I think I must be some sort of shootout magnet. Three out of four of the games I have managed to watch this season have gone to a shootout - I suppose I must apologize to those who dislike the practice, expect December and January to have a lot of shootouts if current trends continue.
But let's rewind to Wednesday, when the Canes made a trade. They acquired Ian White and Brett Sutter from Calgary for Tom Kostopoulos and Anton Babchuk, Sutter being waived the next day to be sent to Albany. (For those wondering, Sutter is current Cane Brandon Sutter's cousin). Having seen him in action, I can say that White is a smallish defenseman who looks to be pretty solid in the defensive zone - he stepped in pretty well in a pairing with Joni Pitkanen both Friday and Saturday.
I'd say, from this early vantage point, that it's a good trade for the Canes. White seems like a good defenseman, who would certainly be an upgrade from Anton Babchuk's flightiness (I'm not too sad to see him and his seasons in Russia go, although his slapshot might be missed.) Kostopoulos is a good character guy, but not a core part of the Canes team. And I won't miss struggling to spell his name while blogging.
Also on Wednesday the Canes won 7-1 over the Ottawa Senators. Generally a win of this goal differential would be something I'd celebrate, but it doesn't seem right to be cheerful, as the Senators had attended the funeral of the assistant coach's daughter earlier that day.
So let's move on to the two games I was able to view, one on the television, and one in person. The former was a 5-4 shootout loss to the Penguins. I thought the Canes played extremely well in this game, constantly battling back from being down a goal. They really played up to the Penguins level, which I was certainly not expecting, having seen the boxscores from the previous week. They also got a point in the standings, in spite of the refs (and the War Room in Toronto), who showed that they could use a new contact and hearing aid prescription. A goal in the third period was allowed for the Pens where the whistle was clearly blown before the puck crossed the goal line. Luckily, the Canes were able to come back once again so that the call didn't cost them the entire game.
The next shootout loss was last night against the Predators. Where the Pittsburgh game was offensively powered and fun to watch, the Nashville one was defensively driven and kind of a snoozefest.
Interestingly, the same three shooters were chosen for both shootouts - Jeff Skinner, Jussi Jokinen, and Patrick O'Sullivan. Skinner and Jokinen I understand, but I just do not understand the choice of O'Sullivan. Granted, he didn't get to show his stuff in the shootout against Pittsburgh, but I wasn't impressed last night. I somehow get the feeling that Paul Maurice keeps writing down "8" thinking Matt Cullen's on the bench, and then is somewhat disappointed when he realizes it's a different guy in the jersey.
Anyways... a more successful week for the Canes than the previous, I'd say. I was very impressed with the play against Pittsburgh - definitely gives me hope for playing well in other close games this season. Currently the Canes are 9th in the East and 4th in the Southeast with 20 points - movin' on up. Up next for the Canes are the C[r]aptials on Wednesday and the Bruins on Friday - not easy matchups in any sense. Hopefully they can play like they did this past Friday and maybe get a win out of one of them.
And my final thought for this post: Make sure you're voting for the All-Star Game! I'm officially on the Paul Bissonnette bandwagon!
Erik Cole stats (Wednesday): 1 assist
On the season: 4 goals, 6 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Wednesday): 2 goals, 2 assists
On the season: 6 goals, 6 assists
Showing posts with label Tom Kostopoulos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Kostopoulos. Show all posts
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Good start in Finland!
Well, we're 2-0 after two games in Helsinki! Which already means that this season is better than last season - is the cure for a bad start to play two games overseas? Not for the Wild, haha.
But, let's continue.
I was not able to view the Thursday game, which the Canes won by a tally of 4-3. But, viewing was not necessary to tell that Brandon Sutter had a great game, scoring two goals in the season debut. Babchuk and Jokinen scored the other goals for the game.
I was lucky enough to be able to see the Friday game, which the Canes won in a shootout 2-1. My thoughts:
- Minnesota came out with a jump in their step, as evidenced by their early goal. They controlled most of the first period, and were out for blood - several scrums after the whistle and a fight by Tom Kostopoulos.
- The Wild lost their step in the final two periods, which ultimately benefited the Canes. The Canes had something like six straight minutes (a double high-sticking minor and a minor called after that) on the penalty kill in the second period that the Wild squandered. Had Minnesota been able to connect, that could have been deadly for Carolina.
- Cam Ward is the man, at times holding the team's collective head above water. Without him, the Canes would have easily lost the game.
- Jeff Skinner is the real deal. Not only did he score the only shootout goal (and look pretty sweet while doing it), he was an integral part of the play that led to the Canes' regulation goal scored by Tuomo Ruutu.
So, overall, I think it was a successful overseas venture for the Canes. Hopefully the jet-lag won't kill them too much as they come back to the States - after a game against the Senators, they head out West to face the Canucks and Sharks, teams who are both expected to do very well this year. Major test to start off the season? I'd say so. Although, if these two games are any indication, if Cam Ward continues to play well, we definitely will have a good chance at winning.
Erik Cole stats (Thursday): 1 assist
But, let's continue.
I was not able to view the Thursday game, which the Canes won by a tally of 4-3. But, viewing was not necessary to tell that Brandon Sutter had a great game, scoring two goals in the season debut. Babchuk and Jokinen scored the other goals for the game.
I was lucky enough to be able to see the Friday game, which the Canes won in a shootout 2-1. My thoughts:
- Minnesota came out with a jump in their step, as evidenced by their early goal. They controlled most of the first period, and were out for blood - several scrums after the whistle and a fight by Tom Kostopoulos.
- The Wild lost their step in the final two periods, which ultimately benefited the Canes. The Canes had something like six straight minutes (a double high-sticking minor and a minor called after that) on the penalty kill in the second period that the Wild squandered. Had Minnesota been able to connect, that could have been deadly for Carolina.
- Cam Ward is the man, at times holding the team's collective head above water. Without him, the Canes would have easily lost the game.
- Jeff Skinner is the real deal. Not only did he score the only shootout goal (and look pretty sweet while doing it), he was an integral part of the play that led to the Canes' regulation goal scored by Tuomo Ruutu.
So, overall, I think it was a successful overseas venture for the Canes. Hopefully the jet-lag won't kill them too much as they come back to the States - after a game against the Senators, they head out West to face the Canucks and Sharks, teams who are both expected to do very well this year. Major test to start off the season? I'd say so. Although, if these two games are any indication, if Cam Ward continues to play well, we definitely will have a good chance at winning.
Erik Cole stats (Thursday): 1 assist
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Canes lose another two. Whatever.
Well, a little less than a week has passed, and we can chalk up two more losses on the road. Ho-hum, same old, same old.
The first loss was 2-0 against the Stars on Monday. Didn't listen to the game, so I don't know really much about it. Recap says that a Ray Whitney goal was called back due to the fact it was kicked over or something like that. Biggest (and worst) news of the night was the fact that Tuomo Ruutu went out with an injury, adding another player to the growing list of Canes casualties on the season.
The second loss was last night against the Ducks where the Canes lost 3-2. Eric Staal came off of the IR for this one, and he played pretty well, getting an assist in the third period.
I thought that the Canes played pretty well. Besides for some rough patches in the first period, they actually played solid hockey for once (or the Ducks were looking pretty poor... whatever). Tom Kostopoulos scored a very nice goal off due to the fact that he was square in front of the net with no one around him when Ray Whitney tossed it to him.
Unfortunately, the Canes broke down as they always seem to, allowing a goal at the very end of the second period to let Anaheim tie it up. Then came two in the third, including a game-breaker with a minute thirty left. Brandon Sutter managed to score thirty seconds later, but it wasn't enough for the Canes to win.
I'm not quite as angry at these losses as I was during the losing streak probably because I've accepted the fact that this current Canes team tends to lose a lot, and they're currently playing better while still losing.
Maybe if we get some more people healthy it'll continue to improve. Maybe winning one on the road? But that might be too much to ask. We'll have to wait to see if the Canes can pull that off, as the next game is a bout with the Thrashers tomorrow at the RBC Center.
The first loss was 2-0 against the Stars on Monday. Didn't listen to the game, so I don't know really much about it. Recap says that a Ray Whitney goal was called back due to the fact it was kicked over or something like that. Biggest (and worst) news of the night was the fact that Tuomo Ruutu went out with an injury, adding another player to the growing list of Canes casualties on the season.
The second loss was last night against the Ducks where the Canes lost 3-2. Eric Staal came off of the IR for this one, and he played pretty well, getting an assist in the third period.
I thought that the Canes played pretty well. Besides for some rough patches in the first period, they actually played solid hockey for once (or the Ducks were looking pretty poor... whatever). Tom Kostopoulos scored a very nice goal off due to the fact that he was square in front of the net with no one around him when Ray Whitney tossed it to him.
Unfortunately, the Canes broke down as they always seem to, allowing a goal at the very end of the second period to let Anaheim tie it up. Then came two in the third, including a game-breaker with a minute thirty left. Brandon Sutter managed to score thirty seconds later, but it wasn't enough for the Canes to win.
I'm not quite as angry at these losses as I was during the losing streak probably because I've accepted the fact that this current Canes team tends to lose a lot, and they're currently playing better while still losing.
Maybe if we get some more people healthy it'll continue to improve. Maybe winning one on the road? But that might be too much to ask. We'll have to wait to see if the Canes can pull that off, as the next game is a bout with the Thrashers tomorrow at the RBC Center.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Canes storm all over the Panthers.
Canes beat the crap out of Florida 7-2 last night at the RBC Center.
This was the first game I went to in person this season and it was somewhat unfortunate that such a beatdown went on in front of such a paltry crowd... but, then again, Florida wouldn't have been my top choice to view either.
The score is not so much a result of how great the Canes played, but how bad Florida played. There were tons of turnovers by the Panthers - specifically Jussi Jokinen's goal off of a poorly played puck behind the net.
The good thing for the Canes was the fact that all seven goals were scored by seven different people - definitely a variety of contributors from several lines, with Tom Kostopoulos getting his first Canes goal (a shorthanded steal) and Jay Harrison getting his first goal as well.
The two goals scored by Florida came far too late to actually make a difference in the score, and weren't really Ward's fault at all. Cam played very well in net the few times he was challenged.
I feel actually sort of bad for the Florida fans. Essentially the only players on their team are Nathan Horton, David Booth, and Cory Stillman. That's it. That's their depth. Pretty pathetic, actually.
Canes play again tonight against Tampa. Hopefully their success against Florida-based teams will continue.
This was the first game I went to in person this season and it was somewhat unfortunate that such a beatdown went on in front of such a paltry crowd... but, then again, Florida wouldn't have been my top choice to view either.
The score is not so much a result of how great the Canes played, but how bad Florida played. There were tons of turnovers by the Panthers - specifically Jussi Jokinen's goal off of a poorly played puck behind the net.
The good thing for the Canes was the fact that all seven goals were scored by seven different people - definitely a variety of contributors from several lines, with Tom Kostopoulos getting his first Canes goal (a shorthanded steal) and Jay Harrison getting his first goal as well.
The two goals scored by Florida came far too late to actually make a difference in the score, and weren't really Ward's fault at all. Cam played very well in net the few times he was challenged.
I feel actually sort of bad for the Florida fans. Essentially the only players on their team are Nathan Horton, David Booth, and Cory Stillman. That's it. That's their depth. Pretty pathetic, actually.
Canes play again tonight against Tampa. Hopefully their success against Florida-based teams will continue.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Future, Present & Past
Weeeeee! Schedules were released today! Opening Night '09 is set for October 2nd against the Flyers. Personally I wish that it was the next week because that is my "fall break" for college. Alas, this will be the first year that I won't be at the opener (or, rather, I haven't developed a plan to get me there yet...).
The interesting thing that I've noticed is that there doesn't seem to be a true West-Coast stint where the Canes go away for five games or so. Most of the western games are spread throughout the season. Also special about this season is the Winter Olympic break in the middle of February - ooh, I can't wait for that either!
Along with the unveiling of the schedules came the announcement that this year's Winter Classic will be played at Fenway Park between the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers. Likely to be a good matchup, and likely to be bitter cold - that's what makes it great, right?
Turning to the present, it appears that Ruutu and the Canes are having issues on the length of the contract to be signed. The Canes want to wrap him up long term, Ruutu wants only a year so that he can hit the free agency market after this season. Considering Rutherford's track record with having people not go to arbitration, I wouldn't be surprised if this gets wrapped up before the hearing on July 30th.
And, finally, to yesterday, when the Canes signed Tom Kostopoulos to a three year deal that will average a little under a million per. Previously he played with the Canadiens, although I don't really remember much about him other than looking at the lineup and going "Hm. 'Kostopoulos'. That's a name you don't hear much." He had 106 penalty minutes last season and seems to be the tough defensive forward that the Canes have missed the last few years. Apparently he's known for his hard work, and if you read this article, it seems like from that angle the Canes have signed a larger version of Chad LaRose. If that's the case, it sounds like an awesome signing.
79 days until Opening Night. I can't wait!
The interesting thing that I've noticed is that there doesn't seem to be a true West-Coast stint where the Canes go away for five games or so. Most of the western games are spread throughout the season. Also special about this season is the Winter Olympic break in the middle of February - ooh, I can't wait for that either!
Along with the unveiling of the schedules came the announcement that this year's Winter Classic will be played at Fenway Park between the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers. Likely to be a good matchup, and likely to be bitter cold - that's what makes it great, right?
Turning to the present, it appears that Ruutu and the Canes are having issues on the length of the contract to be signed. The Canes want to wrap him up long term, Ruutu wants only a year so that he can hit the free agency market after this season. Considering Rutherford's track record with having people not go to arbitration, I wouldn't be surprised if this gets wrapped up before the hearing on July 30th.
And, finally, to yesterday, when the Canes signed Tom Kostopoulos to a three year deal that will average a little under a million per. Previously he played with the Canadiens, although I don't really remember much about him other than looking at the lineup and going "Hm. 'Kostopoulos'. That's a name you don't hear much." He had 106 penalty minutes last season and seems to be the tough defensive forward that the Canes have missed the last few years. Apparently he's known for his hard work, and if you read this article, it seems like from that angle the Canes have signed a larger version of Chad LaRose. If that's the case, it sounds like an awesome signing.
79 days until Opening Night. I can't wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
