This year I've had the great fortune to attend quite a few home games. Unfortunately the Canes have lost nearly every one I've attended since the home opener. I haven't had the heart to go back and check for sure.
Last night's loss was difficult because I thought the Canes came out of the chute a tad more lively, certainly not as flat as previous nights (or matinees). I had great hope after the 2nd period that they'd come out on fire in the 3rd and put it away. Boy was I wrong.
And for the record, I *hate* Chris Pronger. Hate him with the white hot fury of a thousand suns. Get it?
I think there are a few things to take away from last night's game, however. After giving up the first goal per usual, the Canes answered and tied it up in the first. I saw more physical play, even if it wasn't as much as I wanted to see. I saw improved passing and far more shots on goal. We kept the Ducks in their end quite a bit. I think we all want to see more aggression from the Canes. Why it isn't there is the sixty-four thousand dollar question. Is it a mental thing, undisclosed injuries, or both?
I think our D is promising this year, as opposed to just plain awful in years past. I see life in Nic Wallin, and Corvo has that great hard shot. I hope Timmay comes back from injury soon so we can just bench Babchuk indefinitely. Frankie is back, but whether or not he's "back," time will tell. Seidenberg looks much better this year than last, but he's injured for the moment. I think Pitkanen is finding his way, and Melichar, I have no opinion about right now.
The forwards seem to be the problem this year. On any given night it's up to 3 guys. Last night it seemed to be Matt Cullen's line. The other night it was Chad LaRose on Brindy's line. Eric Staal has yet to dazzle us and I find a 100-point season from him to be doubtful. I hear people dissing our Captain, and I'm mystified over the minus-17. Last week he was second only to Whitney in terms of scoring. Lack of speed seems to be his issue, perhaps he's favoring the knee. And Whitney has been pretty silent for a couple of games. I thought for sure he'd break out big last night. I love Ruutu and I think he's going to surprise us in the balance of the season.
With Walker and Williams out of the lineup, we lose a lot of scoring potential right there. So that means it's time for the young-uns to get in there - Sutter, Dwyer, Eaves, I'm talking to you guys. LaRose and Bayda - I'll lump them in there, too. We need to see y'all put up some numbers and fast.
I won't give up on Sergei Samsonov - I think there's so much potential there. But he's not clicking with his linemates, Staal and Ruutu. I think communication is what's tripping them up, and if they don't learn how to play together, we can count on another season out of the playoffs.
We can't keep winning games by relying on Cam to keep the puck out. Our forwards have got to get more pucks IN, plain and simple. We have to have more than one scoring line per night, guys.
It will be interesting to see if Lavi reinstates the game-day skate. Because so far, I don't think not having the skate is working.
Canes face Pittsburgh on Thursday. Lord help them if they come out flat that night.
Monday, December 01, 2008
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2 comments:
I'm on the "undisclosed injuries" side right now. I think Rod came back too soon from his knee surgeries, and I think Eric Staal has some sort of lingering minor injury as well. Both of them certainly aren't living up to their potential.
Although I wouldn't lump LaRose in with the rest of the team who isn't scoring - dude had a three game goal streak going just a few games ago. BUT, if Chad LaRose is the only one scoring, well, that just doesn't bode well, does it?
And I shudder to think of the steamrolling the Pens will put on us if we come out flat.
On a happier note, I'm glad to see you back posting!
I agree. I think Rod's "sort of" back, but he's skating on the slow side. I've head rumors about Staal having a shoulder injury - but that's just it, a rumor.
I think the whole team is gasping for air, and I don't know why. It seems once they get the puck to the net, they don't have any juice left to slap it on in.
Whatever "it" is, there is something definitely missing with this team. I just hope they find it soon.
And thanks, it's nice to be back!
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