We're less than an hour away from the press conference introducing Kirk Muller as the Hurricanes' new head coach, and with a game tomorrow against the Florida Panthers -- one of his former teams -- he won't have much time to get his feet on the ground.
In the short term, though, there are two areas where he may be able to have a major, immediate impact on the Hurricanes: the power play, and Eric Staal.
In five seasons as an assistant coach in Montreal, under three different head coaches, Muller was popular with players and established himself as a solid Xs and Os coach and power-play innovator, but one who could never become head coach because he didn’t speak French -- an unofficial but critical consideration in that market. (Just as being friends with Peter Karmanos and Jim Rutherford is an unofficial but critical consideration in this market.)
Given his work on the power play there -- Montreal was seventh in the NHL last year and second two years ago -- it will be interesting to see what Muller does with the raw material on Carolina’s miserable power play, among the worst in the NHL. A combination of Staal, Jeff Skinner, Jussi Jokinen, Joni Pitkanen and, yes, Tomas Kaberle should give him something to work with there.
Perhaps more important will be his relationship with Staal, who is enduring the most difficult season of his career. The Canes need more production and more leadership from their captain, and they need it soon.
Muller scored 357 NHL goals in his 19-season career. He was the No. 2 pick in the draft. He won a Stanley Cup. He twice served as captain. If anyone knows what Staal is going through, it’s Muller.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
face offs
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 16:32 — gmwannabeeThe first thing Muller can do is watch how many times our centers get tossed out of the circle. Just a small thing like that needs to be addressed and corrected. Every game I watch to see it happen, it usually occurs the ensuing face off. Just make believe it is knock- hockey and be patient.
NHL Article
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 09:53 — Caniac5There is an article on the NHL website that clearly marks the 6 things Muller should address ( http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=603607 ). After reading the article, I totally agree with them and wonder why MO let these (well most) issues go unaddressed. But...it was MO!
I think Muller will have much support from friends in the hockey world to help him see things MO did not. He is our coach now so support from the fans is greatly needed in allowing him to experiment with the players and their abilities.
Go Canes and welcome aboard Coach Muller!!!!
Bobby Ryan; Dustin Brown; Zack Parise Moving to the Next Level
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 09:15 — abramsdougThere are at least three players who could move the Hurricanes to the next level by Peter Karmanos, Jr. allowing Jim Rutherford to significantly increase the salary budget:
1. Bobby Ryan; 2. Dustin Brown; 3. Zach Parise.
All three have been mentioned in the media as potentially available. Apparently, the Ducks are now shopping Bobby Ryan. spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/11/29/nhl-trade-rumors-november-29-2011/
In conjunction with the hiring of Kirk Muller, a major trade would make an important statement about the direction of the Hurricanes franchise. A young, blue chip first line forward who is NHL proven elevates the Hurricanes. It is expensive; and only Peter Karmanos, Jr. can make it happen.
Ducks
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 11:12 — CanarseQuite a few names from the Ducks have been bantered around. I've heard Getzlaf as well. Ryan has been pretty disappointing this season especially since, when I've watched him, he's been playing with Corey Perry.
Then again, who would you trade to get one of these players? Staal, Ward? Other than those two you would probably have to package the Canes first round pick with a couple of players. No way Anaheim accepts Kaberle, LaRose, etc.
It's all a gues; but I
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 12:27 — abramsdougIt's all a gues; but I imagine it would take Canes first round pick and McBain or Boychuk, for example.
it's all a guess, but i
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 13:27 — louis12580My guess is that they'd ask about Faulk first, or maybe Dumoulin. Given my druthers, McBain. Over/under on a trade by the end of the upcoming road trip? Take the under.
Heat!!!
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 22:16 — B11656JR got the Heat off for a week or two. I hope He will let this guy coach and run the roster the way He sees fit. Same staff? intact? We will see. Go find a forward to help Staal. Those of You that bash Him can have at it. The Man has had no help. He is getting beat to death, no separation at all. We will see. Maybe not tomorrow night, but soon. Now see if Rutherford backs up any on roster improvement, My guess. He will. He will come up with some budget BS. What, almost 14M under the cap......
What do you mean ... he's
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 22:41 — ynotagainWhat do you mean ... he's had no help ! He's been able to skate with every damn forward on the team this year. And none have fit with him ? The problem is a Staal problem. Hell, you see it when he finally get's back into the D position, just after the other team scores. He's playing lazy .... new coach will fix that !
You don't know Dick.
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 00:26 — B11656He has been beat to hell. Triangled, covered by three or four sometimes down the board. No and I mean no separation. Maybe You are a whiner. A PM fan.
what do you mean....he's
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 23:52 — louis12580had no help. Exactly what the previous poster yo're replying to said. Staal has not had anyone who compliments him and what he brings. This team, as currently compromised, is bereft of true talent at the forward position. Name anyone, besides Skinner, that ican be construed as a 30 goal scorer? Anyone? Can't do it. Playing someone with Staal for a token game, or part of a game is no help to either party. Hearing some of Jim's comments today about a lack of cohesion amongst the players is far more alarming to me and should be to the rest of the fans. This team always prided itself in the bond they had with each other and that has seriously eroded. There were comments that even the wives weren't as close as with the previous groups. Maybe Muller's appointment can help patch up any differences. If not, Jim stated that he will address the situation summarily.
Character
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 00:36 — CanarseThese are Jim Rutherford's players. If there is a problem he doesn't have to go far to see the reason. The Hurricanes have done a good job over the years having good character players. I'm thinking they may have slipped in that area over the past year or so. Is it the lack of successful veterans? Maybe. Is it the guy wearing the C on his chest? Maybe. I'm not in the room, so I don't know.
Just because Staal doesn't have quality linemates doesn't excuse the things he is doing wrong on the ice.
Lack of Cohesion
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 00:03 — abramsdougI have never seen Jim Rutherford so intense, and frankly angry, with the lack of team cohesion and the lack of ultimate effort by some of the players. Rutherford's comments about the lack of willingness to do anything it takes to win was alarming.
We've discussed some of the issues facing Muller in detail. Muller seems to have the attention of the organization and almost certainly the players. If Muller can bring along the young prospects, the Hurricanes will be in fine shape.
I will take up for the core
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 00:46 — B11656I will take up for the core of this team. Paul Maurice lost this group a couple of years ago. Look into the eyes. They were beat before the puck dropped last night. If JR doesn't leave this guy alone and let Him build, He will fail. It is a statement that all of the assistants are doing a good job and are not going to be dismissed. Control people, with a twist. Why do you think Ronnie, Glenn and Rod are kept a step below. They don't want to be told how to coach a team. What JR does in the next 2 weeks will tell the tale. I still will wait to see. But anyone Who blames Staal on His start is wrong, plain and simple
The Core Team is Excellent
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 08:16 — abramsdougI have a couple of different views. Fundamentally, I like the core team very much. In fact, I like this entire team. Perhaps with the exception of Kaberle who seems to be coasting; but sittler27 believes Kaberle can be rejuvenated and I defer to sittler27, I like the entire team. Forslund also seems to believe Kaberle can find his game.
With Staal, Ward, Skinner, Brandon Sutter, Ruutu, Jokinen, Pitkanen, Faulk, McBain, Gleason, Allen, Harrison, and Brent, the talent is there to put together a competitive team. Add Ponikarovsky, Stewart, Tlusty, and Joslin and there is even more depth already on the roster. LaRose and Dwyer fill third/fourth line roles quite competently.
The problem was and continues to be finding top end foward talent to replace Cole. Similarly, the problem is also finding a style that matches the skill sets of the players. As one looks at the defense, there is no a Shea Weber, who is big, fast, physical but also an offensive terror. Pitkanen has the skill set to be a dominating defenseman; and he is playing excellent hockey this season.
What I hope Muller will bring is a fresh set of eyes and perspective; as well as the willingness to make tough calls and to put players in roles where they can excel. Cole's replacement is not likely to come from a trade because the cost is going to be too high. I think Cole's replacement will have to come from the development of Dalpe, Boychuk, Rask or the addition of an elite forward in the draft.
I appreciate your input DOUG but...
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 14:34 — Caniac5I have to disagree with you on Pitkanen. He has made some horrible passes that led to the other team scoring. He is not physical and chases the puck leaving his partner to defend the crease alone. He and Kaberle are total disappointments to me.
As far as Staal goes, some state that he has been doubled and tripled teamed. Well, if that's the case, it leaves one or two players open waiting for a pass. Don't get me wrong, I use to like Staal but the end of last season and the beginning of this one, he as severely declined in talent. Some say it's due to the hit he put on his brother but that's hockey! I say we are making too many excuses for the $6mil+ player that is the team captain. His job as captain is not just to look good in front of the camera or make appearances in public. His job is to motivate the team. (Notice I did not talk about his points?) Players go through highs and lows and maybe he is just in low right now. But that does not dismiss his duties as Captain by motivating on the ice, leading by example, or arguing bad calls with the refs. He is sloppy in his play, slow to get up and down the ice as well as off the ice. It looks like he cusses at the refs rather than discussing his postion. If he is surrounded by the other team, he typlically makes bad passes or gives the puck up.
What Staal needs, IMHO, is to get back to basics first. Work on his strengths like skating and shooting. Practice does not just consist of drills. It consists of knowing your weakness and staying over to work on it. If he can't make the cut on the top line, move him down to the second line to work against the second string defensemen. There are many ways to fix issues but you have to have determination and I just don't see that in Staal anymore.
Well, enough of my ranting. I am merely a fan that doesn't like what he sees in Staal but knows there is still talent there. He just has to have the will power and determination to succeed.
Um...
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 16:16 — richardfoc"As far as Staal goes, some state that he has been doubled and tripled teamed. Well, if that's the case, it leaves one or two players open waiting for a pass."
The first part of your statement kind of makes the second part of your statement a rather tough task. And when you consider that Staal is being double and triple teamed by some of the best players on the other team passing to the open player becomes even more difficult...especially if they are simply waiting for the pass and not coming to help Staal.
Double/Triple team...
Tue, 11/29/2011 - 16:44 — CanarseThat's bunk. The last couple weeks he has been playing with Skinner who is by far the biggest offensive threat on the Hurricanes. There is no way on earth anyone leaves Skinner to cover Staal. Has Staal produced? Nope. It's pretty easy to see problems with Staal's game and until he fixes that he'll continue to struggle. Muller's advice to Staal, as reported, seems to be solid. Play hard, play the right way and don't try to do it all yourself.
Hopefully...
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 23:06 — CanarseHopefully the change in coach and system will energize the players. That is a short term effect you hope you get from a coaching change. Long term the players on this team do need to be more accountable for their performance, and Eric Staal is example number one. I agree that Staal needs help. He needs a creative player to help him get quality opportunities. Still, Staal is responsible for many of the things that have contributed to this slump. Lazy backchecking, long shifts, and flying the defensive zone early have nothing to do with who his linemates happen to be. If Staal chooses to play the game the way he has been playing it lately he'll continue to be detriment to the team no matter the players they get to play with him.
Let's look back a little
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 21:49 — sftwareguyFor supporting Staal-
Cole - gone
Stillman - gone
Whitney - gone
Cullen - gone
the list goes on. He needs someone on the line to take some of the defense off him and can make the passes. Let's give him a break here.
Stifled
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 21:47 — lewpulsThe first problem on the PP was that Mo stifled creativity. He wanted robotic players. That might work for defense but certainly not for offense. A PP needs creativity. It sounds like Muller wants to "turn players loose", and I think that's likely to result in an improved PP.
First things first
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 21:46 — gmwannabeeLet Muller spend a week or two observing all things. I am glad the move was made today. But what I applaud JR for is going outside the box for a coach who seems outgoing, up front, and something I have not seen from Maurice or Laviolette: he laughs. I do not care what profession you are in, if your boss can laugh some, it loosens everyone else. It also makes employees work harder for bosses like that imo. He seems like a guy who will listen and can also offer some advice from HIS experience over the years. I like the fact that Daniels can keep working with the talent in Charlotte and maybe when they are called up, they will be given a different role and a chance to succeed and build confidence for themselves and the team. I will not look right away for stats from our powerplay or if Staal becomes a goal a game man this week. I could care less about that as a fan right now. I personally think it will all start in a area we do not see or hear about much. PRACTICE. I do not care what sport it is, you are only as good as you practice.It is obvious from the words from JR today. If the players do not get with the program, they are gone. I also think management has the responsibility to allow Muller to play the young speedy players he must have his eye on from Charlotte. If Daniels is doing the unsung work to groom them, let Muller get them in the lineup here. The best teams truly have 4 lines folks. It is how you use them that matters. I still think they need a veteran forward for this team to have for the young guys. Good Job JR.
Impact
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 20:38 — scomilMy opinion is that Muller will have more of an impact on the defense and the power play than in what he does with Staal. Staal would benefit more from putting Pitkanen on his wing. Have fun with that one.
LETS BE HONEST
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 18:59 — RPadiPlease tell me what other NHL team will have Chad Larouse on their first line, or any of the other wings that Stall is playing with... Now put the current Stall line against Chara, Pronger or any #1 defensive duo on the NHL.
The truth is that it is very easy to shut down ONE player on the NHL, before we keep judging Stall lets get him some #1 quality wings to play with and then we can see what is he made off.
PLEASE don't get me wrong: I love the hard work and grit that Larouse brings to the game but we had the same with Craig Adams and he was a fourth line player.
Please Mr. Karmanos lets get serious and start to invest in this team to be competitive!
Eric and the captaincy
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 18:44 — louis12580People need to realize something about Eric. He cares very much. Just because he's not firey on ice (like Rod) doesn't mean he's not a voice in the room. Not all people are alike. We have differing personalities. Understand that, grasp it, wrap your brains around that. I was able to hear an interview earlier this afternoon with Aaron Ward and he thinks that part of Eric's problem is not having that veteran presence in the room to bounce some ideas off. Not having a Whitney, a Stillman, a Recchi does make a difference on the ice and especially off the ice. Taking the "C" off his jersey as some suggest is probably the worst thing they could do to/for him. Putting a real forward with him would help immensely. As for the power play, Joni and Faulk on first unit, McBain and Harrison on the other. At least they will shoot the puck, rather than pass it every time. More than one can say about Kaberle at the moment.
STALL and the C
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 18:22 — in2jazz"Rutherford says they will not remove the C from Eric Stall. That's good, otherwise his name would be Eri Stall."
Staal
Mon, 11/28/2011 - 17:50 — canesehPress box looks good.