Game Thread ..... vs. Tampa Bay, 1/18/10 -HD

[Canesluver]

Don't forget: This is the last day to bring bring non-perishable foods, and personal comfort items for the military, sponsored by the U.S.O. (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=59562). The list says they like "travel size," so I decided I'm going to clean-out the drawer in my bathroom where I've collected lots, and lots of the shampoos, lotions, and soaps from all my hotel-stays over the last several years. I don't know why, but I'm such a klepto for that kind of thing! I've been know to even "swipe" stuff off the maid's cart, if I pass one in the hallway!! :lol:

And, also-- you'll get to go home with a valuable prize -- the Chad LaRose bobblehead doll! Woooo!! (hopefully---that's not the most exciting part of the evening!! :laugh: )

http://cdn.nhl.com/hurricanes/images/upload/2009/12/larosebobble.jpg

Puck-drop at 7:00PM

LET'S GO 'CANES!!

[nccanes]

Chad's the first bobblehead that looks better than the real life version. :lol:

[livinthedream]

It looks eerily like him in that picture.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Guin correctly noted at a recent game that it looks like Justin Timberlake. Guess they decided to bring sexy back.

[livinthedream]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Okay that's awesome.

On a related note, Boychuk being sent back to Albany means at least one of Sergei or Chad is back in the lineup tomorrow night, since they were the two not in no-contact jerseys at today's practice. Nothing AT ALL against Sergei, but it really would be nice to see Chad back on his bobblehead night. I guess there's a chance both could be back and we'd see a healthy scratch.

[superdave]

Chad's the first bobblehead that looks better than the real life version. :lol:

...and also lifesized, just like the Ray Whitney figure from a couple of years ago.

[Canesluver]

Bobbleheads frighten me. They' can't be in the same room in which I sleep.

I think it's the over-sized heads........

[livinthedream]

Mine are all in my office. Hmmm... perhaps that's why I have such a hard time focusing on my work...

[superdave]

Bobbleheads frighten me. They' can't be in the same room in which I sleep.

I think it's the over-sized heads........

How about clowns?

[Canesluver]

Just say NO to clowns!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OMG, are we around to clowns again!?! I swear to god if someone posts that pic of Pennywise I'll go ballistic!!! :mad:


:lol:

[Canesluver]

You know that's a challenge......... right???!!!!

http://media.crikey.com.au/Media/images/obama5-13a00e76-a1a6-41a4-8066-4d4589b423d1.jpg

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I hate you. :mad:

[livinthedream]

Well, in all fairness, I'm not sure it's possible to have a thread that involving the Tampa Bay Lightning organization without some reference to clowns. Just sayin.

[Alicia]

Damnit!!! :eek2:

[superdave]

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/EPH/8140.jpg

[Alicia]

Must. stay. out. of. this. thread!

[msgtcody]

What about Bozo, he was a friendly clown.
http://www.grouchyoldcripple.com/archives/bozo.jpg

That bobblehead is pretty well done if they all look like that.

[nccanes]

Tocchet says it's Nittymaki in net for tomorrow.

This one's on my MNLR, although it may be my MNBR since 24 is on!

[caneshockeychick]

Might be at this one....just have to wait....patiently....

[Canesluver]

Hopefully.... they don't stink tonight! This game isn't part of our 29-game plan, but we took advantage of the special deal of $25 seats for most of the lower bowl. We're sitting in 102 tonight --- East Snooterville!! :beatup:

[SoCalcaniac]

Oooh East Snooterville! CL have fun! One of hub's co-workers who just transferred from Miami with his family is coming to his first Canes game courtesy of the $25 tix. Hub snagged seats in 105, right up against where the Canes come out. His son plays hockey and so does his cousin and they're so excited. We're hoping their first game isn't a stinker, lol.

We did the exact same thing CL did, I'm one of those people who take travel bottles and goodies in the hotels we stay at. Westin and Hyatt have some awesome stuff so I pile them on because they're USEFUL. Usually we give them to our church, who collect for the women's shelters in the area and was going to do that when this Operation USO thing came up. We gave a little over one paper grocery bag to this effort, plus a bunch of candy and snacks that we picked up at Sam's Club; and when we dropped it off last game, it looked like they were getting a nice response and the gal from the USO was really appreciative. It's a great cause; and I looked at it from my hubby's point of view, he was once upon a time a young kid in the Navy, and the USO was a great source when he got orders to go to another locale, they would always be there when he got to the next destination, snacks, and home comforts all that stuff; which was really nice he says especially when he was in far flung places overseas.

So, for Game Day fun, how bout this: on Saturday night on the post game, I caught the part where Forslund said the Tampa Tribune has The Vinny Calculator (http://www2.tbo.com/static/news-special-reports-data-bay/tbo-special-reports-vinny-lecavlier-salary-calcula/) which essentially calculates what it would take (in years) for you and I to make what Vinny does. :lol: I had no idea this was up, as I haven't been reading the TT very much and I'm shocked I hadn't heard about it in the hockey talk circles. So I went on to check it out & by their calcs, it'd take me 125 years or 2.8 years to make what Mr. Lecavalier earns. :crazy: Here I thought I was doin' pretty well.:lol:

It would be nice if the guy who's bobble head is being given away is actually playing tonight.

[topdown]

So, for Game Day fun, how bout this: on Saturday night on the post game, I caught the part where Forslund said the Tampa Tribune has The Vinny Calculator (http://www2.tbo.com/static/news-special-reports-data-bay/tbo-special-reports-vinny-lecavlier-salary-calcula/) which essentially calculates what it would take (in years) for you and I to make what Vinny does. :lol: I had no idea this was up, as I haven't been reading the TT very much and I'm shocked I hadn't heard about it in the hockey talk circles. So I went on to check it out & by their calcs, it'd take me 125 years or 2.8 years to make what Mr. Lecavalier earns. :crazy: Here I thought I was doin' pretty well.:lol:

It would be nice if the guy who's bobble head is being given away is actually playing tonight.

HAHA - these were numbers that got to me:

Vinny Lecavalier makes your annual salary every:
Goals 0.26
Assists 0.34
Shots On Goal 2.62
Minutes Of Ice Time 14.02 :crazy:

[c-girl]

I'm one of the Take Stuff from Hotels people too and I have tons of that stuff in my cabinets. I've got the bag ready to take tonight. CL, thanks for suggesting it. Great idea.

Chip's saying that Bowman isn't at morning skate and is assuming that both Rosey and Sammy will be in the line up tonight.

[livinthedream]

I took in a big ole bag of hotel-type loot last Sunday. It is definitely appreciated.

And here I was planning to retire in the next 5 years or so, but man, if I can hold on for just another 66 years or so, maybe I can catch up to Vinnie.

CL, Section 102 is West Snooterville, that was my section last year. I don't think there is a difference in the snootiness factor, but just wanted to let you know.

It would be nice if the guy who's bobble head is being given away is actually playing tonight.

Canes have confirmed that both Sergei and Chad :thumbsup: will be back in the lineup and Drayson is on his way to Albany.

Fingers crossed I can make this one; have been battling illness for second day now and don't want to spread cooties. :(

[kermelbar]

<TABLE style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #cccccc 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #cccccc 2px solid; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; BORDER-TOP: #cccccc 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #cccccc 2px solid" cellSpacing=0><TBODY><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px" colSpan=2>Vinny Lecavalier makes your annual salary every: </TD></TR><TR style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; PADDING-LEFT: 7px; PADDING-RIGHT: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; FONT-STYLE: normal; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 5px">Goals </TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; WHITE-SPACE: normal; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px">0.12</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; FONT-STYLE: normal; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 5px">Assists</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; WHITE-SPACE: normal; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px">0.16</TD></TR><TR style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; PADDING-LEFT: 7px; PADDING-RIGHT: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; FONT-STYLE: normal; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 5px">Shots On Goal</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; WHITE-SPACE: normal; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px">1.19</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; FONT-STYLE: normal; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 5px">Minutes Of Ice Time</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; WHITE-SPACE: normal; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px">6.39</TD></TR><TR style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; PADDING-LEFT: 7px; PADDING-RIGHT: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px" colSpan=2>To earn Vinny's 2009-10 salary would take you:</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; FONT-STYLE: normal; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 5px">Years</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; WHITE-SPACE: normal; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px">243.90</TD></TR><TR style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f2f5f9; PADDING-LEFT: 7px; PADDING-RIGHT: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" onmouseover="cbRowHover(this,'#F2F5F9');" onmouseout="cbRowHover(this,'#FFFFFF');"><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; FONT-STYLE: normal; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 12px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; PADDING-TOP: 5px">Lifetimes (based on 45 years of work)</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; WHITE-SPACE: normal; VERTICAL-ALIGN: top; PADDING-TOP: 5px">5.40</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

F*ck, that's depressing.

[livinthedream]

LOL that the Canes are reporting they dodged a bullet with "the curse of the bobblehead."

TTS: Gameday (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=514031)

The “Curse of the Bobblehead” is over before it really even began.

Coach Paul Maurice confirmed today that Chad LaRose will return to the lineup on his bobblehead night tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He will be activated from injured reserve any time now – a transaction that will coincide with Drayson Bowman’s return to Albany. Sergei Samsonov will also play for the first time since New Year’s Eve.

LaRose, who has missed the team’s last 17 games with a lower-body injury, was not a certainty to play until after he got through the morning skate with no issues. As evidence of that, Bowman remained in the locker room on standby just in case, even though he did not skate.

In the Hurricanes’ previous player bobblehead night this season in honor of Erik Cole, Cole did not suit up due to a leg injury. Maurice said that he was hoping Tuomo Ruutu could play in the final week before the Olympic break – a window that could also see the player as a game-time decision for his own bobblehead event.

[goalie33]

Ten bucks says Rosey is out again by 10:00 of the 2nd.

Not that I wish him any harm, of course, but that kind of post is just begging for another injury.

[SoCalcaniac]

I read that tweet- and for some reason I thought the same thing G33. we've just had some ugly bad luck with our players and injuries, so I'm always looking at the other side when they come back. Plus, I thought the Coach said the only player that "looked close" was Samsonov (to come back today) and that Cole and LaRose were still a ways away. Hmmm.

I just hope they are really ready and can contribute.

[LeslieK]

FYI - looks like a slight change from previous BOGO drives and communications (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=514037)...

If you are a season ticket holder who typically enters through the east or west entrances, we will have boxes set-up at each entrance for collection. These will simply be drop-off points to help alleviate the need to travel to the box office.
-snip--
If you are worried about the “travel size” issue, we can accept “normal size” items as well. Any non-travel size items we receive will be donated to a program run by our Military Appreciation Night Sponsor Volvo Rents ASC Construction Equipment. Volvo/ASC has a program that sends items directly overseas to troops and they can handle “normal size” items.

[nccanes]

Got a chuckle out of this photo of "a reporter" who was interviewing Stamkos this morning...via the TBLightning's tweet:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/58231850.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1263836986&Signature=S44Rac8AOZOjigU2BI9%2B9k0%2BNiA%3D
"Stamkos talks to a reporter after morning skate in Raleigh. "

[c-girl]

If you are worried about the “travel size” issue, we can accept “normal size” items as well.

Great! I just gathered up the dozens of new full size toothbrushes we've gotten from the dentist over the years that we never use because we prefer electric/battery toothbrushes.

[SoCalcaniac]

LOL E, I saw your post and had to go look up the pic (http://twitpic.com/yo3ze) as I think I missed the tweet when it was out originally. Good to see Chip workin' the room.

c-girl, we're like you- love our Sonicare brushes :- so we had a nice stash of unopened full size toothbrushes from the dentist too and I wasn't sure if it was "ok" but brought them with the travel sized stuff when we dropped off before that OTT game, the lady from the USO was very happy to take them, even with the Apex Family Dental stamp on all of them, lol. I didn't realize how many we had piled up til I put them in a lunch size paper bag!

[caneshockeychick]

So far...looks like all is good for me to be there tonight. :)

[KaniacFever]

What a day. Shopping, napping. Getting a Rosey bobblehead in a few hours. And to top it off, hopefully seeing a Canes win.

[caveman]

Cullen's goal was at the end of an amazing shift.

Lecavlier puts the Lightning back up 2-1 after Aaron Ward almost scores on Cam Ward.

[evan]

We tie it up and Aaron Ward registers a shot on goal and an assist... for Tampa!!! Ugh, I get so upset with our management watching guys like Staal, Sutter, etc. try to score enough to not only beat the opposing team, but also enough to make up for the incompetent players and coaching our management remains loyal to. That's why I haven't been posting as much, I haven't been watching! It's too upsetting, so I've decided to only check in on the occasional period or two of Mo hockey and keep my sanity in-tact. I've really been itching to go to another game this season but I can't justify the drive and $ for the product this year. JR and PK are letting their buddies tear down the biz.

I'll come back out of the hole to see Seguin or Hall next season (and hopefully) a new coach.

On the positive, nice goal by Cullen! Good to see three forwards in the "forbidden zone". :)

[caveman]

Wow! I haven't seen Chad LaRose be last year's Chad LaRose that often this year. But there he goes!

[evan]

Awesome break-away goal by Rosie! Awesome lead-pass by should-be-next-captain-IMHO, Gleason.

Well said Caveman, that was last-year-LaRose speed & finish! Loved seeing LaRose jump up and pump his fist and yell while Sutter and Tlusty LOL'ed.


ETA: haha, LaRose caught on camera clearly telling Downie to STFU.

[KaniacFever]

Oh well, I got my Rosey bobblehead, and he scored, earning his bobblehead :lol:

I think Joni has had enough of Aaron Ward as much as we have. At the 4:20 mark, if I read lips correctly, Joni tells Ward to "get the damn puck" dude just stood there when Joni passed it over to him. Then not sure what the hell Ward was doing right after that. While the whole team was chasing Tampa into our end, he's still hold Stamkos up along the boards, while everyone else was in the Canes end, WTF.

I really liked Aaron the first go round, this 2nd go round is killing me though.

Oh and then we got a kick out of Joni passing to himself. We figured he's so used to playing defense by himself, that he has decided to use the boards as his partner :laugh:

I was waiting for a Timmay beatdown on Downie, figured that would make the night better, but oh well, maybe next time.

[livinthedream]

I thought Chad was simply awesome and highly entertaining and worth my price of admission.

I got my bobblehead although I probably had no business going to that game, I should have stayed home and slept.

I liked Tlusty and Sutter together.

I think I've determined that my husband has a mancrush on Matt Cullen.

Forslund said Tuomo skated this morning and could be back in a couple of weeks (LTD does the happy dance).

Other than that, everything else kinda sucked. Well, not kinda.

Oh, except for Cam. Poor kid.

[andyt]

Oh well, I got my Rosey bobblehead, and he scored, earning his bobblehead :lol:

I think Joni has had enough of Aaron Ward as much as we have. At the 4:20 mark, if I read lips correctly, Joni tells Ward to "get the damn puck" dude just stood there when Joni passed it over to him. Then not sure what the hell Ward was doing right after that. While the whole team was chasing Tampa into our end, he's still hold Stamkos up along the boards, while everyone else was in the Canes end, WTF.

I really liked Aaron the first go round, this 2nd go round is killing me though.

Oh and then we got a kick out of Joni passing to himself. We figured he's so used to playing defense by himself, that he has decided to use the boards as his partner :laugh:

Dear Aaron Ward,

Please retire now.

Sincerely,
The Caniacs


I was waiting for a Timmay beatdown on Downie, figured that would make the night better, but oh well, maybe next time.

Would have been nice because Downie killed us all night.

[IceSun]

Aaron Ward and Paul Maurice for a 1,068th draft pick - any takers!!!!

Cullen rewarded on the hardest working shift of the night - for his work on every shift.

LaRose - sweetest move I've seen by him in a year coming off his injury

Gleason - two of the best shots of the night

Agree with LTD - really like Sutter & Tlusty.

Aside from the above, I thought it was an atrociously boring game filled with apathetic play, poor passing, and invisible hits. Aaron Ward should be tried for treason his play was so g*dawful.

I miss the good old days when we only took ONE period of the game that we did not play.

If Paul Maurice is still captain of the Titanic after this season...

[livinthedream]

Oh, one more thing... new Timmy commercial in the arena... SWEEEEEEEET

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Man, those Bolts look like world-beaters, they must be near the top of the conference, huh?
What's that you say? They were 6 points out of the playoffs coming into tonight? Oh.

Well, they must be near the top of the division, right?
Oh.....they're in 4th?

Well, the East is tough this year, they must surely have a good record?
They're 1 game below .500? Oh.

Yeah.....we suck.




I'm just over this. The past two nights in the RBC....I don't know, it's just gotten to me more. Even with the pretty Cullen goal (and nice happy face) I just couldn't feel good. I don't know if it's just been the rough past two weeks at work catching up to me or what. But I hope something improves soon. At least I know I have seeing the Blackhawks to look forward to. And the texting with Guin was fantastic. :lol:

[KaniacFever]

Oh, one more thing... new Timmy commercial in the arena... SWEEEEEEEET

Yes that was sweet. A highlight of the night for sure.

[SoCalcaniac]

Dear Aaron Ward,

Please retire now.

Sincerely,
The Caniacs



PLEASE Dear God if you can hear us.

Let's see, he hurls himself into the glass going after a puck; a shoot in that hits the bench door and he's arguing with the ref about it, blown coverage on 2 of three goals, and he's trying to go skiing on guys backs and lucky for us he's not getting called for it. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

What happened to Alberts, that cause Ward to get way too much damn time on the ice? he disappeared after awhile and I never saw what happened.

I was thrilled for Chad's return- loved the rousing applause when he took his first shift, loved seeing him score that Rosey type goal on Nittymaki.

On a personal note- loved the "the Juss is loose" tribute on the video board and the new Timmy commercial.

SHC and I were commiserating in the ladies room post game on how difficult it is to even watch these games. We were so drained we couldn't even get ticked off enough. :lol:

I heard bits and pieces of the post game show, and several people and Forslund made great points about the things we are not doing- specifically the lack of tenacity on the puck, not playing simply, i.e. trying to be fancy dancers at the blueline instead of just getting the puck in deep; and the woeful powerplay. We had zero presence on the PP and to take a term from the old days, We were harmless.

What's also a problem, and I've not said a peep about this subject in awhile, is the Coach's willingness to keep everything Status Quo. The practices are the same, there isn't any mixing up when things have outlived their course (e.g the Staal on the wing thing, but apparently he still is working out the injury) it's all stale, so what happens, they come out, and they go through the motions. Because it's all routine. You could never say Peter didn't shake it up with the practices, with the routine of practices, with the intensity. it's all pretty friggin exhausting. If nothing, please spend every practice teaching passing cause nobody can do it to save their lives and it's pretty old to me.

Once again, we make a marginal team like Tampa or ATL the other night look like they're Chicago and San Jose and they shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as those teams--- because they'd be elite.

LTD I was shocked you were at the game, knowing how unwell you've felt the last couple days. I think it's worse when the team plays so crappy you just feel more ill. :-

Haha, wanna hear something funny? Bret Hedican is in his usual intermission spot on ComCast California, and they're talking about 'surprising teams' in the NHL and the host Scott Reiss says "Buffalo" and Hedi says "well I know Buffalo from the year we won the Cup in Carolina and I've seen enough of them- I'll say they look pretty good -- but that's all I got" :laugh: so Reiss had to go on to his point about how surprising the Slugs are, but Hedi wasn't into participating and giving them any love. HILARIOUS.

Back to the Canes. What on earth does Cam have to do besides not even give up a goal. He plays his butt off for now 3 straight games, and has zero to show for it. It's so upsetting.

[canefan2k1]

Well.

- 3-game winning streak has suddenly turned into a 3-game losing streak. That was canceled out quicker than you could say "winning streak."
- Coach Mo. Yeah, what hasn't already been said?
- A. Ward. Ditto.
- Yay for LaRose, Cullen, Gleason, and of course Cam Ward.
- Four powerplay opportunities. Three shots. At times, it looked like the 'Canes were killing off their own powerplay.
- Yay for LaRose bobblehead.
- Overall, the game was pathetic, putrid, futile, etc. Tampa would have sustained pressure in the 'Canes zone for about a minute, then the puck would be chipped out, line change, (rinse) and repeat. Offensive attack was dump, lose possession, drop back into Mo's beloved 1-4 forecheck. This basically says, "Here have some skating room St. Louis and Lecavalier. We'd rather sit back and watch you work."
- I could count on one hand the number of sustained offensive attacks the 'Canes had. And hey, what do you know? One of them resulted in a goal! Amazing!
- Oh, and cycling doesn't work when no one is behind the net.
- Back to Aaron Ward. What is that dude's fascination with playing a man defense? He gets locked onto one player and doesn't take his eye off him regardless of where the puck is. 80% of the time he can't even keep up with the guy. And when he plays the man, he gets both of his hands up like he's stuck in the old NHL. I know he's supposed to be a physical guy, but you've got a stick for a reason, Aaron. Use it instead of just reaching out with both hands to try to tackle someone.

I'm spent. Futile attempt at playing hockey tonight. Just repulsive.

Oh wait. Postgame. Oy. Someone called in about Mo and Mike raddles on about how it was the same with Lavi ... after a playoff run (Stanley Cup), give him a free pass season and then put him on the hot-seat the next. FYI, Mikey - Lavi's post-Stanely Cup teams missed the playoffs by four and one point(s) respectively. Not 15-20 like this Mo team will. Oh, and who can forget 02-03 Mo? Hmmm ...

[c-girl]

Mike M. said it's time to put the For Sale sign in front of the RBC Center. Huge kudos to the caller who said the For Sale sign needs to go in front of Aaron Ward's house. :lol:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know, part of me feels bad for Aaron Ward. And then the other part watches him play.:sick:



What's also a problem, and I've not said a peep about this subject in awhile, is the Coach's willingness to keep everything Status Quo.

Aw, c'mon, what are you talking about?!? He's changed it up completely! Tlusty is on the PP!!



Can someone explain to me how Sutter played lights-out and languished down here for a 1000 years before he got any PP time and Teacher's Pet Tlusty is on the PP already? I mean, he's playing well, I was glad to see it and nothing against Tlusty....if you don't count that he's obviously Mo's favorite so there's got to be something to hate. :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

Back to Aaron Ward. What is that dude's fascination with playing a man defense? He gets locked onto one player and doesn't take his eye off him regardless of where the puck is. 80% of the time he can't even keep up with the guy. And when he plays the man, he gets both of his hands up like he's stuck in the old NHL. I know he's supposed to be a physical guy, but you've got a stick for a reason, Aaron. Use it instead of just reaching out with both hands to try to tackle someone.

UM, YEP. I posted this same thought about 3 weeks ago, when he literally thought it was a good idea in the MTL game to try and stare down players (Pleckanec I believe was his object of desire) while the dude will dance through him like it's no big thing. :ticked::ticked: Hub ignored it the first time he saw it (apparently back in Nov) but then one game asked me if I thought Aaron thought he was playing basketball and not hockey. He then "made me" (I initially refused) focus an entire game on Ward, and when I relented and did it, he had done it in that particular game, 5 different times. I then decided other people would have to suffer through what I observed, and I made some friends of ours do it, and all of them thought I was making it up because of my disdain for Aaron, and then my phone and email started going crazy with the "omg, it's true." :lol:

Don't even get me started on the post game call in about Mo and MM saying he wasn't here for the 1st go round with Mo. well you didn't miss too damn much, cause we're all reliving it, but this time, we're getting the smoke and mirrors of him "taking us to a deep playoff run" (on a tweak (The Coach's admission) of the SC winning coach's system) it's all a bunch of hooey and junk.

SHC, it's clear Tlusty is Coach's Pet. I like the kid, but it's obvious there's favoritism.

[caneshockeychick]

I had a blast tonight!! Sitting with great people in 328 who kept the game really entertaining. :laugh:

I did make the comment that I used to think 02-03 was the worst I could ever fathom for this club but now, I have to give that honor to the 09-10 team...funnily enough, both times the same Coach was around. I think everyone agreed with me judging by all the nods.

I'm just ready for this season to be over I think. Really I am. Can we fast forward?

Love the bobblehead and the fact that Rosey scored a great goal!!! At least that boy was hustling out there. You could tell he was glad to be back in the game.

I really think our team has just decided to let the games rest on C. Ward's goaltending. I mean, besides a couple that I could count on one hand...I just don't see the rest really contributing anything.

Was Tlusty out there more than Sutter? Barely noticed Sutter but dang if 19 wasn't on the ice a lot.

I've got some absolutely hilarious stories but...I'm tired and ready for bed. All in all, despite the loss, I had fun. :)

[IceSun]

In my limited credits, I forgot to mention Cam standing on his head again, so I will add that...

Beating the (playing like he's) dead horse, how did A Ward get away with a closed fist punch in the back of one of the Lightning - we never get away with stuff like that normally. Absolutely bone-headed. At least he got to see Scotty's punch coming last year....

CHC - I thought Sutter had some good opportunities last night & played solid/smart. Just didn't get things to fall his way. The glaring place I noticed him missing was on the Power Failure.

[perfectstorm]

With the exception of one shift, Staal was completely invisible.

[nccanes]

CHC - I thought Sutter had some good opportunities last night & played solid/smart. Just didn't get things to fall his way. The glaring place I noticed him missing was on the Power Failure.

Sutter played 2:45 on the PP, Tlusty 3:18. Overall Brandon had more ice time than Tlusty.

Way too much time in the defensive end, which tends to make things awful/non existent in the other.

Good for Rosie, certainly the highlight of the night.


Can someone explain to me how Sutter played lights-out and languished down here for a 1000 years before he got any PP time and Teacher's Pet Tlusty is on the PP already? I mean, he's playing well, I was glad to see it and nothing against Tlusty....if you don't count that he's obviously Mo's favorite so there's got to be something to hate. :lol:

I realize this is really just a rhetorical post :lol:, but I suspect once Corvo, Ruutu, Cole are back - they'll all get banished again.

Has TK ever spent any time on the PP - seems like he could play a Dave Andreychuk-ian role.

[ButtersSaysNo]

A. Ward, got a hat trick last night for sure:

1) Almost boarded himself

2) Got knocked on his a** by mini me St. Louis

3) Had his head up his a** on 2 of the goals

:sick:

[IceSun]

Butters, I don't think you're giving him enough credit on TB's goals. Not only did he have his head anally dislocated, he actually hit the shot that rebounded off Wardo for LeCav's goal.

[Darkwing]

I guess I was the only one hoping for a season ending injury when AWard almost boarded himself last night. And whoever called into 99.9 and said we should give a river otter a stick to take his spot, I concur.

[Darkwing]

and just to clarify, I don't want him actually HURT..I mean just something season ending for him. Like a broken nail maybe. or an ingrown toenail.

[nccanes]

I have to admit we busted out laughing when that happened, almost like a good punchline in a movie. :lol:

[KaniacFever]

Can someone explain to me how Sutter played lights-out and languished down here for a 1000 years before he got any PP time and Teacher's Pet Tlusty is on the PP already? I mean, he's playing well, I was glad to see it and nothing against Tlusty....if you don't count that he's obviously Mo's favorite so there's got to be something to hate. :lol:

I took it as more of, this season is wasted, let's see what I got for next year. I have no problem with playing Tlusty on the PP if that keeps Brindy's a$$ on the bench.

[superdave]

Here's my review of the game that I "cut and pasted" off my response from ch.com. I'm not going to expend any more effort than the Canes.

First let's start with the positives from last night's game. The weather was about as good as you'll get in January for tailgating and I was doing that from about 3:30 on. Grilled a steak and had a few beers. I took advantage of the STH special and had a seat in 101 row M so I could get a good look up close at the action. I got a nice Chad LaRose bobblehead and Rosie scored a nice goal. Sutter and Tlusty looked good early. That's about it for the good.

Now the the bad. I took advantage of the STH special and had a seat in 101 row M so I could get a good look up close at the lack of effort. No pressure at all offensively. Can't get the puck out of the zone in front of Cam. All the opposing team has to do against us is get pucks deep and if we can get it out, it's time to dump for a shift change. Can't defend the transition. Can't execute on the PP (about as bad as it can get last night). I keep hearing how the team is putting forth the effort. Where is this effort?

Everybody can have their goat and mine's usually A. Ward. Staal, I'm eyeballin' you boy. You were on the ice for one shift on the defensive end for about 45 seconds and you stood there glued to the ice in one spot and watched the hockey game. A cardboard cutout could have done that. You don't hussle if you don't have the puck. If you are playing hurt, get off the ice. We can lose without you and maybe you can get healthy. Lazy skating and looping around like you are figure skating is getting old. I think my buddy hit the nail on the head last night by saying he didn't think Staal had it in him to grind it out on a losing team.

[caneshockeychick]

I just want to know....who has a foot hanging out the back of their SUV and where can I get one?

This kept us entertained in the car the whole time trying to get out of the RBC center.

[caniac97]

Here's my review of the game that I "cut and pasted" off my response from ch.com. I'm not going to expend any more effort than the Canes.

First let's start with the positives from last night's game. The weather was about as good as you'll get in January for tailgating and I was doing that from about 3:30 on. Grilled a steak and had a few beers. I took advantage of the STH special and had a seat in 101 row M so I could get a good look up close at the action. I got a nice Chad LaRose bobblehead and Rosie scored a nice goal. Sutter and Tlusty looked good early. That's about it for the good.

Now the the bad. I took advantage of the STH special and had a seat in 101 row M so I could get a good look up close at the lack of effort. No pressure at all offensively. Can't get the puck out of the zone in front of Cam. All the opposing team has to do against us is get pucks deep and if we can get it out, it's time to dump for a shift change. Can't defend the transition. Can't execute on the PP (about as bad as it can get last night). I keep hearing how the team is putting forth the effort. Where is this effort?

Everybody can have their goat and mine's usually A. Ward. Staal, I'm eyeballin' you boy. You were on the ice for one shift on the defensive end for about 45 seconds and you stood there glued to the ice in one spot and watched the hockey game. A cardboard cutout could have done that. You don't hussle if you don't have the puck. If you are playing hurt, get off the ice. We can lose without you and maybe you can get healthy. Lazy skating and looping around like you are figure skating is getting old. I think my buddy hit the nail on the head last night by saying he didn't think Staal had it in him to grind it out on a losing team.

with your last comment I have to add, when your season is in the tank and the owner is quoted in the press as saying most will be gone but the golden boy, his goalie sidekick, and three of his pals (Ruutu, Timmy, and Sutter) then where is the motivation to go out there night in and night out? I wouldn't blame most of the players having a "bite me" attitude. I would just like the opportunity to go up to PK and say "How's your Perfect F&*king Storm now?". Now off to anger management class!

[IceSun]

where is the motivation to go out there night in and night out?

If they are going to be looking for a job next year, I would think they might want to at least try to improve their personal stats...

[SoCalcaniac]

I just want to know....who has a foot hanging out the back of their SUV and where can I get one?

This kept us entertained in the car the whole time trying to get out of the RBC center.

Is this a real foot? WTH? you need to explain CHC. :lol:

Aaron Ward's follies appear to be our only way to cope at this point. It was at one time kind of chuckling and funny, now it's just pathetic. Maniscalco's assertion (a parroting one at that taken from John Forslund 3 months ago) that Ward is lacking "confidence" is trifling and really you've lost your confidence for 4 months? Well then get the frick and frack off the flipping ice dude.

No comment on the continued daggers at #12. There are plenty of people willing to pile on, I just won't be one of them. and anyone flapping about the goalie, should be flapping elsewhere. He CAN NOT win games by registering a shut out every damn game, period end of discussion. It's not freaking possible. /rants over.

[caneshockeychick]

Is this a real foot? WTH? you need to explain CHC. :lol:

I'm hoping it wasn't a real foot but when we first glanced at the SUV and saw it...well, we all freaked out (not a drop of alcohol between the 3 adults in the car) but then, we couldn't contain the laughter and started thinking about what it would be like to drive with something like that. My throat and chest were hurting so hard from laughing.

Aaron Ward's follies appear to be our only way to cope at this point. It was at one time kind of chuckling and funny, now it's just pathetic. Maniscalco's assertion (a parroting one at that taken from John Forslund 3 months ago) that Ward is lacking "confidence" is trifling and really you've lost your confidence for 4 months? Well then get the frick and frack off the flipping ice dude.

I'm quite over this "confidence" thing myself. Like you said, after 4 months...this excuse has just worn thin. I don't really want to hear that word again.

No comment on the continued daggers at #12. There are plenty of people willing to pile on, I just won't be one of them. and anyone flapping about the goalie, should be flapping elsewhere. He CAN NOT win games by registering a shut out every damn game, period end of discussion. It's not freaking possible. /rants over.

We noticed Staal being ineffective however...we also noticed that at the times we noticed, he had three to 5 of the 'ning hanging on him while our guys were standing back at the blueline watching the show. No help for Staal...

And Ward...what can you say? Sure it would be nice to get a shutout every night but seriously...dude cannot win this game all by himself.

I just go for the laughs...most of us, in the last minute after they pulled Cam were yelling at Ohlund "Here's your chance dude...get that goal...there's an empty net down there." He's one of the three on the 'Ning that don't have a goal this year.

Alas...it was not to be...and those 3 remain without goals.

[Convert]

On AWARD, the worst part of his man defense is he plays it like a pickup basketball game, where he was the captain, thinking he gets to choose to guard the worst player on the other team.

Kovlaychuk (sp?)--Not me...I'll man up on Vlabik (sp?)

Vinnie or St. Louis-Not me...I'll guard Nittymaki

[nccanes]

Vinnie or St. Louis-Not me...I'll guard Nittymaki

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Darkwing]

When you're getting paid $7 mil a season to play a game, you give up your right to have a bite me attitude. And that's not directed just at staal, I guess the correct statement would be "when your job is playing a game and you get paid 5-6x more than most people at a league minimum to do it, you give up your right to have a bite me attitude." As far as Staal specific comments regarding his giving up and lack of effort when he's not screwing up yet another toedrag that he can't pull off...he's supposed to be the leader of this team going forward right? His lack of two way effort is exactly why I would much prefer #13 or #6 be the C going forward. Staal doesn't play like a leader.

[SoCalcaniac]

OK, I'm sitting in a waiting room minding my own business, and Convert just made me SNORT and laugh out loud like a kook, @ that Aaron/Nittymaki reference. :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh: Dude. You're lucky I'm now all by myself (except for the receptionist, who stuck her head out of that little window they have in all these places wondering WTH is up :lol:)


I'm hoping it wasn't a real foot but when we first glanced at the SUV and saw it...well, we all freaked out (not a drop of alcohol between the 3 adults in the car) but then, we couldn't contain the laughter and started thinking about what it would be like to drive with something like that. My throat and chest were hurting so hard from laughing.


We noticed Staal being ineffective however...we also noticed that at the times we noticed, he had three to 5 of the 'ning hanging on him while our guys were standing back at the blueline watching the show. No help for Staal...



Thanks for clearing up the whole foot thing. Maybe it's one of those mannequin "parts" that I've noticed get put our for sale at yard sales and over at the Flea Market. :lol:;)

CHC, your point on Staal- BINGO. we allow their (insert opposing NHL team with a star dude) guy(s) to go in uncontested but the minute Staal skates with any authority or with any chance, there is at least 2 dudes who have him in bubble wrap immediately and #12 has no assistance from whoever is playing with him. Again, if Cam can't do it alone, neither can Eric.

So this whole idea that any one of the players or specifically #12 have a "bite me" attitude? I don't see that. Watch some other teams- Specifically EDM and I'll contend that CLB at one point had that attitude too, they've won a couple games so they're maybe over it. EDM, that team, they have a bite me attitude. You can tell they're done. If I had that belief that our team or a person on this team is saying screw it, I'd say the same thing with my wallet. I don't believe it. I'm personally waiting for when #12 is named Captain and people show up at the RBC Center and boo it. It'll be such a proud moment.

I've beat this down last night but #12 looks completely done on the wing and it needs to be changed. But apparently he's still hurt, so he's staying over there.

[IceSun]

In the completely OT, but who cares department.

A quick Google yielded feet suitable for SUV tailgates
http://www.foureyesjokeshop.com/surprisingleg-fakefootgag.aspx


It is apparently out of stock at the moment ;)

http://www.zymetrical.com/images/products/fakefoot.jpg

[andyt]

On AWARD, the worst part of his man defense is he plays it like a pickup basketball game, where he was the captain, thinking he gets to choose to guard the worst player on the other team.

Kovlaychuk (sp?)--Not me...I'll man up on Vlabik (sp?)

Vinnie or St. Louis-Not me...I'll guard Nittymaki

On their 3rd goal, it developed into a 3 on 2. Samsonov and Brindy were both below the Lightning goal line, TK was the high forward and Ward and Wallin were back. Frodo goes down the right wing, Downie fills the middle and someone, maybe Stamkos, fills the left wing. Ward, skating backwards, points out Downie, then moves to his right to cover the left wing. TK was a couple of strides behind Downie when Ward moved to his right and lost the footrace to the crease. Now, I never played hockey, but why wouldn't you take the player closest to the puck and let the forward pick up the trailer? He did the same thing Saturday, leaving Kovalchuk alone in the circle. That's not a system error, that's a mental error.

[nccanes]

I had that some thought at first as well, but when you watch the play, it's basically that MSL has too much speed for anyone playing defense. He smokes Wallin and gets that pass off that Wallin should have prevented. Then Downie smokes TK to gain position in front of the goal.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h114/nccanes/misc/canes.jpg


MSL has the puck in the middle and goes to the right and basically around Wallin to get the pass off, Downie cuts down the middle with speed and TK can't do anything. The only one not involved in the play was Stamkos, who Ward was defending.

[SoCalcaniac]

On their 3rd goal, it developed into a 3 on 2. Samsonov and Brindy were both below the Lightning goal line, TK was the high forward and Ward and Wallin were back. Frodo goes down the right wing, Downie fills the middle and someone, maybe Stamkos, fills the left wing. Ward, skating backwards, points out Downie, then moves to his right to cover the left wing. TK was a couple of strides behind Downie when Ward moved to his right and lost the footrace to the crease. Now, I never played hockey, but why wouldn't you take the player closest to the puck and let the forward pick up the trailer? He did the same thing Saturday, leaving Kovalchuk alone in the circle. That's not a system error, that's a mental error.

You are the winner. Who watching that last night, didn't think for a second we were still at the Thrasher game? It was like a complete de ja vu and he's a supposed seasoned veteran. The guys that have ST's 4 seats over were mimicking a swan dive to the ice in an attempt at humor and to stop the pain. :lol:

Sundevil- great job looking up the foot. :-

ETA: Ok, so E shows what everything looked like here, but I still don't feel "better". I feel like the same things keep happening and worse, I never feel like #4 is ever in the right position.

[KaniacFever]

Not to continue picking on poor Aaron Ward, cause I do like him as a person, but when he boarded himself, that was the funniest thing I have ever seen. We were like "WTH was that" :laugh:

I know everyone has their scapegoats, but this isn't a 1 person problem. Sure Staal could be better, sure Pitkanen can tone down his ditziness, etc, but its not 1 person bringing this team down. Its about 18-20 guys. And I can't sit here and keep blaming Staal when I watch guys like MSL, Vinny, Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, etc have free reign and do whatever the hell they want, but the moment Staal steps on the ice, he's got 2-3 guys wanting him to give them a piggy back and his teammates just watch.

[superdave]

No comment on the continued daggers at #12. There are plenty of people willing to pile on, I just won't be one of them.

This is the first time I've put Staal in the crosshairs. I've given him all the excuses of being hurt, etc but I've just about had my dose now. If he's playing hurt, get him of the ice. If not, somebody's got some 'splainin' to do.

As far as the double and triple teaming, every "superstar" gets that treatment. That's what makes them superstars.

[SoCalcaniac]

Superdave I was speaking to the collective pile on Staal sentiment (here, other boards that I don't read, the postgame shows, whatever). Not you or your post specifically. You're entitled to your thoughts and beliefs, and I'll continue to voice my thoughts and beliefs. The Superstars that play us don't get double and triple teamed. Just so we're all clear on that. :0

In the comic relief realm; Linda Craft sure looked cute in her Red Leather outfit with the bedazzled Canes logo belt buckle; and the dudes (and sorry if they post here) that were dancing to "Party in the USA" on the video board---- for the second straight game; So not a good look. :-

[ButtersSaysNo]

I'm not going to slam on Staal, but I will say I don't think he has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he should be the next C IMO. Obviously we don't see what goes on behind the scenes, but with what we do see, I think Timmy has proven he would also be worthy of wearing the C. Ray too, but since he will not be with the Canes as long, I did not include him. Just my 2 cents.

[nccanes]

I didn't watch last night's game close enough to have an opinion, but I thought he looked poor in the ATL game.

Forslund tip toe'd around the issue in that post-game without being criticial, but seemed like he was acknowledging the reasons he's had a poor season (injury and family tragedy) but didn't defend his performance either.

Eric will always get criticism due to the size of his bank deposits - he knew that going in. But that doesn't mean that somewhere in there his performance is not worthy of criticism.

He may have a had the worst season all told (physically/emotionally) but I think we're all ready to be impressed by him for a stretch of time.

[ButtersSaysNo]

ok, this is funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCldWIwoTwU

[SoCalcaniac]

BUTTERS. OMG that's hilarious. :lol: I needed the laugh for sure. Funny part is I remember that game so clearly and how he was just pushin' it.

I see the username has Kahz in it-is that the same Kahz that posts here?

Whoever it is --- outstanding. :laugh: The captions are exactly what I think he's thinking to himself. It would at least explain a lot.

On the other subjects; I think Staal or any guy who gets offered the C should decline it immediately. If wearing it will be anything like it has been for #17, it'll all go straight to hell for him.... and it would be counter productive to earning the big ass salary that any of them make. Specifically #12. Besides, look at Paddy Marleau in SJ- he had the ultimate in humiliation for a hockey player--- he got the C ripped off; he skates freely, and plays without a care in the world. The C will bogg a dude down. Just say no.

[andyt]

I had that some thought at first as well, but when you watch the play, it's basically that MSL has too much speed for anyone playing defense. He smokes Wallin and gets that pass off that Wallin should have prevented. Then Downie smokes TK to gain position in front of the goal.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h114/nccanes/misc/canes.jpg


MSL has the puck in the middle and goes to the right and basically around Wallin to get the pass off, Downie cuts down the middle with speed and TK can't do anything. The only one not involved in the play was Stamkos, who Ward was defending.

Thanks for the indisputable evidence that my memory is shot. I think I'll crawl under my desk now and wait for the inevitable.

So the problem is that TK was in good position if Downie continued down the wing. Once he cut inside, he was beaten, trying to transition from the position in the picture to picking up Downie coming down the other side.

[nccanes]

No problem andy! I know i have a habit of finding #4 on the ice after every goal. :lol:

I was dozing off in the 3rd (was relegated from the living room since 24 was on) so I decided to watch the highlights this morning online.

Both St. Louis and Downie had too much speed for ANYONE out there to handle, I'm afraid.

[Alicia]

- Back to Aaron Ward. What is that dude's fascination with playing a man defense? He gets locked onto one player and doesn't take his eye off him regardless of where the puck is. 80% of the time he can't even keep up with the guy. And when he plays the man, he gets both of his hands up like he's stuck in the old NHL. I know he's supposed to be a physical guy, but you've got a stick for a reason, Aaron. Use it instead of just reaching out with both hands to try to tackle someone.I too have noticed him often so tightly playing the man that it's resulted in loss of possession of the puck at critical times. Perhaps he should take up wrestling.


The only one not involved in the play was Stamkos, who Ward was defending.Um, yeah.

I didn't watch last night's game close enough to have an opinion, but I thought he looked poor in the ATL game.

Forslund tip toe'd around the issue in that post-game without being criticial, but seemed like he was acknowledging the reasons he's had a poor season (injury and family tragedy) but didn't defend his performance either.

Eric will always get criticism due to the size of his bank deposits - he knew that going in. But that doesn't mean that somewhere in there his performance is not worthy of criticism.

He may have a had the worst season all told (physically/emotionally) but I think we're all ready to be impressed by him for a stretch of time.That's probably as diplomatic of a criticism as you can get, that I'm inclined to agree with.

[Alicia]

ok, this is funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCldWIwoTwU
Freakin' hilarious! :lol:

[nccanes]

Generally I don't laugh at things so pointedly critical (even if true) but I have to admit a LMAO with the uncalled cross check and subsequent "WTF" . :lol:

[Darkwing]

"lol we're getting taylor hall and ur not devils lololusuck"

That is awesome.

[Convert]

On their 3rd goal, it developed into a 3 on 2. Samsonov and Brindy were both below the Lightning goal line, TK was the high forward and Ward and Wallin were back. Frodo goes down the right wing, Downie fills the middle and someone, maybe Stamkos, fills the left wing. Ward, skating backwards, points out Downie, then moves to his right to cover the left wing. TK was a couple of strides behind Downie when Ward moved to his right and lost the footrace to the crease. Now, I never played hockey, but why wouldn't you take the player closest to the puck and let the forward pick up the trailer? He did the same thing Saturday, leaving Kovalchuk alone in the circle. That's not a system error, that's a mental error.

You just proved my point...Award covers the guy least likely to score, hoping that no one notices that he got abused.


Edit: read the rest of the posts, and even though AndyT was proven wrong, I still stand by my statement. for the next game, I bet Award has already volunteered to shadow Lehtonen the whole game (just don't tell him that Lehtonen has been on IR all year)

[nccanes]

I'm as disappointed as the next person with AWard, but covering Stamkos would not be considered covering the least likely to score. All 3 of the Canes were in position to defend, but they were too slow/gave them too much space/aren't nimble enough/etc.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h114/nccanes/misc/canes.jpg

[Kahz]

BUTTERS. OMG that's hilarious. :lol: I needed the laugh for sure. Funny part is I remember that game so clearly and how he was just pushin' it.

I see the username has Kahz in it-is that the same Kahz that posts here?

Whoever it is --- outstanding. :laugh: The captions are exactly what I think he's thinking to himself. It would at least explain a lot.Yep. That was me.

[Convert]

The only other thing I could imagine going on in his head is,

"I really like Rod and want him to make the HoF. if I come back to Carolina and totally suck, maybe people won't focus on his decline. I can take the abuse and chew on my mouthpiece all season long."

[superdave]

Superdave I was speaking to the collective pile on Staal sentiment (here, other boards that I don't read, the postgame shows, whatever). Not you or your post specifically. You're entitled to your thoughts and beliefs, and I'll continue to voice my thoughts and beliefs. The Superstars that play us don't get double and triple teamed. Just so we're all clear on that.

Not taken personally at all. I was just clarifying my point a little. I've been as big of a Staal supporter as there is but I'm getting tired of what I've been seeing of late. If it is the triple teams, then shouldn't the coach make some adjustments? If it's his health, shouldn't the coach sit him? If it's his play, shouldn't the coach scratch him? Wait, this isn't about Staal at all, it's about Mo.

[Darkwing]

Not taken personally at all. I was just clarifying my point a little. I've been as big of a Staal supporter as there is but I'm getting tired of what I've been seeing of late. If it is the triple teams, then shouldn't the coach make some adjustments? If it's his health, shouldn't the coach sit him? If it's his play, shouldn't the coach scratch him? Wait, this isn't about Staal at all, it's about Mo.

if it's the triple teams he should ask Gaborik how he deals with it every game ;) (and still manages to produce)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I know everyone has their scapegoats, but this isn't a 1 person problem. Sure Staal could be better, sure Pitkanen can tone down his ditziness, etc, but its not 1 person bringing this team down. Its about 18-20 guys.

Bingo.

It won't make a damn bit of difference what any one player on this team does right now, no matter how sparkling (just ask Cam, Sutter, Gleason). Until this team figures out how to play like a TEAM, nothing will get better. Either we all start pulling on the same rope or the guys pulling the hardest will continue to fall on their a**es.

[Greensboro Hurricanes]

<div><object width="480" height="365"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xbx57d&related=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/xbx57d&related=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="365" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbx57d_hurricanes-lightning-highlights-118_sport">Hurricanes - Lightning Highlights (1/18/10)</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/gatecitycanes">gatecitycanes</a>. - <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/us/channel/sport">Check out more sports and extreme sports videos.</a></i></div>

[Canesluver]

Isn't one of Staal's problems at the moment is that he's not playing at his natural Center position, like he's supposed to be? Hasn't that little experiment run its course by now?

[SoCalcaniac]

Yep CL. We were talking about that earlier/last night/and on and on, and according to The Coach, he's still hurt and can't play his natural center position.

[nccanes]

Boy, the Canes musta wore out the Bolts last night, they're getting pasted by the Rangers 8-2.

Color me SO unimpressed with the "we're getting our asses kicked so let's start some frustration fights". In the list of reasons fighting belongs in the NHL, this one is really stupid.

[IceSun]

Probably Torts sending some love to his old team - not watching so don't know who initiated what...

[nccanes]

I was only flipping back and forth. Caught Konopka trying to get Voros to go, but it never got started before the refs stepped in and Konopka was tossed. Then Malone got into it with Voros (and got the best of him) and then finally Halpern and Dubinsky.

The whole "sending a message" and "letting them know they aren't going to take this lying down" (which is what Peckham said on VS - biased of course since he's the Bolts play by play guy) is just kinda lame.

[SoCalcaniac]

Well it's pretty comical (not watching TB because well, I have DirecTV and don't have Versus) that the Rangers, who had nearly 9 periods of no goals at all just last week, now bust out with 8 goals. HILARIOUS.

Rick Peckham is spending wayyy too much time with Bobby The Chief Taylor; If Mickey Redmond isn't the biggest whiner/homer on the analyst planet, then The Chief surely is and Peckham has started to let that creep in his calls. On the fighting thing, I also find the send the message tack a little ennui inducing.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

ennui inducing.

OMG! I think you've un-wittingly stumbled upon the Hurricanes' slogan for next season!!

[IceSun]

LOL - so much potential - AND it fits with prior slogans

THIS is Ennui
One Team - One Ennui
It's an Ennui Thing

[ButtersSaysNo]

OMG! I think you've un-wittingly stumbled upon the Hurricanes' slogan for next season!!

I thought it was going to be, "Mo gets fired mid-season...again!"