Vrbata Trade -- Looks Like a REAL Steal

[ausoleil]

First of all, I loved the way Batesy put out for this team. Let me be clear about that.

But now let's talk about Vrbata. Granted, since he came, we're essentially playing out the string pond hockey, but here's something to consider: In five or so games, Vrbata has MATCHED the ENTIRE season output that Battaglia had for the Hurricanes: four goals. Without Rod. Without Cole.

He's a natural goal scorer, the sort we all dreamed of when last summer we prayed Pete would lose his senses and bring a Bill Guerin to town. When I say natural, look at how soft his stick is taking a pass and how quickly he gets quality shots off when the puck gets to him. On his first goal last night, the kid BURNED Lalime, only one of the top four minders in the league the past few years. It was from a tough angle on the boards and Lalime basically had to take it like a man -- there was nothing he could do to stop that shot.

That's EXACTLY what this team needs -- someone besides Jeff who can pose a threat from anywhere inside the red line. Batesy was a grinder, great in front of the net, good on defense and brought a gazillion intangibles to this team, but mark my words -- Vrbata is going to be an All-Star sooner rather than later. Best of all, he's only 21...a long way away from being a UFA in the current CBA.

So, we stole him from the Avs. That deal may mark a turning point in this franchise.

[ausoleil]

First of all, I loved the way Batesy put out for this team. Let me be clear about that.

But now let's talk about Vrbata. Granted, since he came, we're essentially playing out the string pond hockey, but here's something to consider: In five or so games, Vrbata has MATCHED the ENTIRE season output that Battaglia had for the Hurricanes: four goals. Without Rod. Without Cole.

He's a natural goal scorer, the sort we all dreamed of when last summer we prayed Pete would lose his senses and bring a Bill Guerin to town. When I say natural, look at how soft his stick is taking a pass and how quickly he gets quality shots off when the puck gets to him. On his first goal last night, the kid BURNED Lalime, only one of the top four minders in the league the past few years. It was from a tough angle on the boards and Lalime basically had to take it like a man -- there was nothing he could do to stop that shot.

That's EXACTLY what this team needs -- someone besides Jeff who can pose a threat from anywhere inside the red line. Batesy was a grinder, great in front of the net, good on defense and brought a gazillion intangibles to this team, but mark my words -- Vrbata is going to be an All-Star sooner rather than later. Best of all, he's only 21...a long way away from being a UFA in the current CBA.

So, we stole him from the Avs. That deal may mark a turning point in this franchise.

[ausoleil]

First of all, I loved the way Batesy put out for this team. Let me be clear about that.

But now let's talk about Vrbata. Granted, since he came, we're essentially playing out the string pond hockey, but here's something to consider: In five or so games, Vrbata has MATCHED the ENTIRE season output that Battaglia had for the Hurricanes: four goals. Without Rod. Without Cole.

He's a natural goal scorer, the sort we all dreamed of when last summer we prayed Pete would lose his senses and bring a Bill Guerin to town. When I say natural, look at how soft his stick is taking a pass and how quickly he gets quality shots off when the puck gets to him. On his first goal last night, the kid BURNED Lalime, only one of the top four minders in the league the past few years. It was from a tough angle on the boards and Lalime basically had to take it like a man -- there was nothing he could do to stop that shot.

That's EXACTLY what this team needs -- someone besides Jeff who can pose a threat from anywhere inside the red line. Batesy was a grinder, great in front of the net, good on defense and brought a gazillion intangibles to this team, but mark my words -- Vrbata is going to be an All-Star sooner rather than later. Best of all, he's only 21...a long way away from being a UFA in the current CBA.

So, we stole him from the Avs. That deal may mark a turning point in this franchise.

[AbNormal27]

I must say that first goal Radim scored against Ottawa last night made me jump right out of my seat. But I wouldn't go as far as to say he is going to be the "Godsend" we have been hoping for all season. Yes, he has been very good for us since the Battaglia trade, but so has a lot of the guys trying to get jobs with the big club for next season. Bayda, in my mind has been the best player for us since he was brought in, but again, I would reserve judgement on him or anyone until next season, when EVERYONE is healthy and they all get a crack at shining. Just my 2 cents.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

I must say that first goal Radim scored against Ottawa last night made me jump right out of my seat. But I wouldn't go as far as to say he is going to be the "Godsend" we have been hoping for all season. Yes, he has been very good for us since the Battaglia trade, but so has a lot of the guys trying to get jobs with the big club for next season. Bayda, in my mind has been the best player for us since he was brought in, but again, I would reserve judgement on him or anyone until next season, when EVERYONE is healthy and they all get a crack at shining. Just my 2 cents.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

I must say that first goal Radim scored against Ottawa last night made me jump right out of my seat. But I wouldn't go as far as to say he is going to be the "Godsend" we have been hoping for all season. Yes, he has been very good for us since the Battaglia trade, but so has a lot of the guys trying to get jobs with the big club for next season. Bayda, in my mind has been the best player for us since he was brought in, but again, I would reserve judgement on him or anyone until next season, when EVERYONE is healthy and they all get a crack at shining. Just my 2 cents.

Aaryn

[StormShaman]

Well, really to compare them is to compare apples and oranges.

Batesy's really not a scorer. He's a mucker and a grinder and basher that can be counted on to pot a few goals or get a few assists every so often. His purpose is to help create some space for the scorers on his team.

Verb, OTOH, *is* a scorer--just like you said.

In a sense, we did steal him from Colorado--but the way I look at it, the trade was a win-win for both teams. The 'Canes got somebody they needed, and the Avs got somebody that they needed in return.

Just my 1/50 of a dollar.

[StormShaman]

Well, really to compare them is to compare apples and oranges.

Batesy's really not a scorer. He's a mucker and a grinder and basher that can be counted on to pot a few goals or get a few assists every so often. His purpose is to help create some space for the scorers on his team.

Verb, OTOH, *is* a scorer--just like you said.

In a sense, we did steal him from Colorado--but the way I look at it, the trade was a win-win for both teams. The 'Canes got somebody they needed, and the Avs got somebody that they needed in return.

Just my 1/50 of a dollar.

[StormShaman]

Well, really to compare them is to compare apples and oranges.

Batesy's really not a scorer. He's a mucker and a grinder and basher that can be counted on to pot a few goals or get a few assists every so often. His purpose is to help create some space for the scorers on his team.

Verb, OTOH, *is* a scorer--just like you said.

In a sense, we did steal him from Colorado--but the way I look at it, the trade was a win-win for both teams. The 'Canes got somebody they needed, and the Avs got somebody that they needed in return.

Just my 1/50 of a dollar.

[ausoleil]

Agreed with everything you said, Shaman.

I've watched hockey all of my life and this kid is a scorer au naturalle...and as such is a danger anytime he is on the ice. You can't teach that, it is a gift from God.

And you are right, Battaglia and Vrbata are very different players. Both are very good at what they do -- but this team has always needed GOALS, and last time I checked, the scoreboard is the only stat that ever mattered, save for wins and losses come the end of the season. If we are to be a good team, a Cup threat, we need to be dangerous from the moment we bring the puck into the zone.

That's something that has hurt us time and time and time again. Even a Patrick Roy at the peak of his career could not have carried the Canes to the playoffs this year. We just never scored.

[ausoleil]

Agreed with everything you said, Shaman.

I've watched hockey all of my life and this kid is a scorer au naturalle...and as such is a danger anytime he is on the ice. You can't teach that, it is a gift from God.

And you are right, Battaglia and Vrbata are very different players. Both are very good at what they do -- but this team has always needed GOALS, and last time I checked, the scoreboard is the only stat that ever mattered, save for wins and losses come the end of the season. If we are to be a good team, a Cup threat, we need to be dangerous from the moment we bring the puck into the zone.

That's something that has hurt us time and time and time again. Even a Patrick Roy at the peak of his career could not have carried the Canes to the playoffs this year. We just never scored.

[ausoleil]

Agreed with everything you said, Shaman.

I've watched hockey all of my life and this kid is a scorer au naturalle...and as such is a danger anytime he is on the ice. You can't teach that, it is a gift from God.

And you are right, Battaglia and Vrbata are very different players. Both are very good at what they do -- but this team has always needed GOALS, and last time I checked, the scoreboard is the only stat that ever mattered, save for wins and losses come the end of the season. If we are to be a good team, a Cup threat, we need to be dangerous from the moment we bring the puck into the zone.

That's something that has hurt us time and time and time again. Even a Patrick Roy at the peak of his career could not have carried the Canes to the playoffs this year. We just never scored.

[StormFront]

Yeah, it's great to see we have a goal scorer, it was great to look up at the scoreboard last night and see us with more than 2 goals at the end of the game. It would have been better if we won, but still.

[StormFront]

Yeah, it's great to see we have a goal scorer, it was great to look up at the scoreboard last night and see us with more than 2 goals at the end of the game. It would have been better if we won, but still.

[StormFront]

Yeah, it's great to see we have a goal scorer, it was great to look up at the scoreboard last night and see us with more than 2 goals at the end of the game. It would have been better if we won, but still.

[tommy]

That second goal was a beauty... honestly, he hadn't even shot it yet, but from his positioning, and Lalime's I just jumped up and cheered as soon as it came to him.

I agree with everything ausoleil said.

Let's see how he handles a full season with us next year.

[tommy]

That second goal was a beauty... honestly, he hadn't even shot it yet, but from his positioning, and Lalime's I just jumped up and cheered as soon as it came to him.

I agree with everything ausoleil said.

Let's see how he handles a full season with us next year.

[tommy]

That second goal was a beauty... honestly, he hadn't even shot it yet, but from his positioning, and Lalime's I just jumped up and cheered as soon as it came to him.

I agree with everything ausoleil said.

Let's see how he handles a full season with us next year.

[lvscolencanes]

Well my 2 cents, I think he will do nothing but get better next year with a little more experience under his wing. I was at the game last night, and the goal was awesome, and the crowd is really getting into him lately....I am excited to have him, and I am a big batesy fan. :D

[lvscolencanes]

Well my 2 cents, I think he will do nothing but get better next year with a little more experience under his wing. I was at the game last night, and the goal was awesome, and the crowd is really getting into him lately....I am excited to have him, and I am a big batesy fan. :D

[lvscolencanes]

Well my 2 cents, I think he will do nothing but get better next year with a little more experience under his wing. I was at the game last night, and the goal was awesome, and the crowd is really getting into him lately....I am excited to have him, and I am a big batesy fan. :D

[CaniacPanther]

Definite steal. I'll miss Bates greatly, but Vrbata has been just brilliant in his short time with our team. I guess the Avs got rid of him because they have Milan Hejduk...but now, with Forsberg injured, they may be regretting it. Vrbata is just what we need to get back on track next year.

[CaniacPanther]

Definite steal. I'll miss Bates greatly, but Vrbata has been just brilliant in his short time with our team. I guess the Avs got rid of him because they have Milan Hejduk...but now, with Forsberg injured, they may be regretting it. Vrbata is just what we need to get back on track next year.

[CaniacPanther]

Definite steal. I'll miss Bates greatly, but Vrbata has been just brilliant in his short time with our team. I guess the Avs got rid of him because they have Milan Hejduk...but now, with Forsberg injured, they may be regretting it. Vrbata is just what we need to get back on track next year.

[CanesFever]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.

Vrbata scored his second of the night on a Canes power play 1:45 after Redden's marker, but Carolina couldn't manage the equalizer, though O'Neill hit the post with three minutes left.

Though he scored twice and now has four goals in four games after coming to Carolina in a deadline-day deal with Colorado, Vrbata missed an open net about eight minutes into the third that would have tied the score.

"I'd like to have that back, but that's hockey," said Vrbata. "You get a chance and it goes in, you get a big chance, and it doesn't. Once I got back to the bench, I said I'd have to get that one back."

"He's an incredibly talented and gifted player with the puck," said Maurice of the 21-year-old Vrbata. "I haven't coached anyone that young, that gifted."



:roll:

[CanesFever]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.

Vrbata scored his second of the night on a Canes power play 1:45 after Redden's marker, but Carolina couldn't manage the equalizer, though O'Neill hit the post with three minutes left.

Though he scored twice and now has four goals in four games after coming to Carolina in a deadline-day deal with Colorado, Vrbata missed an open net about eight minutes into the third that would have tied the score.

"I'd like to have that back, but that's hockey," said Vrbata. "You get a chance and it goes in, you get a big chance, and it doesn't. Once I got back to the bench, I said I'd have to get that one back."

"He's an incredibly talented and gifted player with the puck," said Maurice of the 21-year-old Vrbata. "I haven't coached anyone that young, that gifted."



:roll:

[CanesFever]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.

Vrbata scored his second of the night on a Canes power play 1:45 after Redden's marker, but Carolina couldn't manage the equalizer, though O'Neill hit the post with three minutes left.

Though he scored twice and now has four goals in four games after coming to Carolina in a deadline-day deal with Colorado, Vrbata missed an open net about eight minutes into the third that would have tied the score.

"I'd like to have that back, but that's hockey," said Vrbata. "You get a chance and it goes in, you get a big chance, and it doesn't. Once I got back to the bench, I said I'd have to get that one back."

"He's an incredibly talented and gifted player with the puck," said Maurice of the 21-year-old Vrbata. "I haven't coached anyone that young, that gifted."



:roll:

[Stormbringer]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.

Vrbata scored his second of the night on a Canes power play 1:45 after Redden's marker, but Carolina couldn't manage the equalizer, though O'Neill hit the post with three minutes left.

Though he scored twice and now has four goals in four games after coming to Carolina in a deadline-day deal with Colorado, Vrbata missed an open net about eight minutes into the third that would have tied the score.

"I'd like to have that back, but that's hockey," said Vrbata. "You get a chance and it goes in, you get a big chance, and it doesn't. Once I got back to the bench, I said I'd have to get that one back."

"He's an incredibly talented and gifted player with the puck," said Maurice of the 21-year-old Vrbata. "I haven't coached anyone that young, that gifted."



:roll:

Well, nobody's perfect...afterall, as the article also mentioned, O'Neill himself missed a somewhat empty netter when the puck hit the goal post.

[Stormbringer]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.

Vrbata scored his second of the night on a Canes power play 1:45 after Redden's marker, but Carolina couldn't manage the equalizer, though O'Neill hit the post with three minutes left.

Though he scored twice and now has four goals in four games after coming to Carolina in a deadline-day deal with Colorado, Vrbata missed an open net about eight minutes into the third that would have tied the score.

"I'd like to have that back, but that's hockey," said Vrbata. "You get a chance and it goes in, you get a big chance, and it doesn't. Once I got back to the bench, I said I'd have to get that one back."

"He's an incredibly talented and gifted player with the puck," said Maurice of the 21-year-old Vrbata. "I haven't coached anyone that young, that gifted."



:roll:

Well, nobody's perfect...afterall, as the article also mentioned, O'Neill himself missed a somewhat empty netter when the puck hit the goal post.

[Stormbringer]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.

Vrbata scored his second of the night on a Canes power play 1:45 after Redden's marker, but Carolina couldn't manage the equalizer, though O'Neill hit the post with three minutes left.

Though he scored twice and now has four goals in four games after coming to Carolina in a deadline-day deal with Colorado, Vrbata missed an open net about eight minutes into the third that would have tied the score.

"I'd like to have that back, but that's hockey," said Vrbata. "You get a chance and it goes in, you get a big chance, and it doesn't. Once I got back to the bench, I said I'd have to get that one back."

"He's an incredibly talented and gifted player with the puck," said Maurice of the 21-year-old Vrbata. "I haven't coached anyone that young, that gifted."



:roll:

Well, nobody's perfect...afterall, as the article also mentioned, O'Neill himself missed a somewhat empty netter when the puck hit the goal post.

[CanesFever]

Stormbringer, see subject line above.

[CanesFever]

Stormbringer, see subject line above.

[CanesFever]

Stormbringer, see subject line above.

[Stormbringer]

Oh! My sincerest apologies #92. :) Those subject lines are a bit small...

[Stormbringer]

Oh! My sincerest apologies #92. :) Those subject lines are a bit small...

[Stormbringer]

Oh! My sincerest apologies #92. :) Those subject lines are a bit small...

[tommy]

Well, the point is, if our D had been a bit stiffer, those missed opportunities wouldn't have mattered.

In a 6-5 game, especially that last game, you can't single out a player for missing a "golden opportunity".

I mean, without Vrbata's 2 goals, it wouldnt have mattered at all, and afterall, he was the one who made it interesting with 3 and a half to go.

[tommy]

Well, the point is, if our D had been a bit stiffer, those missed opportunities wouldn't have mattered.

In a 6-5 game, especially that last game, you can't single out a player for missing a "golden opportunity".

I mean, without Vrbata's 2 goals, it wouldnt have mattered at all, and afterall, he was the one who made it interesting with 3 and a half to go.

[tommy]

Well, the point is, if our D had been a bit stiffer, those missed opportunities wouldn't have mattered.

In a 6-5 game, especially that last game, you can't single out a player for missing a "golden opportunity".

I mean, without Vrbata's 2 goals, it wouldnt have mattered at all, and afterall, he was the one who made it interesting with 3 and a half to go.

[1Irbegirlforever]

I must say I am VERY proud of our Vrbata. He is a natural goal-scorer and doesn't seem afraid to get in closer to the net. :D
Please, please, please don't let our Vrbata get hurt! :beatup:

[1Irbegirlforever]

I must say I am VERY proud of our Vrbata. He is a natural goal-scorer and doesn't seem afraid to get in closer to the net. :D
Please, please, please don't let our Vrbata get hurt! :beatup:

[1Irbegirlforever]

I must say I am VERY proud of our Vrbata. He is a natural goal-scorer and doesn't seem afraid to get in closer to the net. :D
Please, please, please don't let our Vrbata get hurt! :beatup:

[MoBigRed]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.


You are correct... he definitely missed an open net... but i will gladly overlook a missed open net when the player makes up for it with 2 absolute beauties. No matter who the player!

[MoBigRed]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.


You are correct... he definitely missed an open net... but i will gladly overlook a missed open net when the player makes up for it with 2 absolute beauties. No matter who the player!

[MoBigRed]

Quote from CH.com since nobody is mentioning the open net he missed.


You are correct... he definitely missed an open net... but i will gladly overlook a missed open net when the player makes up for it with 2 absolute beauties. No matter who the player!

[Shell]

^^^^^^^^^
What he said.

I just wish he could have gotten the hat trick for himself, must be waiting for hat night though.... was hoping he'd miss that memo.

[Shell]

^^^^^^^^^
What he said.

I just wish he could have gotten the hat trick for himself, must be waiting for hat night though.... was hoping he'd miss that memo.

[Shell]

^^^^^^^^^
What he said.

I just wish he could have gotten the hat trick for himself, must be waiting for hat night though.... was hoping he'd miss that memo.

[ausoleil]

Please, please, please don't let our Vrbata get hurt!

That's what our friends Jesse and Bruno are for.

Another reason to let Mr. Minus go. Maybe he can go play with his old friend in Philly! :)

[ausoleil]

Please, please, please don't let our Vrbata get hurt!

That's what our friends Jesse and Bruno are for.

Another reason to let Mr. Minus go. Maybe he can go play with his old friend in Philly! :)

[ausoleil]

Please, please, please don't let our Vrbata get hurt!

That's what our friends Jesse and Bruno are for.

Another reason to let Mr. Minus go. Maybe he can go play with his old friend in Philly! :)