Canes Country

Meltdown Against Beantown: Bruins 5, Hurricanes 2

2010-03-17T02:14:43Z

More photos » Karl B DeBlaker - AP

about 5 hours ago: Boston Bruins' Johnny Boychuk (55) shoots the puck past Carolina Hurricanes goalie Manny Legace (34) for a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, March 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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The Boston Bruins helped their playoff hopes and crushed those of the Carolina Hurricanes as they defeated the team from Tobacco Road on Tuesday night, 5-2. The visitors scored just 23 seconds into the game and were able to snuff out multiple comeback attempts by the home team.

It was a good game for ex-Canes as Dennis Seidenberg had an assist on the first goal, and Mark Recchi had a goal and an assist. Recchi's goal was the game winner.

Jamie McBain assisted on Carolina's first goal giving the defenseman his first ever NHL point in his debut. He earned the assist with a hard shot from the point on the powerplay where the highly-touted prospect will see considerable time in the future.

Manny Legace took the loss very hard in the dressing room and placed all the blame on himself. He said that he was "awful" and while there might have been a couple of goals he would love to have back, the truth was that he was under siege most of the game and there were multiple breakdowns in his end. He made 32 saves on 37 Boston shots.

Patrice Bergeron got the scoring started when he tipped in a blast from Dennis Seidenberg just 23 seconds into the game. The Bruins had just played the night before, but the goal gave the team the energy they needed and they went on to dominate the period by out-shooting the Canes, 18-7.

The Canes were called for three consecutive penalties in the period and had to kill over a minute of a 5-on-3 advantage, but the penalty killers and Legace did very well to keep the score 1-0.

The second period was a better one for the home team, but Johnny Boychuk made the score, 2-0 on a breakaway. The Canes finally dented the scoreboard when Erik Cole scored a powerplay tally when he knocked in a rebound off a shot from the point by rookie, Jamie McBain.

Carolina started the third period on the powerplay but could get nothing going. Mark Recchi jumped out of the box when the penalty expired and attacked with a 2-on-1 break. He would shoot and score himself to make the score, 3-1 just 45 clicks into the third.

But the Canes would come back one more time.

Erik Cole scored his second goal of the game, this time on a rebound from a Brandon Sutter shot, and the home team had some life.

But Michael Ryder intercepted a Brian Pothier pass and beat Legace about midway through the final period to put the game away. David Krejci scored an insurance goal for good measure making the score 5-2, and several fans headed for the exits.

The loss puts the Hurricanes 10 points behind the eighth place Bruins and just four points better than the 15th place Maple Leafs. After a red hot stretch, they now find themselves right back into contention for one of the top picks in this coming draft.

Things do not get any easier as the Washington Capitals visit on Thursday night.

Game Notes:

McBain had a good debut as his shot helped to create the first goal and he did nicely to keep the puck in the zone on more than one occasion during various powerplays. Not bad for a kid who got off the plane just a couple of hours earlier. He got stuck trying to defend the two-on-one break when Recchi jumped out of the box and he played the pass. Of course, "The Wrecking Ball" beat Legace with the shot. He finished with 19:42 of ice time, had one shot on goal, one hit, and one blocked shot.
The team was credited with 34 hits led by Erik Cole with five. Cole also chipped in with three shots on goal to go along with his two goals for the night.
Tuomo Ruutu had a team high five shots on goal. Jussi Jokinen was next with four.
Coach Maurice mixed the lines after the listless first period and moved Jokinen back to the Staal/Whitney line. The move did not slow down Cole at all as he played one of his best games of the year. The top line seemed to get more chances as well, but could not break through.
The Bruins blocked 18 shots compared to 10 for the Canes.
Carolina lost 61% of the game's faceoffs. Eric Staal took the most draws but fared the worst as he won 7 of 21 for 33%.

Bruins @ Canes: Open Game Thread

2010-03-16T22:30:21Z

Next Game

Boston Bruins
@ Carolina Hurricanes

Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010, 7:00 PM EDT
RBC Center

Jamie McBain May Make NHL Debut: Bruins at Hurricanes, Game Day Preview

posted by Bob Harwood Waeghe about 3 hours ago

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Crunch Time For Carolina

posted by Bob Harwood Waeghe 1 day ago

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Complete Coverage >

Jamie McBain May Make NHL Debut: Bruins at Hurricanes, Game Day Preview

2010-03-16T18:14:03Z

The Carolina Hurricanes, (28-32-8) recalled their number one defensive prospect, Jamie McBain, from Albany today. He might play, and he might not.

Tim Gleason is less than 100% because of a lower body injury and is questionable for tonight. His playing status will be a game time decision. Although Paul Maurice said that both defensemen might play and he could go with seven blueliners. Then again, maybe not.

It's a big game tonight at the RBC as the Boston Bruins, (30-25-12) visit Raleigh. The Bruins are currently in eighth place in the conference standings, a spot the Hurricanes covet. Carolina is eight points back and can ill afford to drop 10 points behind with just 14 games left in their season.

The Hurricanes start their playoffs tonight.

Second line center Brandon Sutter will be back in the lineup after missing one game with a lower body concern. According to various reports, Jussi Jokinen and Tuomo Ruutu will be on his wings.

Erik Cole will move up to the first line once again with Eric Staal and Ray Whitney. This trio seems to have lost whatever mojo they had while together late last season. Can they regain form tonight? Cole is certainly due and has not scored a goal yet in 2010.

When Sutter was out, Cole was matched with the duo against Phoenix and spent part of a couple of previous games with them.

By making this move, Maurice is risking the breakup of a very successful group when Jokinen was on the first line. Jokinen put together the longest scoring streak of his career, (10 games) during a high scoring run as the Canes built their longest winning streak of the season while that line dominated.

Look for these lines, unless Maurice scratches a forward:

Staal, Whitney, Cole
Jokinen, Sutter, Ruutu
Dwyer, LaRose, Samsonov
Brind'Amour, Boychuk, Kostopoulos

The defense could look like this: Pitkanen, Carson, Pothier, Harrison, Picard, and (Gleason and/or McBain?), or Maurice could scratch a different d-man.

The Bruins are coming off two loses in a row and might be tired after last night's 3-2 loss in New Jersey. Then again, they might be angry.

The teams have split two previous contests earlier this season.

Manny Legace will be back between the pipes for the Canes. Tim Thomas played last night, so Tuukka Rask will probably get the call for Beantown tonight.

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Manny Legace	20	1082	9	5		49	2.72	535	486	.908	1

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Tuukka Rask	33	1864	15	9		65	2.09	904	839	.928	3

Will McBain play? Who will sit if Tim Gleason is ready to go? Can the Canes start up another winning streak?

Come to the rink tonight and all questions will be answered. The first 15,000 fans will receive a poster of Carolina's Olympic participants, (Gleason, Pitkanen, Ruutu, and Staal). The team will also be selling 200 "mystery" Shamrock Pucks at the game. For more information, check this link.

FS Carolinas will have the local telecast starting at 7 p.m. We will have the open thread cranked up at 6:30.

Carolina Hurricanes Recall Top Defensive Prospect Jamie McBain

2010-03-16T14:37:06Z

From the Hurricanes:

HURRICANES RECALL DEFENSEMAN JAMIE MCBAIN

2009 Hobey Baker finalist has yet to make his NHL debut

RALEIGH, NC—Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has recalled defenseman Jamie McBain from Albany of the American Hockey League (AHL). McBain will be available for the team’s game against the Boston Bruins tonight at the RBC Center.

McBain, who will turn 22 on March 25, is in his first full professional season and has yet to make his NHL debut. The Edina, MN, native leads all Albany defensemen and ranks second among River Rats in scoring this season with 40 points (7g, 33a) in 68 games played. He ranks third on the team in plus/minus (+13) and is currently ninth among AHL defensemen in points this season.

McBain (6’2", 200 lbs.) was the Hurricanes’ first selection (63rd overall) in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He played three seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Wisconsin, where he totaled 15 goals and 64 assists (79 points) in 111 career games. McBain was selected as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s (WCHA) Player of the Year and a candidate for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award (top college player) following his junior season in 2008-09, after totaling 37 points (7g, 30a) to lead the Badgers in scoring. He led all WCHA scorers in scoring in league games with 28 points, making him just the second defenseman in league history to lead the conference in points. McBain is a product of the United States National Team Development Program, and represented the United States at the 2007 and 2008 World Junior Championships.

Sh-Sh-Sh-Shaving! See Me Go Bald For St. Baldrick’s

2010-03-16T14:13:00Z

For the second straight year, I'm going to have my head shaved for St. Baldrick’s, a charity that raises funds to help defeat childhood cancers. Last year I raised $1,006 with the help of my friends, family and all of you here at Canes Country. I'm hoping to at least match that this year.

The event I'm attending this year will be Sunday at noon at Ruckus Pizza on Avent Ferry Road in Raleigh. I would love for anyone and everyone to join me and my family at the event, and it will serve as a great pre-tailgate tailgate to the 5 p.m. game against the Sabres.

If you would like to donate to my shaving, you can do to my shavee page. You can also donate at the event. I can't stress enough how great and important this cause is, and not only that but last year’s was very fun and I expect more of the same this time around.

I hope you can join us!

Should Ovechkin Be Suspended for Hit on Brian Campbell?

2010-03-15T15:54:05Z

In case you missed yesterday's action on NBC, the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals mixed it up in what turned out to be a great come from behind victory for the Caps. But instead of Nicklas Backstrom getting all the notoriety for his amazing game winning goal in overtime, people are talking about Alex Ovechkin and his latest transgression.

The super aggressive forward gave Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell a shove from behind and he went hard into the boards. Campbell is out for the rest of the season with a broken rib, collarbone, and a concussion.

Of course the Ovechkin apologists are out in full force. They all seem to know for sure that the Russian did not have any intent to injure, just like he never intended to go knee to knee with Tim Gleason.

Remember when Caps GM George McPhee said that since Gleason was not injured, Ovechkin should not be suspended? Wonder how he feels about this one? I'm sure the same flawed logic does not apply.

And in my mind, when there's no intent to injure, and there is no injury, you can't suspend the guy. And the league's concern is that Ovi's really been physical lately and he's going to hurt someone. I said, 'Well, if he hurts someone, suspend him.' But you can't suspend someone for something that might happen."

Well, he hurt someone this time.

There is good conversation going on about this all over the internet. Mike at From The Rink has a great comparison to another suspendable hit.

What do you think?

Poll

Should Ovechkin be suspended?

Crunch Time For Carolina

2010-03-15T10:00:34Z

The Carolina Hurricanes have 14 games left on their schedule and presently find themselves 8 points behind eighth place Boston, who currently holds the coveted final playoff spot in the East.

Even though the Canes have been one of the hottest teams in the league since the first of the year, they put themselves into such a deep hole during the first part of the season that it was almost impossible to dig their way out of it.

To their credit, the team never gave up though because mathematically, they still had a chance. But the time is drawing near when even a remote chance could soon be gone.

A loss to Boston on Tuesday night would just about seal their fate.

		DIV	GP	W	L	OT	Pts	GF	GA	DIFF	Home	Away	L10	Streak
1	y - Washington Capitals	SE	69	46	14	9	101	270	195	+75	26-4-4	20-10-5	5-2-3	Won 1
2	* - Pittsburgh Penguins	ATL	69	41	23	5	87	217	197	+20	21-10-3	20-13-2	6-1-3	Won 1
3	* - Buffalo Sabres	NE	67	36	21	10	82	183	170	+13	21-9-6	15-12-4	4-3-3
4	New Jersey Devils	ATL	67	40	24	3	83	180	162	+18	22-9-1	18-15-2	4-5-1	Lost 1
5	Ottawa Senators	NE	69	37	27	5	79	186	197	-11	23-9-4	14-18-1	4-5-1	Lost 2
6	Philadelphia Flyers	ATL	68	36	28	4	76	203	185	+18	21-12-2	15-16-2	6-3-1	Lost 1
7	Montréal Canadiens	NE	70	35	29	6	76	191	194	-3	18-13-4	17-16-2	7-3-0	Won 5
8	Boston Bruins	NE	67	30	25	12	72	167	172	-5	14-13-6	16-12-6	6-3-1	Lost 1

9	New York Rangers	ATL	69	31	29	9	71	181	188	-7	15-15-6	16-14-3	5-3-2	Won 2
10	Tampa Bay Lightning	SE	68	28	28	12	68	182	209	-27	18-9-6	10-19-6	2-7-1	Lost 1
11	Atlanta Thrashers	SE	68	28	29	11	67	200	221	-21	15-13-5	13-16-6	3-5-2
12	Florida Panthers	SE	67	28	29	10	66	174	193	-19	14-11-7	14-18-3	4-5-1	Won 1
13	New York Islanders	ATL	69	28	32	9	65	180	214	-34	19-13-3	9-19-6	4-5-1	Won 2
14	Carolina Hurricanes	SE	68	28	32	8	64	189	211	-22	18-13-3	10-19-5	7-2-1	Lost 1
15	Toronto Maple Leafs	NE	69	23	34	12	58	183	234	-51	14-14-5	9-20-7	4-5-1	Lost 1

Carolina dropped to 14th place again in the East as the New York Islanders passed them during the weekend. But the Canes could still make some other teams sweat a bit with a few more key wins.

They play Boston twice, Montreal twice, Atlanta twice, and Tampa Bay twice in the coming three weeks. Each of these teams are vulnerable in their own way and could still be caught.

Boston is weaker without Marc Savard. Montreal has played 70 games and is giving up games in hand to everyone in the East. Atlanta looks very beatable right now and Tampa Bay has questionable goaltending.

The good news is that if the Canes could sweep those teams and pick up a few other wins against the tougher teams they also need to play, they could still make things very interesting. The bad news is, if they lose once or twice to any of those teams, the fat lady will be warming up for her season-ending performance.

And it will be a very long offseason for Caniacs.

Regardless, the team has played some very entertaining hockey in the last month or so, when it would have been very easy for them to throw in the towel, like Edmonton did. At least they have given fans a reason for hope in the future.

But it's really crunch time now. Will the Canes crumble, or continue to put on a valiant effort to make things interesting down the stretch? The game Tuesday night against the big, bad, Bruins will tell a lot.

Hurricanes Remaining Schedule

Boston	Tue 03/16	7:00 PM EDT
Washington	Thu 03/18	7:00 PM EDT
@ Pittsburgh	Sat 03/20	1:00 PM EDT
Buffalo	Sun 03/21	5:00 PM EDT
@ Tampa Bay	Tue 03/23	7:30 PM EDT
Washington	Thu 03/25	7:00 PM EDT
Atlanta	Sat 03/27	7:00 PM EDT
@ Atlanta	Mon 03/29	7:00 PM EDT
@ Montreal	Wed 03/31	7:00 PM EDT
@ Ottawa	Thu 04/01	7:30 PM EDT
New Jersey	Sat 04/03	7:00 PM EDT
@ Tampa Bay	Tue 04/06	7:30 PM EDT
Montreal	Thu 04/08	7:00 PM EDT
@ Boston	Sat 04/10	1:00 PM EDT

New Prospect Oskar Osala Just Wants a Chance

2010-03-14T18:49:43Z

Newly acquired winger Oskar Osala warms up for the Carolina Hurricanes. (photo by LTD)

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The Carolina Hurricanes made a number of deals on trade deadline day and acquired several new assets in a short period of time. The most fruitful trade, at least at this point in time, is the one that sent Joe Corvo to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Brian Pothier, Oskar Osala, and a second round pick in the 2011 draft.

Pothier has been a perfect fit in the room and has contributed immediately. The Carolina franchise is stockpiling draft picks and the second rounder will certainly come in handy next year.

But several fans have the most hope for Osala, a young prospect from Finland who has the size, (6' 4), most scouts drool over, and potential upside to be a scorer in the NHL.

The winger was recently interviewed by a Finnish website and one of our friends from Finland, Markus, was nice enough to bring the article to our attention and translate it.

An interview from YLE, March 9, 2010 (YLE Urheilu / Ilkka Palomäki)

Osala: A good trade for my career.

At some level Osala sensed the possible trade but when the deadline expired, he already had a time to think that the trade wouldn’t happened.

"It was quite an amazing thing, because I haven’t previously been traded. I think that this was a good move for my career. You never know but I believe that chance to play in NHL is better here than it was in Washington," Osala says.

"I knew that some trades will happen. I had heard that some teams had been interested in me, so I was somehow prepared for this. However, it is always a bit surprising. It was also a funny situation when this trade became public after the trade deadline."

Osala played last season two games with the Capitals, but otherwise he has played in Hershey. Osala won the Calder Cup last spring and also this season Hershey is dominating the AHL. However, playing in a successful team has a shadow side - Osala was left a relatively short ice time (responsibility).

"That championship (Calder Cup) will remain in long-lasting memories. It was so incredible and strange because I had never won anything before that. It was a really big thing for me; it leaves the lasting emotional ties to the team," Osala says.

"I haven’t had much responsibility during the last few years - especially in special teams - and it might have even slowed my development. I think that this trade was a very good for my development."

Also in Carolina he was sent to the AHL. Osala have already played two games last week, and his time on ice - also with special teams - immediately took a completely different way. Accustomed to short time of ice, Osala laughed, that there was at first even too much ice time.

"In the first game I was quite tired because I haven’t played so much in two years. I just haven’t enough strength to skate at the end of the game. The second game was better because I wasn’t anymore so nervous. I got a lot of ice time also in that game, especially if you think my skating shape right now", Osala laughed.

"I think they are trying to get a younger team to Carolina. I hope that I will be also in the mix. I just have to show that I’m at least worthy of chance. And I have to play as good as possible to get that shot, either this or next season."

Osala hasn’t any compelling goals for this remaining season. However, after a short thinking, he finds a good goal.

"It would be great to play against Hershey in the playoffs. Currently, it is even likely in the second round. If I could play in a big role and drop them in the playoffs, it would be awesome."

Once again, a huge thank you to Markus for his help.

Bryzgalov Shuts Down Carolina: Coyotes 4, Hurricanes 0

2010-03-14T03:02:13Z

More photos » Karl B DeBlaker - AP

3 days ago: Carolina Hurricanes' Rod Brind'Amour (17) has his shot blocked by Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, March 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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The Phoenix Coyotes put an end to the Carolina Hurricanes eight game winning streak at home on Saturday night with a dominating, 4-0 performance. Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was excellent in the game and stopped all 29 of Carolina's shots. It was the eighth shutout of the year for the big Russian goalie, which now leads the league.

Lee Stempniak and Martin Hanzal each had a pair of goals for the visitors.

The Hurricanes generated a few good chances and out-shot the powerful Western Conference team by a 29-20 margin, but they failed to screen the talented Phoenix goalie enough and could not capitalize on any rebounds or second chances all night.

Coach Paul Maurice seemed to think that was key part of the game, as well as the fact that the team was missing injured star Brandon Sutter. The young center is listed as day-to-day and should be able to return to action on Tuesday.

The Canes fell behind early for the third game in a row as Stempniak slipped in a wrap around attempt that seemed to fool Justin Peters just four minutes into it.

Stempniak would score another goal, this time from further out during a Coyotes four minute powerplay. Jerome Samson took the penalty when his stick got a bit high while on the forecheck. The recall from Albany skated like a banshee all night and led the team with five shots on goal.

The goal which broke Carolina's back was the third goal of the game. About mid-way through the second period, Shane Doan sent a pass to Hanzal which took a high bounce and landed right at his feet. The center made a perfect shot to put the game out of reach.

Hanzal would put up another tally in the third to close out the scoring.

Even though they were losing by a good margin, the Canes could only muster six shots on goal in the third period and looked a bit tired. But they did have a few pretty good chances earlier.

Erik Cole had a couple of breakaway attempts, but could not get the puck by the agile Phoenix goalie. Rod Brind`Amour was set up nicely at one point, but Bryzgalov was equal to the task.

The Hurricanes will take a couple of days to re-group before they take on the Boston Bruins at home on Tuesday night.

Game Notes:

Alexandre Picard led the team with three blocked shots. The Canes only had eight for the game.
Carolina was credited with 30 hits. Tom Kostopoulos had a team high of four.
The Hurricanes were 0-3 on the powerplay and had an abbreviated 5-on-3 which once again was uneventful.

Coyotes @ Canes: Open Game Thread

2010-03-13T23:30:19Z

Next Game

Phoenix Coyotes
@ Carolina Hurricanes

Saturday, Mar 13, 2010, 7:00 PM EST
RBC Center

Sutter Out, Samson In: Coyotes at Hurricanes, Game Day Preview

posted by Bob Harwood Waeghe about 4 hours ago

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Sutter Out, Samson In: Coyotes at Hurricanes, Game Day Preview

2010-03-13T18:53:47Z

More photos » Paul Connors - AP

Phoenix Coyotes right winger Radim Vrbata (17), makes a return to the RBC Center on Saturday night.

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The Phoenix Coyotes, (40-22-5) are visiting tonight and they will be out to ruin the Carolina Hurricanes, (28-31-8) eight game winning streak at home. The Coyotes are currently in fourth place in the powerful Western Conference and have a three game winning streak of their own on the line.

The Canes are still one of the hottest teams in the league and have an 8-1-1 record in their last 10 games.

The home team will be without the services of their second line center, Brandon Sutter. The youngster is suffering from the affects of a lower body injury and his status is day-to-day. Jerome Samson has been recalled from Albany and will fill in on the fourth line.

Samson is Albany's leading scorer and was recently named the AHL's "Player of the Week." He had seven points in three games last week which added to his career best of 32 goals and 30 assists so far this season. His goal total is presently second highest in the AHL.

Look for the following lines:

Staal, Whitney, Cole
Jokinen, Ruutu, LaRose
Dwyer, Samsonov, Kostopoulos
Brind'Amour, Samson, Boychuk
Gleason, Pothier
Pitkanen, Carson
Harrison, Picard

Rookie netminder Justin Peters will make his second consecutive start in goal.

It's expected that Ilya Bryzgalov will start for Phoenix.

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Justin Peters	5	298	4	1		10	2.01	162	152	.938	0

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Ilya Bryzgalov	58	3403	35	18		131	2.31	1639	1508	.920	7

The Coyote lineup is loaded with snipers and they are led by newly acquired Wojtek Wolski.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Wojtek Wolski	65	19	31	50	18	27	2	0	5	0	163	11.7

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Shane Doan	67	17	31	48	0	35	5	0	4	0	202	8.4

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Matthew Lombardi	63	14	29	43	2	30	4	0	1	0	128	10.9

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Radim Vrbata	67	21	18	39	12	20	5	0	4	0	224	9.4

Some long time Caniacs will remember the name, Radim Vrbata, who played for the Hurricanes back from 2003 to 2005.

For more information about the Coyotes, check out Five For Howling.

The Hurricanes are led by Jussi Jokinen, Eric Staal, and Ray Whitney.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Jussi Jokinen	66	27	27	54	4	30	10	0	5	0	132	20.5

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Eric Staal	55	21	33	54	2	54	10	0	2	0	213	9.9

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Ray Whitney	65	20	31	51	-1	24	7	0	4	0	141	14.2

The game will be televised by FS Carolinas starting at 7 p.m. As always, we will have the open game thread up and running at 6:30.

River Rats Release List Of 22 Eligible Players

2010-03-12T18:53:52Z

The Albany River Rats announced their 22-player list of players eligible to play for the rest of the season Thursday, and it does not include current Hurricanes Brandon Sutter, Brett Carson and Patrick Dwyer, or goalie Mike Murphy.

Here is the release from the River Rats:

RIVER RATS ANNOUNCE CLEAR DAY ROSTER

22 Players Eligible To Compete For The Remainder Of 2009-10 Season

ALBANY, NY—The Albany River Rats announced today their 2009-10 Clear Day roster, which consists of two goaltenders and 20 skaters.

According to AHL by-laws, only those 22 players listed on a team’s Clear Day roster are eligible to compete in the remainder of the 2009-10 AHL regular season and in the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs, unless emergency conditions arise as a result of recall, injury or suspension. Teams may also add signed junior players or players on amateur tryout contracts after their respective junior or college seasons are complete.

The following 22 players are on the Clear Day Roster for the Albany River Rats (after the jump):

D Zack FitzGerald

F Brad Herauf

F Jacob Micflikier

Pothier Pots Game Winner: Hurricanes 4, Penguins 3 (OT)

2010-03-12T03:08:25Z

More photos » Karl B DeBlaker - AP

5 days ago: Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) has his shot bounce off Carolina Hurricanes goalie Justin Peters (60) with Hurricanes Brett Carson (27) nearby during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, March 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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Brian Pothier scored the game winning goal just 23 seconds into overtime and the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-3 Thursday night at the RBC.

The Penguins out-shot a tired Carolina team by a 40-21 margin, but rookie goaltender Justin "Pete Dawg" Peters stopped 37 of those 40 shots and was named first star of the game.

Ray Whitney, Zach Boychuk, and Eric Staal scored the other goals for the Canes.

Brandon Sutter was injured in the first period and left the game with what was identified as a lower body injury, but Paul Maurice said after the game that the young center should be cleared to play on Friday.

The Canes got off to a slow start again and before they knew it, were losing 2-0. Jordan Staal flicked in a short shot just one minute into the game, and Bill Guerin knocked in a powerplay goal near the five minute mark. It looked like it might be a rough night for the home team.

But once again, the club battled back. Ray Whitney dinged in a powerplay tally himself as he sent a puck in off the post.

Less than two minutes later, Zach Boychuk tied the score on a seeing eye backhander which beat goalie Brent Johnson high blocker side. The sequence was a thing of beauty and was the second career NHL goal for the youngster.

With the score tied 2-2 early into the second, Eric Staal took a pass behind the net from Erik Cole and tried his patented wrap around shot. Somehow the puck went in and the home team took the lead.

But just four minutes later, Matt Cooke knocked in a rebound to tie things up.

Justin Peters was having a great night, but was probably allowing more rebounds than he wanted. That forced him to make second and third saves sometimes, but fortunately he was equal to the task.

The puck was in the Hurricanes zone most of the third period and the Pens out-shot the Canes 14-7 during that time frame, but Peters was like a wall. He used full advantage of his size and rebounds were few and far between at this stage of the game.

As the contest went into overtime, the Pens took the puck to the net, but Peters kicked the rebound out. Ray Whitney tried to set up Eric Staal in front of the Pittsburgh net, but Staal couldn't get off a shot.

"The puck was by my feet, so I thought that I better get rid of it", the center said.

He sent the puck back to Whitney, who found an open Brian Pothier. The former Washington Capital buried the shot for the game winner.

The defenseman had another solid game as he chipped in with three hits, two blocked shots, and had over 24 minutes of ice time. He also had an assist on the Whitney goal. The veteran might be the surprising, premier piece of the Joe Corvo trade. It will be interesting to see if he would re-sign in Carolina over the offseason.

The win gives the Canes three points out of a possible four against the two best teams in the NHL in a back-to-back scenario. They have an 8-1-1 record in their last 10 games and remain hot.

Game Notes:

After Sutter left the game with an injury, Erik Cole moved up to the top line with Staal and Whitney. His skating seems to be coming around as he had a couple of nice breakaway chances, but he was not able to finish.
Jokinen moved to the center position and played between Tuomo Ruutu and Chad LaRose. The part-time center went 6-9 in the faceoff circle for a 67% win percentage.
Cole and Whitney led the team with four shots on goal each.
The Canes had a two man advantage for over a minute and change, but did not get a shot on goal. They need to do better in that situation.
Brett Carson had another solid game and had a team high five hits. The Canes were credited with 35 for the game.
Before this game, the Penguins were 10-1-1 when tied after two periods. The Hurricanes were 3-8-3.

The team is taking a day off Friday and will return to the RBC ice on Saturday night for a match against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Pens @ Canes: Open Game Thread

2010-03-11T23:30:37Z

Next Game

Pittsburgh Penguins
@ Carolina Hurricanes

Thursday, Mar 11, 2010, 7:00 PM EST
RBC Center

Murderers’ Row: Canes Host Rested Penguins A Day After Loss To Capitals

posted by Cory Lavalette about 7 hours ago

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Murderers’ Row: Canes Host Rested Penguins A Day After Loss To Capitals

2010-03-11T16:29:05Z

More photos » Gerry Broome - AP

Ray Whitney (13), Eric Staal, and Jussi Jokinen (36) have thrived together, and Whitney — with four points in two games against Pittsburgh this season — will look to continue his dominance against the Pens. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

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The Carolina Hurricanes perfromed well in their matchup with Eastern Conference frontrunner Washington last night, falling in overtime in a Southeast Division battle. Tonight they return home — and things don't get easier. Waiting for them are the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, who are well rested and haven't played since Sunday’s 2-1 win over Boston.

The Penguins made a few moves leading up to the NHL's trade deadline, acquiring winger Alexei Ponikarovsky and defenseman Jordan Leopold for the stretch run. One player they didn't get was Carolina’s Ray Whitney, who considered by many to be an ideal fit for the Penguins, instead settling on Ponikarovsky.

This is the third of four meetings this season between the two teams, with Carolina netting three of a possible four points so far. The 3-2 win Dec.7 was the Hurricanes’ first road win of the season, snapping a 13-game losing streak away from the RBC Center that greatly contributed to where the Hurricanes sit in the standings in mid-March.

Whitney has been a Pens killer so far this season, notching two-point games in each of the previous matchups. He had two third-period goals in the eventual 3-2 shootout loss Oct. 14, then had a goal — the game-winner — and an assist in the aforementioned streak-breaking road win. For Pittsburgh, grinder Michael Rupp has scored in both games, two of his 12 tallies on the season.

Expect Carolina coach Paul Maurice to start with the same lines as last night. Rookie Justin Peters will be in net, trying to bounce back from his first NHL loss, a 4-1 defeat against Florida Saturday night, after winning his first three outings. Here are the likely lines:

Staal-Whitney-Jokinen
Sutter-Ruutu-LaRose
Dwyer-Boychuk- Kostopoulos
Brind’Amour-Osala-Samsonov
Gleason-Pothier
Pitkanen-Carson
Picard-Harrison

Don't be surprised if Oskar Osala, who played less than seven minutes in the Hurricanes’ debut last night, gets a longer look tonight. He did not make it to D.C. in time for yesterday’s morning skate, so having a game under his belt and time to meet with the coaches should make him more prepared.

The Penguins will likely have Marc-Andre Fleury in net. Matt Cooke, who faced suspension for Sunday’s brutal head shot on the Bruins’ Marc Savard, was spared any discipline and will be in the lineup for the Penguins.

For a Pittsburgh perspective, Pensburgh has their game preview up.

Game time is at 7 p.m. and it will be broadcasted in HD by FSN and on the radio by 99.9 The Fan.

Team Finland Falls Short: Capitals 4, Hurricanes 3 (OT)

2010-03-11T11:00:36Z

More photos » Susan Walsh - AP

6 days ago: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin of Russia (8) and Carolina Hurricanes right wing Tuomo Ruutu, left, of Finland, battle for the puck during the second period of their NHL hockey game at the Verizon Center in Washington, Wednesday, March 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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The Carolina Hurricanes had a slow start but battled back to push the Washington Capitals to the limit before falling in overtime last night at the Verizon Center, 4-3.

Alexander Semin started things off just two minutes and change into the game as he got behind the Carolina defense and roofed a backhander past Manny Legace to make the score 1-0.

The Canes were able to draw a couple of penalties in the period, but the powerplay was abysmal as the team was unable to generate any offense at all while with the man advantage. The Caps nearly scored a couple of times, but Legace made some fine saves to keep his team in it.

Then Carolina took a couple of penalties and the Capitals were more than happy to take full advantage. Mike Green would score on their second chance to make the score 2-0 with 2:01 left in the period.

But the Hurricanes youth would come charging back.

Zach Boychuk got the puck to Jay Harrison, who had his first shot attempt blocked. But Harrison stuck with it and got the puck on net with his next try. Tom Kostopoulos took one whack at the rebound and Patrick Dwyer cleaned up the loose change to put the Canes right back into it. The opening period ended, 2-1.

The Hurricanes were battling hard in the second period and were rewarded when Chad LaRose stole the puck in the Washington zone. LaRose faked a shot, then passed to Tuomo Ruutu who buried his blast, to tie the score.

But the Caps came right back again as Mike Green scored yet another powerplay goal to give the home team back the lead.

Once again, the Canes continued to fight hard. They finally connected on a powerplay chance of their own when Ruutu found Jussi Jokinen, and the Finn managed to slip one by Jose Theodore to tie the score. Joni Pitkanen, who had over 30 minutes of TOI for the game, also picked up an assist on the play.

Surprisingly, the underrated Jokinen continues to lead the Hurricanes in goals, (27) and total points, (54).

Both teams continued to generate chances in the third period, but both goalies made several nice saves and regulation ended with the score tied, 3-3.

With just 1:40 left in the extra period, Eric Belanger found an open Tomas Fleischmann, and the "The Flash" was able to get his one-timer past Manny Legace for the win.

After the slow start, the Hurricanes really battled and it turned out to be a very entertaining game which could have easily gone either way. Hopefully, the team will still have some energy in the tank because things do not get any easier as they take on the Penguins at the RBC tonight.

Game Notes:

Brian Pothier had a great game in a losing cause. The defenseman made play after play in his own zone to help give his new team a chance. He ended up with over 26 minutes of ice time, had four shots on goal, and three blocked shots in the effort.
The Canes finished with 23 blocked shots led by Tim Gleason who had five. The Olympian was stung badly at one point, but shook off the pain came back out on the ice.
The youngsters really showed their stuff. Zach Boychuk was all over the ice and did not even back down to Alex Ovechkin as they went man-to-man at one point in the third. Patrick Dwyer had four hits to go along with his goal. Even newbie, Oskar Osala played pretty well with just 6:46 of ice time.
Team leaders, Eric Staal and Ray Whitney created several chances but could not capitalize. Both players might be on the brink of a slump as Staal has not scored a goal in nine games and Whitney has not registered a point since trade deadline day, (three games).
Manny Legace had several great stops but had trouble handling the puck at times during the game. He ended up making a very solid 35 saves on 39 shots.
Tuomo Ruutu finished with a goal, an assist, and led the team with six hits.
The Caps had 39 shots on goal, missed the net 18 times, and had 23 shots blocked by the Canes, for a total of 80 shots. The Hurricanes had 31 shots on goal, missed the net 12 times, and had 11 shots blocked for a total of 54 shots. It is really tough to limit the Washington shot total, but that is what makes them such a dangerous team, constant pressure.

The Hurricanes have canceled their pregame skate and are not expected to take the ice Thursday morning. They are hoping to be rested up and ready to take on the Penguins, who have been waiting for them in Raleigh.

We will have the game preview posted with the latest news along with any updates around lunchtime.

Canes at Caps: Open Game Thread

2010-03-10T23:30:14Z

Next Game

Carolina Hurricanes
@ Washington Capitals

Wednesday, Mar 10, 2010, 7:00 PM EST
Verizon Center

Reunited --- Hurricanes at Capitals, Game Day Preview

posted by Bob Harwood Waeghe about 4 hours ago

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Oskar Osala Recalled From Albany

posted by Bob Harwood Waeghe about 8 hours ago

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Manny Legace Still Fighting For Respect

posted by Bob Harwood Waeghe about 8 hours ago

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Hurricanes Sign Kyle Lawson To Entry-Level Contract

2010-03-10T19:56:37Z

From the Hurricanes:

‘CANES AGREE TO TERMS WITH DEFENSEMAN KYLE LAWSON

2005 draft pick recently completed senior season at Notre Dame

RALEIGH, NC—Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Kyle Lawson on a two-year, entry-level contract. Lawson receives an $80,000 signing bonus and will be paid $500,000 on the NHL level and $50,000 on the American Hockey League (AHL) level in 2010-11 and $525,000 on the NHL Level and $50,000 on the AHL level in 2011-12. He will join the Hurricanes’ AHL-affiliate Albany River Rats for the remainder of the 2009-10 season, on an amateur tryout contract.

Lawson, 23, recently completed his senior season at the University of Notre Dame, leading all Irish defensemen and ranking third on the team in scoring with 22 points (4g, 18a) in 38 games. The Southfield, MI, native ranked fourth among CCHA defensemen in scoring, notching three goals and 15 assists (18 points) in 28 conference games, including one game-winning goal and three power-play tallies. Drafted by the Hurricanes in the seventh round, 198th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Lawson completed his collegiate career with 17 goals and 73 assists (90 points) in 161 games. He was named the CCHA’s Top Defensive Defenseman and earned Second-Team All-CCHA honors in 2008-09, after totaling four goals and 19 assists (23 points) and registering a +14 plus/minus rating in 40 games during his junior season.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Lawson has represented the United States in international play, including service as an alternate captain for Team USA at the 2007 World Junior Championship in Sweden, helping the Americans capture the bronze medal. A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Lawson also represented the U.S. at the Four Nations Tournament and the Under-18 World Championships during the 2004-05 season.

Reunited --- Hurricanes at Capitals, Game Day Preview

2010-03-10T19:13:41Z

More photos » Susan Walsh - AP

8 days ago: Washington Capitals defenseman Joe Corvo (77) bumps Dallas Stars left wing James Neal (18) during the second period of their NHL hockey game at the Verizon Center in Washington, Monday, March 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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The surging Carolina Hurricanes, (27-31-7) will have a good opportunity to see exactly how far they have come this season as they take on the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals, (44-13-9) tonight at the Verizon Center.

The Canes have been one of the hottest teams in the league during the last month or so and have won eight of their last nine games, as well as 13 of their last 17. The Caps have been one of the best teams in the NHL all season long and are almost unbeatable at home, although Carolina did win the last time the club visited the Nation's Capital.

The game also marks the first time the teams have met since last week's trade deadline deals were completed which had each respective franchise swap a couple of players each.

Scott Walker and Joe Corvo will face their old buds while Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala will go against the franchise which, more or less, gave them up for a short term improvement. Depending upon the circumstances regarding each player's departure, the athletes could use a matchup like this one as extra motivation.

For instance, feeling somewhat slighted by one particular ex-franchise, Corvo always used to love to face the Ottawa Senators and lit them up for a hat trick his first game against them. Although according to reports, the defenseman has yet to play up to his potential with his new team.

Walker, on the otherhand, scored two goals in his fIrst game with the Caps and seems to have fit right in.

Pothier has been a steady presence so far and seems to like the "simple" system in Carolina. On more than one occasion he has commented about how the forwards "back-pressure" here. Perhaps he is not used to that phenomenon?

The Hurricanes needed to recall newly acquired forward, Oskar Osala from Albany today. Erik Cole has flu-like symptoms and will not play in tonight's contest.

Osala should fit in very nicely with the team's other Finnish players, Joni Pitkanen, Jussi Jokinen, and Tuomo Ruutu. This will be the third NHL appearance for the youngster, although it will be his first this season. He has yet to tally an NHL point.

Look for the lines to be as follows:

Staal, Whitney, Jokinen
Sutter, Ruutu, LaRose
Dwyer, Boychuk, Kostopoulos
Brind'Amour, Osala, Samsonov
Gleason, Pothier
Pitkanen, Carson
Picard, Harrison

Manny Legace will face Jose Theodore between the pipes.

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Manny Legace	19	1019	9	5		45	2.65	496	451	.909	1

	GP	MIN	W	L	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Jose Theodore	37	2020	22	7		94	2.79	1047	953	.910	1

Legace has won his last five starts and is coming off a 4-0 shutout of the Atlanta Thrashers.

Brandon Sutter is riding a six game point streak. (4G 4A). Leading scorer Jussi Jokinen has points in 18 of Carolina's last 22 games. (15G 13A).

The Capitals lost their last game in a shootout to the Dallas Stars on Monday. If you want more Washington information, check out JP's blog over at Japers' Rink.

The teams have met three times so far this season with the Caps winning two of them, 3-2 (in Raleigh), and 4-3 (in OT in Washington). The Canes won the last matchup in Washington by a 6-3 score on 12/23.

The game will be televised locally by FS Carolinas starting at 7 p.m. We will have the open thread ready for action at 6:30.

Oskar Osala Recalled From Albany

2010-03-10T15:51:40Z

Newly acquired, Oskar Osala has been recalled from Albany today and will play tonight against the Washington franchise that just traded him away. Osala was included in the trade that sent Joe Corvo to the Capitals.

The Hurricanes are reporting that Erik Cole is ill and will not be able to play tonight.

We will have more information in our game preview after lunch.