Red and Black Hockey http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/ en redblackhockey@earthlink.net Copyright 2009 2009-11-05T02:56:57-05:00 http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/http://www.kuklaskorner.com/images/uploads/kklogobox.gifKukla's Korner another ugly loss for Carolina http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/another_ugly_loss_for_carolina/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/another_ugly_loss_for_carolina/ On Wednesday night, the Hurricanes traveled to Sunrise and extended their winless streak to ten (0-7-3) games with a 3-0 loss to the Panthers.  Despite dominating play in the opening stanza and getting off 21 shots against Tomas Vokoun, they didn’t score.  In the second, the Canes got into some penalty trouble, but did a good job to keep Florida scoreless.  Things fell apart in the third.  First a lucky bounce goal by Steven Reinprecht, then a power play goal from Cory Stillman, then an empty net shorthanded goal sealed the deal.  Confidence is now at an all-time low.  Frustration has to be at an all-time high.  I know it is for the fans.  I expect a lot of empty seats on Friday against the Maple Leafs.  If there’s another loss on Friday, I’m afraid frustrations might boil over in the locker room.  Hopefully, we won’t find out.  On Wednesday night, the Hurricanes traveled to Sunrise and extended their winless streak to ten (0-7-3) games with a 3-0 loss to the Panthers. 

Despite dominating play in the opening stanza and getting off 21 shots against Tomas Vokoun, they didn’t score.  In the second, the Canes got into some penalty trouble, but did a good job to keep Florida scoreless.  Things fell apart in the third.  First a lucky bounce goal by Steven Reinprecht, then a power play goal from Cory Stillman, then an empty net shorthanded goal sealed the deal. 

Confidence is now at an all-time low.  Frustration has to be at an all-time high.  I know it is for the fans.  I expect a lot of empty seats on Friday against the Maple Leafs.  If there’s another loss on Friday, I’m afraid frustrations might boil over in the locker room.  Hopefully, we won’t find out. 

]]> 2009-11-05T02:56:57-05:00 David Lee Is this rock bottom? http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/is_this_rock_bottom/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/is_this_rock_bottom/ The Hurricanes, at 2-8-3, are off to the worst start in franchise history.  They have now gone nine (0-6-3) games without a win, and in some of these games, they haven’t been very competitive.  They’ve been plagued by lapses in focus, lack of presence in front of (either) net, defensive breakdowns, lack of discipline, and mostly, an inability to score.  Some nights, the Canes have run into crazily hot goaltenders.  Some nights they’ve squandered too many scoring chances.  Some nights, they have bad luck.  The bottom line is that the puck isn’t going in the other team’s net.  All of this has led to a frustrated team and an angry fanbase.  A friend asked me today if I think the Canes have hit rock bottom.  I immediately answered that things could be a lot worse, and that they haven’t bottomed out (yet).  The Hurricanes, at 2-8-3, are off to the worst start in franchise history.  They have now gone nine (0-6-3) games without a win, and in some of these games, they haven’t been very competitive.  They’ve been plagued by lapses in focus, lack of presence in front of (either) net, defensive breakdowns, lack of discipline, and mostly, an inability to score.  Some nights, the Canes have run into crazily hot goaltenders.  Some nights they’ve squandered too many scoring chances.  Some nights, they have bad luck.  The bottom line is that the puck isn’t going in the other team’s net.  All of this has led to a frustrated team and an angry fanbase. 

A friend asked me today if I think the Canes have hit rock bottom.  I immediately answered that things could be a lot worse, and that they haven’t bottomed out (yet). 

Continue reading "Is this rock bottom?"

]]> 2009-11-03T00:29:50-05:00 David Lee Halloween with the Canes http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/halloween_with_the_canes/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/halloween_with_the_canes/ On Saturday afternoon, the Hurricanes and Flyers will meet for the second time this season.  Since it’s Halloween, you can find out what the Canes wives will be handing out to trick-or-treaters.  Erik Cole’s house should be fun.  Interesting that Tuomo Ruutu doesn’t hand out Snickers bars.  Remember this? And maybe it’s just me, but every time I see Andrew Alberts, I think he’s Cam Ward.  On Saturday afternoon, the Hurricanes and Flyers will meet for the second time this season.  Since it’s Halloween, you can find out what the Canes wives will be handing out to trick-or-treaters.  Erik Cole’s house should be fun.  Interesting that Tuomo Ruutu doesn’t hand out Snickers bars.  Remember this? And maybe it’s just me, but every time I see Andrew Alberts, I think he’s Cam Ward. 

]]> 2009-10-31T17:12:59-05:00 David Lee Nightmarish October continues for Canes http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/nightmarish_october_continues_for_canes/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/nightmarish_october_continues_for_canes/ On Wednesday, the Hurricanes played host to the St. Louis Blues and stretched their winless streak to seven games by losing 5-2.  Since shelling the Panthers 7-2 on October 9, the boys have gone 0-4-3.  While there has been some improvement, there are some recurring themes in this losing streak. The special teams have been getting much better.  The power play was two for six and the penalty kill was a perfect one for one.  The Canes have now scored at least one power play goal in four straight games.  For the fifth time in the last eight games, the PK was perfect.  Those are small things, but it’s a start in the right direction.  Unfortunately, some bad trends are continuing.  For at least the fourth time this season, the Canes fell asleep at the wheel and allowed two goals in a span of less than 30 seconds.  That can do a lot to the landscape of a game.  In this game, Eric Staal missed a couple of grade A++ chances, which is another trend that needs to reverse if the Canes expect to win any games.  On Wednesday, the Hurricanes played host to the St. Louis Blues and stretched their winless streak to seven games by losing 5-2.  Since shelling the Panthers 7-2 on October 9, the boys have gone 0-4-3.  While there has been some improvement, there are some recurring themes in this losing streak.

The special teams have been getting much better.  The power play was two for six and the penalty kill was a perfect one for one.  The Canes have now scored at least one power play goal in four straight games.  For the fifth time in the last eight games, the PK was perfect.  Those are small things, but it’s a start in the right direction. 

Unfortunately, some bad trends are continuing.  For at least the fourth time this season, the Canes fell asleep at the wheel and allowed two goals in a span of less than 30 seconds.  That can do a lot to the landscape of a game.  In this game, Eric Staal missed a couple of grade A++ chances, which is another trend that needs to reverse if the Canes expect to win any games. 

Continue reading "Nightmarish October continues for Canes"

]]> 2009-10-29T13:11:52-05:00 David Lee Yelle waived, Sutter likely to be moved to wing http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/yelle_waived_sutter_likely_to_be_moved_to_wing1/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/yelle_waived_sutter_likely_to_be_moved_to_wing1/ On Monday, the Hurricanes announced that they have waived veteran forward Stephane Yelle.  If he isn’t claimed, he’ll clear waivers at noon Tuesday.  Being placed on waivers doesn’t necessarily mean anything.  Frantisek Kaberle was placed on waivers at least 37 times last season.  He was never claimed, he was never re-assigned to Albany, and he was only bought out this last summer.  Unlike Kaberle, though, Yelle is cheap.  His salary this season is $550k, and if a team claims him off re-entry waivers, they’d only be on the hook for half of that.  This might be attractive to a team like the New Jersey Devils, who just learned that Jay Pandolfo will be out of the lineup for up to six weeks. Depending on what happens with Yelle’s waiver situation, it could make a permanent spot for Brandon Sutter in the lineup.  The 20-year old has been called up to fill a spot while Tuomo Ruutu is serving a three-game suspension.  If Sutter stays, he’ll most likely be shifted to a wing position.  On Monday, the Hurricanes announced that they have waived veteran forward Stephane Yelle.  If he isn’t claimed, he’ll clear waivers at noon Tuesday.  Being placed on waivers doesn’t necessarily mean anything.  Frantisek Kaberle was placed on waivers at least 37 times last season.  He was never claimed, he was never re-assigned to Albany, and he was only bought out this last summer. 

Unlike Kaberle, though, Yelle is cheap.  His salary this season is $550k, and if a team claims him off re-entry waivers, they’d only be on the hook for half of that.  This might be attractive to a team like the New Jersey Devils, who just learned that Jay Pandolfo will be out of the lineup for up to six weeks.

Depending on what happens with Yelle’s waiver situation, it could make a permanent spot for Brandon Sutter in the lineup.  The 20-year old has been called up to fill a spot while Tuomo Ruutu is serving a three-game suspension.  If Sutter stays, he’ll most likely be shifted to a wing position. 

Continue reading "Yelle waived, Sutter likely to be moved to wing"

]]> 2009-10-26T20:26:46-05:00 David Lee Canes keep losing, Rats keep winning http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_keep_losing_rats_keep_winning/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_keep_losing_rats_keep_winning/ The Hurricanes four game road trip came to a close on Saturday, and they didn’t have much to show for it.  They lost a rollercoaster 5-4 game in Denver on Friday, then lost 3-2 in overtime at Minnesota on Saturday.  On the four game trip, the Canes only managed two standings points and have yet to win on the road.  For the third time this season, they will now have three days off before their next game.  Wednesday night, they’ll be back in the RBC Center against the Blues.  While they’ve been lousy on the road, the Canes have grabbed five out of eight standings points at home.  While the Canes are struggling, the Albany River Rats are doing well.  They have a record of 5-3-0 and sit atop the Eastern division.  More importantly, they beat the Adirondack Phantoms 3-2 on Saturday to grab a two games to none lead in the 12-game season series with the hated rival.  The Hurricanes four game road trip came to a close on Saturday, and they didn’t have much to show for it.  They lost a rollercoaster 5-4 game in Denver on Friday, then lost 3-2 in overtime at Minnesota on Saturday.  On the four game trip, the Canes only managed two standings points and have yet to win on the road.  For the third time this season, they will now have three days off before their next game.  Wednesday night, they’ll be back in the RBC Center against the Blues.  While they’ve been lousy on the road, the Canes have grabbed five out of eight standings points at home. 

While the Canes are struggling, the Albany River Rats are doing well.  They have a record of 5-3-0 and sit atop the Eastern division.  More importantly, they beat the Adirondack Phantoms 3-2 on Saturday to grab a two games to none lead in the 12-game season series with the hated rival. 

Continue reading "Canes keep losing, Rats keep winning"

]]> 2009-10-25T18:08:14-05:00 David Lee Road trip starts badly for Canes http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/road_trip_starts_badly_for_canes/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/road_trip_starts_badly_for_canes/ The Hurricanes continued their annual late October extended road trip in desperate need of a win.  The Islanders were a winless team, but have been playing good hockey.  Unfortunately for the Canes, this was the night the Isles finally got into the win column.  After falling behind 3-1, Carolina mounted a third period rally to tie the game, which was ultimately settled in the shootout.  The home team converted all three of their shootout attempts, while the Hurricanes succeeded just once. It was a night to celebrate Ray Whitney, who was playing in his 1000th NHL game and his 300th as a Cane.  Unlike last Wednesday, when he lit the lamp twice, he failed to light the lamp this time.  Eric Staal got off the schneid, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Canes to victory. The Hurricanes continued their annual late October extended road trip in desperate need of a win.  The Islanders were a winless team, but have been playing good hockey.  Unfortunately for the Canes, this was the night the Isles finally got into the win column.  After falling behind 3-1, Carolina mounted a third period rally to tie the game, which was ultimately settled in the shootout.  The home team converted all three of their shootout attempts, while the Hurricanes succeeded just once.

It was a night to celebrate Ray Whitney, who was playing in his 1000th NHL game and his 300th as a Cane.  Unlike last Wednesday, when he lit the lamp twice, he failed to light the lamp this time.  Eric Staal got off the schneid, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Canes to victory.

Continue reading "Road trip starts badly for Canes"

]]> 2009-10-22T04:27:21-05:00 David Lee Rats looking good http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/rats_looking_good/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/rats_looking_good/ While the Hurricanes are struggling to find offense and to find themselves, things are looking good down on the farm.  On Saturday, the Albany River Rats went up to Glens Falls and defeated the Adirondack Phantoms 2-1 in the first of twelve games between the two teams.  Justin Peters stopped 31 of 32 shots and Jerome Samson scored the game-winner 2:21 into overtime.  Through five games, the undrafted right wing has tallied nine (4/5) points.  Surprisingly, this game featured only one fight, and it occurred early in the first.  So far, I’m wrong with my prediction that this series would see more fighting majors (2) than goals (3).  The Rats find themselves atop the East division of the AHL, and I’ve read some comments by Albany natives comparing this team to the 1995-96 team who won the AHL’s equivalent of the President’s Trophy with a record of 54-19-7.  While the Hurricanes are struggling to find offense and to find themselves, things are looking good down on the farm.  On Saturday, the Albany River Rats went up to Glens Falls and defeated the Adirondack Phantoms 2-1 in the first of twelve games between the two teams.  Justin Peters stopped 31 of 32 shots and Jerome Samson scored the game-winner 2:21 into overtime.  Through five games, the undrafted right wing has tallied nine (4/5) points. 

Surprisingly, this game featured only one fight, and it occurred early in the first.  So far, I’m wrong with my prediction that this series would see more fighting majors (2) than goals (3). 

The Rats find themselves atop the East division of the AHL, and I’ve read some comments by Albany natives comparing this team to the 1995-96 team who won the AHL’s equivalent of the President’s Trophy with a record of 54-19-7. 

Continue reading "Rats looking good"

]]> 2009-10-18T15:51:13-05:00 David Lee Ward stands on his head, but the Canes lose anyway http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/ward_stands_on_his_head_but_the_canes_lose_anyway/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/ward_stands_on_his_head_but_the_canes_lose_anyway/ On Saturday, the Hurricanes returned to “The Rock” for the first time since they stunned the Devils with two goals in the last 90 seconds of game 7 to steal the first round of the 2009 playoffs.  The Devils in general, and Martin Brodeur specifically, had not been playing well at home, and it was a chance for the Hurricanes to get their two-week road trip off to a good start.  Both goaltenders played very well and Martin Brodeur got the shutout, beating the Canes 2-0 and coming within one shutout of Terry Sawchuk’s 103.  He’ll get the spotlight, but Cam Ward also had a very good game that was for naught.  Unfortunately for Ward, the Hurricanes record doesn’t indicate how well he’s been playing.  If and when the Canes start scoring goals, Ward will get some more ticks in the W column.  Everyone knows that the Canes’ losses aren’t because of Ward.  Last season, the Hurricanes were shut out only once in the regular season.  So far this season, they’ve already been shut out twice in just seven games.  On Saturday, the Hurricanes returned to “The Rock” for the first time since they stunned the Devils with two goals in the last 90 seconds of game 7 to steal the first round of the 2009 playoffs.  The Devils in general, and Martin Brodeur specifically, had not been playing well at home, and it was a chance for the Hurricanes to get their two-week road trip off to a good start. 

Both goaltenders played very well and Martin Brodeur got the shutout, beating the Canes 2-0 and coming within one shutout of Terry Sawchuk’s 103.  He’ll get the spotlight, but Cam Ward also had a very good game that was for naught.  Unfortunately for Ward, the Hurricanes record doesn’t indicate how well he’s been playing.  If and when the Canes start scoring goals, Ward will get some more ticks in the W column.  Everyone knows that the Canes’ losses aren’t because of Ward.  Last season, the Hurricanes were shut out only once in the regular season.  So far this season, they’ve already been shut out twice in just seven games. 

Continue reading "Ward stands on his head, but the Canes lose anyway"

]]> 2009-10-18T02:35:28-05:00 David Lee Bevy of Canes miss Thursday practice; news from the farm http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/bevy_of_canes_miss_thursday_practice_news_from_the_farm/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/bevy_of_canes_miss_thursday_practice_news_from_the_farm/ A day after making the best save of this young season, Canes goaltender Cam Ward sat out Thursday’s practice.  He was joined by Eric Staal, who has not been playing at 100%.  Also missing from practice were Matt Cullen and Ray Whitney, who had two goals against the Pens in the 3-2 loss on Wednesday. There’s no indication of why they say out, but I don’t think it was to attend opening day of the North Carolina State Fair.  There’s no indication that any of them will be out of the lineup on Saturday when the Hurricanes begin their two week road trip in New Jersey. While those four sat out of practice, the Canes were happy to see defenseman Joni Pitkänen back on the ice.  At least for practice.  Still no word on when he’ll be back in the lineup.  Meanwhile, down on the farm… A day after making the best save of this young season, Canes goaltender Cam Ward sat out Thursday’s practice.  He was joined by Eric Staal, who has not been playing at 100%.  Also missing from practice were Matt Cullen and Ray Whitney, who had two goals against the Pens in the 3-2 loss on Wednesday.

There’s no indication of why they say out, but I don’t think it was to attend opening day of the North Carolina State Fair.  There’s no indication that any of them will be out of the lineup on Saturday when the Hurricanes begin their two week road trip in New Jersey.

While those four sat out of practice, the Canes were happy to see defenseman Joni Pitkänen back on the ice.  At least for practice.  Still no word on when he’ll be back in the lineup. 

Meanwhile, down on the farm…

Continue reading "Bevy of Canes miss Thursday practice; news from the farm"

]]> 2009-10-16T01:44:13-05:00 David Lee Staal misses practice, but is expected to play http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/staal_misses_practice_but_is_expected_to_play/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/staal_misses_practice_but_is_expected_to_play/ Eric Staal left practice early on Monday with some “tightness” and didn’t participate in Tuesday’s practice, according to official team reports.  The nature of this tightness isn’t known, but the captain-in-waiting is not expected to miss Wednesday’s clash with the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins.  Joni Pitkänen, who has played in all of one period of action this season, also sat out.  He’s still being troubled by soreness in his knee after off-season surgery.  Right now, there’s no time table for his return.  Eric Staal left practice early on Monday with some “tightness” and didn’t participate in Tuesday’s practice, according to official team reports.  The nature of this tightness isn’t known, but the captain-in-waiting is not expected to miss Wednesday’s clash with the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins. 

Joni Pitkänen, who has played in all of one period of action this season, also sat out.  He’s still being troubled by soreness in his knee after off-season surgery.  Right now, there’s no time table for his return. 

]]> 2009-10-14T01:39:49-05:00 David Lee Malone’s hat trick beats Canes http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/malones_hat_trick_beats_canes/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/malones_hat_trick_beats_canes/ On Saturday night, the Hurricanes played the back end of their second back-to-back set, and for the second time, they lost.  This time it was Ryan Malone and the blue-clad City of Tampa Lightning.  Based on his success this season, Malone would love to play the Canes every night I didn’t get to watch this game, as I had to fill in at work for one of my lazy employees.  Also, I missed an unannounced concert by my favorite musician because I found out about it too late.  For that show, I would have made something else happen at work.  Anyway, I avoided any exposure to the game while I was at work, I went home to watch the DVR.  Just as I was about to sit down to that, a friend IMed me and accidentally spoilt the game for me.  Not a good night for me.  The Canes managed to get the power play rolling, and the 5-2 score suggests that it wasn’t close, but it was.  On Saturday night, the Hurricanes played the back end of their second back-to-back set, and for the second time, they lost.  This time it was Ryan Malone and the blue-clad City of Tampa Lightning.  Based on his success this season, Malone would love to play the Canes every night

I didn’t get to watch this game, as I had to fill in at work for one of my lazy employees.  Also, I missed an unannounced concert by my favorite musician because I found out about it too late.  For that show, I would have made something else happen at work.  Anyway, I avoided any exposure to the game while I was at work, I went home to watch the DVR.  Just as I was about to sit down to that, a friend IMed me and accidentally spoilt the game for me.  Not a good night for me. 

The Canes managed to get the power play rolling, and the 5-2 score suggests that it wasn’t close, but it was. 

Continue reading "Malone’s hat trick beats Canes"

]]> 2009-10-11T16:12:36-05:00 David Lee Canes get it going against Cats http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_get_it_going_against_cats/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_get_it_going_against_cats/ On Friday night against the visiting Florida Panthers, the Hurricanes finally figured out how to get the puck in the net.  Seven different guys scored goals and twelve different guys had scoring points in a 7-2 romp of the Cats.  The Canes continued to have success in the black sweaters as they wore them for the first time this season.  While the penalty killers got better, the power play units did not, and that continues to be a major area of concern.  The Canes were limited to three power play chances, and failed to score even in a minute of five-on-three.  On the other side, the Canes killed off all six shorthanded situations including 40 seconds of a two man disadvantage.  Tom Kostopoulos scored the game’s first goal on a shorthanded situation after forcing a turnover in the Florida zone.  The unassisted goal came at 7:00 of the first.  After that, it was all gravy.  On Friday night against the visiting Florida Panthers, the Hurricanes finally figured out how to get the puck in the net.  Seven different guys scored goals and twelve different guys had scoring points in a 7-2 romp of the Cats.  The Canes continued to have success in the black sweaters as they wore them for the first time this season. 
While the penalty killers got better, the power play units did not, and that continues to be a major area of concern.  The Canes were limited to three power play chances, and failed to score even in a minute of five-on-three.  On the other side, the Canes killed off all six shorthanded situations including 40 seconds of a two man disadvantage. 

Tom Kostopoulos scored the game’s first goal on a shorthanded situation after forcing a turnover in the Florida zone.  The unassisted goal came at 7:00 of the first.  After that, it was all gravy. 

Continue reading "Canes get it going against Cats"

]]> 2009-10-10T14:16:40-05:00 David Lee Canes hope to get going against Florida http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_hope_to_get_going_against_florida/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_hope_to_get_going_against_florida/ On Friday night at the RBC Center, the Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers for the first time this season.  It’s sandwiched between two Tampa Bay games and is the front end of Carolina’s second back-to-back of the season.  So far this season, Carolina has been unable to find the back of the net with a compass, a road map and a native guide.  In three games, they’ve scored a total of just three goals.  There are eight individual players throughout the league who have scored more goals this season than the entire Hurricanes roster.  Hopefully tonight’s the night when the Canes figure out how to score. Tonight, Carolina will be donning their third unis, the all-black outfit for the first time this season.  They’re scheduled to wear them for 15 home games, and will probably wear them for at least one road game as well.  Last season, the Hurricanes were 10-5-2 whilst wearing the third sweater, including 10-5-0 at home.  On Friday night at the RBC Center, the Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers for the first time this season.  It’s sandwiched between two Tampa Bay games and is the front end of Carolina’s second back-to-back of the season. 

So far this season, Carolina has been unable to find the back of the net with a compass, a road map and a native guide.  In three games, they’ve scored a total of just three goals.  There are eight individual players throughout the league who have scored more goals this season than the entire Hurricanes roster.  Hopefully tonight’s the night when the Canes figure out how to score.

Tonight, Carolina will be donning their third unis, the all-black outfit for the first time this season.  They’re scheduled to wear them for 15 home games, and will probably wear them for at least one road game as well.  Last season, the Hurricanes were 10-5-2 whilst wearing the third sweater, including 10-5-0 at home. 

Continue reading "Canes hope to get going against Florida"

]]> 2009-10-09T09:40:45-05:00 David Lee Finns get Canes off the schneid http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/finns_get_canes_off_the_schneid/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/finns_get_canes_off_the_schneid/ On Tuesday night, the Finnish connection got the job done in Carolina, handing them their first win of the season.  It took a shootout to break a 1-1 tie with the Lightning, and the Hurricanes were successful.  This was one of those odd games that fell through the cracks, and wasn’t broadcast by either team’s network.  This meant that, even with the Center Ice package, this game wasn’t on television.  Thank goodness for internet radio and Chuckandtheletterk.  This was the first game of the season for defenseman Joni Pitkänen, who had knee surgery over the summer.  Unfortunately, he didn’t last the whole game.  However, he and the other Finns all pitched in for the win.  It was also the first game of the season for tough guy utility player Tim Conboy.  As I expected, he spent more time in the box than on the ice.  I sincerely hope that this experiment will come to a rapid end and one of the skilled forwards from Albany is recalled.  On Tuesday night, the Finnish connection got the job done in Carolina, handing them their first win of the season.  It took a shootout to break a 1-1 tie with the Lightning, and the Hurricanes were successful. 

This was one of those odd games that fell through the cracks, and wasn’t broadcast by either team’s network.  This meant that, even with the Center Ice package, this game wasn’t on television.  Thank goodness for internet radio and Chuckandtheletterk. 

This was the first game of the season for defenseman Joni Pitkänen, who had knee surgery over the summer.  Unfortunately, he didn’t last the whole game.  However, he and the other Finns all pitched in for the win.  It was also the first game of the season for tough guy utility player Tim Conboy.  As I expected, he spent more time in the box than on the ice.  I sincerely hope that this experiment will come to a rapid end and one of the skilled forwards from Albany is recalled. 

Continue reading "Finns get Canes off the schneid"

]]> 2009-10-07T03:23:44-05:00 David Lee broken legs and broken records for Cole. http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/broken_legs_and_broken_records_for_cole/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/broken_legs_and_broken_records_for_cole/ Erik Cole has played a lot of games for the Carolina Hurricanes.  He has also missed a lot of games with injuries.  He plays hard, and sometimes he plays recklessly.  Even after his gruesome neck fracture in March of 2006, he continues to play and hit hard, which leaves him vulnerable to injury.  We all know all about Cole’s fracture of the c-5 vertebrae.  He missed a total of 45 games (22 regular season, 23 playoff), and returned for games six and seven of the SCF.  When he returned, he hadn’t lost any of that recklessness, and it made us all a little nervous.  Nervous because we know how Cole plays and we know that he could get hurt again at any second. There’s a long list of injuries that Cole has suffered throughout his career.  Most of them normal, some of them freak.  This latest one, unfortunately, is a familiar injury for Cole.  It’s also beginning to sound like a broken record around here.  “Erik Cole was injured in the game… Erik Cole was injured in the game… Erik Cole was injured in the game.” Erik Cole has played a lot of games for the Carolina Hurricanes.  He has also missed a lot of games with injuries.  He plays hard, and sometimes he plays recklessly.  Even after his gruesome neck fracture in March of 2006, he continues to play and hit hard, which leaves him vulnerable to injury. 

We all know all about Cole’s fracture of the c-5 vertebrae.  He missed a total of 45 games (22 regular season, 23 playoff), and returned for games six and seven of the SCF.  When he returned, he hadn’t lost any of that recklessness, and it made us all a little nervous.  Nervous because we know how Cole plays and we know that he could get hurt again at any second.

There’s a long list of injuries that Cole has suffered throughout his career.  Most of them normal, some of them freak.  This latest one, unfortunately, is a familiar injury for Cole.  It’s also beginning to sound like a broken record around here.  “Erik Cole was injured in the game… Erik Cole was injured in the game… Erik Cole was injured in the game.”

Continue reading "broken legs and broken records for Cole."

]]> 2009-10-06T01:13:01-05:00 David Lee Broken leg will sideline Erik Cole for 4-6 weeks. http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/broken_leg_will_sideline_erik_cole_for_4_6_weeks/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/broken_leg_will_sideline_erik_cole_for_4_6_weeks/ The Hurricanes announced today what we all knew without needing the confirmation:  Erik Cole suffered a broken bone in his left leg after a nasty collision with the Bruins’ Dennis Wideman on Saturday night.  Wideman’s check was clean, but it unfortunately resulted in yet another injury for Cole. Tuomo Ruutu will slide up to the first line right wing, then some other shuffling will leave a vacancy on one of the fourth line wings.  Tim Conboy, who can play on either wing and also on defense, will be the short-term solution.  The former Albany River Rats captain is known more for pugilism than for his offensive acumen, but will have an excellent opportunity to prove that he has earned his one-way contract.  If you’re in a fantasy league that rewards PIMs, go ahead and snatch up Conboy.  He’ll be good for at least 4 penalty minutes per game.  I don’t mind seeing Conboy in the lineup on a game-by-game basis, but I’m a little frightened by the prospect of seeing him as a regular.  I’m much more into the idea of bringing up Zach Boychuk or Drayson Bowman from the Rats.  The Hurricanes announced today what we all knew without needing the confirmation:  Erik Cole suffered a broken bone in his left leg after a nasty collision with the Bruins’ Dennis Wideman on Saturday night.  Wideman’s check was clean, but it unfortunately resulted in yet another injury for Cole.

Tuomo Ruutu will slide up to the first line right wing, then some other shuffling will leave a vacancy on one of the fourth line wings.  Tim Conboy, who can play on either wing and also on defense, will be the short-term solution.  The former Albany River Rats captain is known more for pugilism than for his offensive acumen, but will have an excellent opportunity to prove that he has earned his one-way contract.  If you’re in a fantasy league that rewards PIMs, go ahead and snatch up Conboy.  He’ll be good for at least 4 penalty minutes per game. 

I don’t mind seeing Conboy in the lineup on a game-by-game basis, but I’m a little frightened by the prospect of seeing him as a regular.  I’m much more into the idea of bringing up Zach Boychuk or Drayson Bowman from the Rats. 

Continue reading "Broken leg will sideline Erik Cole for 4-6 weeks."

]]> 2009-10-05T00:47:24-05:00 David Lee Canes lose ugly game.  Cole hurt. http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_lose_ugly_game_cole_hurt/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_lose_ugly_game_cole_hurt/ On Saturday night, the Hurricanes traveled to Boston and left with a lot of cuts, bruises, and possibly a break.  They also lost the game 7-2 to the Bruins.  The first period did not go well, as the Bruins jumped out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Marc Savard, Michael Ryder and Blake Wheeler.  After that, it went from bad to worse as Cam Ward was chased, no fewer than five different Hurricanes players ended up getting cut.  One was Eric Staal, who left the game, bloodied, in the second period after being hit in the ear by a teammate’s slapshot.  Erik Cole suffered an ugly-looking knee injury late in the game.  Carolina managed to score two goals, but if you’re a Canes fan, there really isn’t anything good to take from this game. On Saturday night, the Hurricanes traveled to Boston and left with a lot of cuts, bruises, and possibly a break.  They also lost the game 7-2 to the Bruins. 

The first period did not go well, as the Bruins jumped out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Marc Savard, Michael Ryder and Blake Wheeler.  After that, it went from bad to worse as Cam Ward was chased, no fewer than five different Hurricanes players ended up getting cut.  One was Eric Staal, who left the game, bloodied, in the second period after being hit in the ear by a teammate’s slapshot.  Erik Cole suffered an ugly-looking knee injury late in the game.  Carolina managed to score two goals, but if you’re a Canes fan, there really isn’t anything good to take from this game.

Continue reading "Canes lose ugly game.  Cole hurt."

]]> 2009-10-04T02:55:15-05:00 David Lee Canes shut out on opening night. http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_shut_out_on_opening_night/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_shut_out_on_opening_night/ Frustration.  That’s probably the best word for the feelings that Hurricanes fans have right now.  Opening night is like a major holiday for a lot of people, and there were a lot of things to be excited about.  However, when the game was over and the Hurricanes were on the wrong end of a 2-0 score, Canes fans weren’t smiling on their way out of the RBC Center.  Fans marveled at the new spiffy HD scoreboard.  We marveled at the ridiculously self-indulgent stage setup for U2’s Saturday concert in Carter-Finley Stadium (adjacent to RBC).  We liked what we saw from the new guys.  The rest left some things to be desired.  While opening night is just one game, there’s an interesting stat which suggests that Carolina will not be making a deep playoff run in the spring.  Frustration.  That’s probably the best word for the feelings that Hurricanes fans have right now.  Opening night is like a major holiday for a lot of people, and there were a lot of things to be excited about.  However, when the game was over and the Hurricanes were on the wrong end of a 2-0 score, Canes fans weren’t smiling on their way out of the RBC Center. 

Fans marveled at the new spiffy HD scoreboard.  We marveled at the ridiculously self-indulgent stage setup for U2’s Saturday concert in Carter-Finley Stadium (adjacent to RBC).  We liked what we saw from the new guys.  The rest left some things to be desired. 

While opening night is just one game, there’s an interesting stat which suggests that Carolina will not be making a deep playoff run in the spring. 

Continue reading "Canes shut out on opening night."

]]> 2009-10-03T05:07:15-05:00 David Lee Ward extended http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/ward_extended/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/ward_extended/ For the second time in as many summers, Jim Rutherford has broken with tradition by signing a player to a big contract extension one year before he would become a free agent.  Today’s big news was that Cam Ward’s contract was extended for six years at an average of $6.3M.  He would have become a restricted free agent in July, but like Eric Staal last summer, JR wanted to get it taken care of.  And we’re glad he did. Starting with the 2010-11 season, Ward will be the third highest paid goaltender in the league and the second highest payed player on the Hurricanes.  The team has made a major commitment to the two cornerstones of the franchise, and the significance isn’t lost on Ward.  “I realize I’m being paid to be an elite goaltender.  I realize there’s added pressure that always comes with something like this.I do not want to shy away from it.  If anything, I want to rise to the occasion....  I’m not going to get complacent. I want to get better and better and be one of those elite goaltenders in the NHL ” For the second time in as many summers, Jim Rutherford has broken with tradition by signing a player to a big contract extension one year before he would become a free agent.  Today’s big news was that Cam Ward’s contract was extended for six years at an average of $6.3M.  He would have become a restricted free agent in July, but like Eric Staal last summer, JR wanted to get it taken care of.  And we’re glad he did.

Starting with the 2010-11 season, Ward will be the third highest paid goaltender in the league and the second highest payed player on the Hurricanes.  The team has made a major commitment to the two cornerstones of the franchise, and the significance isn’t lost on Ward. 

“I realize I’m being paid to be an elite goaltender.  I realize there’s added pressure that always comes with something like this.I do not want to shy away from it.  If anything, I want to rise to the occasion....  I’m not going to get complacent. I want to get better and better and be one of those elite goaltenders in the NHL ”

Continue reading "Ward extended"

]]> 2009-10-01T01:55:19-05:00 David Lee