Game Thread ..... vs. Atlanta, 11/9/08

[Canesluver]

oops... guess I'd better start a new game thread! (sorry haven't been near a computer since early A.M.)

Who likes Sunday games-- raise your hand!! Me! Me! This is the 2nd of 6 Sundays-in-a-row. Woooooo!! (unfortunately, I have to miss 2 of them, though.... booo! :( )

Atlanta's kind of a wild card, so... no brain farts, guys!!! You got back up on the horse-- so no falling off!!!

Hopefully the weather will hold up -- starting at 1pm there will be a band, food tent, and kid games outside on the South side of the RBCC.

Puck-drop at 3:00PM

LET'S GO 'CANES!!

[Caniac4life]

Is there no TV for this one?

[Alicia]

'Fraid not.

[WilkesCanefan]

I guess I'll be setting up the football game to record and setting up in front of the computer to listen to the game tomorrow.

Come on guys, let's have a great game and everyone STAY HEALTHY!!!!


GO 'CANES!!!

[WillLikeWhoa091]

No streaming either?

That's unfortunate.

[Solracer]

Just win!

[Caniac]

No streaming either, unfortunately. Atlanta's not televising this one either.

[Fernando da Silva]

Oh no, no JustinTV for Fernando

[KaniacFever]

This is one of those, you should win games, but those should win games sometimes have you scratching your head after 60 minutes saying WTH how could we not beat these guys. I'm sure that's what Buffalo was saying when Atlanta forced OT and came out with the win like 40 seconds later.

So, should win game, but let's not take these guys lightly. Still a division foe, they usually play us fairly well, be strong and get the 2 points. Washington and believe it or not Tampa are on our tails, so play hard and make me happy.

[livinthedream]

Hmmmm.....this is the first game not on the 26-game plan, and not an exchange-eligible game, so I wonder how well attended it will be today since we're not playing a marquee team. I'm debating whether to head over, not sure I'm in the mood to listen to ChuckandtheletterK. If anyone has a last minute change of plans and wants rid of a ticket, PM me and I might take it off your hands.

Atlanta has been pretty hot over the last few games, so we'd be well-served not to treat this one lightly.

[Guyute]

Neither team covering the game, no broadcast at all. Maybe one day we'll be a major sport. /eyeroll.

[SoCalcaniac]

Not shocking that it's not being broadcast, just another disappointment. It's a Sunday game which makes it even less relevant since it's football season. It just stinks that our own broadcast is still not anywhere near most of the league.

I didn't realize this was a game that isn't in a pack. Scary to think what it could look like in the building, but given that many families do like to go to these early games, that might work in our favor. Who even knows in this economy.

As has been said, no need to think you're better than the Thrash- play like it and win- no taking anything lightly. Especially since the Caps won last night and points are needed.

[IceSaber]

I don't get to go due to Little Ice exchange timing....booo! - would love to have been there - I for one, don't like these Sunday games...just the wrong time of the day to go before I get the little one back...hate there's no TV - me and hubby were going to tape and watch tonight...I just don't get the no broadcast stuff.

[KaniacFever]

I didn't realize this was a game that isn't in a pack. Scary to think what it could look like in the building, but given that many families do like to go to these early games, that might work in our favor. Who even knows in this economy.



The game is in the Red 12 game pack. So we'll atleast have full and the red packers in attendance. It will be interesting to see how many walk ups perse tickets are sold for today. Especially since the Panthers (football) are on at 4pm.

[livinthedream]

Per Chuck, Cam's in the net today, in case anyone thought there was a polemic brewing.

Hedberg in for the Thrash.

[WillLikeWhoa091]

It's wierd, adht.tv had the game scheduled.

/shrug

[livinthedream]

LOL ChuckK just mentioned how Staal is leading the league in shots on goal, and he said Staal would like to get a goal today that wasn't an empty netter.

[RangersCanesFan]

I hope there's an ultra-controversial play that needs video review today. Granted, there's in house video, but that doesn't go to Toronto.

It's just asininely freaking stupid to schedule 3 PM Sunday affairs opposite the NFL when it's known in advance that nobody is going to televise it.

It's one thing to schedule the Sunday afternoon thing, as many teams do, starting in February, but with the Canes, it's "let's schedule them during the football season, and assure there's no TV."

[livinthedream]

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

That's our Captain!

Sergei gets an assist on what Chuck says was a beautiful pass, along with Bayda!

1-0

LETS GO CANES

[StormShaman]

Hail to the Warchief!

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

Way to go Roddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

mumble grumble

[livinthedream]

Fudge. And just like that Reasoner ties it up.

[livinthedream]

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!

The Wizard puts us back in the lead!

And Ruuuuuutuuuuuuuuu with the assist!
(heard the crowd ruuing on the in-house annoucement)

:D

[StormShaman]

WOOOOOOOOO!

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

RAY WHITNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[livinthedream]

Fudge. Tied again by Hainsey.

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

mumblegrumble

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

Ugh...Staal with the offensive zone penalty

[toastmasterbone]

Hate the score. Love the FO %:

Brindy: 13W 1L 93%
Staal: 10W 5L 67%

[toastmasterbone]

Not that FO% matters when you're losing 3-2. :mad:

[livinthedream]

Ugh...Staal with the offensive zone penalty

...that they convert on. Thrashers up 3-2. Ugh.

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

mumblegrumble...........Come on Guys.....it's the Thrashers, impose a lil will

[livinthedream]

Way to go Chuck: "Kovalchuk has been conspicuous in his absence." :fire:

[Caniac]

:mad:

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

This is incredibly depressing

[livinthedream]

Nine shots on goal in the second. Four goals.

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

Nine shots on goal in the second. Four goals.

Bring in Leighton for the 3rd?

[livinthedream]

Oooh. Let's let Reasoner have a career day today. 5-2.

Sounds like he stole it off Brind'Amour. His plus/minus is going to look stellar coming out of this one.

:(

[wa10]

Brutal goaltending today.

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

:mad::sick::mad:

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

And that would make Brindy -3 today

[nccanes]

Per Chuck, Cam's in the net today, in case anyone thought there was a polemic brewing.



Dismissing the goalie polemic too soon maybe? :(


Hedberg in for the Thrash.

You mean Ed-bear. I hate listening to Chuck. Just don't like it one bit.

[RangersCanesFan]

Dismissing the goalie polemic too soon maybe? :(



You mean Ed-bear. I hate listening to Chuck. Just don't like it one bit.

Chuck's gone from being "quirky" to just being downright unlistenable. For someone who prides himself on correct pronunciations, he gets them WRONG, and NOBODY knows who he is talking about.

[livinthedream]

I fully lay the blame on ChuckandtheletterK for this one.

Before the game he told the listeners to quote "give it a rest" and stop calling Mike M. about who should be the #1 goaltender.

Then he made the comment about Kovalchuk being inconspicuous, as Kovalchuk was scoring.

Of course, I could also blame Chip for the Brind'Amour article in the paper today, with Brindy on the ice for all 4 of Atlanta's even-strength goals.

Guess I should be glad I didn't venture over for that stinker.

Sigh.

[StormShaman]

I can't put this totally on Cam this time. Even the legendary Ken Dryden was pants when his defence didn't help him out.

Melichar. Hrmf.

[nccanes]

I heard his Kovy comment. I'd been on a soccer field and had just gotten in the car. The way he said it, I wasn't even sure if he was playing, lol....then boom.

I'd say he failed big time on the plea to stop talking about the goalies. :lol:

Of course, I didn't see 1 minute of the game, but that's beside the point when they score that many goals, win or lose.

[livinthedream]

Yeah, epic fail on the goalie kibosh.

Well, on the bright side, at least we don't have to hear Tripp fawning gushing over any of the Thrashers in the post-game.

[StormShaman]

OMG, and now we have a caller bagging on Staal and saying that he's clearly not what the organization thought they were getting.

*turns off The Fan*

Eric looks lost right now--but do I think that means that the org was sold a bill of goods and that he's no good? No, and anyone who seriously believes that is either an idiot or clueless or both. What's wrong with him? I don't know. Maybe he needs somebody that can fill the role that Cole had on his line. Maybe he's trying too hard. Again, I don't know.

But I do know that he's miles better than how he's playing at this particular juncture of the space-time continuum.

[Alicia]

Perhaps we're fortunate this wasn't televised...

[nccanes]

OMG, and now we have a caller bagging on Staal and saying that he's clearly not what the organization thought they were getting.

*turns off The Fan*

Eric looks lost right now--but do I think that means that the org was sold a bill of goods and that he's no good? No, and anyone who seriously believes that is either an idiot or clueless or both. What's wrong with him? I don't know. Maybe he needs somebody that can fill the role that Cole had on his line. Maybe he's trying too hard. Again, I don't know.

But I do know that he's miles better than how he's playing at this particular juncture of the space-time continuum.

You know - I heard the post-question discussion, but I somehow had stepped out of the room for the question, lol. Guess that was lucky on my part!

The only thing that this call indicates is that Eric will have to face this every year for the rest of his career. He's not even making the "big" money of the new contract yet and he's facing it. Player like that don't really get my sympathy because they (high paid players) are paid to perform by definition and anything less than leading our team will (and should) draw criticism.

BUt I'm still glad I missed the question. :lol:

[Guyute]

You mean Ed-bear. I hate listening to Chuck. Just don't like it one bit.
I can't do it. He's a good play by play man in that he's quick enough, and able to call plays to give you a picture of what's happening... but, my 4 year old pronounces names better than he does. He drives me absolutely batty.

[livinthedream]

For those who turned off The Fan already, here's what Johnny Sideburns said we missed by not being there in person.

1. Should be getting more out of Staal. His penalty in the attacking zone was brutal. His body language is bad.

2. The Brind'Amour line was good offensively but woeful defensively.

3. Cam was the only one fighting in the third period.

4. The middle of the ice was wide open all day. We weren't fast enough or physical enough.

And I missed most of Lavi's post-game comments, but I thought he said that Eaves was further out from a return than either Cullen or maybe even Sutter???

[nccanes]

For those who turned off The Fan already, here's what Johnny Sideburns said we missed by not being there in person.


And I missed most of Lavi's post-game comments, but I thought he said that Eaves was further out from a return than either Cullen or maybe even Sutter???

I think he mentioned 3 (Cullen, Pitkanen, Sutter) and then threw in Frank too as an afterthought?

[livinthedream]

You're right, he did mention 3, but I didn't hear our couldn't remember which one of the two in your post made his third.

[nccanes]

To be honest, I think he was referring to the 3 that were skating and then threw in Frank's name, but I didn't catch if he was lumping him into the one that might precede Eaves' return on lumping him out.

[Alicia]

Is Staal (possibly) playing injured more beneficial than sitting him out a few games to "get it together"? IMNSEO (in my not so expert opinion), he's not sucking just because he sucks.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Man, I hope all of you who didn't go are thanking your lucky stars this wasn't televised. That was god-fing-awful. I can't remember the last time I saw a game that bad, up and down the lineup. Easily the worst game all year, and in I don't know how long.

I'm sure it may have sounded like it was Cam's fault but I think if you'd seen it, you'd disagree. I'd LOVE for him to make a save when Kovalchuk is standing un-touched right in front of the net to receive the pass that the d-man lets through but, I sure as hell don't expect it. There was so much absolute and total sh*t on that ice today the goaltending is an absolute non-issue, IMO. Our defense stood around and watched the Thrashers score. Our forwards lollygagged up and down the ice. There was absolutely no focus whatsoever. Atlanta had wide-open ice all night. Pathetic.

I have never seen Staal make a more selfish play than that penalty. He was going to get away with the freaking hook if he'd managed not to continue it for a good 5 count!!

Horrible. I'm glad they get to sit on that for a couple days. Hours and hours of video from that one. My biggest concern is that in the post-game Lavi was not nearly pissed off enough. It's like they went to the locker room after the second and just decided, as a team minus Cam, to mail it in and Lavi was OK with it. WTF?

If they aren't pissed enough to KILL the Caps Wednesday then, we really got issues.

[puck_it]

is eric going to be ok?

[livinthedream]

I don't know, but Brindy is irresponsible.

[SoCalcaniac]

Reading all ya'll's comments had me alternately laughing cause even though you weren't there- You were there.:lol:

We stink to high heaven. Honestly when do we snap the hell out of the Cup hangover. There are some brutal issues that we have been 'masking' and now they glare. mainly the whole "best players not being best players".

I was unfortunate to hear the "caller" bagging on Eric, and I don't know even quite know how to respond, because, I am dumbfounded as to what the hell is going on with him. As a Staal honk, I can't even wrap my brain around any of what has transpired. JF is correct, he's fighting everything- his body language looks like he's lost it- he gets frustrated (re: horrid offensive zone penalty) and then he caps it off with trying to do everything (Re: let me take on 3 guys and try to plow through them) and when Eric is "on" he's not reaching- he's moving, he's using his frame he does the whole bulldozer thing; he plows through. He's not doing any of that. In saying all that - that whole top 6 is just completely out of joint.

Whatever happened tonight- and honestly the cuteness factor of Sunday afternoon games has completely worn off- this isn't Chicago or Anaheim where it goes over VERY well- the biggest thing I noticed is that everything STOPPED after the gorgeous Whitney goal (and Ruutu's amazing play to get the puck to him) we just said, oh, the football game's on, I think I'm done for the day. :crazy:

I thought they came out with energy to start- they were doing a great job of working the Thrashers, keeping them to the outside, all that stuff- and then crappy work ethic and habits and the bomb went off. Here's the ha-ha of the day; Mr. Socal had 'taken a break' from listening to Chuck in game, and decided today to listen- and I KNEW he said some stupid sh#t about Kovalchuk when he threw the headphones right into my bag after the goal. :lol:

Oh, and this whole throw the Cam to the wolves thing? I have no comment- I think I've got to stop listening to the Fan, cause that toolbox Maniscalco starts it - and it's easily the first thing he brings up everytime that TEAM loses the game. If you weren't in the building- it was CAM who kept this from being freaking embarassing - (as if it wasn't already - We lost to the THRASHERS) the D started looking tired- making stupid mistakes, people were changing and nobody is on yet, and a Thrasher would grab the puck and head on in on Cam- :ticked: absolute insanity.

I was surprised how unfazed Laviolette sounded in his post game interview. He seemed to be resigned to the bullsh*@.

So another game of consequence on Wednesday; oh wait a minute- they all are.

[nccanes]

Thanks for the reports from the front lines.

I agree that PL sounded a little unfazed by things which was surprising -- even though I didn't see a second of the game, lol.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah, SoCal, we were joking on the way home that we have a new slogan.


Carolina Hurricanes: Two Goals and We're Done

[nickgregory]

when the game first started, I was utterly annoyed at how few fans were there...as it started to become apparent how the team was going to play...I wished I was one of them that stayed home...

No reason to single any one person out as being bad as they all were...and the comments about Cam are smack on...I cannot begin to tell you how tired I am of hearing people in the building calling for Cams head...yes he has let in bad goals this year, but if you cant tell the difference between laughably bad defense and bad goaltending, well I cant help you...

The thing that sticks with me is this game was just like the leafs games for me...only difference is the canes found a way to win those...but the fact is carolina, even with the injuries, are a deeper and more talented team than the leafs or thrashers, yet they get completely outworked and outhustled...embarassing...

one thing I did hear manascalco say that I agree with...they play like that on Wed, it will be a 10-2 final.

[nccanes]

Yeah, SoCal, we were joking on the way home that we have a new slogan.


Carolina Hurricanes: Two Goals and We're Done

Well you know -- every single season when we score 3+ in a game, I still say to myself -- I can't believe we can score this many! :lol: I'm way too programmed from the Mo days. Guess that'll help now. :beatup:

[puck_it]

I don't know, but Brindy is irresponsible.

i think he needs some diversity on that line.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Maybe there is a clique in the locker room.

[nccanes]

Maybe there is a clique in the locker room.

That would really funny :laugh: :lol: :laugh: except that there might be. :cry::sick:

:laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

nick touched on the elephant in the room- the lack of people in the building. I get that the economy stinks, but that org has better find a way to fill that building or trouble is brewing (if it isn't already). I think they thought scheduling Sundays was a good way to get alot of people in, especially families with kids and the earlier games-- We had stopped for a pregame meal and a family in Canes gear was ahead of us to be seated, and the hostess had asked if there was a game, and the dad said- yes it's great because it's at 3 and these two (his kids) don't ever get to go at night.

So, they've targeted a certain demographic- and I see that they're trying to grab the families , however, as per usual, they are doing a crappy job of advertising the Sunday games cause I've yet to see it full in the RBCC on a Sunday.

I guess it's two-fold, giving people incentive to even come out for a game; and then when they get there, not giving them this type of "effort" and playing a real game.

I think there is something to the idea that there's a clique in the locker room. and no I'm not kidding, lol.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think there is something to the idea that there's a clique in the locker room. and no I'm not kidding, lol.

Just for the record, I was kidding.



Although I admit, I do not like this quote one bit.

“Every time we had some little thing go wrong all of the sudden there was a bounce and it was in our net,” Brind’Amour said. “It’s tough because in today’s game you can’t have little things go against you because everybody is so evenly matched.”

Most of the time, the little thing going against you today was that the other team was still playing while you all were thinking about the post-game trip to Taco Bell.

[SoCalcaniac]

:lol: SHC- I see you working; you don't want to be linked to me saying something ill advised. ;)

I don't really think there is a clique per se, but I do think there is a lack of cohesiveness in that room. Speculation to be sure, but there is something 'not right'.

Canes, This is what happens when crappy play is in effect. They subject themselves to being dissected to bits.

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

I still think that regardless of whether it was Cam's fault or not, Lavi should've pulled him. If for no other reason, than to wake up the team.

[c-girl]

I still think that regardless of whether it was Cam's fault or not, Lavi should've pulled him. If for no other reason, than to wake up the team.

Apparently, he didn't hear the "Mi-chael Leigh-ton" chant coming from the section behind the bench. By that time, I was so over the game, I actually found that funny.

[nickgregory]

I guess it's two-fold, giving people incentive to even come out for a game; and then when they get there, not giving them this type of "effort" and playing a real game.




and the effort thing is what gets me....I have been a full STH since I moved here in 2000, and last year I have started splitting my tickets with another guy as going to games with a 19 month old is difficult at times...and the bothersome thing is there were times last year where I started wondering if there was a better use of my entertainment dollar...and today I found myself with the same thought...now this is just one game, and I truly love hockey (watch center ice like I am getting paid to do it), so me going away is not likely going to happen any time soon...but for other folks..I just dont know...the product on the ice just has to be better...win or lose....

[SoCalcaniac]

Obviously they weren't too loud, thank god- cause that isn't very amusing. the building was plenty empty you'd think that would have rang loudly throughout the building.

Anyway, I disagree that pulling Cam would 'wake up' anyone; they are/were zombies. Cam wasn't freaking at fault for the bazillionth time- when does the coach get to "pull the team"? (no need to answer, it was rhetorical) Oh, wait, if he pulled the team we'd all have to go home cause nobody would be playing.

[Caniac]

Maybe we should send them all to Albany and call up the entirety of the Rats.

[caniac369]

What a bummer... I just got back from a weekend out of town, knew the score from Friday but came home to find the DVR fudged up and didn't record the game today. From what I see, I guess I'm better off...?

[RangersCanesFan]

nick touched on the elephant in the room- the lack of people in the building. I get that the economy stinks, but that org has better find a way to fill that building or trouble is brewing (if it isn't already). I think they thought scheduling Sundays was a good way to get alot of people in, especially families with kids and the earlier games-- We had stopped for a pregame meal and a family in Canes gear was ahead of us to be seated, and the hostess had asked if there was a game, and the dad said- yes it's great because it's at 3 and these two (his kids) don't ever get to go at night.

So, they've targeted a certain demographic- and I see that they're trying to grab the families , however, as per usual, they are doing a crappy job of advertising the Sunday games cause I've yet to see it full in the RBCC on a Sunday.

I guess it's two-fold, giving people incentive to even come out for a game; and then when they get there, not giving them this type of "effort" and playing a real game.

I think there is something to the idea that there's a clique in the locker room. and no I'm not kidding, lol.

The thing is, this organization has been scheduling Sunday afternoon games since the beginning, and RARELY, if ever is there a really good crowd. Most of the time they're scheduling them in October and November, when they're right up against the NFL and yes, I'll say it, the end of NASCAR season. They don't schedule the Sunday afternoon games all that often in March. Are they that worried about going head to head with the NCAA Tournament?

They've tried 1 PM, 5 PM, 3 PM, and nothing seems to work. Great, you brought in a few families. You also alienated a lot of people that may have wanted to watch the game that couldn't get to the RBC Center today! SoCal brings up a great point about advertising. The Ottawa game on Friday night was not televised, so unless you get the paper, and actually look at the schedule, you don't really know when the next game is. Anyway, wasn't Friday the first "family night" game? So, it really makes no sense to try to draw the same people back that just dropped $200 or so two days earlier.

Here in Charlotte, it is actually easier to follow the Rangers. EVERY one of their games, minus the Versus and NBC games are on MSG through Center Ice. It's absolutely pathetic that the in-state team is covered less on TV than almost every other team in the league. It should not be a struggle to follow the supposedly local team.

After nearly 10 years in the market, they should know who their demographic is and marketing base is. They seem like they fail miserably in that regard. The Checkers draw over 5,000 a game here. Wouldn't you think the 'Canes could somehow piggyback on that? I've seen exactly ONE promotion to a Canes game, sponsored by Amtrak and the RANGERS. It was for a Rangers-Canes game in Raleigh. Granted the Checkers are affiliated with the Rangers, but I doubt anyone would care if the Canes promoted at a Checkers game.

[caniac369]

^ It's incredibly frustrating that they no longer show all the Canes game feeds from FS Carolinas on Center Ice. Yes, granted, watching the Habs feed in French is better then none at all, but EGH!!

[SoCalcaniac]

RCF- it's been awhile since we've done Sunday games as an org. If I recall during the roundtable I attended with JR, he said "we really want Friday and Saturday games, Sunday never worked it in the early going" So now, a few years removed from the Cup win, we've got Sunday games.I think they over estimated just who would come- and of course the economy has turned everything upside down.

As for the whole "family night" thing, they barely advertised that game on Friday; they do a horrible job of truly advertising things. I don't mean advertising during a game at the arena- I mean a better effort of selling this outside of the fans who follow the Canes. They don't make enough of an effort to expand outside of this little zone they've created. and they really do nothing to build up excitement about the team - which they could have done that whole month of October when they were on the road, instead we're treated to getting into the building on the first game back from the roadie, and the arena/staff/canesvision etc., acting like it was the first time they ever opened the doors for a hockey game. It's maddening how poorly they do with any 'selling' of this team.

It's actually easier to follow every other team in the league except for ours via Center Ice. When the org jumps at the "deal" that they did with FSN instead of at least hearing out MASN who by all accounts would have shown all 82 games, and we didn't even listen to what they'd do, I have no words other than you can't be this stupid. The Blackhawks used to be maligned for not showing games on TV, it was what 5 -10 games a YEAR on local TV? Now, here I sit watching every Hawks game on TV cause they finally 'got it' (and Mr. Wirtz did pass away) and now, all the Hawks games are on TV and in HD, AND all their games are sold out--- basically all in one season- and they've not even won the Cup. I doubt we will ever know that feeling.

C-369, you didn't miss anything- this game wasn't televised by either team.

[caniac369]

^ Good... once hubby gets done watching his college games from yesterday I can go catch up on the last 2 weeks for Grey's...

I have to say, I thought it was odd that they had 2 Sunday games in consecutive weeks on the schedule. Originally it was between last weekend and this weekend for my trip, but last weekend won out b/c of a mine and friends schedules, but now I'm glad I was there last weekend. I only remember a handful of Sunday games when I was still there.

[Guyute]

I think they thought scheduling Sundays was a good way to get alot of people in, especially families with kids and the earlier games--
yeah except that those games are impossible for any families whose kids are still at the napping age. Sure, we could try to get Cole down at noon and MAYBE make it by puck drop, but he's usually sleeping 2-4. And he'd probably be upset if we didn't get there early enough for him to play hockey in the lot with his friend. lol
I know fans with young kids are just a small part of the base... but it seems with 3pm Sunday games, those are one of the target groups, but they don't get it.

After nearly 10 years in the market, they should know who their demographic is and marketing base is. They seem like they fail miserably in that regard.
It's truly astounding. I know we've hashed and re-hashed this stuff a million times. But really, this is such a half-assed show that is being run here it's amazing that they ever fill the building. Add horrendous play to the mix, and there really should be no surprise at the attendance.
But hey, if they keep raising prices on stuff, maybe they'll still make enough money to stay here on the 8k that are going. Each year they get closer to pricing us out.

[livinthedream]

^ Yeah, but for a lot of parents with school-age kids, Sunday afternoon is a perfect time. Outside of the obvious national sports (NFL, etc.) there aren't the kid sports conflicts that you have on Saturdays, church is over, and you're home early enough to get them settled down for school the next day.

(ETA: Even though I have a school-age student, personally we prefer night games, I'm lucky enough to have a night owl for a son so getting home at 10 pm on a school night doesn't bother him at all, for now).

I have to say, I thought it was odd that they had 2 Sunday games in consecutive weeks on the schedule. Originally it was between last weekend and this weekend for my trip, but last weekend won out b/c of a mine and friends schedules, but now I'm glad I was there last weekend. I only remember a handful of Sunday games when I was still there.

Believe it or not, there are five Sundays this month, and we have a game on each one of them.

In addition to the ones already in the books, 11/16 against the Lightning and 11/23 against the Predators are both at 3:00 pm, and the 11/30 Anaheim game is at 7:00 pm.

But my question is this, regardless of your target demographic, with this being the 3rd game in 4 days, wouldn't it have made sense to play it later in the day, just to give your team a couple more hours of recovery time?

[c-girl]

Obviously they weren't too loud, thank god- cause that isn't very amusing. the building was plenty empty you'd think that would have rang loudly throughout the building.




Ordinarily I wouldn't find it too amusing either but by then I was as out of the game as the players were. We were on the third level front row and we heard the chant very clearly. Also, we could hear the players talking to each other which is something we're rarely able to hear up there.

[caniac369]

I remember being there for a low attended game v. Atlanta a few years back and it was all we could do to shout over the Thrashers fans that were there. But I do remember back 4-5 years back I could hear the guys sitting in the 200 level accross the ice...

[Guyute]

^ Yeah, but for a lot of parents with school-age kids, Sunday afternoon is a perfect time. Outside of the obvious national sports (NFL, etc.) there aren't the kid sports conflicts that you have on Saturdays, church is over, and you're home early enough to get them settled down for school the next day.

(ETA: Even though I have a school-age student, personally we prefer night games, I'm lucky enough to have a night owl for a son so getting home at 10 pm on a school night doesn't bother him at all, for now).

Yeah, I was going to say, maybe if we were full STHers the night games would be a problem... but, since we only go to 10 (at most) weeknight games in a year, it's not that big of a deal. And for now for us too, he's got no problem staying up late.
We'd prefer evening games too. Particularly on the weekend when we could possibly get to spend a few hours hanging out before the game. 3pm starts just make that rough, if not impossible.

[kermelbar]

I'm a single, childless 12-gamer (weekend package) and I prefer the evening games. The 3 p.m. is nice for tailgating, but the weather can be so hit and miss, I don't factor that in. With a 3 p.m. game, I feel like I'm spending the morning counting down to when I need to start getting ready for the game (which tends to coincide with my preferred weekend napping time :lol:) and then I get home at 6:30ish and it feels like the whole day is gone. With it being dark when we get out of the 3 p.m. games, it just makes it feel like a work day to me. I think 5 p.m. would be my preference, especially for the Sunday games -- just early enough to give you daylight for tailgating but without eating up the whole day.

[KaniacFever]

Well I totally missed the 3rd period, decided to us those 20 minutes as my social hour. So I really have no comments. The first period I thought was half way decent. The 2 goals we got in the second were good, well then it all went to hell in a handbasket after that.

How we continue to allow teams to prance up the middle of our ice baffles me. How we allow guys to skate the puck around for 5 minutes without being touched, baffles me. Freakin hit somebody.

Oh and I never thought I'd hear people wishing Kaberle back as much as I did tonight over in our area. There were quite a few people in agreement (me included) that can't wait for Kaberle and Pitkanen to be back so Melichar and Babchuk can sit. I just can't take those 2 anymore.

There was 1 highlight of the night. I got to see JWillie catch a flying t-shirt :D

[StormChaserBH]

There was 1 highlight of the night. I got to see JWillie catch a flying t-shirt :D

I hope he didn't hurt himself diving for it :evil:

[livinthedream]

^ Well played!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/smilies/applause.gif?t=1226284870

[SoCalcaniac]

There was 1 highlight of the night. I got to see JWillie catch a flying t-shirt :D

Well now I'm just jealous. :lol: Did you wave and tell him we miss him? ;)(badly) have ya'll sat and thought about JUST how much we miss Justin Williams? I know you have, I'm just saying it out loud for the first time so just roll with me, lol. Our Captain misses JWill,that I know for sure.

PL said in the postgame that Pitkanen and Cullen could make a return (heck he even threw in Sutter, but really?) I don't remember him saying Frankie. In any event, maybe we can see some semblance of our real team, with all these pending returns.

Boy, I really stuck my foot in it bringing up the ol' sore spot- Attendance and Sunday games. :laugh:

[caveman]

When we scored first, I thought: "Merd. Now we're screwed."

When they scored 2 minutes later, I thought: "Yup, there it goes."

But! Then we scored again! I thought: "Oh wait... we scored! Maybe we will get this one! Maybe there's nothing wrong with a team that can't be fixed with a visit from the Thrashers!"

But then... goal, goal, goal against. And in the third, another goal against.

Another 0-fer on the power play.

But you know... my whole perspective is changing a bit this year with cavetoddler joining the Caniac Nation in force. He has no idea we lost. None. He was excited for Brindy and Whitney's goals, and never stopped joining the "Let's Go Canes" refrain. (Caught repeatedly over the radio, we were home for this one, sadly.)

I, however, take getting Thrashed a little more sorely. ;]

[caveman]

3pm starts just make that rough, if not impossible.

5 pm weekend start times are the best thing since sliced bread.

[VandyCane]

There were quite a few empty seats on Friday night and against Ottawa that tends to be a big draw. I think the economic downturn is really hurting the Canes.

[CajunCaniac]

I think we should have known we were in for a long day after that sad attempt at the "hurricane warning" siren. I LOVE that siren when it's done right (a la Cullen Jones), but today it sounded more like a "gentle breeze" warning. And that's about all we had...

[KaniacFever]

Well now I'm just jealous. :lol: Did you wave and tell him we miss him? ;)(badly) have ya'll sat and thought about JUST how much we miss Justin Williams? I know you have, I'm just saying it out loud for the first time so just roll with me, lol. Our Captain misses JWill,that I know for sure.



I have said this multiple times to the boyfriend. Especially after a really bad PP. I don't know, but it seems last year when JWill went down our PP took a dive. So far this year our PP is taking a dive.

There's other intangibles out there that get me thinking if JWill was playing that would happen or that wouldn't happen.

He is by far our best RW and not having him in the line up is really hurting us. Let's hope that once he does return, he returns for good. The dudes bad luck has got to run out sometime.

Oh and I didn't get to talk to him. He was up in a suite. I actually saw the hair first (love that hair) and thought Willie. I then got a better look and sure enough it was the one and only JWill. :)

[SoCalcaniac]

Vandy- Ottawa has always been a horrid draw for the Canes- why, I have no clue, they just never have drawn.

But, you're right, the economy is hurting the team, BUT the team hurts itself on so many levels- mainly their inability to market themselves, and tonight, they just stunk.

[Shell]

But you know... my whole perspective is changing a bit this year with cavetoddler joining the Caniac Nation in force. He has no idea we lost. None. He was excited for Brindy and Whitney's goals, and never stopped joining the "Let's Go Canes" refrain. (Caught repeatedly over the radio, we were home for this one, sadly.)

I, however, take getting Thrashed a little more sorely. ;]

I remember those days fondly - now Cole gets big tears in his eyes and is sooooo sad when we lose that it breaks my heart and pisses me off if the Canes can't show some effort for my son lol.

[livinthedream]

Vandy- Ottawa has always been a horrid draw for the Canes- why, I have no clue, they just never have drawn.

But, you're right, the economy is hurting the team, BUT the team hurts itself on so many levels- mainly their inability to market themselves, and tonight, they just stunk.

Yeah, but if you go by the scoresheets, Ottawa outdrew Edmonton.

Of course Opening Night and the Detroit game were sellouts, but both games last weekend, which you'd think would be big draws, and Ottawa Friday night were all just over the 15,000 mark (actually the Leafs were a little higher at 15,635).

Today's announced attendance was 12,398.

Sigh.

[puck_it]

hellllooooooooo lower ticket prices

[Guyute]

Seriously, look at the walkup ticket prices. You'd think we won the SC last year. They're ridiculous.

[caniac369]

12,398? Ouch. Lord knows I would make the trip back more often like I used to to help bolster attendance (and the noise level!!), but our schedule just doesn't allow it. I'll be lucky if I make it back again before the postseason (yes, I'm being optimistic). They have GOT to do something to get more people in the seats... BOGOs, giveaways... something. For god's sake, they've got the Penguins players delivering pizzas!!

[andyt]

Maybe we should send them all to Albany and call up the entirety of the Rats.

Just for the record, the Rats are last in their division and have scored 24 goals in 11 games. Unfortunately, 25% of those 24 goals are on the Canes roster with Dwyer, Helminen and Ryan. So there's no help there.

[ontheboards]

...they do a horrible job of truly advertising things. It's maddening how poorly they do with any 'selling' of this team.
If they were winning or had winning seasons after the cup, they wouldn't have to advertise.My guess is the word of mouth after a game like this is potent-- who is going to pay $100 (face value on my ticket) for play like this? Hell, I feel ripped off and cheated and it's only November! How in the world can you sell that?

[nccanes]

Last year there was a 5pm Saturday game and I thought it was a fantastic timeslot.

I think the return to Sunday games is a nice experiment, just too bad they are all bunched up (though for tailgating, November is probably better than January). I don't really see the difference between drawing 12k for a Tuesday night game vs the Thrasher and 12k for a Sunday afternoon game vs the Thrasher, so if it brings in a different demographic than the Tues night game, than it's a positive imo.

The bigger issue (as guy will point out every time) is the gate price hike. It's a LOT more expensive to go to a game walking up than in the past. And since those tickets aren't committed to in advance like the rest of us, you can opt NOT to drop the money when you've read the umpteenth story about how bad the economy is, how your company is planning layoffs, etc.

And fwiw, the fall always has lower attendance than after the holidays (historically anyway, who knows this year).

But good gosh - the team played awful, maybe they could start there in attracting fans and rewarding those that show up. :lol:

[SC06]

As we were driving into the lot yesterday a couple of guys with the org. walked up to us and gave us a certificate for 2 free tickets because we had the car flags on. They gave them to at least 3 cars around us. So in a way I feel like I got a refund for that godawful game I sat through yesterday.

[RangersCanesFan]

Last year there was a 5pm Saturday game and I thought it was a fantastic timeslot.

I think the return to Sunday games is a nice experiment, just too bad they are all bunched up (though for tailgating, November is probably better than January). I don't really see the difference between drawing 12k for a Tuesday night game vs the Thrasher and 12k for a Sunday afternoon game vs the Thrasher, so if it brings in a different demographic than the Tues night game, than it's a positive imo.

The bigger issue (as guy will point out every time) is the gate price hike. It's a LOT more expensive to go to a game walking up than in the past. And since those tickets aren't committed to in advance like the rest of us, you can opt NOT to drop the money when you've read the umpteenth story about how bad the economy is, how your company is planning layoffs, etc.

And fwiw, the fall always has lower attendance than after the holidays (historically anyway, who knows this year).

But good gosh - the team played awful, maybe they could start there in attracting fans and rewarding those that show up. :lol:

That's a good point about the 5pm time, except Saturdays and Sundays are completely different animals. The Canes have usually never struggled to draw well on a Saturday. Sundays have just been bad from Day One, save for a few games in that 02-03 season.

The points made here though are dead on: little to no advertising, gate prices that are extremely more expensive than they've been in the past, the poor economy, and a start time that is extremely inconvienient to almost anyone except families with school-age children.

[SoCalcaniac]

SC- glad to hear that someone is actually winning prizes in the car flag program- good for you!

So the irritation of last night's game has not waned, and I'm irked some more because now that we have 2 days to stew over another TEAM debacle, we get this in Chirp's blog :



Monday Debate: The Goalie

So you're Canes coach Peter Laviolette and you have a decision to make with the Washington Capitals coming in Wednesday.
In short, who starts in goal: Cam Ward or Michael Leighton?
Ward made some spectacular saves against the Caps on Thursday but Washington did score the two goals in the last 2:43 to win 3-2. Ward also was the loser Sunday in the 5-2 loss to Atlanta. Leighton was the winner Friday in the 2-1 victory over Ottawa.

So who should it be? The floor is open.



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[caneshockeychick]

^ you had to know it was coming. Sad, but true.

[nccanes]

One of the posters at TSB (who has followed the team since the Hartford days and used to work for the org) said something about the team playing well and then just kinda giving up once it was tied 2-2. For those that were there, were the defensive lapses and general apathy something that was a theme from the opening faceoff and were the first 2 ATL goals weak/poor?

I'm not trying to add the polemic, just curious about if the defensive lapses were there from the get go, or got worse as the game wore on.

[hyena]

^^^ The fact that it's a "question" at all as to who starts on Wednesday is what's worrisome, IMO.

[c-girl]

As we were driving into the lot yesterday a couple of guys with the org. walked up to us and gave us a certificate for 2 free tickets because we had the car flags on. They gave them to at least 3 cars around us. So in a way I feel like I got a refund for that godawful game I sat through yesterday.

Congratulations. We won a certificate for 2 free tickets as we were driving in for the Detroit game. We redeemed the certificate for tickets for Wednesday night's game against the Capitals. We'll be in Section 110 and our son and one of his buddies will be in our ST seats on the third level. We haven't been in the lower level since the 2006-2007 preseason games.

[SoCalcaniac]

E, I thought I posted it too- yes, they played well for the bulk of that first 30 minutes; and I fully believe they stopped playing after it was 2-1.

It was indeed the defensive lapses that complete meltdowns that were the factor.

[nccanes]

The suggestion by the other person was that the team gave up after Cam showed he wasn't on his game.

[Guyute]

The bigger issue (as guy will point out every time) is the gate price hike.
I'm that predictable eh? :p

As for the goalies, start Leighton, imo. Leighton's play pushes Cam to play better. Sadly it's not pushing the skaters in front of them to play better, but you have to take what you can get.

[KaniacFever]

The suggestion by the other person was that the team gave up after Cam showed he wasn't on his game.

Sounds like a poster who just wants to blame Cam. After the Wizard made it 2-1, I thought they went back to the ol let's hang onto this one goal lead mantra. Melichar had the puck in our zone, every Canes player started heading towards the Thrasher zone, Melichar turned it over and the next thing you know Cam has no chance and the puck is in the back of the net.

I don't see how one person can be blamed. I noticed Melichar was pretty much benched after that. But then the whole team needed to be benched so Melichar eventually found himself back out there.

And frankly I'm sick of the "team didn't play b/c the goalie wasn't on his game" excuse. I'm sorry but these guys are freakin professionals. This sounds like something you would hear in high school. And if its true, then each one of these guys need to be fired. They have a job to do. Its a team sport. If a forward is "off his game", other forwards pick up the slack. If a defenseman "makes a mistake" his partner is there to clean it up. Same should be done for a goalie. Not one player is going to have a perfect 82 games. It's a cop out excuse to always blame the goalie for a piss poor effort from the 18 guys in front of him.

[SoCalcaniac]

The suggestion by the other person was that the team gave up after Cam showed he wasn't on his game.

Hmm- I dunno know about that, I thought Cam bailed them out previously and then they collapsed. But then there is that whole blame the goalie thing that just doesnt' click with me for yesterday's game. They had a breakdown, and then he broke down.... and seriously- the blame the goalie thing just continues to drive me nuts.

[Mona2006]

I remember being there for a low attended game v. Atlanta a few years back and it was all we could do to shout over the Thrashers fans that were there.

I find it incredibly hard to believe that about YOU.. there must have been 10,000 of them. :lol::p;)

[nccanes]

I find it incredibly hard to believe that about YOU.. there must have been 10,000 of them. :lol::p;)

:lol: :laugh: Thanks for the laugh Mona! :kiss: -> C369.

[CajunCaniac]

I thought the 1st period was pretty solid defensively, but we didn't have much offensively. In the 2nd, I thought we played pretty well, generating a lot of pressure. But the pressure really only led to Rod's goal (the Whitney goal was a cherry pick breakaway). Towards the end of the 2nd, there were lots of defensive lapses. I thought it might get better in the 3rd, but less a minute into the period, we gave up a 2 on 1 that Cam stopped. The worst lapse I remember was when Timmay was skating off for a change, and the other Dman (I forget who) passed a soft pass in Gleason's direction, not realizing he was going off. So Timmay never saw the pass, but Atlanta pounced on it.

Let's just put it behind us and focus on the Caps... We've played some pretty bad hockey with a line-up that is missing a lot of key players. But we're still technically leading our division. This is a make-or-break month with a lot of games at home.

GO CANES!

[caneshockeychick]

I just don't get the whole goalie rotation thing. Ward one game, Leighton the next game. then Ward again, and so on. I mean, why not after Fri nights game just play Leighton? Didn't they used to play the goalie who won, like that...till he lost? Does it hurt worse than what's happening now? Get one of them "hot" dammit!!!

[Mona2006]

:lol: :laugh: Thanks for the laugh Mona! :kiss: -> C369.

It had to be said.. and I thought this topic needed some laughter. We love ya Erin. :kiss::D

[nccanes]

I just don't get the whole goalie rotation thing. Ward one game, Leighton the next game. then Ward again, and so on. I mean, why not after Fri nights game just play Leighton? Didn't they used to play the goalie who won, like that...till he lost? Does it hurt worse than what's happening now? Get one of them "hot" dammit!!!

I agree with you. But I think they so desperately want Cam to be the one winning games and finally becoming the #1, they are going to keep putting him back in. :(

If they'd won that Caps game, I think we're in a whole different place. And that's why (team breakdowns aside) giving up 2 late goals, both questionable, is gonna create this situation -- even with Cam's stats (at least prior to last night) being fantastic.

Cam's faced a lot more shots, but they both have similar stats, the same number of wins, and Cam has 3 more losses. Seems pretty simple to me.

[SoCalcaniac]

Well, it's supposed to be that Cam Ward is our #1 goalie. We've annoited him that, he's being paid that, and blah, blah, blah, blah,blah. Leighton, if he's a true backup goalie, is supposed to be the guy that "gives the #1 a break" when we're playing say, an unfriendly schedule, back to backs, etc. So essentially he'd play 25-28 games in a season (?)

So here's the rub- If Cam is indeed the #1 guy- then I'm play him. Win lose or draw or whatever we call it. Look around the league- all the so called number ones are playing number one; ini back to backs, after a crap loss, etc - Cam's peers are Carey Price, MAF and hell Steve Mason (age 19/20) just got called up for CLB and he's played 4 straight games. Nabakov in SJ always plays, as does Bryzgalov in PHX, hell, Mike Smith who's never won anything is playing most games in Tampa and he's got Kolzig behinid him. If we're not feeling it with Cam as an org/ coaching staff, then let's cut to the chase and be done with it.

I'm sick of the wondering and looking over the shoulder. The tandem thing is not working for me as a fan and clearly the fans feel the need to constantly harp on the let's play leighton thing the minute Cam supposedly falters. So if we're not saying Cam is "#1" then play Leighton, but I'm over the whole rotatinig thing. Over it.

Shutting up now....

[Guyute]

lol, I'm SO not on board with the "play Cam cuz he's our #1, regardless of HOW he's playing" bit.

I don't care if you're a frigging all-star, if the back-up goalie is outplaying you, then enjoy watching some games.
Pretty simple for me. /shrug

ETA: Note- I am NOT hanging all our problems on Cam. He's been sensational during points of a game. But, he's also let in some awful goals, at awful times.

[RangersCanesFan]

We already went through goalie nonsense and injuries in 02-03. I don't think anyone here wants to go through that nightmare again.

[puck_it]

The suggestion by the other person was that the team gave up after Cam showed he wasn't on his game.

that's certainly possible. But, in my experience, when the goaltender shows he isnt on his game, it can often spark the offense and get them into a do-or-die mode. The defense as well, "hey, my goalie is going to let in every shot, i should really try to shut them down."

But there are some games when it's a lost cause

[ontheboards]

The suggestion by the other person was that the team gave up after Cam showed he wasn't on his game.
We know that poster well and sometimes he's on the mark and sometimes he bangs his drum with an axe to grind. I was at the game and the team looked flat-- some spurts, but flat overall and not playing as a team-- lots of frustration, poor positioning, turnovers, bad passing with the occassional individual effort. Even the Brookbank-Bolton fight looked half-hearted in that they were just going through the paces (reminded me of "Rock'em Sock'em Robots"). I didn't even notice the bench all that motivated by that or even tell if sticks were banging on the bench. Cam can be singled out, but this has also been ateam that has consistently been called out for not keeping their feet to the pedal after they take a lead and letting teams dictate play--I am reminded of that Toronto game when the Canes were up 4 to 1.

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

The discussions about Cam and Staal struggling are in my opinion overdone. What concerns me more is that Brindy is a -13. And he's supposed to be our Defensive Center.

[caneshockeychick]

IMO, I say start Leighton Wed. If we win, start him Fri. Win again? Start him again on Sunday.

Or Just keep one of our goalies in net for a certain amount of time to try and get us some wins.

[puck_it]

The discussions about Cam and Staal struggling are in my opinion overdone. What concerns me more is that Brindy is a -13. And he's supposed to be our Defensive Center.

True that. I think people are giving him a pass because he's suffered a significant injury. But, really, at this point he needs to start shaping up. I've seen him duck and avoid laying out an important check too many times.

Offensively, i think he's doing ok... defensively... UGH

[caveman]

I remember those days fondly - now Cole gets big tears in his eyes and is sooooo sad when we lose that it breaks my heart and pisses me off if the Canes can't show some effort for my son lol.

I can't decide whether to laugh or cry now. :)

[crumudgeonly_caniac]

I've had ACL reconstruction, and I can tell you the rehab is harsh. Granted, I'm no where close to being in the same class as Brind'amour physically, but it's a long process to comeback from. Took me 2 years to regain enough comfort and confidence in my knee to get out and play soccer with 8 yr old. Hopefully we'll begin to see improvement in Rod's play long before that, but yes I'm concerned about the long term effects on his ability to lead by example.

[nccanes]

I still contend it's the "best players" issue. Right now our best players aren't leading this team and the rest are out. Not a recipe for success. Rod, Staal, and Cam can all be better than they have for the last few outings.

[caveman]

If they were winning or had winning seasons after the cup, they wouldn't have to advertise.

Heh, one of my favorite topics to jump on OTB. ;] 43 wins and 92 points last year, 40 wins and 88 points the year before. (28 wins in 2003-2004, 22 wins in 2002-2003, now THAT was a problem of not winning.) The problem is missing the playoffs, not simply failing to win. (In 2001-2002 we had "only" 35 wins -- fewer than in 2006-2007 or 2007-2008 -- but I'd trade deep playoff runs for 40+ "win" seasons any day.)

FYI, at 8-5-2 through 15 games, we're still first in the division on "on pace" for 43+ wins and 98+ points.

My only "true gripe" with this team is the power(less) play and too-often lazy feet on defense.

[puck_it]

I've had ACL reconstruction, and I can tell you the rehab is harsh. Granted, I'm no where close to being in the same class as Brind'amour physically, but it's a long process to comeback from. Took me 2 years to regain enough comfort and confidence in my knee to get out and play soccer with 8 yr old. Hopefully we'll begin to see improvement in Rod's play long before that, but yes I'm concerned about the long term effects on his ability to lead by example.

Absolutely, there's still stuff i wont do to my ankle a year and a half after snapping it in two.

But, for a player like him, I expect him to not make major gaffes in descion making on the defensive end.

[Solracer]

I figured with all the injuries there are going to be games like this. Injuries should not be an excuse however think about this line up if everyone is healthy,

staal, whitney, Ruutu
brindy, williams, samsonov
cullen, eaves, walker
sutter, bayda, LaRose

Of course the 4th line is always in flux, and as mentioned above our best players have not been playing our best, however We are really a one line team right now since Brindy's line really has not been producing. Teans can send there top defensive line out agains Staals line, and force the other lines to produce.

Not an excuse but something to think about.

[perfectstorm]

I have been a full STH since I moved here in 2000, and last year I have started splitting my tickets with another guy as going to games with a 19 month old is difficult at times...and the bothersome thing is there were times last year where I started wondering if there was a better use of my entertainment dollar...and today I found myself with the same thought...now this is just one game, and I truly love hockey (watch center ice like I am getting paid to do it), so me going away is not likely going to happen any time soon...but for other folks..I just dont know...the product on the ice just has to be better...win or lose....

Former Full STH here.

When I can walk up to the box office and for half the home games I can purchase sideline premiere tickets for about a buck less than the season ticket price (Harris Teeter discount), or use the coupons they gave away for free at the Durham Bulls baseball games to Buy One Get One Get One Free to seven home games, or use my wifes college email address to get Sideline Premiere seats for $35 instead of paying $80 at the box office for six games or present a valid college student ID to receive $20 off any lower level seat or $5 off any upper level seat (Upper Goal Zone excluded) where is the incentive to purchase season tickets?

[nccanes]

But you get the same seat every game! :lol: :lol:

[aldamon]

where is the incentive to purchase season tickets?

Playoff priority? :evil:

[Canesluver]

That's actually a big deal to us. I'd say a good 1/2 of our enjoyment of the game is the people we've bonded with who sit around us.

Enjoying the people we're sharing the good time (or comiserating with) is an important part of the game to us.

[perfectstorm]

Oh, and I forgot to mention, you never pay sticker on craigslist.

[KaniacFever]

That's actually a big deal to us. I'd say a good 1/2 of our enjoyment of the game is the people we've bonded with who sit around us.

Enjoying the people we're sharing the good time (or comiserating with) is an important part of the game to us.

I have to go with this one. I enjoy going to the games not just for the game itself, but to spend it with people who've we become friends with other the years. And a plus side, if one of us can't go to a game for whatever reason and we couldn't find a friend to take the ticket due to last minute notice, the other one doesn't mind going alone as our seat peeps will be there to chat with.

[Guyute]

Yep. The few years we did 24 packs and actually got to select our seats, we were always right around the same people. Going to a 10 pack we're always somewhere near... but... not next to. Maybe not even in anything other than waving-distance. Kind of sucks.

[CzechIt]

lol, I'm SO not on board with the "play Cam cuz he's our #1, regardless of HOW he's playing" bit.

I don't care if you're a frigging all-star, if the back-up goalie is outplaying you, then enjoy watching some games.
Pretty simple for me. /shrug

ETA: Note- I am NOT hanging all our problems on Cam. He's been sensational during points of a game. But, he's also let in some awful goals, at awful times.

I could not agree with you more. :thumbsup:

IMHO I still do not think Cam has established himself as a #1 goalie for whatever reason. Past two years, he has ranked in the stats for GAA and SV% in the early 30s.

Even the year, we won the cup... he was not having a good season as backup. Win totals are ok... but I attribute that to a strong offensive team. (last year we were ranked 5th in GF) yes, I know he has won the Conn Smyth as playoff MVP and he won us a Stanley Cup... blah blah...That is great... we know he has it in him but that is playoffs and you need a regular season to get there.

Now, I do not know why Cam has such poor stats, maybe he has been playing too many games, maybe it was his fitness in the past, maybe it was the team defense. Whatever it is, get over it (team)...it aint gonna be pretty but you have GOT to bring it EVERY night. Whether it is 18,000 fans or 2 fans... you cannot just give up.

I will go a little further than you Guyute... I do blame Cam for some of our problems... he is the goalie... you want the praises for a job well done... you will get the criticisms for a job poorly done. You are the last line of defense... you have to play as if you are holding a 2-1 lead in game 7 of the stanley cup playoffs, even if you are losing 2-5 in game 14 of the regular season.

No more losing in the last 2 mins of the game, no giving up 3+goals in a period, no more soft goals, no more me wanting a refund for a terrible game ...got to stop living in the past because sports are about the here and now. :fire:

And the here and now is
Cam has 4 wins in 10 starts
Leighton has 4 wins in 5 starts

No question who starts Wednesday's game. (back-up or not)

Wow... I have been holding alot back these few weeks.

[caneshockeychick]

I could not agree with you more. :thumbsup:

IMHO I still do not think Cam has established himself as a #1 goalie for whatever reason. Past two years, he has ranked in the stats for GAA and SV% in the early 30s.

Even the year, we won the cup... he was not having a good season as backup. Win totals are ok... but I attribute that to a strong offensive team. (last year we were ranked 5th in GF) yes, I know he has won the Conn Smyth as playoff MVP and he won us a Stanley Cup... blah blah...That is great... we know he has it in him but that is playoffs and you need a regular season to get there.

Now, I do not know why Cam has such poor stats, maybe he has been playing too many games, maybe it was his fitness in the past, maybe it was the team defense. Whatever it is, get over it (team)...it aint gonna be pretty but you have GOT to bring it EVERY night. Whether it is 18,000 fans or 2 fans... you cannot just give up.

I will go a little further than you Guyute... I do blame Cam for some of our problems... he is the goalie... you want the praises for a job well done... you will get the criticisms for a job poorly done. You are the last line of defense... you have to play as if you are holding a 2-1 lead in game 7 of the stanley cup playoffs, even if you are losing 2-5 in game 14 of the regular season.

No more losing in the last 2 mins of the game, no giving up 3+goals in a period, no more soft goals, no more me wanting a refund for a terrible game ...got to stop living in the past because sports are about the here and now. :fire:

And the here and now is
Cam has 4 wins in 10 starts
Leighton has 4 wins in 5 starts

No question who starts Wednesday's game. (back-up or not)

Wow... I have been holding alot back these few weeks.
:yeah:

/signed

[nccanes]

I agree with nearly all of that too, but as it stands now, Cam's stats are not that poor - his save % (before yesterday) was top 10 in the league, maybe higher than that. But the killer goals have come even in game where we held the GA low (Edm and Caps). THAT's when you have to toss the stats out the window in judging the true effectiveness of a goalie.

I know the D has been "suspect" all this time, so to me, it's whomever performs in front of the bipolar defense. (I'm using "defense" as a collective term for the team, not just the 6 D-men, though the moniker applies to them as well).

[nickgregory]

I know the D has been "suspect" all this time, so to me, it's whomever performs in front of the bipolar defense. (I'm using "defense" as a collective term for the team, not just the 6 D-men, though the moniker applies to them as well).

I agree with this. It is easy to point at Cam (or any goalie for that matter) when there are soft goals being given up, which there have. But honestly, this team hasnt played good team defense in most games this year. Combine that with brutal turnovers (Brindy and Melichar both provided legitimate assists yesterday in 2 goals for the thrashers) and the defense just isn't there night in night out.

I do think part of the problem is having 2 guys on the bench in babchuk and melichar that the coach doesnt seem to want to give anymore than brookbank minutes to (though I can understand melichar...he has been brutal at times this year). You can only overload the other guys on minutes before they get a step slow. Joni seems to be a guy who you can overload with minutes and his play hasnt suffered yet, but without him in the lineup, I think Laviolette needs to do a better job at spreading it out.

The real bottom line is Laviolette's system is effective when you have a vicious forecheck and you maintain puck control. When you have guys going through the motions, or taking shifts off, the defense which is by definition agressive presents more holes.

That said, I have no problem starting Leighton and trying to light a fire under Ward...it could be good. Leighton though scares me...yeah, he has a good record, but his rebound control is horrid at times...very Irbe like sometimes. Now that I said that, maybe that is why the defense plays differently in front of him...they know rebounds is part of the package and they have to be more responsible...who knows...

[CzechIt]

I agree with nearly all of that too, but as it stands now, Cam's stats are not that poor - his save % (before yesterday) was top 10 in the league, maybe higher than that. But the killer goals have come even in game where we held the GA low (Edm and Caps). THAT's when you have to toss the stats out the window in judging the true effectiveness of a goalie.



The stat references are for the years past, since the stat is pooled over 82 games. It would be unfair to use this years. The sample size is small and outliers would greatly effect the stat, as you indicated about one loss games and yesterday's. The islanders game would also have a huge impact on this stat.

I will just leave this years comparision stats till the end of the year. I remember something about n>30 and st dev or something that will allow for it earlier... I will just leave all that jazz till later.

Only thing I used was games won and loss this year in making my decision for wednesday's game.

[nccanes]

I agree with you Czech! I am just trying to give Cam the benefit of the doubt for now. :beatup:

[SoCalcaniac]

Yawn. Is it Wednesday yet? I'm sure I'll need some serious headache meds to combat this controversy (yes, it's a controversy let's not kid ourselves) cause I already have a migrane.

My original point was that the "spiel" by this org, is that Cam is the #1 goalie and Leighton, (who even said it in his post game comments after OTT game) is the backup. I'm not going to get to into the stat thing- we all know what they are and we all know the last two years haven't been great for Cam. My point is, to avoid all of THiS, please org, make a statement and say we're going with Leighton and if he falters, Cam comes back. Cause it's maddening to go back and forth. Just my opinion, but clearly everyone has their own opinion, and seriously, we (the org, not the fans) does not need all this stuff swirling around it, when it's clear they are barely able to focus on playing hockey, tying their own skate laces, putting one foot in front of the other, and just playing the daggone game- let alone dealing with any controversy. :lol:

[CzechIt]

I agree with you Czech! I am just trying to give Cam the benefit of the doubt for now. :beatup:

:) You know me... I rarely pick on players individually... they are all still canes and members of our team. What scares me though is that Cam usually has a strong start and wins lots of games early (even steal some)... and this year... that is not happening. We will see.

Still Leighton to start wednesday. I feel like I am campaigning. LOL

SoCal... my post was not in reference to yours before. (please don't think I was attacking you... I wasn't) Just more a rant about crappy feeling leaving the RBC Center. :) Also, I agree, the #1 goaltender thing is a load of crap. Look at what it is doing to the Blackhawks.

[KaniacFever]

I do think part of the problem is having 2 guys on the bench in babchuk and melichar that the coach doesnt seem to want to give anymore than brookbank minutes to (though I can understand melichar...he has been brutal at times this year). You can only overload the other guys on minutes before they get a step slow. Joni seems to be a guy who you can overload with minutes and his play hasnt suffered yet, but without him in the lineup, I think Laviolette needs to do a better job at spreading it out.



Isn't McCarthy in more control of the D. I recall during the Washington game, Tripp was asking McCarthy if he would play Babchuk/Melichar more since we had a game the next night.

However, it doesn't really matter who controls the defense, the point is I don't trust Melichar and Babchuk out there with a 10 foot pole. They both suck IMHO which is why Gleason is logging close to 30 minutes a night, Seidenberg with around 26-27 and the other two Corvo and Wallin up and around 25 minutes.

Seriously watch when those two are on the ice. We are trapped in our zone more times than when anyother pairing is on the ice. Frankly I'd rather have Melichar on the ice than Babchuk. Besides Melichar's horrible assist on that one Thrasher goal, he hasn't been to bad, but doesn't warrant more than 10 minutes of ice time.

Oh and on a lighter note, I think I heard jock strap and cup way too often Sunday. What the Hell kind of Ask the Canes question was that.

[nickgregory]

Seriously watch when those two are on the ice. We are trapped in our zone more times than when anyother pairing is on the ice. Frankly I'd rather have Melichar on the ice than Babchuk. Besides Melichar's horrible assist on that one Thrasher goal, he hasn't been to bad, but doesn't warrant more than 10 minutes of ice time.

agree completely and that is the issue. for a team that JR likes to say is deep defensively I am not seeing it...and how Melichar is worth $1M per, I dont have the foggiest

[nccanes]

The whole Babchuk and Melichar discussion is interesting because they were brought in to shore up the D when we all presumed that someone(s) would be headed out (Frank, Wallin?). I don't think they were both expected to be in the press box.

[dwind]

Baby Chuck shows nothing more than he did a couple years ago. He tore up the ahl and played decnet in the chl but can't keep up with the big boys. Meilichar? no idea.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I agree with this. It is easy to point at Cam (or any goalie for that matter) when there are soft goals being given up, which there have. But honestly, this team hasnt played good team defense in most games this year. Combine that with brutal turnovers (Brindy and Melichar both provided legitimate assists yesterday in 2 goals for the thrashers) and the defense just isn't there night in night out.

...

The real bottom line is Laviolette's system is effective when you have a vicious forecheck and you maintain puck control. When you have guys going through the motions, or taking shifts off, the defense which is by definition agressive presents more holes.


And hasn't ever been for Cam as a #1. I really think we did him a disservice by bringing him up in 05-06 (but I ain't giving it back now!). I don't think he can get his head straight when he's got a team in front of him who can't allow him to focus on only what he needs to focus on. I just don't think he was ready and I think we've hurt his development.

[KaniacFever]

And hasn't ever been for Cam as a #1. I really think we did him a disservice by bringing him up in 05-06 (but I ain't giving it back now!). I don't think he can get his head straight when he's got a team in front of him who can't allow him to focus on only what he needs to focus on. I just don't think he was ready and I think we've hurt his development.

I think bringing Cam up was fine, I think it was making him the #1 in 06-07 has hurt him more than help. And add to the fact that we didn't sign a decent goalie to help him, didn't help either. I think he would have benefitted from being the back up for another year or 2.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think bringing Cam up was fine, I think it was making him the #1 in 06-07 has hurt him more than help. And add to the fact that we didn't sign a decent goalie to help him, didn't help either. I think he would have benefitted from being the back up for another year or 2.

That's actually what I meant. I don't think spending another year (05-06) as a #1 in the minors would have hurt him but I agree, the bigger issue was making him #1 after the Cup win and not giving him anything for backup.

[SoCalcaniac]

SoCal... my post was not in reference to yours before. (please don't think I was attacking you... I wasn't) Just more a rant about crappy feeling leaving the RBC Center. :) Also, I agree, the #1 goaltender thing is a load of crap. Look at what it is doing to the Blackhawks.

CzechIt, no harm no foul- I didn't think you were- I think we have the same frustrations and the same thought process! ;)

I never wanted to say out loud that the whole #1 annoitment after 05-06 didn't do Cam any favors. Here's the problem, what else could the org do after what he did the spring before? and I'll never get the whole Crackers signing especially if he was to come in and be an 'example'. Talk about two polar opposites.....HEL-LO?

So the question now is how to right the ship? (besides the obvious, screw your heads on straight and play the game Canes)

[caniac369]

:lol: :laugh: Thanks for the laugh Mona! :kiss: -> C369.
It had to be said.. and I thought this topic needed some laughter. We love ya Erin. :kiss::D

I agree and, Eh, no worries... nothin but love felt out here on the left coast!! :lol:

And the solution, taken from South Park-- steal underpants, we will win!!

[JohnH]

Cam was our best player for the first 58 minutes of the Oilers game and the first 57 in DC.

Yesterday, on the other hand...

The people behind me were apparently entertaining a first-time attendee. Throughout the game, they kept explaining things like icing, hooking, etc., in very basic terms. Somewhere late in the second period, when yet another rebound bounced off Cam's chest, the person attending her first hockey game said:

"Wasn't he supposed to catch that?"

- John

[caniac369]

Ah, I remember those days... I once heard someone ask what cupcakes had to do with hockey (with the ICING and all...)...

[KaniacFever]

Speaking of Icing, I'll never forget a guy behind me trying to explain the game to his buddy. Of course it would have helped if the dude doing the explaining knew what he was talking about it. He had most of it down, but when he went to explain icing I just had to laugh. He told his buddy icing is when the "ice guys come out with their shovels and scrap the ice" :laugh:


(this was about 2 years ago, i'm sure it was a new fan who jumped on board after the cup win. So kudos for him on jumping on board, hopefully he's got the terminology down now)

[CajunCaniac]

And the solution, taken from South Park-- steal underpants, we will win!!

Ahhhhh, but that is only Step 1. Step 3, of course, is profit.

[caniac369]

Ahhhhh, but that is only Step 1. Step 3, of course, is profit.

Let's see... if step 3 is profit, is step 2 getting people to come to the game?