The Canes lost in a shootout 4-3 to the Flyers, in a game that could be called "Exhibit A" in the Museum of "Why this team is so frustrating".
The first two periods of this game were definitely nothing to brag about, the Canes going down 2-0 in the first period.
Then came the third period, in which the Canes scored three straight to tie the game up and force it to overtime. Where this sudden comeback came from, I have absolutely no idea. But it's amazing how this team can be playing poorly for the entire season, but somehow appear to be a cohesive unit for 10 minutes.
I'm at a loss, here. I don't understand why Eric Staal is playing the wing. I understand that you would want to mix up the lines when the team is playing horribly, or to send a message to the players, but I just don't understand why you would want to force a player to play a position that he is not comfortable with for an extended period of time.
And, yes, I know that the Jokinen-Cullen-Staal line is responsible for two of the goals that were scored. Although, personally, I thought that the Whitney-Sutter-Ruutu line played with more energy and had tons of excellent chances (Whitney apparently can't hit the broad side of a barn).
And, let's face it, this was Michael Leighton in goal for the Flyers. He may not have gotten a fair shake in Raleigh, but he never played as well as he did in the first two periods. The Canes need to play better - because if they're scrapping for points against the Flyers (who are tied with the Maple Leafs), how are they going to manage against a team like the C[r]apitals, who have all of their ducks in order?
Showing posts with label Michael Leighton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Leighton. Show all posts
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Tim Gleason deserves a medal of awesomeness
Canes lost in overtime last night to the C[r]apitals 4-3.
Before this game was played, the absolutely horrid news came out that both Erik Cole and Chad LaRose would be placed on injured reserve for lingering injuries. Much wailing and sobbing was heard from this particular blogger because that means she will likely go the whole winter break without seeing both of her favorite players in action.
But, considering that Erik Cole was playing his best hockey while fighting off a lingering injury, I can't help but be hopeful for later on.
Patrick Dwyer and Jiri Tlusty were called up to replace them, and Tlusty was effective in his first game, scoring a goal in the first period. Further continuing the trend of "interesting things happening when I am missing hockey during class", Tim Gleason blocked a puck with his face in the first as well, requiring something like 30 stitches. Being the beast that he is, he came back in the game and tied it up on a breakaway shorthanded goal for the Canes in the third period.
Unfortunately, Gleason's pure bad-assery could not stop the C[r]apitals increasingly good play and the Canes lost in overtime. But we got a point out of the whole thing, so it's not too bad.
Bad news for Michael Leighton, the goalie issues were figured out, and he was sent down to the minors, leaving Manny Legace as Cam Ward's backup.
Canes play again tonight against Ottawa. Maybe they can continue this slight upswing in play that we've seen recently?
Before this game was played, the absolutely horrid news came out that both Erik Cole and Chad LaRose would be placed on injured reserve for lingering injuries. Much wailing and sobbing was heard from this particular blogger because that means she will likely go the whole winter break without seeing both of her favorite players in action.
But, considering that Erik Cole was playing his best hockey while fighting off a lingering injury, I can't help but be hopeful for later on.
Patrick Dwyer and Jiri Tlusty were called up to replace them, and Tlusty was effective in his first game, scoring a goal in the first period. Further continuing the trend of "interesting things happening when I am missing hockey during class", Tim Gleason blocked a puck with his face in the first as well, requiring something like 30 stitches. Being the beast that he is, he came back in the game and tied it up on a breakaway shorthanded goal for the Canes in the third period.
Unfortunately, Gleason's pure bad-assery could not stop the C[r]apitals increasingly good play and the Canes lost in overtime. But we got a point out of the whole thing, so it's not too bad.
Bad news for Michael Leighton, the goalie issues were figured out, and he was sent down to the minors, leaving Manny Legace as Cam Ward's backup.
Canes play again tonight against Ottawa. Maybe they can continue this slight upswing in play that we've seen recently?
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Canes won two in a row : Baby Steps
Well, how about this?
The Canes won their first game on the road on Monday, beating none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2.
The Canes got out to a 3-0 lead in the game, letting the Pens score two in 49 seconds to make the game close again. But, really, we all should be used to that by now, and it's a sign of the Canes' improving play that they didn't actually relinquish their lead completely.
Notably, Andrew Alberts scored his first Canes goal in that one as well.
The Canes followed up that road win with a 4-2 road loss against New Jersey tonight, which can be considered a victory from the perspective that we did not allow Martin Brodeur to overtake Terry Sawchuck's shutout record. Not that I dislike Brodeur or that I don't want him to get the record - I'm just glad it didn't happen against us.
The scoring was almost opposite of the Penguins game; they allowed the Devils to score three, then the Canes came back to score two but were finally put away by an empty netter at the end.
This game also marked the return of Cam Ward from that nasty laceration injury. No word on what's going to happen with our two backup goaltenders - Michael Leighton was put on waivers earlier this week, so I assume that he'll be going down.
Finals week for me starting Friday, so expect either no posts or spacey random rambling thoughts about the upcoming games. In other words: business as normal. Which apparently people are attracted to, as this blog was able to advance to the second round in the Canes Blog-Off. Currently I'm tied for second (or last, but I'm feeling optimistic tonight), so maybe go over there and vote for me? Because, as we all know, "If you ain't first, you're last".
(And, yes, I just mentioned that quote so I could post a clip of that movie.)
Speaking of video clips, I plan on entering this contest, as soon as I get a mind-bogglingly awesome idea for it. So be prepared.
Canes are on the road again Friday in Washington. I think it's on Comcast, so I should be able to watch it once I get out of my Calculus exam.
The Canes won their first game on the road on Monday, beating none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2.
The Canes got out to a 3-0 lead in the game, letting the Pens score two in 49 seconds to make the game close again. But, really, we all should be used to that by now, and it's a sign of the Canes' improving play that they didn't actually relinquish their lead completely.
Notably, Andrew Alberts scored his first Canes goal in that one as well.
The Canes followed up that road win with a 4-2 road loss against New Jersey tonight, which can be considered a victory from the perspective that we did not allow Martin Brodeur to overtake Terry Sawchuck's shutout record. Not that I dislike Brodeur or that I don't want him to get the record - I'm just glad it didn't happen against us.
The scoring was almost opposite of the Penguins game; they allowed the Devils to score three, then the Canes came back to score two but were finally put away by an empty netter at the end.
This game also marked the return of Cam Ward from that nasty laceration injury. No word on what's going to happen with our two backup goaltenders - Michael Leighton was put on waivers earlier this week, so I assume that he'll be going down.
Finals week for me starting Friday, so expect either no posts or spacey random rambling thoughts about the upcoming games. In other words: business as normal. Which apparently people are attracted to, as this blog was able to advance to the second round in the Canes Blog-Off. Currently I'm tied for second (or last, but I'm feeling optimistic tonight), so maybe go over there and vote for me? Because, as we all know, "If you ain't first, you're last".
(And, yes, I just mentioned that quote so I could post a clip of that movie.)
Speaking of video clips, I plan on entering this contest, as soon as I get a mind-bogglingly awesome idea for it. So be prepared.
Canes are on the road again Friday in Washington. I think it's on Comcast, so I should be able to watch it once I get out of my Calculus exam.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Wow...
We actually came out of San Jose with a win! Well, a shootout win, but a win all the same.
I'm very impressed. Considering how we've been beaten by the Bruins this season, I didn't think the Canes would win against the leaders of the West. Obviously, I was wrong.
And, wow, I just watched the highlights online - man, was that third Canes goal sweet. I mean, LaRose passes to Whitney, who shoots through the crease to get it to Cullen, streaking in from the blue line, who then passed back to Whitney to knock it in - Wow!
Michael Leighton also looked like he made some pretty stellar saves - maybe some of the goals were a bit soft, but the saves online are definitely highlight reel quality.
The bad news about this win is that Eric Staal left in the third with some kind of lower-body injury, although it sounds day-to-day at the worst.
The next game is against Phoenix tomorrow. I can tell you that I have a much better outlook on this team after this game.
Oh, yeah, if you readers could answer the poll to the left, it would help me very much. Thanks!
I'm very impressed. Considering how we've been beaten by the Bruins this season, I didn't think the Canes would win against the leaders of the West. Obviously, I was wrong.
And, wow, I just watched the highlights online - man, was that third Canes goal sweet. I mean, LaRose passes to Whitney, who shoots through the crease to get it to Cullen, streaking in from the blue line, who then passed back to Whitney to knock it in - Wow!
Michael Leighton also looked like he made some pretty stellar saves - maybe some of the goals were a bit soft, but the saves online are definitely highlight reel quality.
The bad news about this win is that Eric Staal left in the third with some kind of lower-body injury, although it sounds day-to-day at the worst.
The next game is against Phoenix tomorrow. I can tell you that I have a much better outlook on this team after this game.
Oh, yeah, if you readers could answer the poll to the left, it would help me very much. Thanks!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Canes lose, hopefully will win tonight
Canes lost 4-3 to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. Previously, the Canucks had lost nine straight at home, and eight straight in general.
*facepalm*
Well, it certainly looks like that wonderful win against Atlanta was a fluke. Granted, I didn't watch any of the game, but comments like these taken from the TSN.ca article don't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this game:
Oh boy. Yeah, I'm pretty glad that I was fast asleep when this game was on. I think a shorthanded goal against to lose the game would have put me in an absolutely horrible mood.
The real test, though, is tonight against San Jose, the leader of the Western Conference. If we can play with them and win (heck, normally I'd say just play with them, but that won't help us come April) then I feel that the Canes have a good shot. If we get steamrolled, I'm not going to be too optimistic about our playoff chances.
The Canes are going to be without Rod Brind'Amour in the game tonight. Apparently he came back to Raleigh because of "nagging lower body issues", and Jakub Petruzalek (best name ever!) was called up in his place. I'm not entirely sure that this is a bad thing, considering the captain's lame play pretty much the entire season.
Apparently, the Canes are also going to be going with Michael Leighton in goal tonight, a move I find somewhat peculiar, as Cam has started the last sixteen or so games. Why the change, and specifically, why the change against the best team in the West? Maybe they're looking for a change to spark the rest of the lineup. Whatever, I just hope it works out.
*facepalm*
Well, it certainly looks like that wonderful win against Atlanta was a fluke. Granted, I didn't watch any of the game, but comments like these taken from the TSN.ca article don't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this game:
[Alex Burrows] beat Carolina goaltender Cam Ward with what he has previously described as his ''only'' move faking a forehand and roofing a backhand. It was a move that Burrows has made many times before, but Ward went the wrong way and could not recover quickly enough.
''I like coming down that side when I go to my go-to move,'' said Burrows, a left-handed shot who raced down left wing. ''I think everybody in the building knew I was going to do that, but obviously Cam Ward watches Eastern Time games and he doesn't stay up late at night to watch our games.''
Oh boy. Yeah, I'm pretty glad that I was fast asleep when this game was on. I think a shorthanded goal against to lose the game would have put me in an absolutely horrible mood.
The real test, though, is tonight against San Jose, the leader of the Western Conference. If we can play with them and win (heck, normally I'd say just play with them, but that won't help us come April) then I feel that the Canes have a good shot. If we get steamrolled, I'm not going to be too optimistic about our playoff chances.
The Canes are going to be without Rod Brind'Amour in the game tonight. Apparently he came back to Raleigh because of "nagging lower body issues", and Jakub Petruzalek (best name ever!) was called up in his place. I'm not entirely sure that this is a bad thing, considering the captain's lame play pretty much the entire season.
Apparently, the Canes are also going to be going with Michael Leighton in goal tonight, a move I find somewhat peculiar, as Cam has started the last sixteen or so games. Why the change, and specifically, why the change against the best team in the West? Maybe they're looking for a change to spark the rest of the lineup. Whatever, I just hope it works out.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Pathetic
Well, the Canes were leading 5-1 going into the third period.
And they ended up losing 6-5 in a shootout.
I don't even know what to say. The Canes were playing so good in the first two periods. I mean, hello! Five goals: two on the power play, two by Eric Staal. I thought things were going great.
And then - Poof! - whatever the Canes had found that they had been lacking in their past games went away again, letting Philly score four straight goals in the third.
There was just no fire, no offense, no anything in the third. Philly came out strong and the Canes just didn't match at all.
And Michael Leighton looked completely lost in the shootout.
I don't know what to say. This was a disappointing loss for anyone who saw how the Canes clicked so well in the first 2/3rds of the game.
Next game is tomorrow against the Penguins. Hopefully it won't be so much of a letdown.
And they ended up losing 6-5 in a shootout.
I don't even know what to say. The Canes were playing so good in the first two periods. I mean, hello! Five goals: two on the power play, two by Eric Staal. I thought things were going great.
And then - Poof! - whatever the Canes had found that they had been lacking in their past games went away again, letting Philly score four straight goals in the third.
There was just no fire, no offense, no anything in the third. Philly came out strong and the Canes just didn't match at all.
And Michael Leighton looked completely lost in the shootout.
I don't know what to say. This was a disappointing loss for anyone who saw how the Canes clicked so well in the first 2/3rds of the game.
Next game is tomorrow against the Penguins. Hopefully it won't be so much of a letdown.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
And so the season has started...
Canes are 2-0 after their first two games. They won their opener on Friday 6-4 and won last night in overtime against Tampa 4-3.
What disturbs me about both of these wins is the crappy start the Canes got off to. Down 2-0 to Florida and 3-0 to Tampa, they had to power back to get the wins.
Which, I suppose, is setting a better precedent than getting off to a bad start and losing, but I really would rather the Canes come out strong and finish strong.
I didn't think Ward (who played Friday) or Leighton (who played Saturday) looked very good. Both let in some goals that they should have stopped.
Dan LaCouture proved why the Canes gave him a contract, scoring one on Friday. Brandon Sutter also got his first NHL point in that game - he's looking good so far.
Eric Staal looked good in the Tampa game, scoring two of the four goals, including the OT winner.
If the Canes can stop digging themselves a multi-goal hole, I think they look to be in good shape for the season - although the real test will be against Detroit tomorrow...
What disturbs me about both of these wins is the crappy start the Canes got off to. Down 2-0 to Florida and 3-0 to Tampa, they had to power back to get the wins.
Which, I suppose, is setting a better precedent than getting off to a bad start and losing, but I really would rather the Canes come out strong and finish strong.
I didn't think Ward (who played Friday) or Leighton (who played Saturday) looked very good. Both let in some goals that they should have stopped.
Dan LaCouture proved why the Canes gave him a contract, scoring one on Friday. Brandon Sutter also got his first NHL point in that game - he's looking good so far.
Eric Staal looked good in the Tampa game, scoring two of the four goals, including the OT winner.
If the Canes can stop digging themselves a multi-goal hole, I think they look to be in good shape for the season - although the real test will be against Detroit tomorrow...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Catching up...
So, haven't posted in a while because summer is in full swing - and in the ultimate oxymoron - I have all the time to post, just nothing to post about.
Anyways... there was a little switcharoo in the Canes coaching scheme. Tom Rowe from Albany is the new assistant coach for the Canes, while Jeff Daniels, the previous assistant, goes down to coach Albany. I just kind of shrugged when I heard the news - not a big deal, I don't think, but it'll make Laviolette's seat become hotter if the Canes don't make it this season.
Michael Leighton was signed on a one-way contract, getting him $600,000 a year for two years. Which is a good move, wrapping up our backup goalie spot with a goaltender who looked frickin' awesome in the AHL this year. (And he didn't look too shabby when he came up for those games this past season, either).
And finally, happening yesterday, the Canes extended their lease with the RBC Center until 2024. Sounds like good news to me!
So, I'm telling myself that I'm going to post two times a week, just to help all you other hockey fans through the summer doldrums. Then again, I told myself for the past two years that I was going to make a hockey shrine out of the 2006 playoff stuff... and it's still sitting in a pile on the table. Oops.
Anyways... there was a little switcharoo in the Canes coaching scheme. Tom Rowe from Albany is the new assistant coach for the Canes, while Jeff Daniels, the previous assistant, goes down to coach Albany. I just kind of shrugged when I heard the news - not a big deal, I don't think, but it'll make Laviolette's seat become hotter if the Canes don't make it this season.
Michael Leighton was signed on a one-way contract, getting him $600,000 a year for two years. Which is a good move, wrapping up our backup goalie spot with a goaltender who looked frickin' awesome in the AHL this year. (And he didn't look too shabby when he came up for those games this past season, either).
And finally, happening yesterday, the Canes extended their lease with the RBC Center until 2024. Sounds like good news to me!
So, I'm telling myself that I'm going to post two times a week, just to help all you other hockey fans through the summer doldrums. Then again, I told myself for the past two years that I was going to make a hockey shrine out of the 2006 playoff stuff... and it's still sitting in a pile on the table. Oops.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Canes play pretty well over weekend
Two games this weekend. One win and one loss. Sounds vaguely familiar, I'd say.
First game was a 4-3 win against Atlanta.
Michael Leighton played his first regular season Canes game, and looked pretty good in it. A little shaky to start off, but he got into the groove as the night went on.
Casey Borer got his first NHL goal. I want this guy to have a permanent spot on our roster. He's looking more solid than half the vets on our defense.
Next game was a 1-0 loss against the Blues.
Didn't watch too much of this game, but apparently the Canes played pretty well, but just couldn't get anything past the Blues goalie. Surprising that Leighton got the starts in both games this weekend.
Next game is Tuesday against the Bruins.
First game was a 4-3 win against Atlanta.
Michael Leighton played his first regular season Canes game, and looked pretty good in it. A little shaky to start off, but he got into the groove as the night went on.
Casey Borer got his first NHL goal. I want this guy to have a permanent spot on our roster. He's looking more solid than half the vets on our defense.
Next game was a 1-0 loss against the Blues.
Didn't watch too much of this game, but apparently the Canes played pretty well, but just couldn't get anything past the Blues goalie. Surprising that Leighton got the starts in both games this weekend.
Next game is Tuesday against the Bruins.
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, September 16, 2007
Canes win first preseason game!
Canes win 4-3 in overtime in their first preseason game!
Having attended, I can tell you that the Canes have already got into their regular-season form: get behind and have a killer third period to come back and win it.
I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...
Anyways... the first two periods were kind of bland. The Canes had offense, but it just didn't seem spectactular in any way. Same with the C[r]apitals. Their first goal was a fluke from the blue line, and I honestly can't remember what the second was like.
Then the third period came, and with it came the Canes offense. Noah Babin scored the first goal, and then Erik Cole came streaking down the wing less than a minute later to tie the game up at two. Then, with 3 minutes left, the Canes let one through to get the C[r]apitals ahead, but Justin Williams answered back with a minute left, off of a nice pass by Ryan Bayda.
Then overtime came, and Erik Cole was credited with another goal, this one being tipped from a Eric Staal shot. I thought a Washington dude had tipped it in, but apparently not.
So, to recap, the good news:
- Erik Cole looks as awesome as he ever was.
- Eric Staal ended up with three assists.
- Michael Leighton (the goalie obtained from the Canadiens (I think it was Montreal, at least...)) looked pretty decent in goal.
- Commodore looked solid, with a couple pinches in on net... Gleason looked pretty solid as well.
- Hockey is back!
- We won!
The bad news:
- None of the new guys stood out. I didn't really focus on anybody and say "That's one I'll have to watch out for". Not good.
- I hate the new scoresheets online. I want to see how many shots Grahame let in versus Leighton (and how to spell Leighton's name) - it doesn't tell you! I mean, the new stats (shots on goal during 5v5, 5v4, 4v4, etc.) are nice, but why did they take away stats? Makes no sense at all.
- The whole no-offense for the first forty minutes thing. I mean, it's nice when the Canes can pull it off - not so when they can't.
Next game is on Friday. YaY for hockey!
Having attended, I can tell you that the Canes have already got into their regular-season form: get behind and have a killer third period to come back and win it.
I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...
Anyways... the first two periods were kind of bland. The Canes had offense, but it just didn't seem spectactular in any way. Same with the C[r]apitals. Their first goal was a fluke from the blue line, and I honestly can't remember what the second was like.
Then the third period came, and with it came the Canes offense. Noah Babin scored the first goal, and then Erik Cole came streaking down the wing less than a minute later to tie the game up at two. Then, with 3 minutes left, the Canes let one through to get the C[r]apitals ahead, but Justin Williams answered back with a minute left, off of a nice pass by Ryan Bayda.
Then overtime came, and Erik Cole was credited with another goal, this one being tipped from a Eric Staal shot. I thought a Washington dude had tipped it in, but apparently not.
So, to recap, the good news:
- Erik Cole looks as awesome as he ever was.
- Eric Staal ended up with three assists.
- Michael Leighton (the goalie obtained from the Canadiens (I think it was Montreal, at least...)) looked pretty decent in goal.
- Commodore looked solid, with a couple pinches in on net... Gleason looked pretty solid as well.
- Hockey is back!
- We won!
The bad news:
- None of the new guys stood out. I didn't really focus on anybody and say "That's one I'll have to watch out for". Not good.
- I hate the new scoresheets online. I want to see how many shots Grahame let in versus Leighton (and how to spell Leighton's name) - it doesn't tell you! I mean, the new stats (shots on goal during 5v5, 5v4, 4v4, etc.) are nice, but why did they take away stats? Makes no sense at all.
- The whole no-offense for the first forty minutes thing. I mean, it's nice when the Canes can pull it off - not so when they can't.
Next game is on Friday. YaY for hockey!
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