The Better Life - Hurricanes 2, Canadiens 1
The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 2 to 1 last night, as they played one of their best games of the season. The Canes opened up the contest with 18 shots in the first period and closed the door with 20 more shots in the third.
The game totals were 48 shots on goal for Carolina and 29 for Montreal.
The team got into penalty trouble in the second period, but after Robert Lang scored a powerplay goal early in the period for the Habs, the penalty killers were up to the task and did a fine job killing the rest, including a brief 5-on-3 advantage. A total of five minor penalties were called against Carolina in that period.
Brandon Sutter had an outstanding night killing penalties.
The third period was almost all Carolina and was one of their best of the season. Early in the third, Sergei Samsonov tied the score and got the monkey off of his back with his first goal of the year. About three minutes later, Ray Whitney put in a rebound during a powerplay and that turned out to be the game winner.
The Canes did not let up, even after they had the lead. For the most part, they kept the pressure in the Canadiens zone and kept shooting the puck.
Of course Montreal did have a few good chances, but Cam Ward had an excellent night and with timely help from his defense, was equal to the challenge. This was a team victory and certainly a performance to build on.
After the game, the players were very vocal in the dressingroom. Ray Whitney said that the team had a lot of energy. It certainly showed. Sergei Samsonov was asked how it felt to score against Montreal and he responded that it was always special to score against a former team. Cam Ward was thankful to his defense for playing a great game.
The Canes will be taking today off and will be back to practice tomorrow in preparation for Friday night’s game against Phoenix.
Rumor has it that Cory is working on another feature story for Thursday, this one questioning the legacy of the Coyotes famous coach. The article title - Wayne Gretzky, Don’t Believe the Hype.
Finally, I am attaching a video I took of last night’s post game interview with Tuomo Ruutu. The Finn didn’t score but he certainly made an impact with his hitting and skating.
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 
AD | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Cory, can’t wait to read your take on “The Great One”.
Proud of most of our boys last night….all but Stall in fact. I do believe Tuomo lit the fuse under their collective rears. Brandon using Carey as a doormat was priceless.
I have to say, your little contest also put a bit of a spark into the proceedings. Every time my candidate was near the puck it just added a bit of je ne sais pas. I lost, but happy that Sammy finally got his goal. Hope that puts an end to his slump and starts producing on a regular basis.
Looking forward to Friday!! Rest up gentlemen.
Paladin6 | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Well, they still didn’t show up for 60, the second period was pretty crappy. That said, that was the best they played all year. Two good penalties taken, the best was Ruutu stuffing the dude into the bench. That was a great statement. Then there were the rest, again some bad calss, but the guys made some bad mistakes, too. Gotta cut that out!!! Staal had another blah game, though he came out of the gate with a little more gumption than as fo late. Sutter is just outstanding. Stall better get his crap together or The Sutter Monster is going to take his job.
So why were they successful? Did anyone notice how many times it was a D guy that was first in? The forwards had a game plan change and were coming back and hanging back. The D guys when they got the chance were taking it. I mean Babchuck was vulturing over one post and dam near got it in. That’s all well and good, but what makes it great, is he was covered on the blue line. My boy Gleason was the first one in a couple times and he ain’t fast. It’s a good thing to see.
I would be remiss not mentioning Sammi’s goal. F-N-A!!! I don’t think anyone had doubts he could do it, but man that was alot of hard work and effort so far this year and that’s only the first.
Eaves looked like he showed up. Rosie and even Cullen. Joni made a couple bad turnovers, but also made soem great plays.
I hate to keep crapping on Staal, but that was a noticeable missing piece last night.
As an aside, I have not been a fan of Price and I thought it was a bone head move making this kid the #1. I think I will watch him. That was an outstanding job he did last night. Ward had a pretty dang good night also.
That was a great game.
Caron | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Good to see the team back. Staal continues to disappoint the team and fans.
Bubba my seats are above the goal and was looking straight down when the puck went behind Ward about 3 inches from the goal line and watched Sidenberg sweep the puck away which would have tied the game. It there were 4 stars he would have deserved it, because that in itself was a key play in our winning the game. So I would like for him to have an honorable mention.
Great game, game hockey.
Eman | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Much improved last night. I want to give a big thumbs up to the person who posted the link for the live coverage link last night. Made my night to be able to watch while nursing sick kids!! Stall still very questionable for sure…wonder if we’ll ever know what ails him. One thing for sure-team mates picked it up last night. Also agree that despite the games lost to his “Weight” shillacking Sutter is back!! Props to him for diggin in. Keep on working Canes!!
TylerA | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Did anyone notice how our 2 on 1s went? Once it was Staal and I believe Sammy coming in, Staal had the puck. No deke, no pass, no fake pass, just a point blank shot into the goalies chest? Pointless. Staal and someone else came in on a 2 on 1 later in the game, Staal had the puck, crosses the blue line and hooks back and waits? Pointless, he lost the puck shortly after. Now Cullen also led a 2 on 1 rush, played it beautifully, faked a pass put a tricky shot on goal, made Price work. Something is up with Staal. He looked like the worst player out there. He looks like he’s given up or something. Not rushing the net when he has the puck, scared to do anything with a 2 on 1, turnovers galore. We really need him to get his head back into the game.
Cory | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Ha … it’s actually called, “Gretzky: The OK One”
You jokester Bubba.
Justin Walther | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Wow…can’t believe you guys are hating on Staal. I thought that was his best game by far. He was extremely strong on the puck. How many times did he have someone sitting on his ass keeping them away from the puck before wheeling around and feeding someone in the slot. He also showed his speed, beating I forget who in a footrace to grab a puck in the O-zone. Granted, he didn’t show up on the scoring sheet but he was in on many scoring opportunities and I thought showed some real life. What does this guy have to do to satisfy you guys? Really…not a rhetorical question.
I thought this was a 60-min effort. Sure, they took too many penalties in the 2nd period but for the most part they were penalties of effort (roughing, cross-checking?, etc.) and not the too many men, hooking, etc. penalties that show lack of foot speed or confusion. Plus, getting 10 shots off on goal in the 2nd while having your entire offensive momentum killed by penalties is decent.
One thing I’d like to mention…I’ve not seen this team pass so crisply as I did in the first period. They came out slinging the puck around like the Red Wings on their best night. Tape to tape passes, perfect drop passes to someone flying through the neutral zone. It was a sight to behold.
–Justin
Cory | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Agreed, Staal looked better last night. But the answer to your question is obvious.
Score and those critics will go away.
Justin Walther | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Cory…sure. But I don’t remember everyone on here harping on how Samsonov was a huge disappointment and had “meh” games and he wasn’t putting up any points.
Cory | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
The difference is Staal is the franchise player. He’s the face of the franchise and everyone (from here to the mainstream media) is bringing up his drought.
Add to that the story line of “is he feeling pressured by his big contract” (I don’t buy it), and it’s an easy story for a lot of people covering hockey and the Canes.
T-Leaf | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Justin- People were harping on Sammy. But his situation is different. We knew he had potentional, he was just having a tough time finding it right away. Staal, on the other hand, started off strong and is obviously hurt but won’t sit a game out to heal or rest or whatever it is that he needs. He’s a star player and he’s contributing nothing at the moment. Not to mention, Sammy doesn’t have the same salary to live up to as Staal does. I think people are just disappointed and feel let down at how his game has been lately, so hey, why not take it out on the message boards and blogs?
But aside from that, freaking awesome game last night! It was good to see some passion back in the boys. Let’s keep this path going.
Bubba | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
I thought that Staal was skating better last night, at least in the first period. He hit the post with his first shot of the game. Tough break. Hopefully, a goal will ignite him and he’ll take off.
“Gretzky, The OK One”, I like it!
chris | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
most of this staal bashing is unfounded in regards to last night.
if staal’s shot had been an inch to the left last night,
none of this talk would still be going on.
thats why it doesnt make sense.
he looked great last night.
i cant wait til he scores so i can stop hearing about how much of a disappointment he is.
he was not a disappointment last night
this isnt the staal team.
(maybe if we’d not have passed on jared it could be, but thats another story)
our franchise player isnt even currently our captain.
im not saying hes been aweosme this season, obviously,
but give the guy a break,
he will get back to it,
we all know it.
and when that happens it will be exciting.
im just so glad there are other thigns to currently be excited about also.
like how the TEAM played last night.
and how the TSN guys talked about how great cam ward is.
it raised my ward confidence a lot.
TSN had a great broadcast last night.
and i was thinkin i was gonna have to watch in french again.
-c
chris | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
ps.
price looked great last night too.
maybe he read the article…
repenttokyo | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
The OK one? Hopefully it has nothing to do with his contributions on the ice.
TylerA | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Chris…..Had Staal scored that goal that hit the post, I’d still be saying the same thing I said earlier. Twice he was controlling the puck on a 2 on 1 and I was just really let down by what he did with it. A player of his caliber I expect to either take it harder to the net or make a better pass. The first one with him and Samsonov (I believe it was Sammy), he had Sammy wide open and should of easily been able to make the pass, as the single dman had been beaten. That pass would of forced Price to go post to post to make a save. Instead he kept it himself and did not shit with it. Put it in Prices lap, all Price had to do was sit there. Compare that with the way Sutter crashed the net on his breakaway, or the way Cullen handled his 2 on 1 when he had control of the puck. Not to mention the other 2 on 1 Staal controlled. Pitkanen was with him and went straight to the net, Staal on the other hand looped around and tried to wait on everyone there by blowing the 2/1 rush they had going. Waiting did no good as he was hit and then proceeded to lose the puck anyway. Sure hes taking shots, and making passes, but something about him isnt right. He doesnt have that “Take it to the house” drive that he should have.
Justin Walther | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Chris,
I agree…which was my point. I thought Staal looked back to his old self last night.
Tleaf,
You said staal isn’t contributing anything at the moment and thats where I disagree. Last night he was in the action all night. He made some nice passes and could have had a goal and maybe an assist. I know coulda’s aren’t dida’s but to say he’s not contributing anything last night isn’t fair. You don’t have to show up on the scoreboard to contribute. Look at Ruutu. He scored no points but no one could say he wasn’t a factor. Wow…did we get the better deal there! Ladd for Ruutu?!
–Justin
Justin Walther | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
TylerA,
Good points. I was pretty confused by that break with Pitkanen trailing. Only thing I can think of is that he didn’t see him. But remember, Staal’s old self made mistakes too and went soft on occassion when he should have charged hard to the net. Staal wasn’t ever “The OK One”.
T-Leaf | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Justin- I completely agree that Staal looked better last night. It’s a shame he didn’t get on the scoreboard for his effort. In my last comment, I wasn’t referring to last night in particular. That was more of a general statement of previous games and why people are giving him such a hard time.
Cory | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
All sarcasm Repent … lol.
Mateo | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
I honestly think that Staal has earned all the grief we are giving him. After all… he signed that huge contract. He has been tabbed as the “face of the franchise.” They say he is the “future captain.” and so on….
If Staal is not scoring then he is not contributing. He is not hitting. He isn’t passing worth crap. He has been relatively flat in most of his shifts for the past month (of longer). If he is injured to the point where he can only stand around then he needs to take himself out of the lineup for whatever time he needs to heal…
And to compare the slump is in to the one Sammy has been going through is like comparing Apples to Oranges. Sammy has never been expected to be a team leader… not expected to be the face of the franchise…. not expected to be the future captain… doesn’t even wear a letter on his sweater… There is not a comparison in my opinion. Even when he wasn’t scoring or getting assist he was skating well and working hard and providing some lift for his line mates and the rest of the team….
Staal needs to step up or sit out until he can contribute.
Jonathan | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Last night was a good game. We got great skating from the guys and finally had a fun game to watch. Unfortunatly about half the stadium was empty, even with all the people that came just to get the buy one get one ticket free.
Staal I think skated a little better. He did try to force things I think a bit much but all in all, good effort.
As far as Ward goes, I think he is back in full form. I havent read to much from you guys that were calling for his head even as late as last week. I think he finally got a full team back in front of him and he has stepped up to the plate. Any comments from the ex or current Ward “haters”?
hotchipsnsalsa | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Looks like people went from hating Ward to Lavi and now Staal. You gotta love it. People are just not happy unless they can find somebody to constantly beat up. Staal is going to get out of this slump and then people will find somebody else to pick on. Too bad Tanaabe is not around any more because that would have made it too easy.
Caron | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Jonathan
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, the Wardo lovers usually do. We have all said that Ward is not consistant, 2 good games, doesn’t make you the “great one”. Ward has done this in the past over a few weeks only to regress to being “stressed” again and suck. Get back to me in 10 games, hopefully you will be right because that would be good for the team and organization.
hotchipsnsalsa
Go to the Montreal message board, you think we are brutal here, they have the same legitimate complaints with their team and players expecations as we do with our “franchise players”. Staal doing “a little better” doesn’t cut it when you are being paid and expected to do what he is paid to do. This is a business and he is failing to produce his worth so far. I will and several others will be doing the same until he proves he’s worth the millions he deposits in his bank. You can take that to the bank.
Jonathan | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Caron,
I dont see how you say 2 good games for Ward. Do you think that is all he has had this year? I would expect the answer to be no.
I would be willing to say he has had many more good games then the couple of sub-par performances. And I dont think he has had bad GAMES, I think he has had a couple of bad minutes. All in all, I think he and the team has made the turn through the tough part of the season that all teams go through, well all but the Red Wings.
Jonathan | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
By the way, I am not a “Wardo lover”, I just think that he has taken unnecessary heat from some people on here. I think about half of his losses including the Atlanta one should have been put on Gleason and Wallin. They had a couple of game stretch where they were turning pucks over and Ward was left helpless in the net.
I personally like you hope that he continues his great playing because as you said, it will be good for him and the organization.
Paladin6 | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
I still hate Lavi….
A
repenttokyo | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Cory - I was thinking maybe it applied to his coaching record, which is of course open for debate.
repenttokyo | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Also, guys, don’t use montreal fans as any kind of barometer of devotion - they are behind their team, win or tie.
SamsonovFan | Nov 19, 2008 | Reply
Still excited about the team effort last night….. Seems like the passion was there (Ruuu!)…… Have to give a lot of credit to how Lavi responded to this situation over the last week (psychologically with the team and working them and being hard in practice but then being positive the next days) as well as the subtle but much needed adjustments on the ice that he made (system). The style is exciting but will still bite us from time to time and I do think there are a few issues that the opposition has scouted perfectly. Regardless, I have to point out the positive and give credit where it is due. Maybe I have to be more patient, but I think we are all passionate and sensitive, given last year and the year before……. Much thanks again, Bubba for those live links. I spent a lot of time searching myself but could not find them. Jeez, TSN’s Canadian hockey coverage is incredible, even the camera mixing is much better……. Timely article on Canes.com quoting JR and bolstering public confidence in Lavi. You have to admit, the Canes are a class-act organization through-and-through. Also have to appreciate how the NHL and each team gives a lot of access. New content and videos all the time. “Hurricanes Report” on the Canes website each week (Francis was great this week discussing prospects). The NHL is really trying hard to support and serve us fans - and grow the sport.