowe said Cole's name had not come up, joking that if Cole was available, he'd pick up the phone.Rutherford better be telling the truth, that's all I can say.
Anyways... the article goes on to tell about the trade the Canes did make, and that was their seventh-round draft pick for a goalie to go down to the minors. Also, some sort of trade for a defenseman may be in the works.
The Canes drafted four people in the later rounds on Saturday: article here.
Next Sunday: Free agency!
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