Canes Prevail Over Lightning in Shootout, 3-2
The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-2 in a shootout on Sunday to break a three game losing streak, two of which were at home. It was also the team’s first shootout win of the season. The Canes lost their only other shootout game this year in Montreal, a team which will be visiting here on Tuesday night.
As expected, the Lightning came out hard in the first period in an attempt to please their new coach. They out-hit the Hurricanes 14 to 7, but the home team put more shots on goal, out-shooting the Lightning 12 to 7. Carolina was also able to draw three penalties, but they were unable to capitalize on the ensuing powerplays.
Tampa Bay opened the scoring when Radim Vrbata broke out of the penalty box and was hit with a nice pass. This created an odd-man rush and the ex-Hurricane had his choice of teammates to pass to. He found Martin St. Louis and the diminutive skater, who has a history of burning Carolina, held true to form and buried the puck in the open net.
The opening period ended 1-0, Tampa.
The second period started out somewhat similar to the first. Carolina drew another penalty, but quickly negated it because they had too many men on the ice. Shortly after that during an ill-timed line change, the Lightning were able to generate another odd man rush and Vincent Lecavalier shot the puck past Cam Ward.
Right before the goal, it seemed to everyone in the arena that the puck hit the skate of a player leaving the ice for Tampa during their line change, which should have given them a “too many men on the ice” penalty as well, but the obvious infraction was never called. The Canes bench argued loudly after the goal, but to no avail.
During the post-game press conference, Peter Laviolette said that the Tampa player leaving the ice, (Vinnie Prospal), should have gotten the assist, because the puck hit his skate before Lecavalier took it.
It will come as no surprise to Caniacs that Brad Watson was reffing this game and he somehow missed the obvious call. The Hurricanes have a history of coming out on the short end of Mr. Watson’s “judgement”.
Who will ever forget the two ridiculous “diving” calls that Watson made down in Florida in October 2007, which just happened to be made the very next game after Jacques Martin whined about Carolina “diving” in a previous contest. The complaints were very well publicized and apparently the Canes were duly “punished”, even though the actual calls were ludicrous at the time they were made.
Then there was the must-win game at Washington in April of last year, in which Mr. Watson called numerous questionable penalties against the Canes, including a bench minor when they dared to complain about a call.
But enough about the “impartial” referee, back to the game.
With the Canes down 2-0 it seemed like this game might be another lost cause for Caniacs, and the RBC grew quiet. But with about five minutes left in the period, the fourth line came on the ice and Brandon Sutter put a shot on goal while skating in at an angle. The rebound came out to Wade Brookbank and the bruiser made no mistake as he slipped the puck past Mike Smith for the Canes first score.
Brookbank hadn’t played at all in the first period and rarely gets much over a minute of ice time per game, but he made every second count on Sunday. (He played 1:58 in this game).
As one might expect, the goal ignited the crowd as well as the team and about one minute later, Rod Brind’Amour shot another puck past Smith to tie the score. The goal gave the team Captain sole possession of 50th place on the NHL’s all time scoring list with 1,128 career points, moving him past Mike Bossy and Joe Nieuwendyk.
With the score tied 2-2, fans expected a huge third period, but surprisingly it was pretty uneventful. The Canes only managed one shot on goal for the entire period and were out-shot 8-1. The defense did a good job of limiting scoring chances, and Cam Ward came up big when he had to.
Our previously mentioned impartial referee, Mr. Watson must have decided to keep a better eye on the number of players on the ice after the Canes complained about the earlier non-call, because he called the Hurricanes for yet another “two many men on the ice” penalty, this time with only 15 seconds left in the game.
It was Carolina’s third penalty of the third period, a time when referee’s usually “swallow their whistles”.
Of course the penalty carried over to the overtime period and usually a four on three advantage means “lights out” for the short-handed team. But once again, the Canes were equal to the task and were able to kill the penalty as well as generate a couple chances of their own later in the extra period.
The overtime ended in a tie and then came the dreaded shootout.
I mention “dreaded” because the Hurricanes have not done well in these skill contests in the past 3 seasons. After going 8-2 during 2005-06, the team has gone 0-5 in 2006-07, 2-3 in 2007-08, and 0-1 so far this year. Cam Ward had a personal record of 2-8 while tending goal in these affairs. (now 3-8).
While Ward may have had his issues in net, the Carolina shooters had trouble finding the back of the net as well. In five shootout attempts during all of 2006-07, the Canes only mustered one goal the entire season. The team hadn’t scored in a shootout yet this season, but Tuomo Ruutu and Rod Brind’Amour changed that for Carolina this time around as both beat Mike Smith with shots up high.
(hat-tip to Wylde4canes for sending me these stats)
Cam Ward stopped Vinnie Lecavalier and “hired gun” Jussi Jokinen hit the post to secure the Hurricanes victory.
The game was not always a thing of beauty, but it was a much-needed win and the team will take it and move on.
After-thoughts and observations-
Perhaps Wade Brookbank should get more than a minute or two of ice time each game? Dan LaCouture had knocked in two goals from in close with minimal ice-time. Players who bang inside and look for rebounds can be just as valuable as a team’s fastest skaters.
Eric Staal and Sergei Samsonov are not the only quiet players for the Canes. What has happened to Matt Cullen? Many of the defensemen have scored more points than Cullen and Samsonov combined, but these forwards are being well compensated and are being counted on to produce. It hasn’t happened yet.
How would Brandon Sutter look as third line center? He brings more of a physical presence than Cullen and has equal the points, with a lot less playing time.
Two “too-many men on the ice” penalties are inexcusable, even if Brad Watson is the referee. The second one could have easily cost Carolina the game. In general, some of the line changes look unorganized and need to be faster.
Coming from behind to win could be something to build on and might just bring this team together.
About the Author: Bubba is a hockey fan/citizen journalist who has always wanted to be a sportswriter and is pursuing his dream. He also writes a Hurricanes blog for 
Paladin6 | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I saw a good game last night. It was the same old story though. This win was like most of the others this year. I guess it’s a cup half full/empty thing. Just one example was that last penalty. That is usually a harbinger of doom in this league. Luckily the Bolts are the 26th place team and our team pulled it off and won a shoot out (who won a what?).
Again Ruutu and Sutter I think were the hardest working players. Ward gave a pretty good showing. Rod’s game is picking up. Samsinov must of done something in a previous life or something, he’s skating well and in the right places and things just aren’t going his way. Cullen may be on the way back, not sure. Corvo and Joni look like they may be finding a bit of juice.
On the down side they looked confused and unorganized. The confidense isn’t there. It took Wade Brookbank with his paltry 2 minutes of time to ignite the team and crowd from a great Sutter play. So the least exper. and the least played guys found what it takes to make shit happen. Penalties, while some were unfounded others weren’t, this will be a killer, too.
I still think this team is in big trouble.
I’ll take a W anyday, but you aren’t going to get them like this very often if ever again.
A
Ken | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Paladin6,
Just Relax….
The team will round into a much better defensive unit then the rest will come. There are new parts out there. Just as it takes a young defenseman to come into his own, the Canes defense will take a little more time for everyone to know where everyone else will be at any given time. The good teams will really expose a team that is not clicking defensively. A bad team can still get beat. We are not seeing the smartest play made because they are not on automatic. They are thinking and that can be deadly in this league. Give them a couple of weeks and I think we will see a different team.
Justin Walther | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Bubba,
I think you’ve fallen into the strawman argument that “Chief” (Oh god…is there a worse homer in the league?) put up. Yes, there easily could have been too many men on the ice. The puck grazed Prospal before “accidentally” hitting Vinnie. The rule book clearly states that if the puck accidentally strikes the incoming player, it shouldn’t be counted as too many men. Thats fine and up to the referee’s discretion. Sure, the lightning benefitted from the “accident” which should really be the criteria for making that call.
However…the clearcut issue with the play that should have whistled the puck dead was that Vinnie was OFFSIDES! He was standing in the offensive zone and the puck hits him. Clearly he’s offsides. The question is…is he considered on the ice or off the ice at that point. If Prospal is considered off the ice then he HAS to be considered on the ice and thus is in an offsides position. “Chief” even argued that Vinnie went back and tagged up over the line before re-entering but that doesn’t matter. The offsides already happened. Why was that not called?! Its not up to a referee’s discretion.
–Justin
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
best line of the article is “Perhaps Wade Brookbank should get more than a minute or two of ice time each game? Dan LaCouture had knocked in two goals from in close with minimal ice-time. Players who bang inside and look for rebounds can be just as valuable as a team’s fastest skaters.”
These hard nosed gritty guys can be the catalyst. Who else thinks a Brookbank Lacouture Sutter line could be a great spark plug for this team.
Caron | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I agree I have been noticed in the several games this season, Brookbank would have at least 1 or 2 solid shots on goal and if he had more ice time I know he could score some goals.
I agree wylde4canes a Brookbank, Lacouture & Sutter line would rock, of course Lavi doesn’t have a clue.
SamsonovFan | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Brookbank, LaCouture & Sutter line…. awesome!!! That made my day.
Perhaps with Conboy and Gleason joining them on defense?
Devastating, even if the time is limited.
SamsonovFan | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
in keeping with the ice hog theme, that would be the “Wild Boar Line” !
chris | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
im still going with.
bayda sutter larose line 3. (best line)
put stall with rutuu and samsonov line 1 or 2
and bridamour gets walker and whtiney. 1 or 2
cullen can have brookbank eaves whoever on line 4
the switch could be walker and samsovnov. though as sergei played well with rod last year
and walker could possibly help spark staal
i think this needs to happen?
anyone agree?
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Caron, I agree totally with your first statement. I mean Jesse the Bull even could be counted on for the occasional offensive outburst, but he had minutes on the ice to make it happen. I am really starting to think it is time to make a change. I think Rowe is ready………
hotchipsnsalsa | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Why do people think changing the coach is such a quick fix? If it was so easy then every losing team would be changing their coaches every week. I don’t like losing any better than anybody else, however, I continue to say we need to wait until everyone comes back to see how these lines are going to adjust to one another. Lavi is going to make mistakes, however, he is a great strategist so patience and a little time is going to have to be called for. Sorry, but it’s annoying to me to say it’s Lavi’s fault. It’s just like everybody calling for Cam’s head and then Leighten gets shelled against the Capitals. People are spoiled and everybody always want instant success in everything all the time these days and just isn’t gonna happen all the time.
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Chips n salsa,
A few reasons why I personally have started thinking it is time.
1. The abundance of too many men on the ice penalties we have seen this year indicates that the coaches are NOT in sync with each other.
2. The constant shuffling of lines has led to a lack of team chemistry. I understand that this is in part due to injuries, but the Helminen-Ruutu-LaRose line is a prefect example of what I am talking about. There was NO reason to not keep that line together, yet, they were broken up prior to Helminen being re-assigned. If a line is clicking, roll with it.
3. A lack of willingness to play the tough/grit guys is obviously hurting us. We need to start getting our nose dirty and one of the players who was doing that better than anyone, Dan LaCouture, gets sent down for his trouble. he also refuses to respond in kind to any kind of nastiness we receive. As much as I hate Lindy ruff, and boy do I ever hate him, had the Weight/Sutter hit been on MacArthur or some other young Slug prospect, Roy would have been out on the ice swinging on THE.NEXT.SHIFT.
4. I don’t think he has the locker room anymore. It would appear that certain players are not elevating themselves to the next level. Rowe has a history of squeezing more out of his talent, if only at the AHL level. Look at the type of player Hamilton came back to us.
I have only recently started to sour on Lavi. I like him still yet, and think he is a great coach. Sometime, though, I think you have to assess the situation and ask if he is still the right man to lead THIS team.
Cory | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
A win is good … I think a lot will be learned tomorrow night. If they regress, it might be time to make a move.
Caron | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Along with what Wylde4cans has stated I would like to also add that not making the playoffs 2 years in a row after winning the SC is embarrassing and we hold the record for the only team in the NHL history of 100 years to have accomplished it. Now I don’t fully blame Lavi for this, but as a coach he shares a large portion of blame. I did feel he deserved another chance this year with him having a better team and better defense in front of him to prove himself. He seems to be floudering and lost his way. That in it self along with how this season has been going is why Lavi needs to go. I don’t think that most people wanted Lavi to fail, I know I didn’t, but I and others just don’t see things ever changing for this team. Waiting until mid-season is crazy. It’s more than just because of a little short losing streak.
Having said all that, there is some players on this team that needs to be held accountable for their effort and playing. Changes with just coaching is not all that needs to be addressed.
TylerA | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Found this on ESPNs Rumor Central……
‘Canes coach in trouble?
Peter Laviolette | Hurricanes
Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette is on the hot seat and the Ottawa Sun describes his status as day-to-day.
The paper said Laviolette’s lifeline behind Carolina’s bench is short.
The Sun specuulated that the ‘Canes could consider replacing him with former Lightning coach John Tortorella.
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Tyler I hope that the story From the Sun was written By Garrioch so I can go ahead and discount it. If we hire Torts as coach, I will officially be turning in my fan card until he is gone. Well, not really, but I will be super pissed! LOL.
Douchebag St John | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Watson is a douche, thats for sure, but the Too-many ment @ the end of the game was baaaad. Not only did we have 6 guys out there, all 6 were actually playing the puck. It was a coaches error plain and simple. Who ever was in charge ot that line change was the issue, not Watson.
marc | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I wholeheartedly agree with Wylde & Caron. I believe the ‘Canes now lead the league in bench minor penalties - all of them “too many men.” That is a definite sign of coaches not communicating with players, especially when lines are constantly being mixed and matched. Just ask Don Cherry.
I agreed when Lavi was kept on board for this season - but on a short leash. It would appear that he has lost the room - and I don’t think replacing him now would be “knee jerk.” JR has been far more patient with 2 non-playoff seasons than most GM’s would be. Remember, injuries are NEVER an excuse, especially in the playoffs. (Right, Buffalo?)
Speaking of Buffalo, Wylde has got it spot on with what Ruff’s response would have been, and how most teams would have responded. I would LOVE to see at least LaCouture up & getting some ice time, and would also like to see Conboy get some ice time as well with the big club. I feel they both earned it & bleed red & black.
Bubba | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I agree that the constant line changing probably messes things up. You have Brookbank playing one minute or two a game, then the other 4rth liners playing with someone who is double shifting, or they are being inserted on a different line.
If they would just play the 4rth line 5 to 6 minutes a night and keep the makeup of the lines consistent, it might eliminate a lot of other problems.
It’s hard to believe that nonsense about Tortorella coming here. That had to be Garrioch. I’m going to go check right now.
Thanks for the heads-up Tyler.
Caron | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Tyler
Fear has set in. OK, I changed my mind, keep Lavi-lol.
AD | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I have a tons of work to get done today so I didn’t read everyone’s post. I apologize.
To head John and Mike in the post game, you would have thought that Ward was stellar. I watched on Center Ice and the commentators, while biased I am sure, kept noting that at points Ward had no idea where the puck was at. I had to agree. He barely hung on to the puck once it was near him and the amount of rebounds was astonishing. So am I completely off? I don’t think he was that good…..at all. Trust me, I am happy we won, but found myself wishing we lost just so this team would snap out of it.
Sometimes you have to sink way down. I think this team needs that.
Usually, I am clapping, cheering, and making all kinds of noise during a game. It’s been a while. I was at the Sens game a week ago and it wasn’t until the third period that any emotion was warranted.
I believe Samsonov was slotted to be the 4th shooter. I about died.
Happy we won, but not convinced. Please set me straight. I still think we are in trouble.
Am I the only one?
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
AD, I don’t think yesterday fixes much, if anything. But I give credit where it is due, Ward made some real dandies, and there were a couple big scoring chances he came up huge on. Plus, like I said, he stopped Jokinen in the SO, and that dude is money.
TylerA | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
AD….I gave up on ward a long time ago……..
AD | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Wylde and Tyler
I feel even worse now. I’ve only been following hockey and a fan of the Canes for a little over a year now. If you can’t trust/rely on your “number 1″, who then.
Rod can only do so much.
I doubt this is the answer, but boy, I would love to see that Helminen-Ruutu-LaRose as a permanent fixture.
Bench Staal and Samsonov for a couple of games and lets see what happens.
Should we be on the market for a new goalie?
AD | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
By the way Bubba and Cory…..How is LaCouture doing?
I was really saddened to hear his story…the alcoholism…then a vote of trust from the Canes only to send him back when he was (perceived) as not needed. If he is weak in any way, that might have been devastating.
Any word on how he is doing? Would love to see him back.
I should know better than to check your blog when I’ve so much to do. None of my friends are hockey fans, so you are all I’ve got. I could talk hockey/read/listen to hockey talk all day.
AD | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
BTW….did I hear it wrong or was Samsonov really going to be the 4th shooter?
A shootout against a divisional opponent is not the time to try bring confidence to a player that has failed to score thus far.
Reg19 | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
American teams are an embarrassment to hockey, Carolina should never have a hockey team, as well as losers Atlanta, Nashville and Columbus. TSN Site rates the Hurricanes the most likely team to fold. Habs rule.
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
AD, my opinion only, I don’t think we need to be in the market for a new tender just yet. I think he may still develop into a big time stopper, I just worry about how we fare in the short term, and how best to get him where he needs to be. It is a tough balancing act,when your goalie is going through a rough patch giving him the vote of confidence also means subjecting him to potentially demoralizing results. Plus, in fairness, the skaters in front of him haven’t exactly been great at reducing the number of quality chances coming at him. Ward has been good consistently, and vacillating between Great and substandard the rest of the time. The kicker is, when you have a defense like ours, the substandard moments are always or almost always going to result in one slipping past the goal line.
Bubba | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
AD-
LaCouture has 1 goal and 2 assists in five games so far in Albany. In reality, he probably only made this team after training camp because of all the injuries. Once people got healthy, they ran out of room for him. But, his two goals as a Cane are still higher than a couple of highly paid stars, and that does not say much for said stars.
Sorry, I don’t know whether or not Samsonov was going to be a shooter in the shootout.
AD | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Reg 19
Normally, I would tell you to shut up, but I won’t. You are entitled to your opinion.
If US teams are such an embarrassment to hockey, how come they are the ones that keep winning the Cup?
I don’t know…remind me, when what the last time a Canadian team won the Cup? I am not all up on stats, but even I, as a new fan, know it has been a while.
marc | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Also remember - our “high - powered offense” is supposed to make up for our defensive shortcomings - I have no problems with a D that will let a goalie hang out to dry a few times, as long as the reason the goalie is being hung out is because of the offensive push. The ‘Canes problem is they are built to be a highly explosive offensive team that outscores opponents, NOT win 1 goal games. This is why the goaltending CAN seem shaky at times - I have no problems with Ward or Leighton. And if Tortorella is coming here, I have no problems with Lavi either - that guy scares me as well.
As for Reg 19 - he’s just spouting the same BS that we’ve heard over and over again. It just seems like “fans” like this don’t want the sport to grow. They are selfish homers, who like to try to get a rise out of a teams fan base before a game is played. People like this should be ignored, because they have nothing intelligent to say.
T-Leaf | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Good point AD.
And just a little fyi, the last time a Canadien team won was in *gasp* 1993.
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Well said Marc, but I am going to repsond nonetheless.
Reg 19 welcome to the blog, and happy 100th anniversary to your team.
TSN is wrong if they think we are the team most likely to fold. That distinction would go to FLA. As for your comments about American teams being an embarrassment to hockey, that just show your ignorance. Since the beginning of the NHL there have always been American teams. To say that, for instance, the Detriot Red Wings are somehow unworthy to be in the NHL is a ludicrous comment. Now you could have argued that sunbelt or southern teams are an embarrassment, but you did not. I can only assume you did not do so because you put your fingers to the keyboard prior to allowing whatever thought processes you may posses from working.
Again thank you for your registered site hit, that in turn helps Bubbe generate more Ad revenue, which in turn grows this site, which, again, in turn helps build and unify the fan base.
Hugs and Kisses,
W4C
Bubba | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bit of harrassment from the Hab fan base, much like what we got from the Leaf Nation a week or so ago. Winning tomorrow night would be the best revenge.
repenttokyo | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
don’t feed the trolls, guys.
wylde4canes | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Sorry repent, this one was so lame, I could not resist.
Ivan | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I wish brad “mistake” watson would dig himself a hole and bury himself in it to rid us all of these stupid penalties.
In fact, he should take all of the NHL’s refs with him.
Paladin6 | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Does that mean I lose my “biggestassholeontheblog” trophy?
A-bummed
reality | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
The last, oh god how how many, Cups were won by whom? answer that and then re-post. and NO you can’t have the cup back…we have obviously done more with your sport then you have with our sports…
Cory | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
I hope you haven’t opened up a can of Steve Nash, Reality … lol
repenttokyo | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
lol
Jonathan | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
AD,
You saying Ward was not good the other day is CRAZY talk. Was it his best game ever or a flawless game, no. Did he give up rebounds, yes, but do not all goalies give up some rebounds? I think you overlook how he SAVED the game with some big saves especially the ones in OT when it was 4 on 3. At the end of the day all goalies are asked to do is give their team a chance to win the game and he did that, no matter how it got done. In my opinion to say he didnt have a good game is ludacris!