Monday debate: Blue line renovations (Mk. II)

Ward vs. Seidenberg? I'd have to say advantage Ward. People have commented that their skating abilities and offense are similar. But who would you rather have in a shut down role? Definitely Ward.

I don't know much about Alberts. There is the potential for some speed matchup issues if he and Wallin are paired, which looks likely. That pairing's effectiveness is going to be determined by the way the game is officiated to some extent. If Wallin can play like he did in the beginning of last season (remember the All-Star push from fans?) then we're in good shape.

Ward's return raises broadcast questions:
When the University of Michigan communications major retires from the NHL, he's likely to head to a broadcast booth. He said so on XM radio a few weeks back. Will it be our booth? Will he replace Tripp or join Chuck?
Say what you will about his skating, he's a funny guy who would add a lot to Canes' broadcasts.

I think the addition of Ward and Alberts will be a significant help to the overall team defense. I am disappointed that Babchuk has such poor overall judgment about his career; but I can understand Jim Rutherford's position that a contract has to mean something. I was not a great fan of Seidenberg. I thought he was a mediocre skater who didn't like to battle. I realize playing defense in the NHL is a thankless job at best because every slight miscue can result in a goal. On the other hand, Seidenberg seemed to be at his worst when the team needed him most. My view is that the NHL is returning to a more physical style of play and without defenders slowing down the elite players like Malkin, the elite players score goals almost at will -- as we saw in the Eastern Conference Finals. I am very concerned, however, that the inconsistent power play of the Hurricanes last season has to be fixed. I don't see Ward or Alberts adding offensive firepower; so I am hoping one of the young turks like Boychuk, or Bowman, as well as Rodney or McBain will step up.

We already know Tim and Corvo can play well together. Aaron Ward will mesh well with Pitkanen in my opinion. And every pairing doesn't have to have an offensive minded guy so Wallin and Alberts should work out fine. As for the powerplay...

Staal, Whitney, and Cole with Corvo and Cullen on the points

and

Jokinen, Samsonov, and Ruutu with Pitkanen and Ward on the points should work out just fine.

I think that the moves made have improved the physicality, size, and overall toughness of the blue line. As a team the canes didn't have enough physicality and Pittsburgh was able to out-muscle them after two very physical 7-game series. I think that if we take out boston in 5 or 6 then the pittsburgh series comes out different, maybe not a win but not a sweep, but I digress. What we will miss though is the second defensemen on the power play.

You don't want to put corvo and pitkanen together and of the D-men that are left no one has the puck-moving abilities of Kabrele or Sieds, or the shot of Babchuck. Wallin, Alberts, Gleason, and Ward are more stay at home guys, not known for their passing or their shots.  Gleason has improved every season since he's been in Carolina so maybe he can take that step.  There are guys in the minors with that ability; Bryan Rodney for instance, McBain most definitely, and Borer too, but those players need to be playing together in Albany to develop the chemistry for next season when there's room for those guys in the top 6. The canes don't want to dress a 7th d-man because that would put both kostopolous and conboy in the press box which is where Conboy will more than likely be anyway and that 7th D wouldn't get enough minutes for him to be effective anyway.

Cullen has played the point ably enough in his time with the canes, very well in '06, so he could be penciled in for one unit. Whitney has played the point before too but he is his most effective from the half wall. Brindy, Samsonov, and Larose are all better served being below the tops of the circles. And Staal, Cole, and Ruutu should all be near the net to have the PP be effective. I suppose Jokinen could play the point, but I don't remember him having all that big a shot.

I guess the canes could try 5 forwards again, but I recall that being an unmitigated disaster under Lavy. Who knows, maybe Mo could put some shine on that turd.

As far as competing with the elites in the east including the defending champs; the canes ability to hang with philly, boston, pittsbugh, or washington will be determined mostly by maintaining the team defense concept that Mo instituted when he showed up. Playing that style the Canes can beat anyone, any day, anywhere. I think that, barring serious injuries, the canes can be a top 4 seed. But the PP question must be answered.

While I feel that Dennis made great strides last season and Anton was an offensive revelation, I don't think they will be sorely missed. Adding Ward and Alberts adds physical strength so it will be easier dealing with forwards setting up shop in front of Cam. My biggest concern is the speed factor that teams like Pittsburgh can offer. Can Ward, Alberts, or even Nic have the speed necessary to get back on defense? Malkin is extremely fast and strong, and Crosby is extremely elusive. The team that should worry us more is Philly. From top to bottom they have the most physical team.