Staff photo by Chris Seward
RALEIGH — The Flyers' Jeff Carter scored the winner off of a faceoff with 1:26 left in overtime for a 2-1 win Saturday at RBC Center. From the right circle, Carter fired the unassisted goal.
The puck had bounced over Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton's right and found the net.
"It kind of dropped there in an unlucky spot," said Hurricanes forward Ray Whitney, in Leighton's defense. "You certainly can't put the game on that goal for him."
Leighton certainly looked better than he did on Thursday, when he gave up five goals to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He had some quality stops mixed in with his 29 saves.
The Canes lost their third straight and second straight since making the coaching change. They have now lost their last five home games. The Canes' last win was against the Flyers last Friday, when Sergei Samsonov won the game in overtime at the Wachovia Center.
Though Carolina salvaged a point in the overtime loss, it is now six points behind the Washington Capitals in the Southeast Division. Washington beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 Saturday.
The Hurricanes finish their four-game home stand Sunday against the Capitals in a 5 p.m. start.
Also, the Hurricanes health issues got worse in the game, when they lost defenseman Niclas Wallin to a lower body injury after a big hit in the third period.
Maurice was not hopeful he'd be available for the Capitals.
Flyers 1, Hurricanes 1 (third period):
Sergei Samsonov ties the game in the first minute of the third period on some nice passing, starting with Joni Pitkanen, who dropped the puck down to Ray Whitney on the left circle. Whitney passed accross to Samsonov on the opposite circle and he fired at the :55 mark. ...
Carolina's Wade Brookbank kept his fighting streak going. He went to fisticuffs in both of the first two contests against the Philly this season. Tonight, he and Riley Cote went at it, in what was close to a draw, if Brookbank didn't land the hardest blows. Less than a minute later, Carolina call-up Tim Conboy took a swing at Darroll Powe, but that was broken up before anybody ended up in the box. ...
The Flyers score their 11th short-handed goal of the season (they lead the NHL in that category). Simon Gagne beat the Carolina defense on the blue line and got the puck to Mike Richards, all alone, who easily get the puck past Michael Leighton at 3:59 mark of the first period. It's also the 12th contest in a row in which the Hurricanes allowed their opponent to score the first goal. They are 4-7-0 in the last 11 games. ...
Here are the starting lines:
Sergei Samsonov, Eric Staal, Tuomo Ruutu
Ray Whitney, Rod Brind'Amour, Patrick Eaves
Ryan Bayda, Matt Cullen, Justin Williams
Wade Brookbank, Brandon Sutter, Chad LaRose
Here are the scratches: Frantisek Kaberle, Scott Walker, Cam Ward. ...
Russ Newberry, a deckhand and crab fisherman from Alaska's Bering Sea, will sound the siren tonight. Newberry works on Time Bandit, one of the crab vessels on Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch show.
"I'm the son of a son of a sailor," said Newberry, who said many Alaskans such as himself resist the temptation to root for Canada NHL teams. "We're U.S. of A."
That prompted him to root for the now relocated Minnesota North Stars, when he grew up. Now he's a Carolina Hurricanes fan, he said. He has been friends with the Hurricanes' team doctor, Jay Stevens, for 20 years.
Last year, he was still fishing at this time of the year, but the Time Bandit did well this year and boated some 250,000 pounds of crabs in 35 days.
Javier Serna has covered sports for The News & Observer since 2007. He previously covered growth for the North Raleigh News, and sports at The Truth in Elkhart, Ind. E-mail 
Comments
No Thank you!!!
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 13:33 — lmit61Being a huge fan of the canes & hockey in general I'm still learning the game.So any clarification of play's ect. are welcome!Just call me a frustrated yet hopeful fan.Been a STH for 3 years and it seems were on a down hill slope on greased ski's but hopefully there will be a net at the end....(with a puck in it!) Hope everyone can show up today to cheer on the canes you know have a Kum ba ya moment!
GO CANES!!!!!!!!
Your Welcome and Thank You!
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 13:13 — CanesRBoringYour welcome and thank you for being able to see past my screen name and realize that this time I was really just trying to clarify a little about the dump and chase while not trying to sound all "hoity-toity" and not to create drama.
Unfortunately most peeps find it difficult to realize other people have differing views.
Re: Brind'Amour & Staal
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 08:44 — NetMinderThe assertion that the poor play of Brind'Amour and Staal is the primary reason for the Canes' record this year is ridiculous. Something is definitely wrong with Brind'Amour and Staal is probably playing hurt, but it's our defense that's killing us. We can't get the puck out of our own zone, we pinch at the wrong time, we turn the puck over in the neutral zone ... one defensive lapse after another. Gleason, Seidenberg, Kaberle and Ward are on the shelf. That leaves us with a wounded Wallin, two offensive defensemen, Corvo and Pitkanen, and the lovely and talented Anton Babchuk. We are where we are in the standings because our "D" in a word sucks. Injuries aside, if you want to talk about poor play, look no further than the blue line.
Everyone can be correct.
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 10:26 — ctillEveryone can be correct. The D is scary -- not only does it leak at crucial moments and fail to advance the puck, it hasn't been scoring much recently. One can also say with justification that we're not getting the production we expect from Brind'amour and Staal. Further, one can say with justification that Ward and Leighton have been disappointments.
With a home record of 6 wins and 9 losses, the blame is widely spread. That's near the bottom of the league in win-at-home percentage, so far this season. No surprise that the fans are crabby.
Brind'Amour Statistics from www.nhl.com
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 14:02 — abramsdougI realize nothing is worse than lying statistics, but I went to www.nhl.com to see where Brind'Amour stood in terms of +/-. Unfortunately for him and the Hurricanes, his -22 is the worst in the NHL. The next worst players, using the +/- statistic, are Eric Brewer at -15 (St. Louis Blues) and Brad Boyles (St. Louis Blues. The next worst center is Andy McDonald at -12 (also St. Louis Blues). Steven Stamkos is the third worst with a -11 (Tampa Bay). I tried to copy the chart below.
-10
-11
-11
-11
-11
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-22
+2 aginst Caps, moving up.
Mon, 12/08/2008 - 14:32 — CanenutCaptin Roddy +2 = Canes win. Staal scores = Canes win.
Whitney scores = Canes win.
We, the fans, know what has to be done to get W's it is a matter of the players going out and doing what needs to be done.
Dump & Chase lesson!
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 08:41 — lmit61Thanks for the dump & chase lesson CanesRBoring. You make some really good points!Several points to be exact. I guess I'm just grasping for pucks to enter the net. I'm pretty sure Brindy & Staal are playing hurt. Maybe they need to warm a bench somewhere to recoup & MO could call up some young AHL BIG BODIES to fill their positions for a while...see what happens.AT this point I shiver to think...how much worse it can get! In all sincerity thanks for the lesson!
Eric Staal
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 08:39 — jrowThis Hurricanes team is badly structured. With Cole and Stillman shipped off in exchange for puck moving defensemen, Staal is less effective. Is anyone really surprised? I have been watching Jordan Staal recently. I think that Eric is essentially the same type of player-not someone who can carry a team. Along side the big Penguin guns Jordan does all kinds of necessary and not so flashy things to make the team better. Eric would be more productive if he were not looked upon to be the star. The idea that Eric is in the Crosby echelon in the league is hype and can only be dangerous if the hockey people in Raleigh start to believe it...and I think this is just what happened when Cole and Stillman were traded. Now we have some puck movers on the blue line and Eric just has to been the big star up front(His "supporting" cast is a collection of 20 goal men_a major feat,but not enough without 40+ from somebody).It is too much pressure. Samsonov and he are not really as good a fit as we are being told. I suggest that Staal might revivify his game if he quit being a star and hovered around the crease where his size is an asset and his skill at puck control can be best used. I also invite all fans to join me in proclaiming that the fired coach was less responsible for this disappointing team than the management of the franchise. Can they get better? Yes.
Staal as Work Horse and Not a Super Star
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 09:12 — abramsdougI agree with JROW that it is a mistake to consider Staal anywhere close to the true superstars of the NHL. In head to head games with Crosby or Ovechkin, the superstars have schooled Staal. His observation that Staal needs to get in front of the net and do the dirty work is absolutely right. I also agree that Staal is not meshing as well as one would hope with Samsonov and Ruutu. I would like to see Cullen tried for some shifts with Samsonov and Ruutu to see if their productivity will increase. With regard to Cole, I understand completely how important it is for Staal to have somebody else carry the load; but I disagree that Cole was an essential part of that equation. Cole now has three goals, five assists, for eight points for Edmonton. Cole is also -3. If he had those numbers for the Hurricanes, I know I'd be screaming that he was not playing well. I am convinced that Staal is playing hurt; and his performance is being impacted by those injuries. What we can expect from Staal is that he be the emotional leader of the team and give total effort every shift without whining or sulking. Staal can use this season to grow as a leader. The Hurricanes are still in the hunt for the playoffs, despite injuries, a coaching change, and some truly pathetic game efforts. Staal needs to take over this team and turn it on beginning tonight against Ovechkin and the Capitals.
Better than Thursday
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 07:57 — ctillBetter than Thursday... almost competitive with a .500 team.
I wonder if we'll see Peters in goal this afternoon. And if Wallin can't play, I wonder if Brookbank will be converted to emergency D or Rodney will be called up.
The last two games
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 00:13 — lmit61At least I've seen much improvement in what seems to be somewhat of a game plan. I'm seeing so much less (dump & chase) hockey. The players are actually passing the puck to oneanother. Its kind of funny because they almost seem akward doing it!What I would like to see more of is if your going to dump the puck atleast aim for the net and charge in for rebound opportunities. It still seems we seldom have anyone in front of the net.Put some bodies in front of their goaltender like they do ours! Trust me .... it works for them! Even though we have not won the past two games under MO... I'll have to give him credit for Improvement...Rome wasn't built in a day & the CANES have been a HOT MESS for a while !
Peace Out!
I really Havn't seen any improvement
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 02:03 — CanesRBoringJust a little info, and really I am not trying to be a pain in the butt, well at least not this time...:)
Normally in a dump and chase, the puck carrier dumps the puck in the corners to push the defensemen back from the blueline. Then the dumping team out hussles the defensemen to the puck in order to establish control through a cycle in the corners. After a successful cycle an outlet pass is used at a cutting (preferrably a foward) skater charging the net.
Dumping towards the net is not effective, especially if the goalie decides to hold the puck.
Now a slapshot towards the net while other players are crashing towards the the net is usually used once the zone has been established.
As for having a Cane in front of the net (which is usually the Center), well that requires player size which the Canes sorely lack. I mean Sutter is a 170lbs. and maybe if you believe the Cane website a 175lbs. No way could he sustain pressure in front of the net. Cullen, no way. Brindy...too short. Staal could, but I don't think he would risk another opportunity at a GQ photo shot. Besides it has not been the Cane style of hockey since who knows when.
The Canes have never established control through physicality, they use small dudes with speed. Some find it exciting. As for me, you might have guessed, I find it boring.
Whatever you say...
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 10:05 — wxray1Of course, your axe is grinding, Mr/Ms "boring". But things changed. Although the pass to Whitney was an accident, that pass to Sergie -- who actually converted -- was excellent. There were also some snappy neutral zone passes, one which was nullified by offsides, a continued problem that they need to address.
As for dumping to the net... It can be effective, especially at home. If they need a line change, dumping to the net and rushing the goalie to get him to freeze it, results in a stoppage, a face-off in the zone, and last choice on line selection. If used in the right situations, it can be good.
Can you see the forest through the trees?
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 14:10 — CanesRBoringI have had a so called axe to grind with this team from the beggining and that seems to surprise you? However, I was not grinding one here. I was actually attempting to help clarify one aspect of the dump and chase.
I added some obvious statements as to why I thought the Canes were boring because it supported the topic of dump and chase. That type of play has been the staple of Canes play precisely because they have the speedsters to do it (somewhat)effectively. I stated that that type of play bores me and it should be no surprise to you given my screen name. But if one looks beyond the simple distraction of a name and an opinion, one would see that I was sincerely trying to clarify a certain aspect of the game I love.
As for your belief that a team dumps the puck towards the net allowing the oppossing goalie total puck control which would also allow him to quickly outlet a pass to his wingers whilst the now vulnerable dumping team goes for a line change is effective as opposed to dumping the puck deep in the corners, I suggest you go to the Canes website and ask a knowledgeable person about that since I am sure you wouldn't believe anything I say because I am currently not a Cane fan.
Take a step back and the forest is a sight to behold!
You missed my point
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 19:57 — wxray1I won't try to explain, I must have done a bad job to start with. I think one of the Boring trees hit me on the head.
Have a good one, Boring.
The Good ?, Bad ? & the Oh So Ugly
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 05:19 — esteban1949The Good: Samsonov,WIlliams,Sutter & LaRose,Corvo yet again played well. Even Sutter got in the middle of a few Philly Faces when the need arose. The bad: poor passing,poor forechecking, the defence when the flyers would get the puck backed up too soon as there were 6 times when a cane player could have been 2 -3 steps closer ( defensive retreating), the flyers wouldn't have gotten out of their zone with the puck. meaning we could have had more shots on goal. The Ugly: the TWC timing of the stupid commericals.Sigh...I know 2 people who have Sat services. one direct & one dishnetwork, and they tell me that their service is also jam packed full of commericals. And what was even uglier than that was Mo's & Tripp's neckties... And here i was going to ask Santa for one ticket for a homegame for christmas...if he does give it to me, I'll give it to some kid on the Salvation Army's Angel tree, he'll appreciate more than i would. Rat lost too, but the WHL Huricanes won !! And JR sat in his box and looked as happy as someone who needed a double dose of "pepto"...I wonder if it's too early to start cheering on the Mudcats ???
don't worry
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 10:48 — rmmeliI was there and I missed that last goal as well :(
Hey rmmeli
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 12:31 — esteban1949what was last nights attendence ? And i wonder how many will show up this evening ? I'll be with my next door neighbor and he and i will probably watch the Panthers, as he is a big fan of theirs...he looks funny in a old Kerry Collins Jersey...hehehe :)
attendance
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 15:17 — rmmeli14.061 and if you believe that then do you believe in Father Christmas? :) There were a lot of empty seats from what I could see.
I agree, abramsdoug.....
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 23:51 — bulldog424As a Hartford Whaler fan dating back to 1979 (and still living in Connecticut) and an avid Hurricane fan since 97-98...I really gotta hand it to "abramsdoug" for his recent analysis of this team. Because I am relegated to watching via NHL.com right now, I have confidence that "abramsdoug" is relaying quality analysis of this team's performance...particularly Brind'Amour's declining contributions. But I must say that tonight's game, though mildly disappointing, was at LEAST a small step forward. I had hoped for 5 points in Mo's first 4 games....it's still not out of the question. Believe me, folks, this is NOT the Hartford Whalers I lived and died with in the early 80's.....our Hurricanes can still do amazing things this year! DON'T turn on this team....go out Sunday and SUPPORT the 'Canes!!!
'
Brind'Amour and Staal
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 23:19 — abramsdougJust back from the game. It was a much better effort; but seriously, what other center could be -22 and giving away pucks right and left without being benched? I realize Brind'Amour is a hall of fame player; but this season, he would be either a fourth line player or in the AHL. He is simply not healthy enough to be playing; and to lose the face-off tonight with under two minutes in overtime is totally unacceptable. Tonight Brind'Amour was -2 (both goals) and that gives him a grand total of -22. Williams just came back from similar surgery; and he is impressive. Staal played with much more heart; but he is still not showing any signs of offensive quickness. I imagine Staal is playing hurt because there is no way he would be struggling this way if 100% healthy. Surely Maurice will bring Brind'Amour into a video room and let the video speak for itself. Brind'Amour can't possibly believe his play this season is up to his own standards of excellence. The simple truth is that the poor play by Brind'Amour and Staal are primary reasons for the poor record of the Hurricanes; and ultimately their under-performance was a significant reason for the circumstances that resulted in Laviolette's firing. The least Brind'Amour can do is put his team first and request that Maurice hold down his minutes unitl he is truly ready to play.
Staal wincing in pain
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 10:07 — wxray1After a minor hit, Staal was wincing in pain, holding that shoulder.
I won't be surprised to see an announcement on April 13th about upcoming surgery.
agree
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 12:20 — rmmeliI assume Staal is playing injured and rest will not fix it. It needs surgery and either they do it now (in which case his season is over) or later when they have not made it into the playoffs.
rest Brindy
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 00:35 — Nico37I agree about Brind'Amour. He's obviously not his "old" self.
I would present it this way: he's out there giving %100 effort (no one doubts that) & playing in pain I'm sure. And we're losing. So rest him a few games - at least 4 or 5.
As much as some people complain about Staal, at least he's not actively hurting the team while he's not scoring. Rod Brind'Amour has the worst +/- in the ENTIRE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE. I mean, that is just shocking!!! It's also unacceptable, and it sure isn't due to lack of effort.
So look, we're already losing w/ Brindy in the lineup. What's the worst that could happen if he doesn't play a few games - we lose w/out him? On the other hand, he could do serious, long-term damage to his body if he's playing w/ an injury, and that's bad for everyone involved. If we're gonna lose, then let's at least give some other boys a chance to step up & hopefully avoid permanent damage to Roddy.
faceoff's
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 10:46 — rmmeliHe still wins the majority of his faceoff's which is about all he is contributing. You can't fault his effort just that he doesn't seem to have it anymore. I agree though, will Maurice do anything or leave the status quo? That is the bigger question.
faceoffs
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 17:50 — Nico37The faceoff I remember best from last night: the one he lost in OT to Carter - who seconds later scored the winning goal.
broadcast
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 23:13 — ncsurveygirlNice job on the part of TWC and/or FSN, it was great to see the play that was going on interrupted by commercials.
Slipping
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 22:55 — coultersSlipping away!
Did you really just use a
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 22:51 — John_BurnsDid you really just use a third of your post talking about the guy who turned the siren?
WHERE IS LUKE DECOCK????
Great job, Mr. Maurice.
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 22:21 — antGreat job, Mr. Maurice. Excellent way to kill the momentum with a poorly timed time-out!!
The puck was in OUR end, we had momentum, and you decide you want to have a little chat??
Has Peter Laviolette left town yet??
He had to
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 22:33 — larikatHe only had three defensemen that he was shifting at that time, and all three were whiped out. He had to call a time out. He ha dno one left who had any wind.
Poorly used TO
Sat, 12/06/2008 - 22:42 — Puckin_awesomeMy issue isn't just that he called a momentum-killing TO, but that during the break, he and Francis chatted with each other. They didn't say a damn word to the players. I don't care what you say! Do your job, coaches! How 'bout, "Hey, on the face off, someone cover the net!"
Brilliant move!
Because they needed rest!
Sun, 12/07/2008 - 07:57 — wxray1Sheesh, it was just to rest the guys! He didn't need to talk. Wallin was down. They were playing hard.
I thought it was well placed. I was happy with Mo's decisions last night. Give the guy a break!