The Carolina Hurricanes' Patrick Dwyer had a pair of shorthanded goals, the second on a penalty shot early in the third period, Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
As Canes coach Paul Maurice said, two shorties in a game usually are "good enough to get you there."
But not against the Flyers. Claude Giroux had two goals and an assist, just missing a hat trick, and Sergei Bobrovsky made enough saves as the Flyers held on for a 5-3 victory at the RBC Center.
"It's nice to get 'em. I knew I wasn't going to go all year without scoring," Dwyer said of his first two goals of the season. "It would be nice to get a 'W,' too."
Dwyer, who scored his first "shortie" with less than a second to play in the first period, picked up the penalty-shot "shortie" with 15:24 left in regulation for the Canes (6-9-3). But Matt Read's goal in the final four minutes clinched it for the Flyers (10-4-3).
Dwyer, who had the first two-goal game of his career, was the first Hurricanes player to score two shorthanded goals in game since Justin Williams on April 7, 2006.
"Just constant energy, constant motion," Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said of Giroux, who has 11 goals this season. "A desire, a passion to win those one-on-one battles to get space, to get the room, to beat somebody. It's amazing to watch him."
Giroux rifled a shot past Cam Ward at 2:45 of the second to give the Flyers a 3-1 lead. Giroux got off another shot that got past Ward -- and ended the game for the Canes goalie -- but Wayne Simmonds was ruled to have touched the puck and got the goal.
Tuomo Ruutu scored for the Canes in the second to trim the Flyers' lead to 4-2. Jeff Skinner, playing his 100th career game, passed to Jussi Jokinen, who got the puck back to Ruutu in the right circle for the goal. It was Ruutu's third goal in the last two games.
With Brian Boucher steady in net, the Canes began to make a move. Dwyer's penalty shot, the Canes' first successful one this season, made it 4-3 at 4:36 of the third.
"The guys have confidence in Brian coming off the bench or starting a game," Maurice said.
The Canes were trailing the Flyers 2-0 late in the first period and the Flyers on a power play. Advantage, Flyers?
It didn't turn out that way. The Canes' Patrick Dwyer knocked the puck away from James van Riemsdyk near the blue line, then scored on a two-on-one pass from Eric Staal for a shorthanded score.
Dwyer's first goal of the season came with nine-tenths of a second remaining in the period, giving the Canes a needed boost going into the intermission break after the Flyers had controlled play much of the period.
Giroux scored just 1:19 into the game for the Flyers, zipping up the middle of the ice, taking a crisp pass from Jaromir Jagr and beating Ward for his 10th of the season.
"Through the middle of the ice and I think that set us back a good five or six minutes," Maurice said. "Our gap was not good.
Max Talbot then made it 2-0 at 8:50 after Jakub Voracek took the puck away from Jamie McBain behind the Carolina net as McBain tried to reverse it to Bryan Allen. Voracek centered to Talbot for a quick shot.
About two minutes later, the Flyers had another two-on-one rush. Sean Couturier was looking at an open net, but Ward snared the shot with his glove to rob Couturier of a goal and keep it 2-0.
With two minutes remaining in the period, Brandon Sutter gave Staal a perfect centering pass from behind the net-- similar to Voracek's pass to Talbot -- but Bobrovsky stopped Staal's shot.
Ruutu was called for slashing with 1:09 left in the first, and Ward stopped a few whacks by Simmonds in front. Then, Dwyer struck.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
WHAT IS JR WAITING On?
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 21:05 — hellfishIf the team needs some "retooling" what is the hold up?..The team missed the playoffs by 1 game and there are at least 10 teams needing Dmen ,so it seems that the powers that be are waiting on a turn around miracle while sitting on there Hands...The longer the wait the further down the team goes
Takes two parties to make a
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 00:08 — sittler27Takes two parties to make a trade work. Bob McKenzie has reported that there are few quality players out there that teams are willing to part with and where there are there are many suitors.... usually means you have to overpay. We have all seen that JR would rather rebuild than make radical moves where he has to give up quality prospects or draft picks. Not saying I agree but we may be holding our breaths for what will end up be bringing in another "project" like when Samsonov was brought in.
Lavi
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 19:17 — ncsurveygirlWe should have kidnapped Lavi while he was in town!!
wasn't that close
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 15:23 — matts_maskThe game wasn't as close as the score would indicate, 5 on 5 play this team just isn't good enough. Until a number one line is established and the coach stops trying to fight common sense, expect more of the same. It's really a shame at how far this team has fallen, at least watching Whitney,Cole, and Stillman was fun, these guys, save for the Jokinen line, aren't really even entertaining.
Pity! It would appear that
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 15:10 — SkylinerPity! It would appear that this forum for well-thought-out opinion exchange about ice hockey has been turned into a sewer of vitriolic hate speech against a coach (and some players) who are doing what they can to win with the available talent they have.
Does anyone really believe the Hurricanes can compete night after night with the talent level they have? Folks who probably know a lot more about hockey than any of us picked them to fininish divisionally no better than 12th. Someone even posted that Mr. Maurice was on the edge and that he was willing to give him a push. Now there's a real man for you; someone willing to take away a person's livelyhood because he obviously doesn't like the guy. And isn't he brave, especially since his name is withheld.
Then there is the drum beat of the resident "fill in the blanks" constantly "telling us Mo must go" who a couple years ago posted something to this effect..."I saw Mo out last night with Jim Rutherford's wife....that should get him fired," an absolutely classless and disrespectful remark by most any standard of civility.
Nothing like kicking a man when he is down. ..unhappy unless they have their foot in someone else's face!
One might suspect that Mr. Rutherford isn't sitting in his office waiting for the next post here to tell him what to do. Some posters may well be impressed with an importance they do not possess. Management is unimpressed.
The critics might try supporting the team and its coaches. Abraham Lincoln once said " I don't like that man. I must get to know him." Probably sound thinking. But then it's usually easier to yell negatives and think with your blood than to be constructive and considerate and offer something positive with your mind.
Probably that's why the posts of AD, Sittler and Esteban are so respected. They always have something to offer, never given in a mean-spirited way.
The team or coach's performance have no real effect on our lives, yet some behave as if a loss represents a personal attack on them. So we lost last night. So what! That won't steal my joy...our family is well, no one is sick, we have food, shelter, all that we need and my wife has successfully come through cancer. My God, how can a hockey win improve on that?
Incidentally, Cam Ward and Eric Staal were so kind to me when I told them about my wife's cancer. I will forever appreciate their kindness..
I'd certainly rather win than lose, but I am glad we even have a team here, thankful I can afford tickets; and I will never become a part of pack mentality and call for anyone go lose their job, whether he is an athletic coach or truck driver.
But if you must...kick away guys. For you, my hope is that your buzzards don't come home to roost.
OK
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:25 — ptuckerSkyliner, you have as much right as anyone else to post your thoughts and opinions on this forum. As a reader, I will read them and derive my opinion of what you wrote. I'm not in the business of trying to start a word war with folks on this forum, or personally attack anyone. Especially considering the fact that this is primarily a place where fans will celebrate when things are good, and vent when things are bad.
Yes, I'm the brave guy that volunteered to push Mo off the edge. It's called a metaphor. I feel that most people understood my metaphorical meaning in that. Additionally, I have repeatedly stated that I feel that Mo is an intelligent person and a good hockey mind. I take no enjoyment in seeing someone lose their job. There comes a time though, when that person is not performing that job appropriately, and that time has come for Mo. I need not repeat the numerous solid, intelligent, hockey-based reasons that I have stated before.
I agree with others that changing coaches mid season is not a bonfire quick fix, and I don't feel that it will get the Canes to the playoffs this year. It will, however, give the new coach a solid amount of time to evaluate the players he has and introduce his system to them. It will also give him the ability to make meaningful input into personnel moves during the offseason.
By the way, I highly doubt your real name is skyliner. We are all nameless on this forum. If you'd like to know my real name, provide some contact information. Maybe we can get together and watch a game, and I will be happy point out my sound reasoning for why this coach should be relieved of duty.
Thanks
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:32 — SkylinerGreat invitation, my good man. And a very responsible post. Thanks
I've met and spent time with
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:49 — CanarseI've met and spent time with coach Maurice. From what I saw he's a good guy. Funny too. Still, he's a professional hockey coach. Getting fired is part of the business. It happens to all of them. He makes, and has made, a nice sum of money over the years. If he hasn't saved it that's on him. He should know the business.
Forums like this are a good place for folks to vent. Suggesting harm is over the line, but getting your frustrations out by typing them on a newspaper forum can be pretty cathatric. If you don't like it, don't read it. I'm sure no one from the Hurricanes reads this stuff. If they do they shouldn't.
Get over yourself
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:30 — mokimanoGet over yourself Skyliner. Wake up and realize that a paying customer has the right to demand a certain quality in the product he or she chooses to purchase. If it was not for every fan..(not just the head in the cloud fans like you) that spend hard earned money on the team then there is no team...period!
Get off your high horse and realize that losing sucks...and under MO there has been alot of losing. More than likely you are either Mo's neighbour, an employee of the team or MO himself!!! Afterall MO certainly is not spending his time improving the Canes with his coaching...he seems to spend more time these days crafting clever excuses for all the losing in his post game press conferences!
Fredoom of speech Skyliner, if you dont like reading all the truth in here on how bad this org really is...go spend your free time saving the whales and planting a tree.
Knew It Would Be You
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:19 — SkylinerWhy is it that a chief offender is always the first to yell when he perceives he has been hit? He dishes it out pretty well, but obviously can't take it.
Your skin seems almost as thin as your vocabulary. Haven't you got any better clliches than:
* Losing sucks...surely you can get even cruder than that.\
* Get over yourself. A good high school level .remark
*Go Save a whale.
You couldn't have said anything more unoriginal, but expecting more from a mind like yours would probably be a real stretch. My father was fond of saying you can always tell a foolish person, but youcan't tell him much. I'll not get into a spitting contest with a spitter.
Sorry, I don't save whales or plant trees. I write books. I'll not depend on you for income. You seem to be proud non-reader.
So go ahead, fling another insult. I'll give you the last word. I won't waste effort responding.
Grow up...interesting that
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 11:06 — mokimanoGrow up...interesting that you failed to comment on the real truths in my post. You were out of line for calling people out in this forum. It's a message board for all fans to vent, an opportunity to express their displeasure with the team, the current state of affairs. You are just as free to support Maurice as I am to criticize his body of work...why do you feel the need to censor anyone who is a paying customer of this organization and is not happy with the product they purchase? You want to talk hockey, it would be my pleasure...but the fact remains that the results are not there and many fans are not happy with the direction of this team. If you are content with a 14th place team in the East and a third year of what appears to be yet another non-playoff season in Carolina, then all the best to you! AS for me and a ton of other Cane fans, that is simply unacceptable.
Overall Good Points
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:24 — HurricanesUNC12Your points are well-made and sensible; however, I must to some extent disagree with you.
While it is tough in today's economy to see anyone lose their job, as a coach Maurice's duties (simplified) are to put the team in a position, given what he has, to win, to motivate the players, and to get everything he can from the players. Coaches (nor any employee) should not continuously being employed and be beyond reporach when failing to accomplish their duties.
Maurice by all accounts is failing to motivate his players, to get a consistent product on the ice, and to get the best out of the players. It is a fault of his system, managment, and owner alike. The most likely scenario then is to replace the coach. Even with more talented teams, Maurice's teams have consistently not performed, he is outcoached, and a career .500 win percentage. As unfortunate as it may be at some point he has to be held responsible (again) and let go, otherwise (I don't think it is your intent to suggest this) but teams would be stuck with the status quo until he decided he no longer wanted to coach.
Personally, I believed the Hurricanes at the start of the season were the 4th best team in the Southeast (and are currently tied with Winnipeg for that right) so I am not in anyway surprised by this. However, the talent disparity is as much Maurice's fault as it is Rutherfords. Maurice habitually has "his guys" and his projects. In some instances Maurice has a role in bringing in certain players (all the Ex-Maple Leafs we signed) that he likes in his system. Further, it his decision to bury Boychuk and Dalpe on the 4th line at 6 minutes a game for no real obvious reason (he publically supports their play). Also, he is choosing to keep someone like Faulk in Charlotte. All the while, we overslot roleplayers and are stuck in a "talent disparity."
I believe a lot of the criticism would dissolve if we made a true decision (we keep saying we are) to go young, rebuild, and develop our draft picks. If Maurice was doing this, then at least the take-away would be sure we are losing but at least our young guys are getting vauble experience (look at Edmonton where their avg. player age is just over 26).
On the management side the Kaberle signing was a terrible decision and we are now paying for it. As others have pointed out Dwyer and LaRose are equal and we should have made a choice instead of both. However, the management also has the ability to "right the ship." Karmanos can decide to spend more. Rutherford can make trades and replace personnel (from all accts. he is actively seeking a trade). But just maintaining things as is, not taking strides to make changes, is what has everyone so upset and rightfully so.
I am glad...
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:16 — B11656Your wife came through cancer. I am a cancer survivor Myself and during almost 5 months in the hospital I came to really appreciate the effort and skill My Doctors displayed during my Medical ordeal. I also learned that mediocrity is not an option.. I am glad We have Hockey here in North Carolina. It is a sport My family and I have come to love. We have two sons who play on Travel Teams. We are STH's, the whole bit. I can not comprehend Your complacency regarding this team nor that of ownership to putting out a first rate program for We patrons to enjoy. You see, if they don't step it up I am afraid My family will become passive and when that happens it will happen with other families also. The net result will be Ownership deserting Raleigh and Moving on again. I pray that doesn't happen because I am greedy and I am not ready for that to happen. The Fans just want something a little better than mediocrity. I don't think the Coaches, Management, and Ownership want to be an average Competitor but if they don't step up and fix these problems and fix them quickly they are going to lose a lot of people who right now are paying the bills. And it May be harder to bring them back next go round and that would be a shame. Just a team that performs better than average.
And I'm Glad For You Too
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:23 — SkylinerThank you for that thoughtful sentiment about my wife. Bless you!
Off Subject
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 17:42 — ammy144My husband is fighting cancer right now. I have added your wife to my prayers and am so glad to hear that others have fought the horrible battle and won. It gives my additional hope that my husband will win his fight. God Bless you both.
A Story
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 18:50 — SkylinerAmmy144:
So sorry to hear about your husband's ordeal. Please permit me to tell you a story. It might be helpful.
The first time I met Col. Oliver North he told me a story. He said at the most difficult time in his life he was undergoing trial by fire, or so it seemed. He was surrounded by federal security, Secret Service people everywhere. It was not possible for anyone to get near him.
But suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder, turned to see a small frail woman in a shall. He turned, she said nothing but pressed a piece of paper in his hand. His attorney Brendan Sullivan quickly took the paper and when he turned the woman was gone.
He reiterated it was not humanly possible for anyone to approach him. He asked the Secret Service to find the woman but they could not. No one saw her come, no one saw her go. When Sullivan handed Col. North the note it contaiuned one word:
"Faith."
Col North said he knows for sure he had divine visitation. He was so encouraged by that one word note from a faceless woman. So my word and my wife's good word to you nand your husband is "faith."
I had the good fortune to grow up with the Rev. Charles Stanley, whom you might know. I might suggest reading some of his books on faith and hearing from God.
So, thank you for writing and I wish you and your husband well. Your prayers for us will be reciprocated.
Oh, prayer is never off the subject!
Skyliner
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 19:53 — ammy144My heartfelt thanks for your words and encouragement. We already feel blessed, we were in the right place at the right time and had the right doctors to walk through this with us. We were told that my husband would never walk again (spinal tumor) but our wonderful doctors have gotten him from a wheelchair to a walker to two canes and today he is walking unaided. God has already blessed us in so many ways. Thank you so much for sharing your story....it means a lot to me.
Amen to Most of That!
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:03 — oldpoliticalsAgreed with most of the direction of your post......it is certainly evident you have lost patience with some of these posters....rightly so........
More bluntly...firing Mo is the easy and more thoughtless choice on the table. Bigger and more important choices are known and clearly a higher priority. Fixing the individual pieces of the team is tough but has to be done anyway, sooner rather than later to remain competitive. However, if the team begins to stop listening to the messenger (coach Mo) then all bets are off and JR will have to do something to salvage the rest of the season. Until that time, Mr JR I know you are pounding the phones and keeping your cell phone on constant charge.
I remember a number of years ago a study done by TSN hockey folks that proved firing the coach in early to mid-season did not mean too much in the short term, most of those who did fired the coach did not make the playoffs anyway. Longer term was a mixed result. Makes you wonder about the impact that would have in this case.
But hey, this is just me thinking out loud........and what do I know anyway.........
I see little to be gained
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:17 — abramsdougI see little to be gained in firing Maurice mid-season. The new coach takes over a dysfunctional team and we don't know much about his coaching style. The team perhaps makes a futile charge up to perhaps #10 but still misses the playoffs. The young prospects either get thrown into a new system or a hybrid system. I can count and read; and realize statistically there is a 91.1% the Hurricanes will miss the playoffs.
My strong preference is to play out this hand. Perhaps Maurice can work a near miracle. Perhaps not. All I ask is that if the Hurricanes miss the playoffs that Maurice's contract not be renewed.
I understand your point of
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:28 — HurricanesUNC12I understand your point of view. Personally, I believe the Hurricanes need a new system. Maurice has proven over his career that his system is only a .500 win percentage. There is the possible dysfunction in implementing a new coach and system, however, there is also something to be said for ironing out its kinks now this season and having it fully implemented from the start next season. Versus trying to figure it out and learn that system in training camp and pre-season.
Fair Enought But.......
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:26 — oldpoliticalsA fair enough thought and I essentially agree.......but......please add at least the effort (maybe significant effort) for JR to find a way to bring in some better tools than he loses in this crazy hockey trade world. He has done it before and I would hope he still has a few trade tricks left.
I KNOW LAVI IS LOVING THIS
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 12:34 — hockey101JR and PK have got to be kicking themselves for firing Lavi. Just watching the body language of both coaches was interesting. Lavi was calm, giving orders to his players and they carry them out on the ice. Paul was standing with arms cross probably hoping to get out of the 1st period tied or maybe up a goal. It is apparent the team is starting to quit on him and tired of playing his system of hockey.
You play Boychuk last Fri. on the top line which he played well and tell the media he has been playing well and you bury him and Dalpe on the 4th line tonight. He has killed the morale of this team and now Cam is feeling the efects.
It's time for a change and now JR. Bring in a coach who will let the players play at their strengths and bring a exciting brand of hockey back for us STH and fans to enjoy.
FIRE MO NOW!! we can't take another week of this.
Laviolette in Philadelphia
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 16:41 — CanarseManagement in Philadelphia actually listened to Laviolette and shipped out the players that weren't on board with the coach. The opposite happenened here. Actually, I would say that most GMs would be more likely to fire the coach than to let him guide personnel decisions. I give the Philly GM credit, but if the Flyers don't make a big run this season Laviolette will have no one to blame but himself.
Futility
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 12:28 — B11656A mission in futility to try and analyze and figure out what this team needs from day to day. What We have are Wuss Triplets. Mo is a Wuss for not trying to utilize players to their best advantage and becoming obstinate about it. JR is a Wuss for Knowing but unwilling to make the changes necessary to right the weaknesses of this team. PK is a Wuss for allowing the other two Wuss's to maintain the status quo. Actually there is a fourth Wuss or Wusses in waiting. The fan base for financially enabling all of the above. Sad thing... I am One of the latter.
I refused to watch
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:29 — gmwannabeeNo matter who is coaching or who our players are..we have rarely had much success against the flyers. Until we have a coach and players that can match up against a team like that, it is a loss each time until proven otherwise against philly. Laviolette owns us now. We always look like boys against men when we play philly.
Bring in Mike Keenan, Milbury or somebody..anybody..this team is boring with Maurice coaching.
Unbelievable!
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:26 — ptuckerThis is just catastrophic at this point. Even those of you who are against firing the coach, making a trade, etc., must be pulling your hair out now! JR, you MUST DO SOMETHING today. Do not delay any longer. At least do something to start building for next year...
I like Jamie McBain, but one more performance like that and I'd bench him permanently. That was vomitous last night!
It's clear that Brandon Sutter isn't the offensive powerhouse that most of you suggest he is. Outstanding, important 2-way forward, but nothing more. All of his goals this year are breakaways, remember?
Ward should not have started last night...Another bad coaching decision. He looked tired from the 350 shots he had to face this past weekend. Boucher should have started the game.
Maurice should delcine power plays and ask for penalty kills instead...That seems to be the only way this team can score, beyond the Skins and Finns line.
Philly played on Sunday night. The Canes did not. Philly sustained their energy and desire the whole 60 minutes. The Canes did not. Am I missing something here? And NO, it has nothing to do with the talent of their players vs. the talent of ours. Talent isn't a prerequisite for 100% effort.
I love Hockey in general, and I love the Canes, but I've truly had enough at this point. I will never give up and stop cheering for them (if you need proof, I've been a longsuffering Washington Redskins fan for 25 yrs.), but I will not invest in a team that is not giving all they have, and a team whose Mgmt. is not even attempting to make positive changes to show the fans that they give a $%##. I will have to settle for watching on TV until this culture of accepting failure and mediocrity is changed.
It was dreadful to watch as
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 09:55 — mokimanoIt was dreadful to watch as a paying customer last night. MO has went from bad to worse if that is even possible...this team is waving the white flag and ready to surrender. Please Jimmy start thinking with your dipstick and shake some things up with this cast of misfits.
What's it going to take?
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 09:52 — Caniac5The Canes have lost 5 out of the last 6 games. They are tied with the Jets with 15 points. Their record is 6-9-3.
There is time to turn this around but MO has to go first! Barasso has to go second! He has ruined Wardo! He now plays so deep in the crease he can't block anything. Everyone has to be held accountable at this point, especially the high salary players. The young talent needs playing time but not on Skinners line.
JR needs to be held accountable most of all. He is the GM and makes the tough decisions off the ice. Get a coach in and let him coach. That's what he is paid to do!
MAYBE this year can be salvaged but it's time for a new game plan!
So Bad
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 08:45 — CanarseThis is a bad team with a bad coach. Dwyer scores 2 short handed goals or it's a 5-1 game. I'm not sure why anyone listenes to Maurice. He just spouts nonsense along with the occaisional message to a player. It would probably help to fire Maurice, but this team is so bad there isn't a chance of them making the playoffs.
Kaberle is a joke. He's out of shape and obviously cashing in his last contract. Watching him log all that ice time actually makes me miss Pitkanen. That's saying a lot! I don't know if McBain is scared to death of being put back in the pressbox, but he's scary out there. He's a turnover waiting to happen. If they believe in Murphy and Faulk they should unload McBain now while he has some value.
Another Game Where The Team Dissembled
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 15:50 — abramsdougThe Hurricanes once against dissembled against an excellent, playoff bound team. It's getting painful to watch. I find solace in the fact that Skinner/Ruutu/Jokinen continue to show they are a scoring threat any time they take the ice. Beyond that, it's the statistical reality is that at the moment they Hurricanes have a 91.1% chance of missing the playoffs. See:
http:// www. sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Eastern/Southeast/Carolina.html
Kaberle's signing is proving to be a nightmare. I am surprised because I thought he'd do fine under Dave Lewis. As it is, he is going through the motions the way Samsonov did last season. He is adverse to contact and seems to be going half-speed most of the time. I hope the media continue to question Maurice about his refusal to use his fourth line. Last night he gave another silly response to the question of his use of the fourth line. He was asked, "what kept the fourth line off the ice in the third period." That is a logical, fair question. He response, "the other players on the team kept them off the ice" was inane. He then apparently walked out and slammed the door. It's a metaphor for this season. Maurice has done a very poor job managing his forward lines. Many people see his handling of forward lines as problematic and are trying to get him to change. His response is to blame the person asking the question and slam the door. It is not one of Maurice's finest moments. He needs to come to grips with the fact he is in charge of the lines. Would the Hurricanes possibly be in worse shape if the younger, skilled forwards had been played? There are only Columbus and the New York Islanders below the Hurricanes in points. There is just not far to fall.
It's his career on the line. With a 91.1% of failing to make the playoffs and a 100% failure rate of making the playoffs any year he has coached the Hurricanes the entire season under the Maurice II regime, he's likely a short-timer. I think he chances of failing to be returned track one to one the statistics at portsclubstats.com/NHL/Eastern/Southeast/Carolina.html. If he is packing his bags after the season, he really has only himself and his pride to blame.
Mo must Go
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 08:15 — lewpulsRemember when Mo was desperate to make the playoffs late last season, and played Staal 25 minutes? 25 minutes last night. But that's no solution, it's like "crunching" in the video game industry, it might help for a while but then he'll be no more effective in 25 minutes than he would in 20.
Stewart, who at least has 3 goals in very limited ice time this year, is on the bench. The "prospects" are buried on a 4th line that averages less than 5 minutes. Mo is doing that "lean on the veterans" thing once again.
To make the playoffs we need to be about +13 in the win/loss column (95 points) by year's end. We're minus 3 after 18 games. Something drastic needs to happen, and I don't mean a trade (which often comes out "even", not as a great improvement).
Mo Must Go. Or we are Doomed.
tough night
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:45 — louis12580for #'s 4 & 6. Second goal was off a McBain turnover and Tim just had "one of those nights." The 'Canes could have stolen a point tonight had they been able to cash in when they had the opportunities. Neither team can boast about their powerplay tonight, even though the Flyers had the one goal on it. One of the positives is that they showed some fight even when down 4-1. On to Montreal for the next one.
All i do know is
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:39 — esteban1949that Dalpe & Boychuk will not get any quality Ice time as things stand now..their talent and skills are wasting away being up with the home club..it is sad..all that proves is that the current Coach isn't concerned about them as players...bvut we already knew that...he proved that last season...If i was either of them..I'd be asking my agent to start looking around...but i'm a fan...what do i know ?..
Go Canes & Checkers !!
OK JR
Mon, 11/14/2011 - 23:04 — WAStoutMo has got to go. Please!!!
OK JR
Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:48 — hellfish+1...NOW!